Inverter air conditioner - what is it, which one is better to choose, how does it differ from a regular one?

up to 20 m2

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Electrolux EACS/I-07HM/N3_15Y

27 reviews

Briefly about the product:

line: Monaco Super DC Inverter
heating and cooling of rooms up to 20m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
deodorizing filter, fine filter
cooling power 2200 W / heating 2300 W
remote control
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 23 dB
display type: hidden

Where can I buy:

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN25VG / MUZ-LN25VG

21 reviews

Briefly about the product:

heating and cooling of rooms up to 20m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
deodorizing filter, plasma filter, fine filter
cooling power 2500 W / heating 3200 W
control from remote control and smartphone (wi-fi)
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 19 dB - 45 dB

Where can I buy:

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-SF25VE / MUZ-SF25VE

15 reviews

Briefly about the product:

heating and cooling of rooms up to 20m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
cooling power 2500 W / heating 3200 W
remote control
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 19 dB - 45 dB

Where can I buy:

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Electrolux EACS/I-07HFE/N3

14 reviews

Briefly about the product:

heating and cooling of rooms up to 20m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
deodorizing filter
cooling power 2200 W / heating 2340 W
remote control
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 22 dB

Where can I buy:

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK20ZS-S / SRC20ZS-S

6 reviews

Briefly about the product:

heating and cooling of rooms up to 20m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
deodorizing filter, fine filter
cooling power 2000 W / heating 2700 W
control from remote control and smartphone (wi-fi)
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 19 dB - 36 dB
display type: normal

Where can I buy:

21-30 m2

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Electrolux EACS/I-09HM/N3_15Y

28 reviews

Briefly about the product:

line: Monaco Super DC Inverter
heating and cooling of rooms up to 25m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
deodorizing filter, fine filter
cooling power 2490 W / heating 2800 W
remote control
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 23 dB
display type: normal

Where can I buy:

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Electrolux EACS/I-09HVI/N3

28 reviews

Briefly about the product:

line: Viking
heating and cooling of rooms up to 25m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
cooling power 2640 W / heating 3000 W
remote control
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 21 dB
display type: hidden

Where can I buy:

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Ballu BSUI-09HN8

19 reviews

Briefly about the product:

line: Platinum Evolution DC inverter
heating and cooling of rooms up to 26m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
anion generator
cooling power 2600 W / heating 2900 W
remote control
energy efficiency class A++
noise level of the indoor unit 19 dB
display type: hidden

Where can I buy:

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN35VG / MUZ-LN35VG

4 reviews

Briefly about the product:

heating and cooling of rooms up to 30m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
deodorizing filter, plasma filter, fine filter
cooling power 3500 W / heating 4000 W
control from remote control and smartphone (wi-fi)
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 19 dB - 45 dB

Where can I buy:

Inverter wall-mounted air conditioner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SRK25ZS-S / SRC25ZS-S

2 reviews

Briefly about the product:

heating and cooling of rooms up to 25m²
ventilation, temperature maintenance, night, dehumidification mode
deodorizing filter, fine filter
cooling power 2500 W / heating 3200 W
control from remote control and smartphone (wi-fi)
energy efficiency class A
noise level of the indoor unit 19 dB - 39 dB

Where can I buy:

Conventional air conditioners have two compressor operating modes: “on” or “off”. A modern development - an air conditioner with an inverter is equipped with a unit for smoothly adjusting the speed of the compressor motor. This allows you to more accurately maintain a given climate regime, as well as save up to 30% of electricity with equal thermal efficiency.

What is the difference between an inverter split system and a conventional one?

Which climate control device is better, how do they differ? The device with an inverter has a circuit for adjusting the speed of the compressor motor. The normal one doesn't have it.

When the temperature rises slightly, the inverter circuit gives the engine low speed, but if the difference is large, the compressor runs at full power.

The compressor of a conventional air conditioner turns on when the temperature exceeds a set value and turns off when it reaches a set level.

A conventional air conditioner has greater inertia, due to which the overall energy consumption is higher. Its noise level is constant; in budget models it is quite high.

The best inverter air conditioners operate at partial speed most of the time, so they generate less noise pollution.

The overall quality of the product in both cases depends on the class of the device, as well as on the reputation of the manufacturer.

What is the difference between an inverter air conditioner and a conventional air conditioner?

The main differences are as follows:

An inverter air conditioner provides maximum comfort in the room, since, unlike a conventional device, the temperature does not “jump.”
An inverter air conditioner has a lower noise level since the motor runs constantly.
Less electricity consumption for an inverter device.
Inverter air conditioners are more expensive than conventional air conditioners.

Principle of operation

The compressor motor does not start at constant speed and is not started by an on/off relay, as on a conventional model.

The power electronic circuit smoothly regulates the engine speed. For the best inverter split systems, it is set depending on the temperature difference between the current and the set one. The greater the difference, the higher the speed, the faster the room cools.

As the difference decreases, the speed also gradually decreases, saving electricity and reducing noise to the lowest values. The best inverter split systems save up to 30% of electricity.

How to choose an inverter split system

Which air conditioner to choose: inverter or conventional? There is no clear answer to the question: “which system is better.” This depends on the location of the device, the frequency of opening doors and windows, and the length of time people stay.

So, for the bedroom it is better to choose a model with an inverter. Bedroom doors are rarely opened, but the quietest noise level during the night is important. It is provided by the best inverter air conditioners. For a children's room or for elderly people with restless sleep, it is also better to choose an inverter unit.

For the kitchen or living room, considering:

door opening frequency,
and short time spent by people in the room,
general high noise level.

The benefits of a split system with an inverter will not be fully realized. When using the device for an apartment as a whole, it will also not be possible to achieve the expected effect.

The best premium split systems

Such products are distinguished by the presence of various functions, a display on the body, high-quality assembly, advanced capabilities and an interesting design. Their service life is usually longer, but the price is higher.

Electrolux EACS/I-24HVI/N3

Rating: 5.0

In first place is a product from the Swedish company Electrolux. The split system is designed for spacious rooms and halls with an area of up to 80 m². The external unit in which the inverter is installed produces a noise level of 58 dB, but the internal module operates with a sound of 37 dB and can reduce this figure in night mode to 21 dB. The maximum voltage consumption of the inverter motor is 3.7 kW. In reviews, owners praise the air purification system, which eliminates bacteria, and with them, the unpleasant odor in the room. The device has 6 cleaning stages, has its own auto-cleaning, air drying and Cold Plasma ionization.

Advantages

plasma air purification system;
low noise level 21 dB;
eliminates unpleasant odors;
can be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi.

Flaws

high price;
It is required to lay a separate electrical wiring line to connect a power of 3.7 kW.

Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN25VG / MUZ-LN25VG

Rating: 4.9

In second place is a Japanese air conditioner with an inverter, consuming 485-580 W per hour of operation. The split system is capable of cooling and heating a room up to 20 m². Energy consumption class belongs to A. The inverter motor operates quietly and the indoor unit produces noise at a level of 19-45 dB, which customers like in reviews. The built-in fan can operate at five speeds.

The split system is interesting because it has its own mobile application from the manufacturer, suitable for smartphones based on Android and iOS. Using your phone, you can not only remotely turn on and off the inverter device, but also set various scenarios. For example, programming of activity periods and temperature conditions for each day of the week is available. The program also has energy consumption graphs to monitor indicators. If the split system breaks down, it will carry out diagnostics itself and send error data over the network. A response with recommendations from the manufacturer will be sent to you by email, which you provide when registering the application.

Advantages

Available in four body colors;
can heat and cool;
there are three stages of cleaning;
quiet indoor unit.

Flaws

high price;
design for everyone - in the form of a two-section rectangular box;
There is no display on the case - you can understand its mode and status only through the remote control or phone.

Daikin ATXS25K / ARXS25L

Rating: 4.8

We gave third place to a product from Daikin. The split system comes with a regular control panel and contains two screens for controlling settings (one on the room unit, the second on the remote control). The inverter motor consumes 620 W in heating mode and 570 W in cooling mode. The air conditioner is designed for an area of 20 m². They can heat a room at -15 degrees outside. The inverter system generates a maximum air flow of 9.1 m³ per minute. You can adjust the fan operation in one of 4 positions. To clean the passing air, a deodorizing filter is provided. Judging by the reviews, owners like the function of remembering settings, which simplifies the next start - the split system will restore the mode that was last in effect.

Our experts liked the inverter model because it has a motion sensor. It monitors whether a person is in the room and switches the motor to economical mode if no one is present. The sensor reacts even to a stationary person, so no errors occur.

Advantages

there is a small display on the body;
can cool and heat;
four fan speeds;
timer to turn the inverter on and off.

Flaws

high price;
The backlight on the remote control goes out quickly;
no humidification option;
does not connect to the wireless network.

Panasonic CS/CU-XZ20TKEW

Rating: 4.7

But a wall-mounted split system with an inverter from another Japanese manufacturer produces a model with dimensions of 78x54x29 cm (indoor unit) and a weight of 9 kg. The outdoor unit with inverter motor weighs 30 kg. The maximum length of communications between them can be 15 m. In a minute, the unit is capable of generating an air flow of up to 9.9 m³. In the reviews, the owners are glad that the inverter air conditioner is capable of not only recognizing the presence of a person, but also determining the number of users, as well as their activity.

We considered the inverter split system to be the best due to the presence of the Econavi sunlight recognition sensor. This is a patented Japanese system that determines the amount of light in the room. For example, you set the temperature to 23 degrees on the remote control, but on a cloudy day this can make it cool, so the air conditioner will reduce the cooling intensity. In sunny weather, when the rays enter the room through the window, the air can heat up faster, so the split system with an inverter will begin to work more intensively. This intelligent function will allow you to more accurately maintain the microclimate.

Advantages

recognizes not only the presence of a person, but also the number of people in the room;
there are 3 fan speeds;
drains up to 1.5 liters per hour;
capable of self-diagnosis.

Flaws

high price;
There is no filter against allergens.

Daikin ATX20K / ARX20K

Rating: 4.7

The Japanese company Daikin offers an inverter model ARX20K with a power consumption of 520 W, classified as class A. The wall-mounted outdoor unit with an inverter weighs 26 kg, and the indoor module weighs only 7 kg. The device is capable of cooling at an outside temperature of -10º C and heating at a temperature outside the window down to -15º C. Blinds allow you to adjust the direction of the air flow. The deodorizing filter absorbs unpleasant odors. For use while sleeping, there is a particularly quiet mode with a volume of 19 dB.

Experts considered this inverter model to be the best in terms of price and quality ratio. It costs half the price of the review participants described above, but at the same time it is well-built, which is confirmed by users in reviews. The indoor unit is manufactured at Daikin's own factory in China. The outdoor module with inverter is produced at a factory in the Czech Republic. The plastic of the case here is better than that of frankly Chinese products. The air conditioner is time-tested and is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and proper operation.

Advantages

modern design of the indoor unit;
carbon filter;
convenient remote control;
productivity 9.1 m³/min.

Flaws

can be controlled via Wi-Fi, but you will need to purchase an additional communication module;
There is no backlight on the remote control.

Samsung AR18RSFHMWQNER

Rating: 4.6

And here is a split system from the Korean company Samsung. An inverter air conditioner can work for heating, cooling or simply as a fan. The dehumidification mode removes excess moisture in a volume of 2 l/h. The equipment can perform self-diagnosis and maintain a set temperature. Customer reviews like the 3-year manufacturer's warranty. The official website assures that the estimated operating time of this inverter model is 10 years.

This split system is distinguished by its increased power. In cooling mode, the inverter device is capable of delivering up to 5000 W, and in heating mode up to 6000 W. At maximum speed, the installation produces up to 17.7 m³, which is one of the highest figures. With such characteristics, the air conditioner very quickly brings the microclimate to the desired mode. Another unique feature of the inverter is that the distance between the outdoor and indoor modules is permissible up to 30 m. This allows you to install the unit with the inverter motor on the roof or hide it on the side of the building so as not to spoil the appearance of the facade.

Advantages

there is self-diagnosis;
can drain up to 2 liters per hour;
a turn-on timer is provided;
3 year warranty.

Flaws

consumes 1390-1710 W per hour;
The external unit with the inverter weighs 40 kg - powerful brackets are needed.

Electrolux EACS/I-18HM/N3_15Y

Rating: 4.5

Among air conditioners with inverter for spacious rooms, Electrolux offers EACS/I-18HM/N3_15Y. The split system can operate at street temperatures down to -15 degrees. The distance between the unit with the inverter and the room module is allowed up to 25 m. The air flow at maximum reaches 13.3 m³/min. Remote connection via smartphone is acceptable. In the reviews, many are satisfied that the split system is designed for a large work area of up to 50 m². With a power of 5270 W for heating and 5130 W for cooling, the inverter unit operates without whistling. With these characteristics, there is even a quiet night mode with a noise level of 35 dB.

We paid attention to this inverter device due to its efficient warm start operation. When you turn on the split system for heating, freon will begin to circulate to absorb heat from the street and release it into the room, but the fan will start only when the radiator of the indoor unit is already warm. This eliminates the cold breeze at first and allows the room to heat up faster.

Advantages

the permissible length of communications is 25 m;
no air whistle;
there is a fine filter;
effectively fights odors.

Flaws

module weight with inverter 45 kg;
no display on the body;
consumes 1.5 kW per hour.

Panasonic CS/CU-XZ25TKEW

Rating: 4.4

This split system from a Japanese brand belongs to energy efficiency class A+++. When generating 10 m³ of air per minute, it consumes 520-710 W. Installation of an inverter unit and a module for flow distribution is permitted with a communications length of up to 15 m. The noise level ranges from 19 to 39 dB. The air conditioner has both a programmable turn-on timer and a set period after which the shutdown is triggered. The kit includes a remote control with a large and clear screen. Reviews show that owners are satisfied with the high-quality air purification. The inverter unit eliminates odors, neutralizes allergens and fights bacteria.

This split system is also praised in reviews for its quick start. When you come into your apartment from the heat of the street, you want to quickly feel the coolness. The inverter and compressor in this model are capable of circulating freon at increased speeds, which instantly lowers the temperature of the output flow.

Advantages

high-quality flow cleaning;
there is a motion sensor;
provides energy savings;
relatively quiet operation.

Flaws

Wi-Fi control is optional - you will have to purchase an additional module;
Some people find it difficult to understand the remote control.

LG A09AW1

Rating: 4.3

The Korean company LG offers a split system with a cooling power of 2700 W and a heating power of 3500 W. Inverter equipment is capable of maintaining a set temperature, dehumidifying the air, conducting self-diagnosis and switching to a silent stage with a volume level of 22 dB. The fan rotation speed and jet direction are controlled from the remote control. You can set the on and off times. During an hour of operation, the inverter consumes up to 0.96 kW. In reviews, owners are satisfied with the plasma filter, which blocks about 50-60% of the flow, while for other inverter devices this figure is 10-15%.

The uniqueness of this split system lies in the non-trivial design of the indoor unit. It has dimensions of 600x600 mm with a depth of 146 mm and is equipped with a picture on the front panel. Thanks to this, the location of the air conditioner in the apartment is absolutely invisible, and the housing serves as an elegant decoration of the interior. LG has gone further and allows users to change the design on the front panel (printed on a printer), which is convenient for selecting an individual design or changing the environment.

Advantages

air distribution based on the 3D principle;
works on Smart Inverter technology;
there is a fine filter;
equipped with a plasma filter.

Flaws

The plastic of the case sometimes creaks;
night mode is designed for only 7 hours;
Some people don't like the remote control.

Ballu BSAGI-24HN1_17Y

Rating: 4.2

This inverter motor air conditioner is one of the most powerful in the category. It allocates 6500 W for cooling and 6800 W for heating. The split system is designed for an area of up to 73 m². At maximum mode, productivity is 18.3 m³/min. The manufacturer has taken care of the ability to connect the equipment to a Wi-Fi network, so you can control the microclimate from your phone. A screen is provided on the body of the indoor unit to quickly assess the set number of degrees and the current mode. The split system has the ability to self-diagnosis, prevents the formation of ice on the evaporator, and remembers the settings.

Although this is undoubtedly one of the most powerful inverter climate systems, we paid attention to it due to the warranty provided by the manufacturer. On the official website of Balu, the company promises an exclusive period of 5 years, which only a few other companies can compete with.

Advantages

connects to a Wi-Fi network;
works stably at street temperatures down to -15 degrees;
there is a plasma filter for air purification;
produces 18.3 m³ per minute.

Flaws

consumes 1880-1960 W per hour;
weight of the outdoor unit with inverter 56 kg;
huge internal module 115x31x23 cm.