Inverter AC vs Normal AC: Key Differences, Benefits, and Which to Buy

Published: 20 May 2025

Welcome! Are you confused about which type of AC to choose for your home—an Inverter AC or a Normal AC? If you already have an Inverter AC and want to know how it works or if it’s performing properly, many people struggle with this decision, wondering if the extra cost of an Inverter AC is worth it. Inverter ACs are more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run than normal ACs.

In this article, I’ll explain the key differences between Inverter and Normal ACs and show you how an Inverter AC can help you save on electricity bills while providing better cooling.

Let’s dive in and discover which AC is the right choice for your home!

Table of Content

What is an Inverter AC and how does it work?
What is a Normal AC and how does it work?
Inverter AC save up to 40% of energy compared to a Normal AC
Key Differences Between Inverter and Non-Inverter AC
Which Type of AC Should You Buy?
Conclusion

What is an Inverter AC and how does it work?

An Inverter AC maintains your room’s temperature without repeatedly turning the compressor on and off. It continuously adjusts the compressor’s speed to keep the room at your desired temperature, ensuring smooth and consistent cooling.

What Is The Difference Between Inverter And Non-Inverter AC

Think of it like the inverter in your home. Just like the inverter provides continuous power to your lights, an Inverter AC ensures your room’s temperature stays constant, without any interruptions or fluctuations.

Imagine setting your room’s temperature to 24°C. After some time, more people enter the room, and the temperature rises. The Inverter AC senses this and increases the compressor’s speed to cool the room back to 24°C. On the other hand, if the room becomes cooler than desired, it slows the compressor down, saving energy while keeping the temperature steady.

What is a Normal AC and how does it work?

A Normal AC runs the compressor at full speed to reach the desired room temperature quickly. Once the set temperature is achieved, the compressor is completely shut off. After some time, when the temperature rises again to around 27°C, the AC turns the compressor back on at full speed.

This frequent switching on and off uses more power and draws high amperes at the start, leading to higher power consumption and electricity bills than an inverter AC.

Inverter AC save up to 40% of energy compared to a Normal AC

Both Inverter ACs and Normal ACs cool your room, but the real difference is in your electricity bill.

How Inverter AC Saves Energy up to 40% instead of a Normal AC

Inverter AC manufacturers and my personal experience suggest that an Inverter AC can save up to 40% electricity compared to a Normal AC.

The biggest reason for this savings is the smart compressor inside the Inverter AC. Instead of repeatedly turning on and off, it adjusts its speed based on the room’s cooling needs. This smooth operation uses less power than Normal AC.

If your electricity bill is $100 with a Normal AC, switching to an Inverter AC could bring it down to just $60.

Key Differences Between Inverter and Non-Inverter AC

Choosing the right AC involves considering different features like a variable-speed compressor, BLDC motor, more sensors, and a 4-core power cable for better performance in Inverter ACs. On the other hand, Normal ACs come with a fixed-speed compressor, an Induction motor, fewer sensors, and a 3-core power cable.

Now, let’s discuss each feature in detail to help you make an informed decision.

1- Compressor and Motor type

Motor Type: In an inverter AC, the motor is of the BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) type, while in a non-inverter AC, it is an Induction motor.
Compressor: Inverter ACs use a variable-speed compressor, which allows them to adjust their speed as needed. Non-inverter ACs have a fixed-speed compressor.
Efficiency: The BLDC motor in an inverter AC allows the compressor and outer unit fan to adjust speed without turning off. In contrast, in a non-inverter AC, the motor turns off the compressor and outer fan once the set temperature is reached.
Benefits: Inverter ACs are less noisy, more energy-efficient, and have lower bills than non-inverter models.

2- Circuit

An inverter AC uses two PCBs: one for the inner unit and one for the outer unit, and it operates on both AC and DC power.
In a non-inverter AC, only one PCB is installed in the inner unit and operates only on AC power.

3- Sensors

In an inverter AC, there are 5 sensors: 2 for the inner and 3 for the outer units.
On the other hand, a normal AC has only 2 sensors, both of which are in the inner unit.
The inverter AC performs better, with more sensors to control the cooling.

4- Power Cable Type

An inverter AC uses a 4-core cable, which includes phase, earth, neutral, and signalling (or communication) wires.
In normal AC, only a 3-core cable with phase, neutral, and earth wires is used.
The extra signalling wire in the inverter AC helps improve its performance by allowing better unit communication.

5- Maintenance Cost

Inverter ACs have higher repair costs compared to normal ACs. However, they last longer and save more energy. While the initial cost of an inverter AC is higher than that of a standard AC, it reduces electricity bills significantly over time. Even though inverter ACs are more expensive to buy and repair, they save more energy, making the electricity bill cheaper.

Which Type of AC Should You Buy?

If you want to run the AC for a long time, an inverter AC is a better option. Its parts last longer, and it also saves energy. It maintains cooling and keeps the temperature stable.

If you need the AC for a short time, a standard AC would be a better choice. It cools the room quickly but uses more energy.

If you live in an area with frequent power cuts, you should avoid buying an inverter AC. The constant on/off cycle uses as much energy as a normal AC, and the electricity bill will be almost the same.

Normal ACs have lower repair costs but higher electricity bills. Inverter ACS, on the other hand, have lower repair costs but higher electricity bills.

I’ve given you all the details; now you can easily decide which AC is best for you.

Conclusion

Choosing between an Inverter AC and a Normal AC depends on your needs. An Inverter AC is a better option if you want energy savings, long-term performance, and consistent cooling. It saves electricity and reduces bills.

However, if you need quick cooling and have a smaller budget, a Normal AC is a good choice, but it consumes more energy over time. For areas with frequent power cuts, avoid the inverter AC as it can use as much energy as a standard AC.

What is the main difference between an Inverter AC and a Normal AC?

The main difference is that an Inverter AC uses a variable speed compressor and a BLDC motor, while a Normal AC uses a fixed-speed compressor and an Induction motor.

How does an Inverter AC save energy compared to a Normal AC?

An Inverter AC maintains cooling without repeatedly turning the compressor off, reducing the load and saving energy. In contrast, a Normal AC turns off and on, using more energy each time.

What are the key benefits of using an Inverter AC over a Normal AC?

Inverter ACs are more energy-efficient, less noisy, and provide consistent cooling, leading to lower electricity bills than Normal ACs.

What factors should you consider when deciding between an Inverter AC and a Normal AC?

You should consider the duration of usage, energy efficiency, initial cost, and whether you live in an area with frequent power cuts.