KL · Aircond guide
Most new aircond sold in Malaysia is inverter, but many homes still run older non-inverter units. Here is what the difference means for your electricity bill, comfort and servicing.
StringsSG · Updated
How they work
Non-inverter
The compressor runs at full speed until the room reaches the set temperature, switches off, then starts again when it warms up. The room swings warmer and colder.
Inverter
The compressor slows down as the room approaches the set temperature and keeps running gently. Steadier temperature, less wasted energy.
Side by side
| Inverter | Non-inverter | |
|---|---|---|
| Running cost (long hours) | Lower | Higher |
| Purchase price | Higher | Lower |
| Temperature | Steady | Swings |
| Noise | Quieter | Louder start-ups |
| Typical gas | R32 (newer models) | R410A or R22 (older) |
| Repairs | Boards cost more | Simpler, cheaper parts |
Servicing differences
Cleaning is the same: filters every few weeks, a general service every three to four months, a chemical wash yearly. Inverter units are more sensitive to power surges - common during KL thunderstorms - so a surge-protected socket is a good idea. If an inverter unit shows a blinking error light, note the pattern for the technician.
When to upgrade
If your non-inverter unit is more than ten years old, uses R22 gas and runs every night, replacing it with a correctly sized inverter unit usually pays back through lower bills over a few years. For a guest room used occasionally, keep the old unit and just service it.
Keep either type efficient
A dirty coil wastes electricity on every kind of aircond.
