If you’ve been researching mini splits for a while, you’ve probably heard the term “inverter” or “inverter-driven” technology more than once. What does this mean? What are the advantages of an inverter? How do they work? And how can they improve the comfort and efficiency of your home?
To answer these questions, we’ve put together this post about the benefits of inverter technology. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is an Inverter-Driven Compressor?
An inverter is a type of technology that allows a heat pump to adjust its output incrementally based on the temperature of the room. Essentially, the unit samples the air’s temperature, and then, the inverter directs the compressor to make slight adjustments to its speed. This setup keeps the room at a consistent temperature, while also boosting the efficiency of your system.
How Does an Inverter Work?
Mini-split inverters use a variable-frequency drive to control the speed of the electromotor. The variable-frequency drive allows the mini-split to adjust the power that it produces.
For example, if you have a 12,000 BTU unit, it may use all 12,000 BTUs to cool down the room when you first turn it on. But once the room reaches your target temperature, the inverter will make an adjustment, and the system will only use the precise amount of power needed to maintain the room’s temperature. Depending on the situation, this could be anywhere from 1,000 to the full 12,000 BTUs.
Inverter vs. Rotary Compressors
As noted above an inverter-driven compressor makes slight adjustments to its process based on the temperature of the room. If the mini-split senses that the room has started to drop below the target temperature, it will tell the compressor to start working a little harder. Once the temp reaches the target on the thermostat, the inverter will tell the compressor to back off a bit.
In contrast, a rotary compressor just turns on and off. When the heating system reaches the temp on the thermostat, the compressor turns off. It stays off until the temperature in the room drops below the temperature on the thermostat. Then, the on-off cycle repeats.
Benefits of Inverter-Driven Heating Technology
The inverter-driven technology of a mini split brings you a host of advantages. Wondering if this technology is right for your home? Well, if you like the following benefits, you should definitely consider a mini-split with an inverter.
- More consistent temperatures – Inverters allow your heating/cooling unit to make very slight adjustments to their operation. As a result, your room stays at a much more consistent temperature. You don’t have to grab a blanket between cycles and then feel stifling hot when the system turns on. Instead, you can relax while the room stays at a consistent temperature.
- Heating and cooling – Mini splits aren’t the only systems that feature inverters. Many window air conditioners also contain inverters. But of course, a window AC can’t heat your home. It can only cool a small area. When you opt for a mini-split, you can get both heating and cooling.
- Lower energy bills – By making slight adjustments rather than powering on and off, inverters save energy. To get a sense of how this works, imagine driving. You get a lot better gas mileage if you’re driving at a consistent speed than you do in stop-and-go traffic. The same concept applies to heating and cooling.
- Aesthetically pleasing – When compared to a window AC, mini splits are much more aesthetically pleasing. You don’t have to worry about blocking your window, and you can choose between a range of designs, including cassettes that slip into the ceiling.
- Quiet – Inverters allow you to heat and cool your home much more quietly than other types of heating and cooling systems. Mini-splits with inverters are quieter than most home appliances. They are also notably quieter than window ACs with inverters.
The exact advantages of inverter-driven technology can vary based on your situation and the application. For example, if you work from home and tend to get hot during the summer, you will love the ability to just cool your office, without having to cool the rest of your home that’s not in use. You’ll also love that the system’s quiet operation makes it easy to focus on work.
However, in other situations, you may end up enjoying other benefits more. In particular, if you’re tired of expensive energy bills or if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll love the energy efficiency of an inverter-driven heat pump.
Do All Mini Splits Have Inverters?
Most mini-splits on the market right now feature inverters. Older mini splits, in contrast, did not always have this technology. In particular, hyper heat mini splits are well known for featuring inverters, but the technology also appears in mini splits that are just for cooling as well as regular (non-hyper) heat mini splits.
Learn More About Inverters Now
Are you ready for more consistent temperatures in your home? Do you want to reduce your energy bills? And decrease your reliance on fossil fuels? Then, it’s time to learn more about inverter-driven mini splits.
To get help now, contact us at N.E.T.R., Inc, today. We will answer your questions, and then, we’ll send a comfort consultant to your home to help you customize the best options for your unique situation.
