Absolute Inverter vs Non-Inverter Aircon: Which Should You Buy?
It's the first question everyone asks in the aircon shop, and the price gap can be big. Here's what the difference actually means for your electricity bill, comfort and repairs.
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An inverter aircon slows its compressor down once the room reaches temperature, instead of switching fully on and off like a non-inverter (fixed-speed) unit. That makes inverters quieter, steadier and noticeably cheaper to run, often using around 30% less electricity in daily use. They cost more to buy, so they make the most sense in rooms where the aircon runs for hours every day. A non-inverter can still make sense for a room that's only cooled occasionally.
How each type works
Non-inverter (fixed-speed)
The compressor runs at full power until the room hits the set temperature, then switches off. When the room warms up, it switches back on at full power. That on-off cycle repeats all day: more noise, bigger temperature swings, and a power spike at every start.
Inverter
The compressor speeds up to cool the room quickly, then slows down and keeps running gently to hold the temperature. No hard starts, a steadier temperature, and much less wasted energy.
Side by side
| Inverter | Non-inverter | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Higher | Lower |
| Running cost | Lower, often around 30% less in daily use | Higher |
| Comfort | Steady temperature | Swings between too cold and too warm |
| Noise | Quieter, especially at night | Noisier at every start |
| Heating in winter | Efficient heat pump | Works, but less efficiently |
| Repairs | Inverter boards and sensors can be costlier to fix | Simpler electrics, cheaper parts |
| Power spikes | Electronics sensitive to surges, so protection is wise | Simpler, but the capacitor and compressor take a hit at every start |
Which one should you buy?
- Bedroom used every night, lounge used every day, home office: inverter. The running-cost savings add up quickly over a Gauteng summer.
- Guest room or spare room used now and then: a non-inverter is fine, and the savings on the purchase price won't be eaten up by running costs.
- Running on solar or a backup inverter: an inverter aircon. It starts gently and uses less power, so it's much kinder to your batteries.
Inverter aircons and load-shedding
Inverter aircons are full of electronics, and their boards don't like the spike when power returns after load-shedding or a storm. Simple habits help: switch the aircon off at the remote or isolator during load-shedding, wait a few minutes after the power comes back, and consider surge protection at the distribution board. If a unit does die after an outage, it's often a board or fuse rather than the whole aircon. See our load-shedding appliance guide.
Size matters more than type
An inverter that's too small will run flat out all day and save you nothing. Get the size right first with our aircon size guide, then choose the type. Installation costs are the same for both. A back-to-back installation starts from R1,650, and every installation includes a free service six months later. Back-to-back installations start from R1,650. See aircon installation cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is an inverter aircon worth the extra money?
Yes, if it will run for hours most days, like a bedroom or lounge. It uses noticeably less electricity, is quieter and holds a steadier temperature. For a room used occasionally, a non-inverter is fine.
How much electricity does an inverter aircon save?
In daily use, often around 30% compared with a fixed-speed unit of the same size. The saving depends on how many hours it runs, the room and the settings.
Are inverter aircons more expensive to repair?
Their electronic boards and sensors can cost more to replace, but they suffer less wear from constant starting. Surge protection helps protect the electronics.
Can I run an inverter aircon on solar?
Yes. Inverter aircons start gently and use less power, which makes them much better suited to solar and battery systems than fixed-speed units.
Does installation cost more for an inverter aircon?
No. Installation is the same for both. A back-to-back installation starts from R1,650.
Not sure which to choose?
Tell us the room size, how often you'll use it, and whether it's for a bedroom, lounge or office. We'll recommend the right unit and quote the installation. Monday to Saturday, 07:30–17:30.
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