What are the advantages of refrigerators with an inverter compressor? Do inverter refrigerators have any specific disadvantages? Is it worth buying a refrigerator with an inverter compressor given their higher price?
When inverter technology is mentioned, the first association is usually air conditioners. Air conditioners operating on this principle have long become popular, as we have previously written. Their greatest advantage is the ability to heat a room even when the temperature drops to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. So, how is inverter technology applied to refrigerators?
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The principle of applying inverter technology is practically the same for both refrigerators and air conditioners. Both the air conditioner and the refrigerator have a compressor responsible for compressing the refrigerant, which then goes to the heat exchanger at a high temperature to release excess heat.
How does inverter technology work in refrigerators?
The essence is that in a standard air conditioner and refrigerator, the compressor operates on an on/off principle, meaning it is either on or off. In inverter devices, the compressor has a variable intensity of operation.
When turned on, the compressor works gradually, reaching its full number of rotations and full operational capacity slowly. When the desired temperature inside the refrigerator is reached, the compressor reduces its intensity of operation and maintains the set temperature depending on conditions such as room temperature, refrigerator opening frequency, amount of stored food, and similar factors.
In a classic refrigerator, the compressor starts at full capacity upon receiving a command, and once the desired temperature is reached, it completely shuts off. The advantages of inverter technology in refrigerators are numerous, even if not as specific and useful as in air conditioners.
What are the advantages of inverter refrigerators?
Firstly, the gradual operation of the compressor is more economical. The fact that the compressor does not operate at full capacity when not needed results in lower electricity consumption.
Another advantage is the greater durability of these refrigerators. The greatest wear on compressors occurs when they start because the lubricating fluid has not yet started protecting the wearing components. An inverter compressor always starts gently and gradually reaches its maximum capacity, thus reducing wear.
The adaptable operation of the compressor also contributes to more precise temperature maintenance inside the refrigerator, theoretically keeping food fresher for longer. Additionally, one of the advantages of inverter refrigerators that most users will surely notice is their quieter operation.
Of course, as expected, the only specific disadvantage of inverter technology in refrigerators is their higher price compared to standard devices.
Photo: LG Electronics