Since washing machines have been an essential part of our lives, it has seen various advancements for its betterment and users’ convenience. Due to factors like increasing competition, the need to become environment friendly, saving electricity, and better efficiency, most companies have turned to the idea of manufacturing inverter washing machines. While the name itself outlines what inverter washing machines offer, below are a few points of difference between the inverter and non-inverter washing machines.
Electricity usage
While washing machines are bound to consume electricity, the first point of the study is to find which option consumes less electricity. Inverter motors consume less electricity as compared to conventional washing machines or non-inverter washing machines.
It is to be noted that the smart inverter technology helps the washing machine to run in sync with the load inside the washing machine. This directly helps in consuming only the required amount of electricity, saving more power as compared to non-inverter washing machines. Inverter washing machines come with sensors that help it detect the washing machine’s load for optimum power usage.
Efficiency
When it comes to the efficiency of inverter vs non-inverter washing machines, many companies aim to deliver great performance, most of them trail behind in power consumption. It is advised to judge the washing machine’s efficiency based on the power usage and the performance. The inverter washing machines not only have less power consumption but they are also built to work at maximum power using the optimum amount of electricity.
The usage of electricity in non-inverter machines is high while they work at maximum power as well. Customers should always check the power rating of the washing machine provided by the company.
Checking the power rating helps to understand the effectiveness of the machine to work at a standard rate of power and the amount of savings one can expect in terms of electricity and bills.
One basic formula to check the power consumption of a washing machine is,
“Power consumed (kWh) = Rated power (kW) x Operational hours (hours)”
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Noise Reduction
Since inverter washing machines are equipped with motors that don’t have carbon brushes, their noise is relatively less than non-inverter washing machines. While some users seem to neglect this difference, it makes a huge difference in their experience.
The inverter washing machines also make a few squeaks, but it’s relatively low as compared to the conventional or the non-inverter washing machines. Most washing machine users would agree that machines make a lot of noise in the washing and spinning phase.
While both inverter and non-inverter washing machines make noises, any user shifting to an inverter washing machine would be happy with the noise reduction. One reason for inverter washing machines making less noise is that they have relatively fewer parts than complex bearings, carbon brushes in the non-inverter washing machines.
Cost
One of the main factors which affect the decision of making a purchase is price. While most of the inverter washing machines have a higher price, they cover the cost in terms of the electricity bills and low maintenance requirements. Non-inverter machines might be relatively reasonable but can end up costing more due to the regular maintenance needs.
Durability
The non-inverter washing machines are more durable as they are prone to less wear and tear internally. Most non-inverter washing machines rely on friction generated by the brushes, while inverter washing machines use magnetic induction to turn the motors.
Since the motor is prone to brushes in conventional machines, the wear and tear of the motor are high, resulting in relatively early breakdowns and less life. Meanwhile, non-inverter washing machines tend to last longer due to brushes, which provide longer life to the motor.
Please refer to the below figures to better understand how the life of inverter washing machines can be decided.
“The inverter washing machines are designed to serve the consumers at least 10,000 – 15,000 hours. Complete use of the machine in this scenario is 10-15 years considering the washing machine is being used for 3 hours on a daily basis.”
Precision towards engine speed
The external flow of electricity controls the engine speed in conventional or non-inverter washing machines. On the other hand, inverter washing machines don’t depend completely on the external power source as they are designed to run at maximum capacity at minimal input and the load of the washing machine. This provides more precision in the engine speed. While engine speed might come across as a complex topic to rational consumers, it goes a long way in determining how the washing machine has fared out to be.
Cost of Repair
Since the washing machines with inverter technology are relatively new in the market, some users might have to search relatively hard to find technicians. While non-inverter washing machines can be worked on by most of the technicians, inverter washing machines need more skilled technicians.
The low availability of skilled technicians might create a monopoly-like situation leading to a higher cost of repairs. It is always advised to check the repair or service cost and local technicians and repair houses before purchasing a particular brand or variant of the washing machine.
Conclusion
Most of the users would surely ascertain which washing machine to go for after going through the above points of difference between inverter vs non-inverter washing machines. It is always advised to research the brand, model, and reviews of a washing machine before buying it, irrespective of whether it’s an inverter washing machine or a non-inverter washing machine.
Since most of the consumers look to save money on the bills after buying an appliance with a longer life, inverter washing machines surely have the upper hand in this regard. However, it is to be noted that since the technology is relatively new in the market, many users might like to go with the tried and tested option of non-inverter washing machines.