New inverter window AC

[strutaeng]

Hello, does anybody have any experience with these inverter units? I didn't even know they made inverter AC window units?

I'm building an addition and have a large volume of space to cool. Just got it framed and roofed. Working on electrical, but it's already getting toasty. I think I will eventually install a mini split, but need something available locally for the mean time. Can use it latter to cool my 25x25 detached garage.

I'm going to install a 220V outlet near a window.

Here's what I'm looking at:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/LG-Elec...-WiFi-Enabled-and-Remote-LW2217IVSM/303325000

The reviews seem promising...

 

[ForceFed70]

No real experience. My understanding is that the inverter technology mostly just results in better energy efficiency. DO NOT buy an undersized unit - you'll pay extra for inverter technology while not realizing most of the improved energy efficiency.

In essence, the inverter technology allows the unit to drive the pump more slowly when the full capacity isn't required. This results in much more efficient operation than the traditional approach of simply turning the pump on/off. But if you're undersized, the pump will spend most of it's time at full speed anyway and you don't get the energy savings.

 

[Falcon67]

Dang, I like those specs. That'd work good in my work area, 672 sq/ft. Have to run the 11K quite a bit to keep that area decent.

Probably close to same size - have to budget for an upgrade LOL

Actually, the 14K unit would be a better fit here, and I wouldn't have to convert the feed to 240v.

 

[Raisedonadeere]

Two comments.
- in a quiet environment you will notice the inverter compressor is not turning on and off. Just speeds up or slows down. Unless of course the unit is just barely big enough in which case either will be running flat out anyway. In our bedroom in a previous house, you could hear the compressor turning on and off as the night got cooler.

- the inverter will hold a more steady temp if it is a good design.

 

[metlmunchr]

$700+ for a cooling only window unit with a 1 yr warranty ain't particularly impressive IMO.

 

[wanderer]

In a climate where it runs constantly I think it would be great. In a garage where it might be turned off all week and then kicked on Friday to bring the temp way down and run all weekend....I'd save your money.

 

[Bretny]

$700+ for a cooling only window unit with a 1 yr warranty ain't particularly impressive IMO.

We think alike.

If all it does different is speed up/down the compressor thats really just a scroll compressor in a window unit.

 

[Raisedonadeere]

It is continuously variable, not a two speed or 3 speed or 5 speed. The refrigeration cycle works a little different, refrigerant is throttled differently. The compressor is a dc vs ac. Different animal.

 

[strutaeng]

Well, I pulled the trigger on this unit a few weeks ago. I like it so far!

It is not too loud compared to other units (from memory.) The fan is 3 speeds, but the temperature of the air coming out varies, I suppose from the inverter compressor?

We had a little get-together at our place, so I had to get a way to bring down the temperature a bit and lower humidity, and this worked well.

22,000 Btu/hr is a lot of cooling, but since it is still un-insulated, I just keep it at 78F.

As previously stated, this will get moved to my garage eventually, which already has a gas-fired heater.

 

[Falcon67]

Nice, thanks for the update.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I wonder what the "dual" means in the product name.

For those who are not into these kinds of tech, the AC power coming is is converted to DC and then the DC is converted to a variable frequency 3 phase alternating current which goes to the motor driving the compressor.

The big win is when the outside temp is NOT super hot ! When it is 95+F I'm betting it uses a comparable amount of energy (watts) as a conventional unit.