Summer is nigh, with that comes a high demand for cooling solutions. People opt for split ACs most of the time to keep their homes and offices cool. In recent years inverter technology has become very common. It is designed to help the AC make better use of energy, thus saving on the electric bill and also having a lesser negative impact on the environment.
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What is inverter technology
Inverter technology is used in sync with the compressor, the most basic component of an AC. By controlling the speed of the compressor, the refrigerant gas flow is affected by this. Converting the incoming AC current into DC and then through a modulation produces a current of the needed frequency to control the compressor’s motor. The compressor runs at the needed speeds instead of a fixed speed that is juicing electricity throughout. Given the positive effects, many brands have incorporated this technology. The initial cost is higher than a constant speed compressor AC, with the payback time at about two years; depending on the amount of usage of course.
Mitsubishi VsGree
Among the many brands that have started using this technology are Mitsubishi and Gree. Mitsubishi belongs to Japan and is one of the few fully imported AC brands in Pakistan. Interestingly enough, Mitsubishi Ac is imported to Pakistan by another brand that makes them, Orient, Gree is a brand based in China and has a production plant in Pakistan as well. With a focus on originating technology in China and not just making things there, the brand has done research into their field to be better.
As far as the design element goes, Mitsubishi has better style. Not to say Gree does not make their ACs look nice.
Tonnage
An important aspect to take into account when one is buying an AC, the size of a space defines what tonnage is better for you. The tonnage is a remnant of a time long past when people used ice to keep their homes and buildings cool. One ton is equal to the amount of heat it would take to melt one ton of ice in a 24-hour period. If the ice melts uniformly over the 24 hours, it absorbs heat at the rate of 286,000 BTUs / 24 hrs = 11,917 BTU/hr. In line with that, today a 1-ton AC is rounded off at 12,000 BTUs, this gives you an idea of how much heat the AC can remove from the space in an hour. Gree has various tonnage options, as Does Mitsubishi. Starting at 1-ton and on to 4.
Other possible features
ACs with the ability to connect to the WiFi have become common, Gree has incorporated this ability. It gives users an edge, they could turn the AC on even before they enter the space. It can essentially be controlled from anywhere in the world. There are also multiple layers of filters to clean the air, reducing dust and pollen. Gree uses Gold Fin Condensers which are beneficial in almost any environment, it helps keep the coils protected by not rusting. The coating can handle acids, salts and water accumulation on the condenser coils. Also the coating is non-toxic so is environment-friendly. So this would work really well for a place like Karachi where there is a lot of humidity and corrosion is a regular issue.
Mitsubishi has made use of the CatechinPlus Air Purification System is an advanced purification system. It has a Micro-Particle Catechin Filter which acts as an anti-allergy enzyme filter effectively eliminating air pollutants and small particle matter. The dual barrier coating on the fins prevents dust and dirt from getting into the AC. They have powerful airflow directions, covering most of the space. The PCB’s used by Mitsubishi are better and are able to cool a space more efficiently even if it is blistering hot outside. Another interesting feature from Mistubishi is the Self-Diagnostic ability, this runs a systems check to make sure all components are running well.
Prices
ACs are not really cheap, especially imported ones. Which is why out of these two brands, Mitsubishi is a lot more expensive. A 1-ton AC from Mitsubishi would be at around 70 to 90 thousand. While a 1-ton AC from Gree would be for about 55 to 70 thousand. The price difference is a lot, but the quality of Mistubishi is a lot more superior, it is built with a premium performance in mind by the Japanese. Gree on the other hand is a brand that wants to make good ACs which are accessible, the quality is definitely lesser than Mitsubishi.
Which to buy
Overall performance of both these machines is good, they both come with ample warranty for the compressor. Naturally, a Mitsubishi would last longer in regular function, the brand has literally set world records for ACs. But Gree would make it possible to own an AC with good features and ample durability for a lesser rate.
The basic question is what budget can you afford, you can decide based on that.
