The washing machine is one of the most important home appliances. It saves time, making washing clothes an effortless task. It even speeds up the process of drying clothes in the rains. Many of us don’t change our washing machines too often. They work for years, requiring some periodic maintenance. If you have been using washing machine for more than 5 years, now can be a good time to upgrade. There are a ton of new models, with performance-focused features such as inverter technology. You may have heard about inverter equipped air conditioners and refrigerators, but what does inverter in a washing machine mean? What makes them different and what are the benefits?
Traditional washing machines use fixed speed motors. They run at their maximum operating speed regardless of the laundry load. Modes like “soft wash” or “gentle wash” can save some power, but it usually reduces the washing performance. Such non-inverter washing machines can be noisy and vibrate a lot, not to mention consume more power.
An inverter equipped washing machine comes with a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) or a brushless motor. Such motors can adjust their speed as required. Inverter washing machines use in-built sensors that analyses the laundry weight and send the information to the machine’s microprocessor. The machine then automatically chooses washing programs and adjusts the drum speed accordingly. If the laundry weight is less than the machine’s capacity, it rotates the drum at lower speeds to save electricity. If the weight matches the capacity, it operates at its peak speed so your clothes get a quality wash.
As a variable motor is more powerful than conventional ones, some higher-end washing machines have modes that claim to deliver 10 per cent more powerful performance. Inverter washing machines are rated by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). These ratings are visible as star ratings. A 5-star rated model offers the most power efficiency.
Apart from energy saving, inverter washing machines also offer other significant advantages. As their variable motors works at multiple speeds, manufacturers provide more combinations of drum motions that result in better wash performance. Such motors also vibrate less and make nearly no noise while washing.
Inverter washing machines are also more durable. Conventional models’ motors drive the belt to spin the gears and the drum. Due to friction, these components wear out through years of usage. Inverter washing machines have fewer moving parts. Their variable motor is connected to a clutch-driven system that engages the drum. As a result, there is less friction and improved durability. Such machines also require less maintenance. As parts don’t wear out easily, they deliver a more consistent washing performance in the long run.
Brands like Samsung and LG offer inverter washing machines with a Direct Drive Motor (DDM). In such models, the motor is directly attached to the drum which results in an even smoother operation. As there are no belts, pulleys or a clutch, there is no energy loss, so you get good power efficiency. Brands like Samsung say a DDM motor is up to 5 times faster than the conventional ones and consume 40 per cent less power. They even offer up to 12 years of warranty on their motor.
Inverter-equipped models are the next wave of washing machines. They are cheaper to run and maintain which is a big advantage over the conventional models. Models like the LG 6.5 Kg T65SKSF4Z are priced at Rs. 17,990*, while Samsung’s 6.5 Kg WA65N4261SS comes for Rs. 21,000*. Though more expensive than traditional models, the price difference pays back in the form of energy-saving and low maintenance. As more manufacturers start making inverter washing machines, we can expect to see pricing being even more competitive in the future.
Note – Prices are subject to change. Please refer to the product catalogue for more details, pricing and availability
