Call Us
Book a Repair
With constant technological advancements, it’s no surprise that our washing machines are the next in line for new developments. Enter the inverter washing machine. If you haven’t heard of this concept as yet or you’re doing some research prior to purchasing your new washing machine, then this post is for you.
What is a non-inverter washing machine?
Before getting started, it’s important to note that an inverter for a washing machine is not the same as that which is used for refrigerators or air conditioners. With that being said, we can describe a non-inverter washing machine – or the traditional washing machine – as follows.
Firstly, these appliances use fixed-speed motors. This means that it doesn’t matter how light or heavy your laundry load is, the washing machine will run at its maximum operating speed. Irrespective of whether it’s a top- or front-loading washing machine.
Secondly, despite the fact that there are different wash cycles such as “soft” or “gentle”, which can save power, what it means in practice is that washing performance is generally reduced.
Next up, we have the inner mechanics of the washing machine. Non-inverter or conventional washing machines have motors. These then drive a belt to spin the gears, which then spins the drum. However, friction and continuous use means frequent wear and tear.
Also, non-inverter washing machines use brushes in the motor set-up within the machine. This can cause more friction. As such, because of all the commotion that goes on inside the washing machine, it often vibrates and emits quite a lot of noise.
This is in addition to the excess consumption of power that is used, the cost of which in our day and age, is becoming a major headache for many people.
What is an inverter washing machine?
If you’ve heard of a washing machine – direct drive but aren’t sure of what it means, it’s the new type of washing machine – the inverter type. But what makes these appliances so special? There are a couple of defining characteristics.
As a starting point, they’ve got fewer moving parts and a variable motor, which is then connected to a clutch-driven system that engages the drum. Friction is consequently reduced to a great extent and the durability of the appliance is greatly improved. Because of the fact that parts wear out less easily, less maintenance is generally required and they tend to offer a greater washing performance over the long-term period.
We spoke about the brushes involved in the non-inverter washing machine above. But does an inverter one have brushes, too? The answer is “no”. The reason for this is because such machines come with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)/Direct Drive Motor (DDM).
These drives are highly “intelligent” in that they make use of built-in sensors, which analyse a laundry’s weight, convey the information to the microprocessor, the right washing programme is then selected and the drum speed is adjusted accordingly.
This means greater energy efficiency, durability and a more powerful wash performance. But in addition to this, they vibrate less and emit virtually no noise during a wash cycle.
Is an inverter motor a better washing machine?
And now comes the big question – is an inverter motor a better washing machine than a non-inverter motor appliance? The answer is an emphatic “yes”, especially when it comes to electricity consumption. But there are other reasons to give this washing machine a spin (excuse the pun).
On the one hand, inverter washing machines run on a brushless motor. As such, this means much greater reductions in friction. This, in turn, means a longer running lifespan of your appliance.
On the other hand, it’s much less noisy and vibrates far less than a non-inverter washing machine. This ultimately makes for a “silent” or “noiseless” operation.
As a final point, most of the inverter washing machines come with extended warranties. This means that their durability and lifespan will last you for a much longer period of time.
Wrapping up
When it comes to efficiency, durability and quality of a wash, the inverter washing machine comes out on top. However, you don’t have to rush out and purchase one right away. You can easily maintain your current non-inverter washing machine through the right washing machine repairs in Brighton.
At Domex, we work with all kinds of appliance types, makes and models. We’ve seen it all and know just the right tools and tricks of the trade to ensure that your washing machine is functioning optimally. Because our pros are highly experienced, it means that you don’t have to worry about what you’ll do with your next load of laundry when your washing machine isn’t working. So, feel free to reach out to us! We’re more than happy to help!