The first inverter air conditioner compressor.

The first inverter air conditioner compressor was developed and commercialized by Toshiba in 1981.

Toshiba introduced the world’s first inverter room air conditioner, which used an inverter-controlled compressor. Instead of simply turning the compressor on and off, the inverter continuously adjusted the compressor’s speed to match the cooling demand.

Benefits of the inverter compressor

• Saves 30–50% more electricity compared with conventional non-inverter air conditioners.
• Maintains a more stable room temperature.
• Runs more quietly.
• Reduces wear on the compressor by avoiding frequent starts and stops.
• Cools the room faster and more efficiently.

Today, most major air conditioner manufacturers, including Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, and Panasonic, use inverter compressor technology in many of their air conditioners.

So, Toshiba is generally credited with introducing the first commercial inverter air conditioner compressor in 1981.