Convertible AC are variant of Inverter(variable speed) AC with power to manually adjust the cooling capacity of the AC. While a normal inverter AC slow down the compressor automatically when desired temperature is achieved. A in convertible AC you manually do so even when AC temperature is attained.

This means you can limit the cooling power of AC with touch of the button and convert it into a lower power AC to save electricity costs. For eg in a 4in1 AC cn switch to 40% or 60% or 80% or 100% cooling mode. Here the % is the limit of the cooling power of an AC. So you are converting a 1 ton AC into 0.8ton AC with a 80% convertible mode or a 0.4ton AC in 40% convertible mode.

How does convertible AC help save more power than a normal inverter AC?

The convertible AC helps it saves maximum power on lower mode. This happens as inverter AC become very efficient at lower cooling mode. For eg at 50% cooling mode most inverter AC only consumes just 33% or even less of rated energy. Take a look at this power rating screenshot of Daikin AC below which shows for 50% cooling capacity(2500w) the power consumption is almost 33%(475W). Downside of this is it will take longer to cool down room to set temperature.

Hope this also helps you understand how an Inverter AC saves power in long run. The trick is once the room is cooled you can switch to a lower power mode to help it save power. Keep the ceiling fan on slowest speed for total circulation of cool air throughout the room. Also mostly use the 80% mode even while using it most of the time. Don’t buy under powered inverter AC ever as Inverter AC are very inefficient at full mode or turbo mode when they run at 110% power.

Do look at these few good convertible ACs that will help you save power.

Carrier 1 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC (Copper, Convertible 4-in-1 Cooling,Dual Filtration with HD & PM 2.5 Filter, Auto Cleanser, 2023 Model,ESTER Exi - CAI12ER3R33F0,White)
Carrier 1 Ton 3 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC (Copper, Convertible 4-in-1 Cooling,Dual Filtration with HD & PM 2.5 Filter, Auto Cleanser, 2023 Model,ESTER Exi – CAI12ER3R33F0,White)
Manufacturer Warranty: 10 Years on Compressor, 5 Years on PCB and 1 Year on product (T&C); Refrigerant gas: R32 – Environmental friendly – no ozone depletion potential
₹ 79,990 ₹ 33,430
Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (5 in 1 Convertible, Copper, Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter, 2023 Model, White with Chrome Deco Strip, GLS18I5FWGCA)
Lloyd 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC (5 in 1 Convertible, Copper, Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter, 2023 Model, White with Chrome Deco Strip, GLS18I5FWGCA)
Capacity: 1.5 ton suitable for small / medium size room (Up to 180 square feet); Energy Rating: 3 Star, Annual Energy Consumption: 793.34 Units, ISEER Value: 5.09
LG 1 Ton 3 Star Dual Inverter Split Ac (Copper, AI Convertible 6-In-1 Cooling, HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection, 2024 Model, TS-Q12CNXE, White)
LG 1 Ton 3 Star Dual Inverter Split Ac (Copper, AI Convertible 6-In-1 Cooling, HD Filter with Anti-Virus Protection, 2024 Model, TS-Q12CNXE, White)
Refrigerant gas: R32 – Environmental friendly – no ozone depletion potential
₹ 55,990 ₹ 37,990
Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star, Inverter Split AC(Copper, 4-in-1 Adjustable Mode, Anti-dust Filter, 2023 Model, 183V Vectra Prism, White)
Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star, Inverter Split AC(Copper, 4-in-1 Adjustable Mode, Anti-dust Filter, 2023 Model, 183V Vectra Prism, White)
Energy Rating: 3 Star. Annual Energy Consumption: 4800 units. ISEER Value: 3.81; Warranty : 1 Year Comprehensive Warranty on the Product and 10 Years on Compressor
₹ 66,990 ₹ 32,990

This mode conversion of convertible AC can only be achieved by inverter AC also known as as variable speed AC worldwide. In fixed speed non-inverter AC compressor speed can’t changed so convertible mode can’t achieved.