Generators are a great way to provide power in case of emergencies. They can be used for camping trips, power outages, and more. You can use them as backup generators or as a main source of power if it’s needed. There are two types of generators that you can purchase, generator vs inverter generator.
Inverter generators are typically smaller and more expensive but they also tend to be quieter and more convenient than their counterparts. It’s important to understand the differences between these two types so that you can decide which type is best for your needs!
This article will share the advantages and disadvantages of each type so that you know what features each one has before making a decision on which one would suit your needs better.
Why you might need a generator
If you have been in a hurricane or major storm then you probably know that power can go out for days. This means no lights, no water pumps, and limited ability to communicate with the outside world if a cell tower is affected by the outage.
If there is only one appliance in your household that absolutely needs electricity when the grid goes down it would be a backup generator.
Generators are portable so you can supply electricity to your devices anywhere, like when camping or on a boat… where grid infrastructure is inaccessible.
Do you think you should install a backup generator power system during your construction? That will save you money and hassle in the event of a power outage needed.
Adding a generator makes it easy to connect to your home’s original breaker box before everything else is set up instead of taking apart walls, ceilings, wiring through rafters, etc.
Generator Types
Two popular generator options are inverter generators and generators. They each have some great applications, but it’s important to know the differences between them before you buy one so that your purchase can be in line with all of what needs for portable power during emergencies.
What is a conventional generator?
Conventional generators have been around for quite some time, and the core principles used to make them haven’t changed. Conventional generators use fossil fuels such as gasoline, propane, or diesel to produce electricity. In nuclear reactions, atoms are split apart and energy is released. The heat from this reaction boils water into steam, which spins a turbine and makes electricity. Conventional generators work by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The power output of the generator varies depending on the rotational speed of the motor. A typical generator generates a standard household current at about 3000 rpm (RPM).
Gasoline generators
Gasoline generators are a great option for emergency preparedness. They’re easy to use, efficient, and reliable – not complicated either!
The one downside with gas motors is that it can be hard to store the fuel without using it.
On top of requiring regular cleaning since they produce so much residue by themselves over time due to their high octane rating which causes combustion instability when mixed together causing unpredictable explosions should anything go wrong within your generator system.
Propane generators
Propane generators are usually not the first choice for people who want backup power during an emergency or disaster, but propane does have many advantages over other options.
The advantages of propane fuel are: Propane is inexpensive and readily. They have roughly half the energy density compared to gasoline, making storage more compact. Propane produces roughly 2/3rds less CO2 emissions and can be stored for years.
Propane generators produce less noise than gasoline-powered models.
At extremely cold temperatures below 20ºF, propane tanks may freeze and become inoperable. This makes gasoline a more reliable source of fuel.
In addition, there are also dual-fuel generators that allow you to use either type of fuel.
Dual Fuel Portable Generator Gas or Propane
Portable and mobile generators
Portable generators can be used on the move, while mobile generators need a vehicle such as a truck to be moved around. Portable generators are great for emergency backup power, while mobile units make sense for home backup power.
Mobile generators are usually located at home, they can provide a larger output of electricity over a long period of time.
Portable units provide smaller amounts of power more often and are great for camping trips, road trips, and impromptu get-togethers with family or friends.
What is an inverter generator?
An inverter generator is a type of portable generator that supplies its user with clean and smooth sine wave power. This means that they can run sensitive equipment without having to worry about any disruptions or problems due to fluctuations in either voltage or frequency levels.
Inverters are used to convert the 12V power from your solar panel or car battery into 120 volts that you can use for everyday appliances.
The inverter generator will take this DC source, and turn it into an AC signal with different voltages depending on what kind of equipment is needed- all while ensuring safety!
What is the Difference Between an inverter generator vs regular generator?
Another difference between Inverter generators and Conventional generators is how quickly they can reach full output capacity.
In general, Inverter-powered units have nearly instantaneous response time compared to conventional models that take several seconds or even minutes to reach their full potential.
Inverter generators are also able to react to sudden changes in demand at nearly the same level of output, even if the load has been reduced by half the previous amount. In other words, Inverter generators can provide more consistent power than conventional models.
Conventional generators are often only powered by gasoline or diesel fuel, while Inverter Generators can be powered by various sources such as solar panels or wind turbines. This makes Inverter Generators an environmentally friendly alternative that functions just as well as any other type of generator.
Inverters generators function differently from conventional ones and therefore they have a different purpose which is why they aren’t interchangeable. Inverters will never replace conventional generators because they don’t have a near-instantaneous response time and inverters typically don’t produce enough wattage to power a whole house.
Inverter generators are popular outdoor, also come in handy for camping, tailgating, RV, and other portable uses because inverters are more compact, lightweight so there is less hassle while taking them on long outings.
Inverter Generator Vs Generator – Which Type Should You Buy?
Which generator is better? That depends on what you want to do with it!
Generators come in different sizes, models, shapes, or capacities to suit your needs. What factors should you keep in mind when choosing a generator.
Now let us discuss some important factors that determine which type is right for each situation and how to choose an inverter generator or generator.
Output power quality
Inverters are a great way to have clean power. With inverter generators, AC electricity is created by converting direct current into alternating ones and tends not to rely on the engine speed of the generator.
Meanwhile, conventional generators that use fossil fuels to generate electricity often leave residue and the output of electricity generated depends on the rotational speed of the engine.
Clean power is best suited for sensitive devices such as computers, televisions, and microwaves with complex microprocessors. It is entirely possible for them to be damaged or malfunction when using an unclean and unstable power source.
Generator portability, size, and weight
Inverters are small, lightweight, and portable power sources that allow you to charge your devices anywhere whether it’s at home or in the car.
In contrast, generators can be noisy due to their larger size as well as bulky because they require a frame for mounting with wheels which makes transporting them difficult.
However, if there is an emergency where all the electricity in your house is lost then a conventional generator is said to come in handy as it is very powerful compared to an inverter generator.
Fuel consumption
Inverter generators are typically more fuel-efficient and have longer run times than standard generators. They can adjust the voltage to match what the load needs while maintaining an output speed of 3600 rpm.
Inverter generators are designed to be lighter and more compact than conventional generators, so they do not need a large fuel tank. In addition, Inverter generators also come with a built-in battery system which means their small size makes them ideal if you want your generator lightweight but still powerful enough when needed most!
Unlike inverter generators, conventional generators have many types of capacity and running time depending on the size of their fuel tank. In most cases, the larger your generator’s tank is, the more power it will produce and the longer it will run.
During operation
Generators can cause noise pollution if not set up efficiently. Purchasing an inverter generator goes a long way in reducing noise since it silently operates when uncharged but produces sound when charging batteries or when in use. It is also easy to operate since it does not require special training to set it up and adjust its settings.
A typical fuel-powered generator has an engine speed of 3600 rpm to produce 120 volts and a frequency of 60 Hertz.
However, this speed cannot be maintained so the voltage and Hertz also fluctuate. The inability to stay steady at 3600 rpm is also why conventional generators run on much noisier fuel.
Meanwhile, with the inverter generator’s ability to control its power output, it becomes an energy-efficient machine. It can adjust voltage and maintain 3600 rotations per minute while still connected with connected load for optimal performance. The stable current also plays a role in making these generators quite silent when compared to conventional generators.
Price difference
Conventional generators are less expensive than inverter models, but they have fewer advantages. The design of the generator makes it simpler to fix any problems with spare parts and there’s no need for complicated repairs because these types can be fixed by anyone who knows what they’re doing in minutes or hours instead of days.
Generators also tendon being cheaper- both now as well as after fuel costs go down (if you buy your power from a provider). They make up this difference through other factors like size. However, the electric power generated may be unstable and when operating it makes a lot of noise.
The cost of an inverter generator will depend on various factors such as its capacity, power source, frequency, and type of warranty offered by the seller. These machines are usually costly since they are durable due to their IPX4 design which protects them from water damage provided that they are properly set up.
They often contain an automatic voltage regulator which ensures that they supply consistent voltage even when it is being charged. The power generated cannot exceed 120 volts in most cases unless specifically designed with higher voltages for commercial use.
Using a machine with higher voltage can cause damage to your appliances or create fire hazards if not handled correctly.
Maintenance work
Generators with inverters are easier to take care of and maintain than conventional generators. Their fuel consumption and oil requirements are lower, which means you won’t have as much deposit build-up on your generator over a longer service life than a traditional carburetor that requires a mechanic. experienced mechanics check and maintain regularly every year or two.
However, the design of a conventional generator makes it simpler to fix any problems with spare parts and does not require complicated repairs.
Related:
- How to maintain a generator
- What is an inverter generator?
- How to reduce generator fuel consumption?
FAQS
What are the cons of an inverter generator?
Inverter generators have lower output power than conventional generators, so they are not suitable for high power requirements. Then it is necessary to combine both conventional generators and inverter generators.
The price of an inverter generator is higher than that of a conventional generator and the repair is more difficult, so the cost is also higher.
Can an inverter generator run a refrigerator?
Home refrigerators need around 1000-2000 watts of power to run. A generator with a capacity of 2000 watts or more will suffice for your refrigerator or freezer without any problems!
How long can you run a generator continuously?
The average running time of a whole-house generator depends on the size of your house and how many appliances you have. A small home may last for 8 hours, while larger homes with more appliances could last 24 hours or more. However, it is not recommended to run for more than 18 hours or 10 consecutive days with any generator.
Can you run a generator in the rain?
No. Generators should only be left in a dry place completely away from wet conditions such as rain or snow.
Portable generators are an excellent way to provide power when you need it most, but they should only be used for their intended purpose. They can never replace the home’s electricity supply and must always remain grounded with a proper grounding cable or plug prong studs in order not to raise any safety concerns about electrocution risk!
How many watts should I get for a generator?
The wattage of your generator is determined by the size and type of appliances you need to power. For example, if you will be using your generator to power lights, a fridge, and a laptop, you’ll want at least 2200W.
Is it OK to let the generator run out of gas?
It’s always better to keep the generator running so it doesn’t stop at an inopportune time. The sudden stop of the generator load can sometimes cause some problems with your equipment.
However, you should not worry too much. Usually, these cases are okay. And you should also prepare backup fuel to ensure the generator operates most efficiently and safely.
How much fuel does an inverter generator use?
An inverter generator usually has a fuel tank of 1-2 gallons that can run continuously for about 8-10 hours. If you want to power your home for longer than that (8 +/-), have a backup fuel source ready or use a generator with a larger fuel tank.
What is the most efficient fuel for a generator?
Diesel. They are cheap and have good performance. Diesel is also easy to store and has a longer shelf life than other fuels.
How long should I run my generator for maintenance?
To ensure the longevity of your generator, we recommend running it at full capacity for about 15 to 20 minutes once a week. This allows time for the oil to warm up and circulate in the engine!
Conclusion
Choosing an inverter generator or generator is up to you. Weigh the pros and cons of each device for your situation, then choose an inverter generator or a conventional generator that will best suit what you need it for. Don’t forget about safety either! If all you need is some power where there isn’t any, and you are more concerned about the budget than quality, a conventional generator may work for you. But if clean energy with minimal noise pollution is important to you (or even just convenience), be sure to purchase an inverter generator instead of a traditional one. You can consult our article and expert opinion if you have any questions or concerns before making this selection decision together!
Thank you for reading!
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