Portable inverter generators are generators that offer cleaner power for sensitive electronics, and they create less noise doing it. They are usually smaller than other generators, which makes them perfect for carrying around. Plus, you could easily purchase another one and connect the two generators to get twice the power output.
Inverter generators are perfect for outdoor parties, tailgating, camping, and for use as emergency power during a blackout.
When picking out an inverter generator, there are several factors that you need to consider including, size, power output, and the fuel used. When picking out the perfect inverter generator for your needs, it’s best to think in terms of what you’re going to be powering.
For instance, do you need to generate enough power for a small business? Alternatively, do you just need enough for a domestic situation? This will help you figure out how much power you need in your inverter generator and the rest will fall into place.
What Is an Inverter Generator?
Inverter generators are smaller in size than that of a conventional generator, but that smaller capacity is made up for by the quiet running of the generator and the cleaner energy it produces. Inverter generators operate much differently than a conventional generator does.
A typical generator is often quite large; this is so that a fuel tank filled with gas or propane can be fitted inside. The fuel that is put inside the generator is then used to power a motor that is coupled with an alternator – the alternator is what produces the energy.
However, inverter generators are designed to use more modern technology to create energy. These 3-phase generators start by producing an alternating current which is then converted into a direct current, which is then turned back into an alternating current. These phases put together is what produces the clean energy that an inverter generator produces.
How to Choose the Perfect Inverter Generator
We mentioned earlier that there are several things you need to consider before purchasing an inverter generator. In this next section, we’re going to discuss four of those considerations that are the most important:
Power Output
Inverter generators have smaller capacities than traditional generators, which means that you might not be able to power your entire house no matter the number of watts the inverter generator produces. When choosing an inverter generator, you should find one that can at least run the most important items in a household, such as:
- An electric stove
- The lights in bedrooms and kitchen
- The water heater
A portable inverter generator can also be used on camping and boating trips to produce power for necessities and can be used to power tools for carpentry.Solar panel is another alternative way to generate a power.
We advise you to check the labeling or product information before using an inverter generator for the first time. This is because many electrical devices will surge when they are switched on for the first time with an inverter generator.
The product information will usually tell you the wattage that the generator produces during normal activity; it should also include information about the wattage it can produce during an electrical surge.
The product information will also tell you what the maximum wattage and the wattage during continuous running is. These can vary from:
- 4000-9000 watts from a maximum watt reading
- 3300-7500 watts for continuous running
Portability
The best feature of an inverter generator is that it is compact in size, which makes it easy to carry around. When purchasing an inverter generator, it’s important to learn more about the weight of the machine itself. You might also want to see if it has wheels or a handle for easy portability.
The weight of inverter generators can vary from 44 pounds to about 240 pounds. You can see that it’s important to know what the weight of the machine is before purchasing because you don’t want to struggle to carry it around if you need to be able to.
Reliability
Generators are often used in emergencies, so it’s important that you have an idea of how reliable the generator is going to be. An inverter generator should be a machine that you can trust when you need it most.
You don’t want to purchase an inverter generator that is going to break down shortly after you start using it in an emergency. It’s suggested that you pick a generator from well-known brand names, such as Westinghouse because these are usually the ones that are known to be the most reliable.
To gauge reliability, we recommend that you look at an inverter’s runtime, fuel consumption, availability of repairs/parts, and the warranty.
You should especially look at the runtime because manufacturers might express the runtime in either half-load or full-load. This means that an inverter generator might be able to run 8 hours at half capacity, but it won’t necessarily run for 4 hours at full capacity because the machine ends up using more fuel when it runs at full capacity.
Price & Value
Price and value are two different things when purchasing a generator. The prices of inverter generators usually run from $250 to $1,000, but these prices aren’t always a good indicator of the generator’s quality and practicality. You should read product reviews before purchasing a generator so that you know all factors are added up to make a perfect generator for you. Consider these questions when you’re looking at generators:
- Can you afford it?
- Is the wattage high enough to run several devices over 8-20 hours?
- Does it have good portability?
- Is it known to be reliable?
- Does it have quality energy?
- Is the brand known as being good?
By finding the answers to each of these questions, you’ll be able to find an inverter generator that offers excellent value for the money.
If you use all of this information to help you find an inverter generator, then you’ll have no problem finding the perfect one for you.