Power outages are frustrating. They bring your life to a halt, and you cannot even charge your basic gadgets such as a laptop, mobile phone, or smartwatch. This worsens when you are in the middle of an important meeting and your laptop is surviving on the last 10% of its battery.
If you have ever been in such a situation or if it is your worst nightmare, we are here to help. An inverter generator is your solution for all these problems. Many of you must have heard about a traditional generator, but what is an inverter generator? Let’s learn more about this equipment in the article below and find out whether it is a reliable source of electricity for your home.
What Is an Inverter Generator?
An inverter generator is a clean source of power. This means that it converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) and again into AC for a smoother flow of electricity. This clean source of electricity is suitable for powering sensitive devices, such as laptops, smartphones, refrigerators, and a few kitchen appliances.
At this point, one may ask if a traditional generator is also used for power backups and is, in fact, much more affordable than an inverter generator. So why invest in the latter? Traditional generators produce dirty power, which is not suitable for your sensitive electronics. Hence, investing in an inverter generator is a better choice. The following are some of the advantages of an inverter generator:
High Quality Power
The power generated by an inverter generator has a low harmonic distortion and is safe for sensitive electronic devices such as laptops and televisions. So, if you are planning to elevate your home entertainment system, investing in this device is the best use of your money. The power generated is safe for your household appliances and will ensure they are working efficiently.
Low Fuel Consumption
An inverter generator doesn’t always run at 3600 rpm to generate AC current. The engine has a speed auto-adjust feature that adjusts the electricity generation based on the current load. So, when the load is less, the engine runs at a lower speed, which means less power consumption. This is different from traditional generators that run at 3600 rpm no matter the load.
Works Quietly
Nobody wants loud, noisy devices running in their home. This is one of the reasons why people don’t prefer traditional generators. This equipment is noisy, and the sound can really impact the home’s ambiance. Fortunately, an inverter generator works in silence, and you don’t even realize that the equipment is working in the background to power your house.
Uses Clean Energy
Some inverter generators use solar power to generate electricity, which is a clean energy source compared to traditional generators. This leads to fewer harmful emissions. So, by opting for an inverter generator, you can also keep the environment clean.
Can I Use an Inverter Generator to Power My Home?
An inverter generator can be used to power the appliances and sensitive devices that are present in your home. You can use heavy-duty extension cords and plug them into the unit to power your devices. However, one thing that you need to remember is that the power output of inverter generators is mostly very low. It ranges between 1 and 9 kilowatts. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average American home uses about 10,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, which translates to roughly 1.2 kilowatts of continuous power demand. So, while you may not be able to power your entire home, it is enough for your essentials, such as your television, a few of your small kitchen appliances, and even a refrigerator. This is enough to live a comfortable life even during frequent power outages.
Choosing the Right Size Inverter Generator
When selecting an inverter generator for your home, it’s important to calculate your power needs carefully. Start by listing all the essential appliances you want to run during an outage, such as your refrigerator, lights, phone chargers, and heating or cooling systems. Add up their wattage requirements to determine the minimum generator capacity you’ll need. Remember to account for startup power requirements, as some appliances, like refrigerators, need more power when they first turn on than during normal operation.
Conclusion
An inverter generator is a better source of electricity than traditional generators. In this age, where our lives run on our smartphones, laptops, and televisions, having a device that can power all these devices without risking our health is a true blessing. So invest in an inverter generator today and see the difference yourself.