The three clear advantages an inverter generator has over a conventional open frame generator or a standby generator, weight, reduced operating noise level, and mobility.
But considering you likely already knew the obvious benefits, We'd like to share a few other defining characteristics that make inverter portable or home generators ideal for your future temporary power needs.
Let's get into it.
What Does it Mean When a Generator Has an Inverter?
When a generator has an inverter, it means that it uses an electronic mechanism that regulates the supply voltage to the motor by throttling the engine up or down depending on the power needs. An inverter generator can sense the necessary power demand, and will then automatically adjust its output accordingly to adapt to the desired load requirements.
Instead of running full tilt the whole time, like a conventional generator, it only runs as hard as it needs to in order to fuel the connected electronics. This is ideal for saving fuel, lowering emissions, and vastly reducing operating noise levels as well. Inverter generators have a massive advantage over a conventional generator when it comes to fuel efficiency as the running amperage of the motor varies. Other generators without an inverter feature run direct-on-line (DOL) with the motor drawing maximum amperage at full speed every time it runs.
This alone is enough to greatly consider an inverter generator over a conventional generator. The fuel consumption savings with an inverter will reap favorable financial rewards over time, outweighing the initial upfront cost of the inverter generator.
Why Choose an Inverter Generator?
To be blunt, inverter generators are just an overall better option for those on the hunt for a portable generator. Generators with inverters are no different in terms of functionality to your home HVAC system, and if you've ever owned an AC system before compressors came with an inverter feature, you'll know exactly what we're talking about. The operating cost of any load, be it generator engine or compressor, is substantially reduced when AC power can be regulated via any variable speed controller.
The advantages inverter generators possess over your lock stock open frame generator are evident as soon as you pick up an inverter. The fact is, any decent capacity open frame generator is something you won't be lifting into the back of your truck by yourself, unlike an inverter.
The reality is, you're most certainly buying an inverter generator for how versatile they are as you can effortlessly make use of an inverter generator around the house, on a job site, or deep in the woods camping. Attempting to utilize a regular open frame generator in the same fashion will, unfortunately, require the helping hands of others due to the additional weight.
Lastly, we know we've already touched on this point before, but it really can't be overstated, and that's the operating noise of an inverter to an open frame generator. Even when an inverter model of the same capacity is throttled up to full speed in compassion to an open frame generator, there is about a 50-dBA difference between the two units. That is a disparity and you, your neighbors or even the nearby campsite will surely notice and undoubtedly despise within a short period of time.
Why are Inverter Generators So Quiet?
As previously mentioned, inverter generators produce a lot less noise than conventional open frame generators. This might be a major consideration when choosing a generator, and especially so if you've got nosey annoying neighbors nearby.
In general, due to the fact that inverters only produce as much power as is needed at a given time, they usually don't need to run as hard, thus producing less noise, and drawing less amperage. Due to the fact that inverter generators are usually more fuel-efficient and produce less power, they are also a helluva lot quieter.
It's honestly like comparing an eco-friendly 4-cylinder engine, to an earth-shattering V8 that was created purely to raise hell and decibels. Simply put, the higher the power output, the more noise that is created. So, if you want a mammoth for a generator that doesn't come equipped with an inverter feature, you can kiss any sort of quiet operation mode goodbye.
Summing it up
Whether you go with a generator with an inverter feature or a traditional open frame generator will depend upon your budget and power consumption requirements. An inverter generator is truly an awesome investment for those looking for a reliable temporary power source in the portable generator department.
Inverters generators are highly efficient and provide reasonably quiet operation when compared to a whole house generator or even a dual fuel portable generator. The advantages are pretty clear, although justifying the added expense of an inverter will depend on how much you expect to use such a generator.
