If you want to protect your home from blackouts and / or live off the grid, you need the tools to be prepared for blackouts. To solve the emergency power problem, you need to select a suitable generator that suits your specific circumstances. Certain generators that are ideal for homes may not work for homes and condominiums. The key to successfully managing emergencies is figuring out exactly what tools you need. Therefore, comparisons help.
Conventional generators and inverter generators are some of the most popular types of generator. How do conventional generators and inverter generators compare in terms of performance, price, noise level, etc.? Which one is right for your home? We will analyze the critical differences between these generators and help you come to a conclusion.
Traditional Vs Inverter Generators: Introduction
Conventional / traditional generators and inverter generators are not created equal – although they share many common functions. Because of the similar way in which they work, people tend to confuse them with one another. The following are key performance and feature differences so that you can decide which is the best solution for your situation.
Traditional Vs. Inverter generators: PRICE
The main difference between traditional and inverter generators is that inverter generators are more expensive. The cheapest generator option is portable conventional generators – especially if you need a lot of electricity to get the job done. Inverter generators are the "new generation" of generators and they are optimized to work with the latest technology in modern homes. Inverter generators also tend to have small performance improvements such as quiet operation and better fuel efficiency. This makes the purchase more expensive. Traditional generators are quite simple and have changed little in the last few decades.
- WINNER: Traditional generators.
Traditional Vs. Inverter generators: MECHANICS
How do these two processes process electricity and what are the differences in internal functionality? If we analyze the technical differences, the biggest difference is that traditional generators only produce alternating current. The newer generation of inverter generators again produce alternating current, direct current and then alternating current. For this reason, they are called 3-phase inverters. The process of generating electricity is more energy efficient with inverter generators and produces clean energy.
Due to the lack of harmonic distortion in inverter generators, the electricity they generate is suitable for electronics such as laptops and smartphones. Conventional generators are not as smooth at generating electricity and in certain cases they can cause damage. Although conventional generators are reliable, inverter generators are superior in reducing harmonic distortion damage.
- WINNER: Inverter generators.
Traditional Vs. Inverter generators: WATTAGE
Which of these generators is more powerful? Conventional generators tend to be larger and this gives them much greater output than inverter generators. Despite the higher efficiency of newer generation inverters, traditional generators tend to have a much larger fuel tank and the ability to generate more electricity. For comparison: the average conventional generator has an output of over 10,000 W, while an inverter generator can only generate between 1000 and 4000 W. Conventional generators are 2-3 times more powerful on average.
Inverter generators have an advantage in terms of fuel efficiency because their engines are designed so that the load can be adjusted – this allows for smaller fuel tanks. You need less fuel to run so the fuel tank is smaller as a result. The bottom line is that inverter generators are more economical, but don't produce as much electricity as traditional generators because of their small fuel tanks.
- WINNER: Traditional generators.
Traditional Vs. Inverter Generators: PORTABILITY
Inverter generators are considered to be far more portable than traditional generators the generator manual. The average traditional generator weighs over 100 pounds. while an inverter can generally weigh only 40 pounds. This is also related to the fuel tank and the amount of electricity a generator can produce. Inverter generators are considered more portable because of their smaller size. Conventional generators have a large fuel tank and motor that are required to drive the machine. This makes them less effective for portability if you want to move them to another location. Many inverter generators can be carried by hand, while conventional generators have wheels and handles attached – otherwise they can hardly be moved.
- WINNER: Inverter generators.
Traditional Vs. Inverter generators: noise level
Which of the two runs quietly and efficiently? Inverter generators certainly have an advantage there. In fact, traditional generators are known to make loud noises when in use. This has to do with the internal mechanics of traditional generators. Conventional generators change speed when they are running, and these fluctuations cause noise.
Inverter generators work at a constant speed, which makes them quieter. Even the latest traditional generators with noise-canceling technology have a tendency to make noise. You can compare generator noise levels by looking at the decibel values. Most inverter generators have an upper limit of 55 decibels, while conventional generators produce at least 65 decibels.
- WINNER: Inverter generators.
Traditional Vs. Inverter generators: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Which generator is superior in terms of emissions and environmental impact? There are actually statutory laws that are imposed by individual states that regulate the maximum emissions of the generator. You must comply with these regulations if you want to live in the forest / off the grid. Make sure the generator you buy is EPA compliant.
As you may have guessed, inverter generators produce less electricity overall, which means their emissions are lower. Most inverter generators are environmentally friendly with state laws, while you need to review the maximums imposed by your state and make sure they are within the emission levels of your traditional generator.
- WINNER: Inverter generators.
