When you need reliable power, a generator can be your best friend. But choosing between an inverter generator and a regular generator can be tricky. Do you really need an inverter or is a conventional generator enough? Let’s take a look at the differences between the two to help you make the right decision.
Inverter generators are the latest technology on the market and come with a host of features designed to make your life easier. They are lightweight, quiet, and fuel-efficient – ideal for camping trips and other outdoor adventures. On the other hand, regular generators are more affordable, powerful, and durable – perfect for construction sites and other heavy-duty applications.
So how do you decide between an inverter generator and a regular generator? We’ll walk you through some of the key differences between the two types of generators so that you can make an informed decision about which type is best for your needs.
Overview of a Traditional Generator
A traditional generator is a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable power source with a much lower price tag than an inverter generator. With a traditional generator, the amount of noise and emissions depend on the size of the engine. Larger engines are louder, less fuel-efficient and produce more carbon monoxide.
The biggest benefit of traditional generators is their affordability. They cost considerably less than inverter generators and they’re more readily available in many sizes. If budget is your top priority, then this might be the right choice for you.
One thing to consider, though, is that traditional generators are not as efficient or as “clean” as their inverter cousins. You’ll need to purchase and regularly maintain an air filter to reduce noise levels from exhaust fumes and be aware of any potential carbon monoxide poisoning risk from operating the unit indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
What Is an Inverter Generator?
When it comes to generators, the type you choose can make a huge difference. One of those choices is between an inverter generator and a regular generator. If you’re asking yourself, “what is an inverter generator?”, you’ve come to the right place.
An inverter generator is a type of portable generator that produces AC power and then converts it into DC power and then back again into cleaner AC power. This means that your appliances will be running safer and at quieter, more efficient levels compared to using a regular generator. Inverter generators are usually smaller in size, making them easy to transport from site to site or store away when not in use.
The biggest benefit of an inverter generator lies in its ability to regulate voltage fluctuations and output clean energy, which makes them perfect for powering sensitive electronics like laptops or smart phones. Additionally, they typically have much lower levels of fuel emissions, making them environmentally friendly.
Inverter generators are best for campers, tailgaters and home backup power users who need a reliable energy source with minimal noise or emissions.
Benefits of Using an Inverter Generator
When it comes to choosing a generator, one of the biggest decisions you have to make is whether to choose an inverter generator or a regular generator. An inverter generator has a lot of benefits over its traditional counterpart. Let’s take a look at some of those benefits.
Quiet Performance
Inverter generators are much quieter than regular generators. This is due to their special type of insulation, which makes them great for camping trips, tailgating and other situations where it may not be advisable for your generator to make too much noise. The Generac Inverter Generator is designed with sound-dampening technology, so you can expect it to be exceptionally quiet – as quiet as 58 decibels – even when running on full load.
Fuel Efficiency
Inverter generators are also more fuel-efficient than regular generators, meaning they can run longer on the same amount of fuel compared to their traditional counterparts. By using advanced technology that adjusts engine speed in order to match current power demand and reduce fuel consumption, this Generac Inverter Generator can get up to 7 hours of run time on just one gallon of gas.
Clean Energy
Finally, an inverter generator produces clean power that’s safe enough for sensitive electronics like laptops and phones. It does this by converting raw energy from DC current into AC power and back again before releasing it into the device itself — sort of like an extra layer of protection from surges in power that could otherwise damage your electronics. At Generac, we guarantee our Inverter Generator will produce electricity as clean as what comes out of your wall outlets at home!
Operating Cost Comparison: Inverter vs Traditional Generator
When it comes to operating costs, an inverter generator has a clear advantage over traditional generators.
Fuel Efficiency
Inverter generators are designed to be much more fuel-efficient than regular generators. That’s because they’re able to automatically adjust the engine speed as the load on the generator changes. This means that you don’t use more fuel than is necessary—saving you money in the long-run.
Low Noise Levels
Inverter generators also have incredibly low noise levels — about a third of the noise generated by a regular generator. This leads to lower fuel consumption and shorter run-times, which can help save you money on fuel costs.
Maintenance Costs
Finally, inverter generators are much easier to maintain than traditional generators because they have fewer parts and require less maintenance overall. This translates into lower maintenance costs and less downtime — helping you save money on repairs and labor costs in the long run.
So, if you’re looking for an efficient way to generate power that doesn’t cost too much in terms of operating or maintenance costs, then an inverter generator is definitely worth considering. With Generac’s high quality inverter generator models, you can get the power you need while saving some money in the process!
Generator Noise Levels Comparison for Outdoors
If you’re selecting a generator for use outdoors, one of the most important things to consider is the noise level. Regular generators are much louder than inverter generators, as regular generators typically emit between 65 to 80 decibels—the same volume as a vacuum cleaner. That’s loud!
Inverter generators, on the other hand, are much quieter, thanks to their advanced technology. An inverter generator will typically produce between 45 and 60 decibels, which is about the same noise level as a quiet conversation or light rain.
Sound Quality
While both types of generators create a characteristic sound of their own, an inverter generator definitely has an edge when it comes to sound quality. The sound emitted by an inverter generator is considered “cleaner”, meaning it produces less vibration and eliminates disruptions in the power output. With this feature, you can rest assured that your music system won’t be interrupted while you’re enjoying your campfire outside.
Heat and Vibe Suppression
With regular generators, as soon as you start it up, there’s an instant vibration that can cause heat buildup in the internal housing—this isn’t great for your air conditioning or other sensitive equipment. Inverter generators have inverter technology and transformers that help manage heat and reduce vibration due to the fact that they generate AC power at lower speeds than regular generators do. This helps ensure gentle operation on all motors connected to your electricity supply – especially those sensitive ones like air conditioners or computers!
Maintenance and Service Considerations for Each Type
A key aspect to consider when deciding on a power generator is the service and maintenance that you’ll need to keep them running smoothly. Let’s take a look at the differences between maintenance and service considerations for an inverter generator vs regular generators.
Inverter Generator Maintenance
Inverter generators are designed with fewer parts, which means that they require less maintenance than typical generators. That said, manufacturer recommended lubrication, spark plug replacement and filter cleaning should be done at least once every season.
Regular Generator Maintenance
Regular generators tend to have more moving parts, so more frequent maintenance is required compared to inverter generators. Specifically, you should check the oil regularly (such as after every 20 hours of usage), keep it clean, inspect air cleaner elements at least annually and inspect the spark plugs twice a year. It’s also important to check the voltage output of your regular generator twice annually to make sure it’s operating optimally.
Both types of generator will require regular refueling and always remember to switch your generator off every time before refueling it!
Conclusion
Deciding between a Regular generator and an Inverter generator will largely depend on how and where you will be using it. Regular generators are often a better choice for industrial use and provide more power and run-time, while inverter generators are better for a variety of uses due to their portability, quiet operation and clean power.
No matter which type of generator you choose, you will want to make sure you purchase one from a reputable manufacturer such as Generac, to guarantee the best performance and the highest safety standards. Generac has a wide selection of both Regular and Inverter generators from which you can choose, so you’re sure to find the perfect generator for your needs.