Whether you are planning for a sudden power blackout or an RV trip, having a backup power source gives peace of mind. However, there is always a question that pops up, inverter generator vs generator, which one is suitable for you?
Both of them serve the same underlying function. to give you power when you are off the grid or the power is out. However, they work in a different way and provide some benefits that are exclusive to your situation. With this guide, you will get to know the differences to be able to make the right choice for your home or for your RV.
How They Work
Traditional generators run with the use of fuel such as petrol or diesel and run an engine that produces alternating current (AC) electricity. The process is straight forward but not always stable. There are ups and downs in power, mainly due to the engine’s speed changes.
An inverter generator goes a step higher. It first produces AC power, it converts to DC (direct current) and finally converts to DC (Direct Current) back to steady AC electricity. This makes for much more uniform output, which is safer for touchy electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and medical gadgets.
Portability and Design
If you constantly move or travel with an RV, portability becomes an issue. Inverter generators are designed to be mobile. They are lighter and easier to carry or store them. A lot of them come with handles and they are also small and so can easily be carried while traveling or in a cramped space.
Conventional generators are larger and more massive. Although most of them are equipped with wheels, it is better for stationary or situations where they don’t have to relocate often, such as your backyard or frontage during an extended power outage.
Noise Level
Noise is an area where inverter generators are a cut above the rest. They can vary engine speed to the amount of power required therefore they are very much quieter than traditional models. Some are quiet enough for a camp ground or late night activities without disturbing any person nearby.
The old generators work at a fixed speed irrespective of what you are powering. This will make them noisy and that can be an issue if you are in quiet neighborhood or you are in the RV park.
Fuel Efficiency
Inverter generators are more fuel-efficient. They vary their power output based on the load attached, which simply means that they don’t burn excess fuel.
Traditional generators burn fuel at a constant speed, whether you’re powering a Rock concert or a tiny budgie. If you’re running only a few items, you may continue to burn through fuel rapidly, as the engine speed isn’t altered.
Power Output and Usage
If you are primarily interested in running heavy appliances such as refrigerators, sump pumps, and ACs, a conventional generator is the better option. They usually provide higher wattage and are designed for powering houses or big loads in the case of long blackouts.
Their size and design make inverter generators appropriate for handling light electric loads. They’re ideal for running essentials such as chargers, lights, fans, or small kitchen appliances. Some models allow you to connect two inverter units for higher power, but they still will not compete with a large traditional generator.
Clean Power for Electronics
Inverter generators make electricity that is nearly free from harmonic distortion, so they can be used safely with sensitive electronic equipment. Such tidy output can prevent devices from getting damaged or overheated, so many people prefer inverters when they have to charge phones, tablets, or laptops in the case of an outage.
As a consequence, these traditional generators aren’t always capable of producing steady power. Their output may surge or plunge, and that can creep up and eventually destroy electronic gadgets. This is not a problem for basic appliances or tools in most cases, but if it’s something delicate, it’s a risk.
Price and Maintenance
Traditional generators are cheaper to purchase. If you’re working under a budget and want raw power, they represent good value for money. Nevertheless, they would need routine servicing as we would also have to change the engine oil, filters or check the spark plugs.
Initially, inverter generators are costly, but it is cheaper to maintain and operate in the long term. Their low-noise operation and fuel economy also contribute to the total of these sailboats, particularly in the case of frequent users.
The Bottom Line
Therefore, when it comes to a generator vs an inverter generator, which one should you take? You would want to go for an inverter generator if what you fancy is quiet working, portability, fuel efficiency, and a safe way to power your electronics. It is particularly excellent for trips in an RV, outdoor use, or mild emergency purposes.
But, only if you want to be able to power several heavy-duty appliances or backup your entire house in a large power outage, would a traditional generator bring you the extra wattage and longer runtime that you are looking for. The choice varies explicitly based on your taste in lifestyle and power needs. Once you are sure what you will be doing with the generator, choosing between them can be very easy.
