Inverter Vs Traditional Generator

Protect Your Power

As a homeowner, you need a steady flow of electricity if you want to continue enjoying the convenience of your HVAC system, dishwasher, laundry machine, refrigerator, and electronic devices. A power outage can be even more of a nuisance if you are a business owner, potentially costing you thousands of dollars in lost revenue and spoiled foods. Fortunately, there are stopgaps and solutions to this common risk.

If you want to avoid power outages, then good luck. Though periodic electrical inspections and timely repairs make a great difference, a lot of the causes of power outages are out of our control. These causes range from storms and natural events to problems at the utility provider’s facility.

Your best bet is to beef up your insurance against power outages. Generators and backup generators offer great protection by filling the vacuum when the power goes out. Let’s go over two popular options: the traditional generator and the inverter generator.

The Traditional Generator

Conventional generators have been around for a long time. The machine uses a power source, such as diesel, gasoline, or propane, which powers a motor that is linked to an electricity-generating alternator. The motor’s rotations per minute determine the electrical output. As you can imagine, the traditional generator produces lots of noise and pollution.

The Inverter

The inverter also turns stored energy into usable electricity, but the inverter is not powered by fossil fuels like diesel and gasoline. Rather, the inverter’s power source is usually from batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and fuel cells. The inverter converts the "direct current" from these power sources to an "alternating current" which is safer for household appliances and electronics.

Choosing Between the Two

If you are stuck choosing between a traditional generator and an inverter, then consider the pros and cons of each. Everyone’s situation is different. A generator might work better for one person while the inverter is the superior option for others. Here are some things to consider.

The inverter is cleaner and easier to maintain than the traditional generator as the latter option burns fossil fuels for power. The inverter is also more quiet and generally starts up automatically if your main power shuts off. The generator, meanwhile, usually takes some time and effort to start up in the event of a power outage.

The conventional generator has one major advantage, and that is its power supply. Generators can create much more electricity than inverters, which is why they are the preferred option for commercial properties or houses with frequent and long power outages. Inverters are common in homes with short power cuts.

Need an Electrician?

If you live in the Fort Worth area and are considering a backup power supply for your property, then call Mr. Electric of Fort Worth to consult with a friendly representative. We are happy to schedule an appointment or have a qualified electrician dispatched to your location as soon as possible.