Are inverter generators worth the higher price?

yahoo ^ | 7-2-14 | Ed Perratore

[TurboZamboni]

There’s nothing like the approach of a possible hurricane, such as this season's first named storm, Tropical Storm Arthur, to get everyone in its expected path thinking about generators. But for some prospective buyers, the noise and the quality of power that a portable generator supplies is a turn-off. That’s where an inverter model comes in. Using new technology, inverter generators deliver cleaner power and are typically quieter, lighter, and more energy efficient. But as Consumer Reports is learning in its ongoing generator tests, not every inverter generator is worth the 100-to-200-percent premium you’ll pay over the usual cost of a conventional portable.

We haven’t yet completed testing of the Honda EU7000is, Kipor Sinemaster IG6000h, and Yamaha EF6300iSDE. But limited testing has shown us that sometimes it’s features other than wattage and connection options that make a generator worth having.

Honda EU7000is. At $4,000, this is the most expensive of the three inverter generators we’re testing. But for usability, so far this one comes out on top.

[TexasRepublic]

“No hurricans here in MN, but power outages due to cable cuts,winter snows, and tornadoes .”

“Not sure I’d ever recoup my investment.”

Spending a few days shivering in the dark might put a new perspective on “investments”. You sound more apt to need a generator than I do.

[Lurkina.n.Learnin]

Heat. Anything that generates heat is high load.

[TurboZamboni]

oil lamps and wood stove backup.

[familyop]

Thanks for the news on inverter generators. I’ll comment here on something related but different before talking about generators later in this same comment.

Here’s something that I happened to be looking at lately. One of the best things to do for saving energy—disaster or not—is to replace flourescent and other lighting with LED lighting. Products for LED replacement fixtures and lights are very available through the Internet now.

There are also low cost LED replacements for those willing to search enough, even for RVs. Flourescent lighting is a costly choice with short times before failures for extremely cold climates, BTW. LED lighting with luminescence comparable to flourescent lighting will use as little as 1/3 of the wattage (remember ballasts).

For RV Lighting (DC/battery)
http://howtorvgeeks.com/

That said, a little study of products is recommended before buying LED replacement lighting. There are different kinds of LEDs and arrangements of LEDs in various products. Some LED products (dimmer-compatible) work with dimmers (LED compatible) that are made specially for LED lighting.

The news about inverter generators spurred a look at a catalog here. Harbor Freight has a 2200-watt (2500 surge) inverter generator for $500. It would be great for anyone who doesn’t need air conditioning, electric range, electric dryer, forced-air/electric heating or to pump water from a deep well. For those who would object to the brand, China makes Hondas now, too, BTW. ;-)

For a suburban power outage for a few days after a hurricane, a generator is probably the way to go. For a house away from the power grid in a cold climate, PV solar works far better except for welding and some of the appliances mentioned above. Arc welding, for example, requires at least over 8,000 watts from a generator. Flux wire welding, not so much (about 5,000 watts or more).

It’s a toss-up for deep water well pumps between diesel generators and small PV solar power plants with slow pumps and cisterns (instead of batteries). Between a quarter-gallon and half-gallon of diesel fuel for a 1/2 HP pump, give or take, will fill a smaller cistern (smaller being smarter for preventing health problems). Once every few days—not bad. Someone who knows what they’re doing can muffle generator noise very effectively (acoustic insulation and intake, exhaust, engine cooling ventilation).

A PV solar plant with a slow pump and cistern is completely quiet and prevents any need to mess with pumping water at all. The only problem with it would be cost for extra PV modules and larger cisterns (instead of batteries) for those in very cloudy areas. There are also DC chest freezers made for much more efficient use with PV solar plants.

All stuff for off-grid applications or much more elaborate applications for suburban power outages.

But for hurricanes, generators are king. Add some golf cart batteries (good for solar, too), a great, smart battery charger and a good inverter for stored, quiet power—great with very energy-efficient appliances (like LED lighting).

[familyop]

MN? Have a look at these, if you haven’t already seen them.

rocket stove mass heater
http://www.richsoil.com/rocket-stove-mass-heater.jsp

$2K Solar Space + Water Heating — One Simple DIY System
http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SpaceHeating/DHWplusSpace/Main.htm

[exit82]

http://www.steven1234.com/#sthash.4LMOFFcD.dpbs

Good source of info on generators and emergency preparedness.

[texas booster]

bttt

[bgill]

What would be a good cheap efficient model/brand if you only cared about keeping the freezer running? I’d alternate power between the freezer and fridge until the fridge was empty. Also, switch it over to the microwave for quick meal cooking. From charts, the microwave pulls the most 925 watts, a fridge at 725, and freezer at 600. Order of need is #1 fuel efficiency, #2 cost, #3 ease of maintenance and reliability over the long haul and #4 noise.

A big plasma tv during any outage wouldn’t even make it onto my list.

[nascarnation]

Good post, and speaks to the heart of the logistics problem when gasoline is not readily available.

[bgill]

What do you think of solar powered generators. In TX, we mainly rely on gasoline and, as you said, the pumps won’t be working.

[Vendome]

Thnx

[doorgunner69]

Never had to use my Honda Eu2000i in an emergency yet, but good to know it is there. I picked it as one I can easily pick up and move it needed. The bigger stuff was just too cumbersome if the spot I needed portable power moved and I did not want 100' extension cords laying about.

Diligence on starting it every other month is a habit I should be better about.

[RandallFlagg]

I didn’t even know that they made those. Thanks.

[doorgunner69]

"For those who would object to the brand, China makes Hondas now, too"

Maybe now, but the one I bought five years ago clearly states made in Japan.

[Texas resident]

I have a Honda 3000 watt inverter unit. After Ike, we got by on two tank loads of gas over about a week. The unit has a eco setting that throttles it down when it is not under a load, extending the run time on the gas tank. Got about two days per tank load. I would run it for about 6 hours, then shut if off for 6. Kept out fridge/freezer going and making ice. Used a bucket of ice under a fan to pump cold air to the ceiling. Made primitive AC. Worked well. While my neighbors were trying to sleep while sweating, we were comfortable. I stocked up 5 gas cans before the storm, and only used 3. It is pricey, but you get what you pay for. And I do use it for power tools and to run a fan in my shop. Also it is a good idea to put some fuel stabilizer in the tank to keep the gas from gunking up.

I bought it in 2005 and have gotten a lot of use out of it.

[x_plus_one]

ping

[TEXOKIE]

bttt

[bgill]

What sized gas tanks?

Thanks.

[Squantos]

Good info ..... Stay safe !

[Tainan]

Thank ya FamilyOp.
Appreciate your input.