Originally Posted By: IndyIan
I would never have guessed that the 3600rpm generators ever get close to the inverter models in efficiency except at full load. I guess our usage with an EF3000is has been mostly intermittent loads like the fridge and freezer, which are off probably 75% of the time, or in construction projects where its unloaded 95% of the time, so I guess that's where it shines and seems to sip fuel. We have no real constant loads at our house except the window AC, but that's pretty optional really.
I don't even really bother to keep a specific jug of gas for the generator as you can keep the fridge and freezer cold running the generator for 2 hours, two or three times a day, and in that usage a gallon of gas last for a couple days.
That's the thing, they are advertised as more efficient. However, here in FL, where you WILL be running high loads all day, multiple AC units, or central AC, or water heater, inverter units lose the advantage.
I neglected to mention, if you are just running a fridge and a few lights, (or similar) inverter generators are absolutely the way to go. Clean power, quiet, and very low fuel burn during periods of minimal draw.
Please don't think I don't like 'em, I do and I own one. I also have a Listeroid 6/1 (and a 20/2) and it's (the 6/1) the ideal "disaster" generator. VERY Low fuel consumption, easy to fix and 4400W under max load. It will run my entire house. This is the exact one I have.
I would never have guessed that the 3600rpm generators ever get close to the inverter models in efficiency except at full load. I guess our usage with an EF3000is has been mostly intermittent loads like the fridge and freezer, which are off probably 75% of the time, or in construction projects where its unloaded 95% of the time, so I guess that's where it shines and seems to sip fuel. We have no real constant loads at our house except the window AC, but that's pretty optional really.
I don't even really bother to keep a specific jug of gas for the generator as you can keep the fridge and freezer cold running the generator for 2 hours, two or three times a day, and in that usage a gallon of gas last for a couple days.
That's the thing, they are advertised as more efficient. However, here in FL, where you WILL be running high loads all day, multiple AC units, or central AC, or water heater, inverter units lose the advantage.
I neglected to mention, if you are just running a fridge and a few lights, (or similar) inverter generators are absolutely the way to go. Clean power, quiet, and very low fuel burn during periods of minimal draw.
Please don't think I don't like 'em, I do and I own one. I also have a Listeroid 6/1 (and a 20/2) and it's (the 6/1) the ideal "disaster" generator. VERY Low fuel consumption, easy to fix and 4400W under max load. It will run my entire house. This is the exact one I have.