Having a generator at home is the best solution during power outages, especially in an emergency or an unexpected event occurrence. To most people, the first thing that would come to mind is a fuel generator because it is more common and a cheaper option. But if you come to think of it, this type of generator has disadvantages. One is its harmful emissions and the loud noise that it produces which can be bothersome, especially in small spaces like apartments.
Related: Choosing a Gasless Generator for Camping, Off-Grid Living & Emergencies
Good thing, battery-operated generators were brought to this world! This provides a lot of benefits that are surely worth the money invested and is much safer to use. If you are interested in indoor generators, then you are on the right track. This article aims to give you helpful information before getting your generator at home.
Why do We Need an Indoor Generator as an Emergency Backup?
Let’s first identify why we need emergency power at home. Generally, it would protect our home appliances from damages caused by unexpected power interruptions, especially nowadays when working-at-home setups are becoming more prominent. Some generators have a UPS/EPS feature wherein they can automatically switch to a battery power supply in a short time, ensuring a stable power supply for your device during a blackout. Also, you can feel more comfortable at home because they can provide power to your important appliances such as cellphones, lights, and other necessary devices even when living off the grid.
In every household, there are appliances considered to be crucial. A great example is a refrigerator – an essential appliance that stores food and prolongs its shelf life. In places with hot weather, refrigerators allow us to have access to cold water that could freshen up ourselves. During the winter season, an electric heater would allow us to stay warm and feel more comfortable. Smart TVs at home, connected to your WiFi, entertain us which makes it a perfect pastime for every family! These appliances are all reliant on electricity, so imagine if a sudden power outage occurs – would you still be able to carry on with such activities?
This is where generators come in. Others might not consider it, but this can be a necessity for some people. If you are going to consider getting one, it would save you from losing a big amount of money because you can prevent food spoilage and let it last longer even when the power runs out. Furthermore, appliances such as smart TVs and WiFi routers would be protected from severe system damage caused by power interruptions.
What is an Indoor Generator?
An indoor generator is a power generator used at home that keeps your devices running when a blackout comes. It’s practical, especially for individuals who live in small apartments or condominiums. The indoor generator is in contrast to those generators that must be placed outside and exposed to the natural environment.
Preparing a backup generator for an emergency outage is inevitable, yet, most people’s first idea may leap to gas and diesel generator options when the topic of indoor generators comes up. Gasoline-powered generators do provide valuable power for your construction. But they are not always the best choice indoors.
By contrast, battery-powered indoor generators provide you with ample power needed to ensure your devices are properly worked and protected. They do not require gas or fuel and are mostly charged through solar panels. Usually, they give you a lot of advantages that would also be mentioned in this article.
Since battery-powered indoor generators are not powered by fuel, they do not produce harmful substances or loud noises. Thus, making them much safer and eco-friendly. Loud noises caused by gas or diesel-powered generators can become uncomfortable which will disturb your peace and relaxation so opting for a battery-powered indoor generator solves that problem.
How Does an Indoor Generator Work?
The soul of an indoor generator is its battery. An indoor generator can power electronic devices and appliances with the pre-stored energy in its battery. The higher the battery capacity, the longer you can use appliances connected to it. Your devices at home that are plugged into your generator will receive continuous energy until it depletes the battery capacity.
Generally, the indoor generator has a combination of AC plugs, DC plugs, and USB ports. These connections are pretty common and would be compatible with many devices. The great part is, it’s plug-and-play which means you can directly connect your devices to the various sockets of the generator. Hence, the indoor generator can accommodate multiple devices, depending on your needs.
Besides, there are also many ways to charge your generator, and these may be through a wall outlet, in your car, or with the use of solar panels.
Different Types of Indoor and Outdoor Generators
Generators may all have the same function; some generators are portable, but some must be placed in a permanent location. However, just like any other device, it also has different classifications. These are:
1. Gasoline Generators
Gasoline generators are pretty popular to many because gasoline is always accessible. However, during power outages, this may not be available since gasoline stations require electricity to pump so make sure you got some gas in store for emergency outages. They come in many sizes which can be applicable for businesses and residential. Unfortunately, gasoline generators are highly flammable and have high emissions which may pose risks to safety. If you are considering it for residential use, keep in mind that it produces loud noise that could be bothersome.
2. Diesel Generators
Diesel generators last longer compared to other types and are more durable. They can hold up the wear and tear process and can withstand different weather conditions. They operate well with heavy usage and are more efficient compared to gasoline generators. This means they can handle more loads or appliances and run for a longer period compared to gasoline generators. Nevertheless, they are not eco-friendly and emit hazardous fumes. Diesel generators are bulky and heavy which is not suitable for transporting, and their maintenance is costly.
3. Propane Generators
This type of generator requires gaseous or liquid propane. Like most natural gases, propane is highly combustible. When it is burned, it produces heat and energy which operates the motor of the generator to produce electricity. It produces fewer pollutants in our environment which makes it cleaner than diesel or gas generators. Unfortunately, propane generators may only power your appliances for a short period which is why they should only be used for essential loads.
4. Solar Generators
Solar generators work by converting energy from the sun through solar panels and then storing it in a battery. Because of that, they may not be reliable at all times since they are heavily dependent on sunlight. There are cases wherein the weather may be too cloudy, or the sun has a low intensity which happens during the wintertime. The good thing about this type is that sunlight is free energy which saves us from getting power from the grid. If you opt for an environmentally friendly type of generator, then this is the best one for you. This may be more expensive since it requires you to have solar panels set up but considering the impact it creates for the environment, it is worth it. It is safe indoors since it does not produce harmful emissions and requires no maintenance. This can also be used as backup power since electrical energy can be stored in its batteries.
Ideally, solar generators can be considered the most portable and versatile to use indoors or in apartments. Since the storage of fuel or gasoline is not required, they don't produce harmful emissions which makes them more eco-friendly, and convenient to use with low maintenance. Diesel, gasoline, and propane generators can be only placed outdoors due to their characteristics and safety reasons.
Related: Solar Generator VS Gas Generator
Advantages of Having Solar Generators at Home
Some people think that it’s not important to have a solar generator at home since it’s costly, but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. These advantages include:
- It can be used in small home spaces (apartments/condominiums) because of its compact size and portability. It is also quiet and not bothersome to the neighborhood.
- Since it is placed indoors, it can be used in all types of weather conditions, unlike other generators that have poor performance in extreme weather conditions.
- You don’t need to store fuel at home because it is battery-operated, and the batteries can be charged through solar panels. During announced or scheduled power outages, you still have time to prepare and charge the battery ahead of time to guarantee its usage.
- It does not emit harmful substances which makes it safe to use indoors.
- It is very portable that you can move it around your house. Also, if you do not have a permanent place, like a resident who only rents– transporting this device would not give you a hard time.
How to Choose the Best Indoor Generator?
It is important to know the type of generator you are going to use for your application – portability, and capacity are two things to consider. It is also recommended to think of priority loads or appliances that you would use during a blackout. A few guidelines in the article “Choosing the best indoor generator for your apartment and house” can aid in your decision-making to purchase your first indoor generator and help you save money.
What is the Best Indoor Generator?
Portable power stations have now become accessible through various manufacturers. They may be named in different terms, but they all have the same purpose. It is an important piece of equipment to keep our devices running during power interruptions. They give us more benefits compared to other types of generators. Not only do they help save money, time, and effort for maintenance, but they are also safe to use indoors.
The best generator that is worth your investment is INFINITY 1500 Portable Power Station. With its 1512Wh capacity & 2000W output, it can accommodate even large types of devices. It supports fast charging feature which takes just an hour to charge from 0 to 80% via a wall (AC) outlet and can operate for a long period. It also has a EPS(Emergency Power Supply) feature with a switch over time of less than 20ms to keep your devices from suddenly shutting off and has a smart app control that you can easily access for your convenience.
FAQ
Since the use of generators has become popular, there are common questions that arose circulating through the internet and other forums. Some of these are:
1. Can a generator be used indoors?
Most generators are used outdoors because they produce gases that are harmful to humans, but some are safe indoors like solar power generator, they are battery-operated generators and do not emit harmful fumes, so a non gas generator is an optimal choice for home power generation.
2. How much does an indoor generator cost?
An indoor generator’s cost depends on its capacity and features. Prices range from $200 to over $2000 with an average of $2000 which differs on how much load or appliances they can power. The features did add up to the cost as some are more advanced than the others such as having Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, or application monitoring through your cell phone.
3. Is it safe to use propane generators in an enclosed space?
No, this type of generator should only be placed outdoors because it runs by burning gaseous or liquid propane as fuel which is not safe to use in an enclosed space.
