The Energizer eZV2800 (2800W) inverter generator exemplifies a big step forward for Energizer as they expand their current lineup of generators and it shows their commitment to creating professional-grade inverter generators with great features and yet remain very affordable.
Price is always a concern for most people when deciding on what to purchase and the Energizer eZV2800 is one of the best inverter generators for the money, providing enough power to handle a broad range of applications. We review and discuss four generators in the eZV series to help you decide which model is right for you.
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Energizer eZV2800 & Friends
In this article we’ll be reviewing these four Energizer inverter generators; all from the fantastic Energizer eZV series:
- Energizer eZV2800 / 2600W/2800W — 5.8 hours @ 75% load
- 150cc (5.3 hp)
- Energizer eZV2200 / 2000W/2200W — 6.5 hours @ 75% load
- 125cc (4.0 hp)
- Energizer eZV2000P / 1600W/2000W — 11.5 hours @ 25% load / 4.2 hrs. @ 100%
- 79cc (2.7 hp)
- Energizer eZV3200 / 2800W/3200W — 6.0 hours @ 75% load
- 208cc (6 hp)
All of these Energizer generators produce clean power enabling them to safely run all of your sensitive electronics; in fact, they produce power cleaner than what you get from your home electrical outlet.
Energizer EZV2800 | RV Ready | Enjoy the great outdoors
Don’t worry, we explain everything you need to know about why these inverter generators are worth the extra cost over traditional gas generators. There is a difference. We tell you the facts so you can make up your own mind.
Energizer eZV2800 (eZV Series) | Excellent Value for your Money
So many of us use portable generators for a variety of purposes. Outdoor enthusiasts who still want to experience a reasonable degree of home comforts when camping or yachting, use a portable generator to power a few essential appliances and keep batteries charged.
Contractors, farmers and others who need to do work far from a power outlet rely on generators to supply power for their tools and machinery. Then there are those who want to keep a few things powered up around the home when the grid power fails but don’t want to incur the expense of a large backup generator.
Up until recent times, generator power has been problematic in that the current they provide is not very stable. Changes in power demand affect the output of the generator. Harmonic distortion (HD) occurs when the voltage or frequency of an AC power generator fluctuates. This is a distortion in the sine wave and it affects all electrical appliances.
Video | eZV Energizer Series Overview | Buy from Amazon
Heating equipment and electric motors are the least affected by HD. An electric motor or resistance heater will be less efficient and an electric motor will generate more heat when the current is unstable. Where clean power with low HD is critical, is when it comes to the functioning of electric equipment that uses a microprocessor.
Electronic equipment will not always function properly when the power source has a high level of HD. Furthermore, the excessive heat generated by the unstable current causes long-term damage to sensitive electronic equipment.
Just about all modern appliances use some form of microprocessor and this has brought about the need for a cleaner power source when using a generator. Our reliance on sensitive electronic equipment has led to the development of inverter generators. These generators convert the AC current from the generator’s alternator into DC current that is easier to control. An inverter then converts the power back into alternating current. The sine wave produced by a sophisticated modern inverter is very clean with less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). This is a better sine wave than one will get from the grid.
Less Powerful & Cheaper Model | Energizer EZV2200
Because inverter generators use the latest engine technology and power-saving electronics, they require less fuel to run. If you add to this, the fact that clean power with a low HD will result in a more efficient power consumption by your appliances (up to 25%), you will save a lot on fuel and get better time from a tank of gas when using an inverter generator.
The problem with inverter generators is that they tend to be quite expensive and many people are reluctant to spend the extra cash on the new technology. The fact is that the damage to your electronic equipment can become costly over time. To help you, we’ve searched for an inverter generators that won’t cost you an arm and a leg but still offer you a reliable machine that will provide you with clean power and won’t damage your sensitive electronics.
This has led us to the Energizer eZV range. They combine the fuel efficiency and low HD benefits of inverter technology with a price that puts them in a range that makes them very attractive. We’ll focus mainly on the Energizer eZV2800 because it offers a good deal of power and is still very affordable.
This is an inverter generator that makes for a perfect middle ground between affordability and power delivery. You will find many that are cheaper than the Energizer eZV2800, but in terms of power output and general quality, it won’t be easy to beat this one.
Energizer eZV2800 | Inverter
4-Stroke gas (150 cc / 5.3 hp) inverter generator, 2600 Running Watts, 2800 Starting Watts, Quiet, with Electric Start — CARB approved. Thoughtful design, wonderful set of practical features and affordably priced.
Ideal for a variety of uses, such as : Light Duty Construction Projects, Household Maintenance Projects, Complete Household Emergency Backup Power, RV Backup Power. Enough power to handle a wide range of situations and activities.
Features:
- Power : 2800W Starting / 2600W Running
- Motor : 150cc / 5.3 hp
- Push button electric start (battery included)
- Fuel Capacity : 7L (1.85Gal) fuel tank and gravity fed fuel system for more fuel capacity combined with an ECO-mode switch; allows you to run it all night and into the morning. Gravity fed fuel system means no priming is needed
- Eco Throttle: Automatic throttle control
- At a typical electrical load of 1500 watts (75% of max capacity) the run time is 5.8 hours.
- At a light electrical load of 500 watts (25% of max capacity) the run time is 11.7 hours.
- Quiet : 64dBA (at 75% load)
- Engine Protection: Automatic Low Oil Shutdown
- Battery Charging Cable Included
- Carb Approved: For sale in California
- Easy maintenance. Designed from scratch so the internal generator components are accessible.
- Integrated RV 120-Volt 21.6A (30A-type) socket. Well suited for RV camping, hunting, traveling and emergency power, without the need for additional adapters.
- Two 120-Volt 20A sockets, 12-Volt 21.6A RV socket, USB charging port for portable electronics and 12V battery charging socket (battery charging cables included)
- Five-step installation will have your portable inverter generator up and running in less than 5 minutes.
- Handle length and height keeps the portable generator at a safe angle while transporting.
- Durable metal frame with heavy duty abs components. Sturdy rubber wheels for all weather and terrain.
- Weight : 70.5 lbs.
- **Wheel kit sold separately : INVEZIWLKT1D
- Telescopic handle packs making the portable generator easy to store and transport while traveling.
- 2 year limited warranty
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Energizer eZV2800.
**NOTE : We highly recommend purchasing the wheel kit for the Energizer eZV2800 so you can easily move it around wherever you go. In all honesty, we wish Energizer integrated wheels into the design as other brands have done, such as the Briggs & Stratton P3000. Either way, spend the few extra dollars and get the wheel kit. You won’t regret it. Trust me on this one.
As you’ll see later, the Energizer eZV3200 has an integrated wheel kit, and incidentally, it’s also the most powerful of the eZV inverters.
Overview | Energizer eZV2800
If you compare the price of the Energizer eZV2800 with similarly sized inverter generators, it’s a very reasonable option. It’s certainly not the cheapest but still far removed from the high-priced options. When you consider the features, low running costs and build quality of this generator, you’ll find that it will be money well spent.
The benefit of inverter technology has already been explained and this alone is a good reason to take the Energizer eZV2800 seriously. Offering a near perfect sine wave, this inverter generator supplies clean power that won’t cause any harm to your computers, TVs and all the other modern appliances that we use these days that make use of electronic controls.
As one of the most fuel efficient generators on the market, your long term savings will speak themselves. It has a large fuel tank for a generator this size, holding 7L (1.85 gallons). By making use of an eco-mode that controls the engine revs, the fuel efficient 150cc single cylinder, OHV, four-stroke engine will give you exceptional run time on a tank of gas. At 75%, meaning a power consumption of close on 2KW, you’ll get 5.8 hours from a tank of fuel.
Video | Maintenance of the Energizer eZV2800 (eZV series)
The running wattage of 2600W and peak power of 2800W gives you enough power to run most household appliances with the extra capacity to provide a power boost when high-current devices start up. You’ll easily run a room air conditioner and still have enough power for lights, a TV, and quite a few other appliances. It’s ideal for a mid-sized RV or even a backup generator for the home if you want to keep the essentials running.
The Energizer eZV2800 is designed for maximum ease of use and user options. Electric start is a big benefit, starting the generator in cold weather won’t be a problem. You have a good selection of power outlets, all with overload circuit breaker protection. Two standard 120V 20A power sockets are provided for plugging standard items directly into the generator.
Full Control Panel of the Energizer eZV2800 | from the manual
It also has a 30A 120V socket for RVs or running directly into your house wiring through a transfer switch. If you need to charge batteries or run 12V equipment, there’s a 12V outlet and a battery charging cable with alligator clips is supplied. It also has a USB outlet that will supply power for charging phones, tablets and other USB devices.
Taking the Energizer eZV2800 where ever you go, is no hassle. It’s very light, weighing only 35 KG (77.2 LBS). Carrying the machine is made easy with well-positioned, ergonomically designed handles that are placed to make it easy for either one or two people to carry it. Considering that this is a 2800W generator its size and weight is exceptional.
Measurements for the Energizer eZV2800 are 13.8” X 20.1” X 22.2”. Being very portable makes it ideal for camping trips and contractors who will be transporting the generator regularly. If you think that it may be a bit heavy to carry, there is an option of a wheel kit that will make it very easy to move around.
Generators can often be an irritation when it comes to noise and models providing a high power output can be exceptionally noisy. This is not the case with the Energizer eZV2800 . Campers and home users will be glad to know that it produces a noise level of 65dB when standing 7M (23 FT) away. Using a short extension cord, you can have easy access to the generator and still conduct a normal conversation or watch TV without raising your voice or turning up the volume. This is thanks to the latest engine and muffler designed combined with excellent sound insulation.
Now, once you’ve considered all these benefits and take into account the design and build quality of Energizer eZV2800, along with a 2-year warranty, you can see why we recommend it so highly. This opinion is echoed by the many people who have been using the machine for some time. I really can’t find anyone who has a bad word to say about the Energizer eZV2800 . In fact, the only negative comments that I’ve heard is that it is heavier than some expected it to be. I don’t think it’s particularly heavy for a machine of this power but if this is a problem, there’s always the option of using the wheel kit.
Tech Specs (Energizer eZV2800):
- Start Method : Electric Start / Manual Recoil
- Power Delivery : ECO Throttle AVR
- Fuel/Capacity : 1 Unleaded Gasoline / 7.0L
- Panel Outlets :
- 2 x 120V 20A AC sockets
- 1 x 120V 30A RV socket
- 1 x 12V DC
- 1 x 5A USB port
- Running Time : 5.8 hours (75% load)
- Weight : 70.5 lbs.
- Warranty : 2 Years — (1st year : parts and labor / 2nd year : parts only)
The Energizer eZV2800 is a welcome addition to an already crowded inverter generator market; adding fantastic value to consumers while integrating a great set of features that are practical and useful to consumers. This is one of the best inverter generators on the market.
As you’ll see later in the article, Energizer is expanding their lineup with more powerful inverter generators such as the Energizer eZV3200 (3200W with remote); which we review later.
I certainly hope Energizer continues to evolve their generator lineup as it compliments their core business focus. The eZV line of generators deserves more recognition from consumers. I think that more advertising and marketing from Energizer will provide a huge boost to their brand, especially because so many people already know and use Energizer batteries but Energizer generators are not yet a household item. In time I’m sure they will be.
Energizer eZV2200 | 2200W Inverter
Designed to power everyday gadgets and sensitive electronics during camping trips, hunting, traveling, tailgating, and light jobs around the house.Great to have on those nights when the power goes out. Highly practical and affordable.
Features:
- Watts: 2200W Starting / 2000W Running
- Engine: 125cc / 4 hp
- Start: Manual Recoil
- Smart Power: Clean power suitable for electronic devices and equipment
- Running Time: 14.3 Hrs (25% load), 6.5 Hrs (76% load)
- Eco Throttle: Automatic throttle control
- Outlets: 2x 120V 20A AC Sockets, 1x 12V DC Socket, 1x 5A USB Port
- Fuel Capacity: 7L (1.85Gal)
- Carb Approved: For sale in California
- Quiet Running: 61 dB (at 75% load)
- Light Weight: 70.5 lbs (32kg)
- Engine Protection: Automatic Low Oil Shutdown
- Two 120V receptacles, one 12V DC receptacle and one USB port for easy charging of your electronic devices.
- Enjoy over 6 hours of continuous uninterrupted run time at 75% load.
- Smart power technology enables you to safely power your sensitive electronic devices such as your laptop, smartphone or tablet.
- Whisper quiet at only 64 dBA from 7m away…your neighbors will love you for it.
- Eco-mode throttle automatically adjusts your portable inverter generator to maximize fuel consumption to run longer.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Energizer eZV2800.
Overview | Energizer eZV2200
If the Energizer eZV2800 seems a bit too large and heavy for you, you may want to consider the Energizer eZV2200. It’s also an inverter generator that provides the same clean power as the Energizer eZV2800 but it’s just about 6 lbs. (3 kg) lighter). With the wheel kit, it doesn’t really matter. As we stated earlier, the wheel kit is essential and also available for the eZV2200 inverter —Energizer INVEZIWLKT1D (wheel kit)
Now, Let’s discuss the other key differences between the eZV models.
Video | Getting Started | What you Need to Know — Energizer eZV series
The weight difference comes at the sacrifice of power output. This is a smaller, less powerful machine, though not by much. It uses a 125cc four-stroke, OHV engine that delivers 2000W running power and 2200W peak power. Using the same size fuel tank, with equal fuel saving technology means that the smaller model will give you better running time than the Energizer eZV2800 .
With this generator, you’ll get and incredible 6.5 hours from a tank of gas at 75% load. With this power, you’ll still be able to run a small AC unit, but will be slightly limited as to what else you can run along side it.
Your user functions are very similar to the Energizer eZV2800 . The Energizer eZV2200 doesn’t have an electric starter, however. This is one of the sacrifices you’ll have to make if you want this lighter, cheaper generator. It also doesn’t have the 30A RV power outlet, it simply doesn’t provide enough current to warrant the extra socket. It does have two 20A 120V outlets, protected by a circuit breaker for overload. It also has the same 12V outlet with battery cable and a USB outlet. The noise level is a little lower at 64dB from the same distance.
If you don’t need all the power of the Energizer eZV2800 , want to save some money and have a more portable machine, the Energizer eZV2200 is a perfect alternative. It looks basically the same as its larger cousin and is of the same build quality with the same 2-year warranty.
Tech Specs (Energizer eZV2200):
- Power : 2200W Starting / 2000W Running
- Motor : 125cc / 4.0 hp
- Start Method : Manual Recoil
- Power Delivery : ECOThrottle AVR
- Fuel/Capacity : 91 Unleaded Gasoline / 7.0L
- Panel Outlets :
- 2 x 120V 20A AC sockets
- 1 x 12V DC socket
- 1 x 5 Amp USB port
- Running Time : 6.5 hours (75% load)
- Weight : 77 lbs.
Energizer eZV2000P | Inverter Generator
2000W/1600W Gas (79cc) Powered Portable Inverter Generator with Parallel Capability.
Ideal for : Camping trips, tailgating, hunting, traveling, and jobs around the house or workplace.
Features:
- Clean Power : 2000 watts starting / 1600 watts running — Safely power all your sensitive electronic equipment.
- Parallel power. A newly designed single-outlet parallel port makes connecting two ezv-series portable generators easy. Parallel cable Sold Separately, twist-lock and RV outlets available. Parallel Kit Cable > Energizer IGPCL530
- Quiet running volume : 56 dB (75% load at 7 meter distance from generator) — quieter than your average conversation.
- Engine: 79cc / 2.7 hp
- Start: Manual Recoil
- Run time. At an electrical load of 1600 watts (100% of max capacity) the run time is 4.2 hours. At an electrical load of 400 watts (25% of max capacity) the run time is 11.5 hours.
- Quiet : Low running volume at Only 56 dB (75% load at 7M) Quieter than your average conversation.
- Outlets : 2x : 120V (13.3A) / 1x : 12V 5A DC / 1x : Parallel Port
- CARB Approved – Legal for sale in California
- Sound Operation: 52 dBA (25% load); 60 dBA (100% load)
- Weight: 51.7 lbs.
- 3-year warranty
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Energizer eZV2000P.
Overview | Energizer eZV2000P
Still want something smaller? Then you should take a look at the Energizer eZV2000P. It’s very light, only 44LBS. Its design is different to the larger Energizer eZV2800 and eZV2200 models. Being so small, it’s easy to carry with one hand with dimensions of 17.5” X 11” X 20.1”. The more compact and lightweight design incorporates a comfortable carrying handle that makes it very easy to lift and carry by one person.
Double your Power (or more) by Connecting two eZV Generators
Along with this smaller size comes reduced capacity, 1600W continuous power and 2000W peak power, with all the benefits that come with inverter technology. To make it more compact, the gas tank is also smaller than the others and you can expect around 5 hours of usage from a tank of gas at 75% load.
Where the Energizer eZV2000P beats the other two that we looked at so far, is in its parallel connection port. This means that you can couple it with a second Energizer with the same parallel ports to increase its power output. When two or more generators are connected in parallel, the sine waves of the respective generators are synchronized so they can function as one.
This means that you’ll get a final output equal to that of the combined wattage of all the generators connected in parallel. So you aren’t really limited by the lower wattage produced by this generator as you can increase this as needed. This versatility is great.
Well-designed Control Panel by Energizer | eZV2000P
Unlike the Energizer eZV2800 and 2200, this one doesn’t have a USB port. It does have a standard 12V outlet and two 20A 120V outlets, protected by circuit breakers for overload. The 120V sockets have a flip down cover that protects them from moisture and dust, perfect for outdoor use. It also has the benefit of an eco-mode that will add to its fuel efficiency and is very quiet – 56dB at 23FT.
If you’re looking for one of the most portable inverter generators available with the added benefit of parallel connectivity that allows you to step up your power output as needed, the Energizer eZV2000P is an excellent option. It’s well built with top of the line technology.
Tech Specs (Energizer eZV2000P):
- Power : 2000W Starting / 1600W Running
- Motor : 79cc / 2.7 hp
- Start Method : Recoil
- Power Delivery : EcoMode AVR
- Fuel/Capacity : 3.8 L / 91 Unleaded Gasoline
Panel Outlets :- 2x : 120V (13.3A)
- 1x : 12V 5A DC
- 1x : Parallel Port
- Running Time : 11.5 hours (25% load) / 4.2 hours (100% load)
- Weight : 44 lbs
Energizer eZV3200 | w/ Remote Control
3200W starting / 2800W Running : with Electric/Remote Start, CARB compliant, 208 cc (6 hp).
Professional quality Energizer inverter generator engineered with a wonderful (and convenient) features, such as a remote control, electric start, a digital multi-function display, automatic throttle, automatic choke, integrated folding handle and wheel kit, threadless metal fuel cap, and covered outlets.
Features:
- Remote control Included. Start and shutdown your portable generator at your convenience from afar while camping, tailgating and working
- Large fuel capacity. A large 7.4L tank with a gravity-fed fuel system requires no priming and is easy for anyone to start
- Integrated wheel kit for easy transportation.
- Quiet running volume. An extremely quiet generator at only 60 dBA running at 100% load. The sound level of a conversation
- Economy mode. With the eco-mode activated you can converse your fuel consumption and extend the run time of your portable inverter generator
- *Parallel port only available on the Energizer eZV3200P (P=Parallel)
- Outlets: 2X 120V 20A outlets / 1X 12V 5A DC outlet / 1X 120V 23.3A twist lock outlet
- Warranty : 3 Years / 1st year = parts and labor. 2nd and 3rd year = Parts Only
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Energizer eZV3200.
Overview | Energizer eZV3200
So far our main focus has been on portability and affordability. If all of these generators seem on the small side and you’d prefer something that can provide the kilowatts needed to run more, the Energizer eZV3200 is one of the more powerful inverter generators that you’ll find.
Video | Introducing the Streamlines Energizer eZV3200
As it’s the most powerful of these inverter generators, it’s obviously more expensive. For the extra money, you’ll get much more than just a very powerful generator. The Energizer eZV3200 has a list of advanced features that will make your life a lot easier. One of which is remote starting.
It has a remote control that enables you to start the generator or switch it off from a good distance. This means no going out in foul weather to switch it on or stumble out in the dark when it’s time to switch it off. Starting, whether done remotely or at the machine is made even easier with an automatic choke. With both an electric and a recoil starter, it’s effortless to get going and even when the battery runs flat, you’re able to start it.
To provide the 2800 running watts and 3200W peak power output, the Energizer eZV3200 uses a 208cc 6HP engine that runs incredibly efficiently and quietly, with the inclusion of an eco-mode that controls the engine revs to meet output demand, further increasing its quietness and fuel efficiency. This means that the 7.4L (1.95 gallons) will keep the generator running for 6 hours at a constant 75% load.
With a varying load under normal use and the eco-mode selected, you can easily run it for 8 or more hours without refueling. It’s also very easy to refuel with a threadless metal fuel cap. Thanks to the exceptionally quiet engine, advanced sound insulation, and the variable throttle, sound levels can be as low as 52dB at around 20% load and won’t exceed 60dB when running at full power – this is with the generator about 20 feet away.
Outlets : 2x 120V 20A / 1x 12V 5A DC / 1x 120V 23.3A twist lock
One would expect a generator of this size to be heavy and difficult to transport. The Energizer eZV3200 is surprisingly light for its size (90.3 LBS). It’s not too bulky either, measuring 17.3” X 16.5” X 22.7”. An integrated wheel kit and a long extended handle make it very easy to move the generator about. The handle folds away to make it much more compact when storing or transporting in a vehicle. A very neat, practical and attractive design.
The control panel is well laid out and includes an LCD display. It provides all the outlets that you’d expect to find – two 20A 120V outlets, a 30A twist-lock RV outlet and a 12V outlet for battery charging. All the power outlets are protected by overload breakers and the 120V power sockets have covers for extra safety, great for moist or dusty conditions.
The Energizer eZV3200 is a very powerful inverter generator that will provide clean power in abundance for home, camping or business use. Like all the Energizer products in this review, it’s built to the highest quality standards and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. For the first year the warranty covers both parts and labor, thereafter it’s only the parts that are covered by the warranty.
Major Components of the Energizer eZV3200 Inverter Generator
Tech Specs (Energizer eZV3200):
- Wattage : 3200W Peak / 2800W Rated
- Motor : 208cc / 6 hp
- Start Method : Remote, Electric and Manual Recoil
- Power Delivery : EcoMode AVR
- Fuel/Capacity : 91 Unleaded Gasoline / 7.4L
- Panel Outlets
- 2x 120V 20A socket
- 1x 12V 5A DC socket
- 1x 120V 23.3A twist lock socket
- Running Time : 6.0 hours (75% load)
- Shipping Weight : 48 lbs.
Additional Resources
Learn more about these innovative Energizer eZV generators by visiting their dedicated site. We do our best to communicate the facts to our readers. We spend countless hours doing all the research and organizing it for you so you don’t have to. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but if you’re looking for an affordable inverter generator for a wide range of applications then you’ll be wise to choose one of these Energizer inverter generators.
Energizer has put together an excellent resource for their customers, including this helpful online tool that allows you to determine the right size generator for your needs. Visit the Energizer generator calculator and try it for yourself.
Is an inverter generator worth the extra cost?
Even though the Energizer eZV2800 is a very cost effective option when compared to similar inverter generators, it’s still more expensive than buying a standard generator with same specs but doesn’t make use of inverter technology. So, are you spending your money wisely by choosing the inverter option?
This will depend mostly on how much you use the generator. Are you going to use it often enough to justify the extra cost? If you’re looking at the benefit of clean power, in other words, low HD pure sine wave inverter supplied electricity, you need to consider the wear on your electronic equipment.
To put this into a scenario that’s easier to understand, think about driving a car on a gravel road. Driving a car on bad roads will cause a certain amount of damage, dust and vibrations will affect any car, no matter how careful you are. If you only drive your car very occasionally on bad roads, the cumulative damage won’t be too great. If you do it too often, your car won’t last very long and you may consider a tough SUV or pickup.
In the same way, HD causes a small amount of damage to electronic equipment every time you use a generator without an inverter. In some cases (though rare) the equipment won’t function at all if the HD is too severe. So, basically, if you’re using a generator quite regularly, it’s most definitely better to get an inverter generator.
We depend heavily on electronics these days, a lot of equipment that you wouldn’t think makes use of electronics do, in fact, use some form of electronic circuitry. Replacing all these items because of unnecessary damage is an out and out waste of money.
When it comes to operating costs, inverter generators can easily pay for themselves. Again, these savings will be more apparent, the more you use the generator. Efficient energy technology and a variable throttle means that the generator will use about 20%-30% less fuel during normal operation. Clean power reduces the amount of electricity that an appliance uses, this can be anything from 10%-25% saving on electricity.
With an average usage, you’ll probably save about 20%-50% on fuel with an inverter generator. If you’re only using the generator for short periods and not too often, these savings may only be a few dollars a year. So if you don’t use the generator much, this saving won’t have a great impact. Though for most users, your fuel saving could amount to more than $50 a year. In this case, it won’t take very long to recover the extra cost of buying a more expensive generator, just on the fuel savings alone.
Maintaining an inverter generator is the same as any other. The inverter, itself doesn’t require any maintenance. An inverter is very robust and the chances of it needing repairs are slight. So you have the standard maintenance costs of replacing spark plugs, filters, and oil. If anything, the inverter will reduce your maintenance costs and extend the life of the generator. The inverter monitors and controls the power output, protecting the generator’s alternator from any damage. Because the inverter allows for the use of a smart throttle that reduces the engine speed when the load drops, there’s much less wear on the engine. In the end, this results in long-term savings.
While not all inverter generators offer parallel functioning, this too can be a benefit. The versatility of parallel connection can be beneficial in several ways. It allows one to adapt to your changing needs without having to replace your generator to buy a larger one if you need more power. When the time comes to upgrade, you simply add to your existing generating capacity. It also allows one more options for the use of the generator.
In some instances, you may want a small, very portable generator and don’t need too much power, like short camping trips or a day out in the countryside. In a case like this having a generator that is easy to carry and requires very little fuel is much more convenient. At other times you may need more power and would prefer a larger generator, like backing up your home or business in an emergency.
Ordinarily, this would mean having a large generator for one application and a smaller one for the other. Buying two small generators that can run in parallel will provide for both needs and cost less than buying both a large and small generator. You also don’t have a large bulky generator to store when not in use.
So, in conclusion, I’d say for most users an inverter generator will make more sense and will save you money over time. It’s a case of spending a little extra today in order save money tomorrow.
Learn more about Energizer and see their extensive line of power and lighting products.
Safety Tips | Inverter Generator
*Taken from the manual of the Energizer eZV3200.
- Do not clean the filter element with flammable liquids like gasoline because an explosion may occur.
- Turn off the engine before performing any maintenance. Otherwise it can cause severe personal injury or death.
- Allow the generator set to cool down before performing any maintenance.
- Always wear safety glasses when cleaning the generator set with air.
- Do not clean the generator set with a pressure washer because it can cause damage to the generator set.
- Before working with batteries, ventilate the area, wear safety glasses, do not smoke and always disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last.
- Use rubber gloves when coming into contact with engine oil.
- Always stop the generator set before removing the oil filler cap.
- Only qualified maintenance personnel with knowledge of fuels, electricity, and machinery hazards should perform maintenance procedures.
- Lubricate all exposed metal parts regularly. See chapter 5.1 for maintenance schedule.