Thinking of Buying an Inverter? Consider These Things First

In India, we most of the time suffer the summer months with scorching heat and at the same time we tolerate the scheduled or unscheduled power outages also. Inverter is considered as one of the most demanded power products of summer months. So, are you thinking to change or buy an inverter to live your days comfortably in every season? Then don’t waste your time any more. Understand some basic facts and do some research also. Here in this article, we are giving you some facts which you must know while buying an inverter.

Make a rough estimation of your power requirements:

Before you go for buying an inverter, just make a rough calculation of your power needs. Just keep in mind that inverter is not a generator. It has some limitations. You cannot run or power your whole house with an ordinary inverter. If your power need is more than 3000VA, then an inverter cannot meet your requirements alone efficiently. Undoubtedly, a high power inverter can run your AC and refrigerator units, well how long? And even your battery will not last for longer hours. Still, an inverter system is always a better option to make you feel comfortable during an outage.

Basic kitchen appliances’ wattage rating:

·         Appliances’ power:

Tube light (4 ft.): 40 Watts

Refrigerator: 160-250 Watts

LCD TV (32-inch): 150 Watts

Laptop: 20-75 Watts

Desktop Computer: 80-150 Watts

CFL (18 Watts): 25 Watts

Table Fan: 25-50 Watts

Ceiling Fan: 50-75 Watts

·         Running power & Starting power:

Dependence of running and starting power on all electric equipment is not same. An 18 Watts CFL needs almost 25 watts capacity for starting and after some seconds it simply stabilizes to 18 watts. Some home appliances like washing machine, refrigerator takes around double capacity for starting in comparison with the basic running power. Thus, you need to figure out the starting power requirement before choosing an inverter.

Difference between Watts and VA:

Sometimes people become confused utilizing the difference between VA and Watts of an inverter or any other kitchen appliance. These 2 terms are used by manufacturers in accordance with their needs for confusing and misleading quickest and most efficient. Power produced via equipment (UPS, inverters, generators etc.) and power drawn by devices (power using devices like stabilizer, AC, washing machine, refrigerator, bulb etc.) could be expressed in VA or Watts. Usually, power stabilizing or generating device manufacturers use the term VA for specifying their ratings and power consuming items use Watts for specifying their ratings. This is the only difference. Power in Watts may be original power given or drawn by mechanism; this is basically the basic value. VA is more theoretical (apparent power) which is acquired by multiplying the current and voltage supplied or drawn by devices.

So, these are the prime factors which you must keep in your mind before going to purchase an inverter for home.