Looking for some input on a small Inverter - generator

[alarmguy]

I have already learned the benefits (Im pretty sure anyway) of an inverter vs a generator. An inverter will adjust to the power demand and use less fuel in doing so. Also from everything I read, it delivers "cleaner" power with less THD.

SO pretty much I am thinking a small inverter that can run
1. Our refrigerator (side by side uses 60 watts)
2. A small window air conditioner that I will leaved boxed up in the garage until needed
3. 65 inch TV and a couple lights

That is pretty much all I would require for that once in every 5 or ten year storm, possibly never need it. I don't know. Only lived here near the coast for 2 years. Last big storm was 7 years ago and they lost power for 4 days. That is it.
Im still on the fence but think if I could get a small dual fuel unit, window AC and just leave it in the garage incase. It might be what you call insurance that you never need. I would also have a plumber install an outside tap to plug into our propane tank. Other than that I would just run extension cords to the places we need power in the house.

I just think it's overkill for something I might never need to do more. I thought about a breaker lock out device and outside terminal to plug in something more powerful that would also power our sewer pump./ but ...

Costco in warehouse has offering
https://www.costco.com/firman-3200w...uel-inverter-generator.product.100843922.html

Yet for $50 more you can get significantly more power that I will most likely never need and it's a generator, not an inverter. I only have a 120lb LP tank and seems like way overkill, plus I would have to bother with gasoline for this size unit. Propane would not take me very far.
https://www.costco.com/firman-7500w-running--9400w-peak-tri-fuel-generator.product.100840185.html

 

[JohnnyG]

You're looking at pretty large draw on that A/C unit. A 10,000 btu window unit will pull quite a bit on startup. 3200 W may handle it, but I'd run the numbers again. Especially if you plan on runnng all three items at once. Toss in a Microwave and you'll need to juggle some loads.

 

[Nukeman7]

I think the deal-maker/deal-breaker is the A/C window unit. I can run all of the other items on your list along with a Wi-Fi router and ROKU box with a 2200 watt Honda EU 2200i inverter generator all day long. I tried connecting a 10,000 BTU Honeywell portable A/C unit to the Honda generator alone, but the starting current draw would consistently trip the generator breaker. I believe you will need a 5,000+ watt generator to run a window A/C unit. I've read the Firman generators are thirsty beasts, especially with propane. I would be inclined to go with a Champion brand generator which has a good parts/service network and a reputation for reliability on the RV forums.

 

[AZjeff]

You need to know the start up wattage of whatever AC unit you're looking at. Sources say it can be up to 6X the running wattage. So you'd need that plus the TV plus the fridge at a minimum. (BTU÷EER=watts)

 

[dhldmoore]

Also look into the soft start capacitors to alleviate that start up surge. Something like the Micro-Air or Hyper-Engineering one. They can be a bit pricey but they serve the purpose that you are needing. There are others on Amazon - just search "soft start kit for window air conditioner". Those first 2 links may be overkill for what you are trying to accomplish but nonetheless they will work. There are other cheaper alternatives on Amazon that good reviews.

There are also videos on YouTube on how to wire it in to the existing window unit safely. I just don't have a link to one atm.

 

[alarmguy]

You're looking at pretty large draw on that A/C unit. A 10,000 btu window unit will pull quite a bit on startup. 3200 W may handle it, but I'd run the numbers again. Especially if you plan on runnng all three items at once. Toss in a Microwave and you'll need to juggle some loads.

Appreciate the comment. I should have made clear. AC unit will only be a $140
5000 btu unit draws 450 watts. (start up unknown) but guessing maybe 1,400 watts
Refrigerator 60 watts
TV around 300 watts

Plus what another mentioned, assuming the fiber internet is working (which would be doubtful _ router and modem.

No need for microwave. We have gas cooktop. Keep in mind this is for a loss of power of more than 12 hours that might or might not happen in my lifetime.
AC unit will stay boxed if ever needed for one bedroom at night we will unbox it. New home, super insulated it will do that no problem. Actually Im sure it will keep the whole house humidity free by closing off the other bedrooms. It's jsut my wife and I. (depending on how long a black out)
Actually the more I think about it, really just barebones for something I may never need but may advert having to go to a hotel for the night.

Im almost positive I want an inverter so hopefully for the duration our 120lb propane tank at any particular level will keep in running until power come back on since inverters sip gas compared to generators.. I hate to have to bother with gas.
Someone down the block put in a whole house Generac system and added two more tanks for a total of 3.

Keep in mind I want to keep this simple as possible because I most likely will never need it. OUR community of a couple thousand homes have underground utilities but it is what happens outside the community and the last time that happened was 2018

I can see what everyone is saying, a smaller unit maybe borderline on what I would want to do which is bare minimum _
Refrigerator, 5000 or 6000 ac unit, TV
Keeping in mind I may never have to use it but I think based on comments here Im a bit to close in capacity and will watch for sales around this price for an inverter.

 

[K.Aoi]

Appreciate the comment. I should have made clear. AC unit will only be a $140
5000 btu unit draws 450 watts. (start up unknown) but guessing maybe 1,400 watts
Refrigerator 60 watts
TV around 300 watts

Plus what another mentioned, assuming the fiber internet is working (which would be doubtful _ router and modem.

No need for microwave. We have gas cooktop. Keep in mind this is for a loss of power of more than 12 hours that might or might not happen in my lifetime.
AC unit will stay boxed if ever needed for one bedroom at night we will unbox it. New home, super insulated it will do that no problem. Actually Im sure it will keep the whole house humidity free by closing off the other bedrooms. It's jsut my wife and I. (depending on how long a black out)
Actually the more I think about it, really just barebones for something I may never need but may advert having to go to a hotel for the night.

Im almost positive I want an inverter so hopefully for the duration our 120lb propane tank at any particular level will keep in running until power come back on since inverters sip gas compared to generators.. I hate to have to bother with gas.
Someone down the block put in a whole house Generac system and added two more tanks for a total of 3.

Keep in mind I want to keep this simple as possible because I most likely will never need it. OUR community of a couple thousand homes have underground utilities but it is what happens outside the community and the last time that happened was 2018

I can see what everyone is saying, a smaller unit maybe borderline on what I would want to do which is bare minimum _
Refrigerator, 5000 or 6000 ac unit, TV
Keeping in mind I may never have to use it but I think based on comments here Im a bit to close in capacity and will watch for sales around this price for an inverter.

You could easily get by with this on a 1500w ish one.

I used to run a 5000btu window AC off a 1100w predator inverter generator with no issues.

I would look at a 2000w inverter, you can get decent ones on Amazon for like, $350. I just recently bought this one and it's been great so far, they are all basically the same thing. It's actually 1900w max continuous in reality but that's more than enough for what you're doing.
https://www.amazon.com/BILT-HARD-Generator-Receptacle-Generators/dp/B0C14D9M22?crid=237A83N6YN0YR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.baGDzrRM2G51vxK6AZTXY7-Yq3THwlsoUiI_aJAsxPi-CAsVtfHMO5YPonYHg5xvbQt76AfG4VWXaYoCmsWA83uOcWtdmbR4oXv7i-zQI9kux2hQhV6mzgHkDN86L-yq.gtTBEdewJX_s_tX2CBm0Vwc6aW7EEjGECXEcKhckJJU&dib_tag=se&keywords=bilt+hard+2500&qid=1753202138&sprefix=bilt+hard+2500,aps,108&sr=8-2


Since you want dual fuel you could look at this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Pulsar-Gener...w+dual+fuel+inverter+generator,aps,106&sr=8-5

 

[thastinger]

I have already learned the benefits (Im pretty sure anyway) of an inverter vs a generator. An inverter will adjust to the power demand and use less fuel in doing so. Also from everything I read, it delivers "cleaner" power with less THD.

SO pretty much I am thinking a small inverter that can run
1. Our refrigerator (side by side uses 60 watts)
2. A small window air conditioner that I will leaved boxed up in the garage until needed
3. 65 inch TV and a couple lights

That is pretty much all I would require for that once in every 5 or ten year storm, possibly never need it. I don't know. Only lived here near the coast for 2 years. Last big storm was 7 years ago and they lost power for 4 days. That is it.
Im still on the fence but think if I could get a small dual fuel unit, window AC and just leave it in the garage incase. It might be what you call insurance that you never need. I would also have a plumber install an outside tap to plug into our propane tank. Other than that I would just run extension cords to the places we need power in the house.

I just think it's overkill for something I might never need to do more. I thought about a breaker lock out device and outside terminal to plug in something more powerful that would also power our sewer pump./ but ...

Costco in warehouse has offering
https://www.costco.com/firman-3200w...uel-inverter-generator.product.100843922.html
View attachment 290847



Yet for $50 more you can get significantly more power that I will most likely never need and it's a generator, not an inverter. I only have a 120lb LP tank and seems like way overkill, plus I would have to bother with gasoline for this size unit. Propane would not take me very far.
https://www.costco.com/firman-7500w-running--9400w-peak-tri-fuel-generator.product.100840185.html
View attachment 290848

Always have to start with your loads...so we need the specs on the window AC unit (which I assume is 110V)

 

[Cujet]

For your stated loads, why not get a Honda EU2200? Ultra reliable, long lasting, always repairable, very high quality power, and it will absolutely run a nice window AC or two, and/or your fridge.

And like other Honda inverter generators, it will parallel with any other small Honda inverter generators.

I have the EU2000 and I've done exactly what you are wanting to do with it, for weeks on end. Also the Honda has accessories like a long run gas cap, that draws fuel from another source.

Just an FYI, the EU2200 will start (for sure) a 10,000 BTU window AC, and my EU2000 (older unit with less power) will EASILY start my Midea 12,000 BTU "U" shaped window AC (inverter type with no surge load).

 

[ripcord]

I second a small Honda generator like an EU2200i. If you have doubts, you can rent one from Home Depot for a cheap test run.

 

[JohnnyG]

Appreciate the comment. I should have made clear. AC unit will only be a $140
5000 btu unit draws 450 watts. (start up unknown) but guessing maybe 1,400 watts
Refrigerator 60 watts
TV around 300 watts

Plus what another mentioned, assuming the fiber internet is working (which would be doubtful _ router and modem.

No need for microwave. We have gas cooktop. Keep in mind this is for a loss of power of more than 12 hours that might or might not happen in my lifetime.
AC unit will stay boxed if ever needed for one bedroom at night we will unbox it. New home, super insulated it will do that no problem. Actually Im sure it will keep the whole house humidity free by closing off the other bedrooms. It's jsut my wife and I. (depending on how long a black out)
Actually the more I think about it, really just barebones for something I may never need but may advert having to go to a hotel for the night.

Im almost positive I want an inverter so hopefully for the duration our 120lb propane tank at any particular level will keep in running until power come back on since inverters sip gas compared to generators.. I hate to have to bother with gas.
Someone down the block put in a whole house Generac system and added two more tanks for a total of 3.

Keep in mind I want to keep this simple as possible because I most likely will never need it. OUR community of a couple thousand homes have underground utilities but it is what happens outside the community and the last time that happened was 2018

I can see what everyone is saying, a smaller unit maybe borderline on what I would want to do which is bare minimum _
Refrigerator, 5000 or 6000 ac unit, TV
Keeping in mind I may never have to use it but I think based on comments here Im a bit to close in capacity and will watch for sales around this price for an inverter.

This is pretty much my (already implemented) plan to a tee. Be aware that a generator WITH an inverter is what you are looking for, they aren't seperate items. I have a 3000 W Honda, and 10,000 BTU A/C in my garage neither of which has never been put into service since 2000!

Someone knowledgeble on this site once pointed out to me that I REALLY need to get that generator out and run it once a year. Something to do with the "exciter" not being exercised would make it unreliable or not work at all. So, plan on that.

As far as the fiber optic internet/WiFi is concerned, I bought two LiFePo4 powered units from the jungle store. One is for the router/wiFi unit, the other is for charging phones and tablets. One of them can be charged with the included solar panels. The other is strictly A/C wall plug. Ultimately I think either one will do the job. Each unit will provide @ 10 hrs of backup power for internet.

I have also found that current AI powered search engines do a very good job of explaining power usage and backups. I always found it tough to relate VA ratings to actual 110V power usage/wattage. AI does simplify that quite a bit.

 

[JohnnyG]

You could easily get by with this on a 1500w ish one.

I used to run a 5000btu window AC off a 1100w predator inverter generator with no issues.

I would look at a 2000w inverter, you can get decent ones on Amazon for like, $350. I just recently bought this one and it's been great so far, they are all basically the same thing. It's actually 1900w max continuous in reality but that's more than enough for what you're doing.
https://www.amazon.com/BILT-HARD-Generator-Receptacle-Generators/dp/B0C14D9M22?crid=237A83N6YN0YR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.baGDzrRM2G51vxK6AZTXY7-Yq3THwlsoUiI_aJAsxPi-CAsVtfHMO5YPonYHg5xvbQt76AfG4VWXaYoCmsWA83uOcWtdmbR4oXv7i-zQI9kux2hQhV6mzgHkDN86L-yq.gtTBEdewJX_s_tX2CBm0Vwc6aW7EEjGECXEcKhckJJU&dib_tag=se&keywords=bilt+hard+2500&qid=1753202138&sprefix=bilt+hard+2500,aps,108&sr=8-2


Since you want dual fuel you could look at this one.
https://www.amazon.com/Pulsar-Generator-Capability-Compliant-PG2200BiS/dp/B07J5HD8L9?crid=1DJ5GN7VJP07A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-yEktPURI4jWv5eHLADLy5VBIKj5RQzUQrFeGLCADnj45zpRvR3K_iy9o6nPF08-IXAvd-lQ8K7zFiXMK9k35G6Fg5O_u-zgDdOAdVrEWFBkcEVIN_9016fgCofGPoJ51kwNrPT6zjIFfGlkuh-4OZoj3QjALR0NBOeRTX556SFAIcIRPYFN4JWOy9zJWB6oyfPgMFaNKk9iWxnD0H43T3KqBmFXzXIm3_RKMfn8Hyo.xQRyrGLPtb8rwRl9xGe9u9WjYYjFvrXtWi_eCucNR8U&dib_tag=se&keywords=2000w+dual+fuel+inverter+generator&qid=1753202206&sprefix=2000w+dual+fuel+inverter+generator,aps,106&sr=8-5

Two of those would be a great choice IMO.

 

[Cujet]

Just an FYI, propane is consumed faster than gasoline, for the same loads. And may not be available after a storm. I could not get propane for weeks after the hurricanes. Gasoline is generally much less of a problem.

 

[AZjeff]

It seems OP is looking to keep costs down for a back up system he may never use. Handa gens are great but spendy. Also I have a micro aire soft start on the travel trailer AC and it works great but at $300 may not make sense, just get a bigger gen. Didn't see one to use with window units when I got it btw.

 

[samven]

Your plan will work but you may have to manage your loads. The refrigerator may run at 60W but it draws more than that at start up. A 5000 BTU AC unit cant draw more then 1800 watts or it would blow the 15 Amp breaker most outlets are connected to. The thing to keep in mind is that the generator probably has a 240v outlet as well as 120v outlets which means it is only able to produce 2000 watts per phase. You will have to keep the AC unit on 1 plug and run the fridge and TV off the other. If you try and use the 240 v plug into you breaker box you need to make sure what phase the loads are on or you will overload the system.

 

[Rand]

My midea 12k btu(inverter type) window unit starts just fine on my 1800w inverter gen.. that was with insane 150ft of extension cords too (fixed that problem)

my fridge runs about 150w but takes almost 800-1000w for a fraction of a second to startup..
you also have to consider defrost consumption when running a fridge.

a 2000w inverter gen should run a fridge and window unit just fine. would definitely add the loads one by one.. as you dont want them both starting up at exactly the same time.

This one is an AI power 1800w/(2300w) surge inverter gen

Holds 11.8oz or so.. its not very much.
A gallon of brotilla is almost lifetime fill

The fill and Drain dongle

How big and clunky do you want to go.. this one is about 50lb maybe all in.

I now have a 25ft 10gauge twistlock that breaks out to 3 regular plugs you feed in through a window (flat jacketed cord)
then just run a couple extension cords where they need to go.

 

[SC Maintenance]

You should look at the manual before buying an inverter for the max draw under “eco” mode, which is when the inverter is actually working. When you exceed that they revert to a standard generator running at 3000rpm negating any fuel savings. My cheap WEN is at 60% of its 3500W constant rating.

I measured all the max surge on things I would run with a decent clamp meter and a cord with individual conductors. I was actually surprised by the surge on some things. I have a 6500BTU A/C that surged to almost 18A one time. I guess it’s for a very short time because it doesn’t flip the breaker.

 

[BC1]

A 2000 will cover what you listed. We didn't have power for 4 weeks last year from that Helene hurricane. Ran a 2000w inverter for a small window AC, TV, router, modem and fridge or freezer. Had to unplug the fridge to run the freezer 2 hours each day. We did use the big genny at night for about 90 minutes to take shower, refill all the water containers(we are on a well pump) and run the central AC.

https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/100705-2000w-inverter/