Know How To Avoid Common Mistakes When Buying Inverters For Home

More than an inconvenience, power cuts compromise work, comfort, and even safety at home. The solution? Buy a much-needed power backup device - an inverter! But there is a catch. The market is flooded with choices, and investing in the wrong inverters for the home can lead to higher electricity bills and poor performance.

Already worried? Don’t be. This blog highlights the most common mistakes people make when buying inverters for their homes. It also provides tips on how to avoid them. So, take a cup of coffee, and read on to make sure your next purchase is smart, reliable, and perfectly suited to your power needs.

Top Mistakes People Make When Buying Home Inverters and Their Fixes

Have you ever heard someone say, “I wish I knew that before buying my inverter”? If yes, then take a look at the following mistakes people make when they buy an inverter for their home and how you can avoid them.

Not Assessing Power Requirement

The Mistake: It is quite common for homeowners to purchase an inverter without determining the power requirement. The result? The inverter is not able to handle the load, causing power failure, abrupt supply, voltage fluctuations, or even damage to electronics.

The Fix: Create a list of the essential appliances, such as TV, lights, fans, WiFi, or fridge, that you would want to run smoothly during an outage. Review their power rating and sum them to know the total requirement. Also, keep a buffer of 20-25% to keep overloading issues away.

Ignoring Battery Backup Time

The Mistake: All inverters for home provide the same backup time is a myth. It is determined by the capacity of the battery and the power it uses during an outage. If you do not want to stay in the dark, never skip this factor.

The Fix: Assess how you would want your inverter to run smoothly during a power outage. Live in an area with long and frequent electricity outages? Choose a higher Ah (ampere-hour) battery. You can also calculate the backup time using this formula. It will help you pick a battery and an inverter that caters to your needs.

Backup Time = Battery Capacity (Ah) × Battery Voltage (V) × Efficiency (%) ÷ Total Load (W)

Overlooking Inverter-Battery Compatibility

The Mistake: Most people purchase a fancy inverter without checking its compatibility with the battery. This mismatch can be a reason for reduced battery life, inefficient charging, and damage to the system.

The Fix: Before you choose the inverter model, know the battery you have or plan to buy. You can opt for tubular batteries for long power cuts and backups, and flat ones for short outages. Also, the inverter should be designed to work effectively with the battery type.

Choosing the Wrong Type of Inverter

The Mistake: Everyone gets tempted by the most affordable option, but it is not always the right choice. To power up sensitive devices, homeowners buy square wave inverters to save money, which causes voltage fluctuations and even damage to the devices.

The Fix: First, determine what appliances and devices you want to keep powered during an outage. For basic essentials like lights and fans, square wave inverters for the home are ideal. On the other hand, sensitive appliances like a smart TV, refrigerator, WiFi router, or microwave require a sine wave inverter to mimic the power received from the grid. It is more expensive than a square wave but saves money in the long run.

 Not Considering Future Load Expansion

The Mistake: You calculated the current load and purchased an inverter accordingly. Great! But what about the load that can be expanded with the upgraded washing machine or fridge? Here, your inverter can cause overloading and disruptions in the power supply.

The Fix: While investing in an inverter, always plan ahead. Remember, life evolves, and the need for appliances multiply. Pick a model that features a slightly higher capacity than your current load. The golden rule? Keep a buffer of 20-30% to truly make a difference, saving replacement costs in the future.

Ignoring Installation and Maintenance Factors

The Mistake: If you also think inverters for home are a plug-and-play device, then you are forgetting the factors like installation, space, ventilation, or maintenance. Ignoring them can result in overheating, less battery life, and safety risks.

The Fix: Want adequate installation? A ventilated and spacious area, away from direct sunlight or moisture, will be perfect. Call a professional for the proper installation, ensuring wiring, earthing, and fuse protection. Plus, select a place where it is easy to check the water levels. 

Summing Up

Buying an inverter is not something you do every day. It is an investment that offers comfort and convenience during unexpected outages. From calculating your actual power requirement to planning for future needs, a little homework goes a long way. The next time you shop for an inverter, take the above-mentioned things into consideration. With the right information in hand, you can choose a reliable, efficient, and long-lasting inverter for your home. So, ditch the guesswork and make an informed decision to power up your home in the right way.