Switched on lights, running fans, offices at home, and many more uses, all of these have been possible through Franklin’s discovery of electricity. Moving forward, we humans have invented equipment to ensure an uninterrupted supply of energy: the inverter. Being a basic tool to serve in times of need, it has found versatile applications in all the important places, including homes.
But despite its importance, do you take the device for granted? Do you ignore its maintenance, casually choose a battery for it, or are you even confused about whether to have one at all? If you answered yes, it’s time to reconsider! We are here to enlighten you on why an inverter for home is a must-have piece of equipment.
What is an Inverter?
An inverter is an electronic device that can power electronic devices in the absence of a power source. The inverter, along with the batteries, forms the inverter system that serves as the source of power. The grid power is stored in the batteries and then converted from Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) to power the electronic devices. Hence, an inverter, with the assistance of a battery, provides electrical energy to run appliances by acting as the power source.
Uses of an Inverter For Home
The device has a profoundly positive influence on the lives of human beings. With usage expanding in hospitals, offices, shops, and farms, the application is also prevalent in everyday life at home. Here is how it is advantageous to have a power backup for the mentioned setting:
● Powering Basic Needs
An inverter for home fulfils the requirement of electricity to power a variety of appliances that require continuous functionality, such as fans and lights. The prime importance of this is understood in the summer, which accompanies scorching heat impacting children, the elderly and pets. The inverter is also a major boon for areas that experience frequent power outages and the rural regions that often have limited power availability.
● Meeting Water Requirements
Areas witnessing days of power outage or low power supply have a regular need for water. Households that depend solely on water motors to obtain water have a dire need for electricity in such situations, which can be fulfilled by a power source like an inverter for home.
● Supporting Work From Home Setup
The inverter for home as a power backup is essential for individuals working from home. Continuous work demands charged devices, such as phones and laptops, and a constant supply to access internet services.
● Ensuring Kitchen Operations
The continuous working of refrigerators is essential to keep perishable items from spoiling. Furthermore, microwaves and mixers are common kitchen appliances that cannot run without a power source and are necessary for routine life.
● Supporting Elderly and Medically Dependent Patients
Furthermore, the presence of elderly individuals or patients with illnesses on certain medical devices also urgently requires a power backup solution. Examples of such essential devices include oxygen concentrators and CPAP machines. These machines can be run on an inverter for home installed as per specific requirements.
Benefits of an Inverter For Home
The presence of an inverter comes along with the following benefits:
- Offers regular power supply: The inverter helps meet the essential and varied power needs during outages
- Enhances energy utilisation: The inverters are capable of converting solar power and power from batteries to a usable light source, improving energy efficiency.
- Meets all needs: The inverters power a variety of electrical equipment, making them suitable for a wide range of needs. They can also meet heavy power needs through an appropriate battery choice
- Reduces impact on nature: The inverter for home, deriving power from solar panels, does not harm the environment and decreases the carbon footprint
- Easy installation: Installation and usage of inverters are simple and user-friendly. It is unlike other traditional approaches, such as generators, which are complex to handle and run on non-renewable energy sources
- Saves money: The usage in combination with solar energy systems helps cut electricity bills
- Minimal maintenance: The inverter systems, i.e., the inverter with battery, are designed to require fewer maintenance efforts. Hence, taking a few precautions while using an inverter for home offers a reliable power backup.
How to Leverage the Maximum Benefits of an Inverter For Home?
The inverter’s usage in the home can be further leveraged to achieve maximum efficiency by following best practices for maintenance. Here is what to take care of:
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
This electrical device requires proper and regular cleaning to prevent the deposition of dirt, debris, and dust. Furthermore, cleaning must be accompanied by inspection to identify loose connections, compromise in the outer structure, wear and tear, or corrosion. Pay attention to any issues that may arise and take immediate action to ensure the inverter system’s long-term health.
Proper Ventilation
The equipment generates heat during operation. Hence, locating it in an area with good air circulation is essential to protect it from heat damage. Enclosing it in any container or small room is strictly discouraged.
Proper Charging
The charging process must be monitored. Overcharging and undercharging pose a risk of damaging the device and can further lead to costly repairs. Overcharging damages the components, reduces capacity and leads to overheating. Undercharging is associated with sulfation, poor charging capacity and battery failure.
Preventing Overloading
The inverter must not be connected and run for devices exceeding its limit. Doing so can lead to consequences such as frequent outages, device failure, overheating and reduction in efficiency and lifespan. It is recommended to identify your energy needs beforehand to choose the battery accordingly.
Contrastingly, if you already possess the inverter system of a specific limit, understand its capacity and shortlist the devices that it can handle. This will maximise the life of the inverter system.
Using Energy Surge Devices
Energy surges are often witnessed during thunderstorms, power outages, and power restorations. The high-voltage supply to the inverter for home can negatively impact the system itself and its associated components. Disconnecting the system from power manually or remotely is recommended. Alternatively, stabilisers can protect the device from such issues.
Using the Right Equipment
The inverter charging must be done with a compatible charging system. Cross-check for alignment of both in terms of input and output current and voltage. A lack of match can lead to increased stress, complications, and inefficient functionality.
Conclusion
From meeting basic power requirements for lighting and fans to supporting remote work and care for the elderly and ill patients at home, inverters have become a necessity. They are the source for an uninterrupted and reliable power supply when the main grid fails. Furthermore, combining them with solar energy helps reduce electricity bills and lowers the carbon footprint. While it is a must-have, ensure that the device choice is made according to your needs.
