Quick Answer
To achieve a whisper-quiet inverter generator, consider an inverter with a decibel rating below 60, a recoil starter or electric start for reduced noise, and a muffler or acoustic enclosure to minimize sound emission.
Choosing the Right Inverter Generator
When selecting a whisper-quiet inverter generator, focus on the decibel rating. A lower decibel rating indicates a quieter unit. Look for an inverter with a rating of 50 decibels or less, such as the Honda EU2200i or the Yamaha EF2000iSv2, both of which have a decibel rating of 48-57 decibels. Consider the power output, as a higher power output can result in a louder machine.
Muffler and Acoustic Enclosure Options
In addition to choosing a quiet inverter, consider adding a muffler or acoustic enclosure to further reduce noise emissions. These accessories can be installed on most inverter generators and can significantly reduce the sound level. For example, adding a muffler to an inverter generator can reduce the decibel rating by 5-10 decibels.
Recoil vs. Electric Start
When selecting a whisper-quiet inverter generator, also consider the starting system. A recoil starter can be noisier than an electric start, which makes the inverter generator quieter overall. Electric starts are also more convenient, as they eliminate the need to manually pull a rope to start the generator. Consider an inverter generator with an electric start, such as the Westinghouse iGen2200, which has a decibel rating of 52 decibels.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.