Why Homeowners Are Getting Standby Generators Installed
Living in Louisiana means dealing with hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, and summer heat that makes power outages more than an inconvenience. A whole-home generator keeps your air conditioning, refrigerator, lights, and medical devices running automatically the moment the power goes out.
Unlike a portable generator, a standby generator is permanently installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch. When the grid loses power, the system detects it and starts within seconds. You don’t have to do anything.
Our generator service technicians handle the full installation process from site evaluation and generator sizing to permits, electrical work, and final load testing. When we’re done, your home will have reliable emergency power you can count on for years.
The Generator Installation Process
We keep it straightforward. Here’s how it works from first call to final testing.
Request a Free Estimate
We visit your home to evaluate your electrical panel, available fuel source, and the best placement for the unit. We’ll discuss your power needs: Do you want to cover the whole house or just the essentials? We also review local code compliance requirements for Metairie, LA, and Jefferson Parish to ensure there are no surprises.
During this visit, we also perform a load analysis to confirm the right load capacity for your home and avoid nuisance shutdowns when larger appliances start.
Generator Selection & Sizing
Based on your home’s square footage, number of circuits, and which appliances you want to keep running, we recommend the right generator size. We carry trusted generator brands including Generac and Honeywell. We’ll also help you pick the right fuel source – natural gas, propane, or diesel – depending on what’s available at your property.
Permits & Approvals
We handle all permits required by Jefferson Parish and the state of Louisiana. This includes electrical, gas, and structural permits, depending on your setup. You don’t have to deal with any of the paperwork – that’s our job.
Professional Installation
Our licensed electricians and certified technicians install the generator on a prepared concrete pad, connect it to your home’s electrical system through a new transfer switch, and hook it up to your fuel line. Everything is done to code, clean, and built to last.
This includes transfer switch installation (also called a generator transfer switch) so your backup power system can safely isolate from the utility and power selected circuits or the whole panel.
Load Testing & Walkthrough
After installation, we run a full load test to make sure everything works. We simulate a power outage so you can see the automatic transfer switch kick in. Then we walk you through the system so you know how it operates, what the indicator lights mean, and when to schedule generator maintenance.
We also show you the automatic start sequence and where to find common diagnostic messages, including error codes, so you know when to call for service.
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm
Hurricane Season Doesn’t Wait. Neither Should You
Across the Gulf Coast, homeowners in New Orleans, LA, scramble to find backup power after a major storm. The best time to install a whole-home generator is before you need it. When the power goes out and temperatures climb past 90 degrees, keeping your HVAC system running is essential.
Lightning Service Inc installs standby generators that start automatically during a power outage. Your food stays cold, your home stays cool, and your family stays safe. That’s the kind of emergency power you deserve.
Generator Brands We Install
Generac
Generac is the number one-selling home standby generator brand in the country. Their systems are built for reliability and come with features like mobile monitoring, automatic self-testing, and quiet operation. We’ve installed hundreds of Generac systems across Metairie and the surrounding areas.
Models from 10kW to 26kW for residential homes
Honeywell
Honeywell generators are manufactured by Generac and offer many of the same components and reliability at a competitive price point. They’re a solid choice for homeowners looking for dependable backup power without paying top-of-the-line pricing.
Same trusted engine technology at a competitive price
Not sure which brand or generator size is right for you? We’ll walk you through the options during your free estimate.
Why Lightning Service Inc is the Go-To Choice
Lightning Service Inc has been serving the Metairie area and Greater New Orleans since 1978. We started as a small family business, and we still operate that way today. When you call us, you talk to real people who care about getting the job done right.
We’re A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau and have earned over 600 five-star reviews from homeowners just like you. Our generator installation services are backed by manufacturer warranties and our own commitment to quality work.
We also provide ongoing generator maintenance services and generator repair services after your system is installed. That means one company handles everything – installation, maintenance, and repairs – so you never have to search for another provider.
Generator Installation FAQs
How long does a generator installation take?
Most residential installations take one to two days once the equipment and permits are ready. The full timeline from initial site evaluation to completion is usually two to four weeks, depending on permit processing in Jefferson Parish.
How much does a whole-home generator cost?
It depends on the generator size, fuel source, and installation complexity. We provide free, no-obligation estimates so you know exactly what to expect. We also offer financing options to make it more manageable.
Do I need a natural gas line?
Not necessarily. If your home doesn’t have natural gas, we can install a propane-powered generator with an on-site tank. We’ll help you figure out the best fuel source for your situation during the site visit.
What size generator do I need?
That depends on how much of your home you want to power. A smaller unit can cover essentials like your refrigerator, lights, and a few outlets. A larger unit can power your entire home, including your HVAC system. We perform load testing during the evaluation to get the sizing right.
Do you also handle generator repairs?
Yes. We provide complete generator repair services, including emergency repair, for Generac, Honeywell, and other standby systems. Visit our generator repair page for more information.
What’s the difference between a portable generator and a standby generator?
A portable generator requires manual setup, fueling, and extension cords. A standby generator is permanently installed, starts automatically during an outage, and powers your home through your electrical panel. We install standby generators only.
