Generator Installation
Generator Installation | Generators | Electrical | Graysville
When storms roll through Graysville and the lights flicker, HEP’s certified electricians make sure the power, comfort, and safety of your home stay rock–steady. From sizing and selecting industry-leading generators to seamless, code-compliant installation, our team handles every detail with hometown care and big-city expertise. We manage permitting, wiring, and load balancing, then walk you through simple maintenance tips so your backup system is always ready when you need it most.
Homeowners and businesses across Rhea County trust HEP because we back our workmanship with transparent pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and a satisfaction guarantee that’s as solid as the concrete pads we set. Whether you’re protecting medical equipment, refrigeration, or just peace of mind, our locally based crew delivers turnkey solutions that outlast the toughest outages—proving that life in Graysville doesn’t have to pause when the grid does.
FAQs
What size generator do I need for my home or business in Graysville?
The right size depends on the electrical load you want to back up. A basic “essential-circuits” system usually ranges from 7–12 kW and powers items like refrigerators, well pumps, lights, and a few outlets. A whole-house system often falls between 18–26 kW for most homes and 30 kW or more for larger residences or small commercial sites. We start every project with a load calculation, taking into account HVAC tonnage, motor-start currents, and any sensitive electronics. Once we know the total running and starting watts, we add a 20 % safety margin so the generator never runs at full capacity, extending its lifespan and giving you room for future electrical upgrades.
Do I need a permit or inspection to install a standby generator in Graysville?
Yes. The City of Graysville and Jefferson County (if you’re in the county jurisdiction) require an electrical permit for permanently connected generators. Gas-fired units also need a plumbing or mechanical permit for the fuel line. After we submit the permit application, the local inspector will verify proper clearances, grounding, transfer-switch wiring, and fuel connections. We coordinate all inspections and provide documentation so you stay fully compliant with NEC, NFPA-37, and local ordinances.
How long does a typical generator installation take from start to finish?
Once permits are issued and the generator is on-site, most residential installations take 1–2 days: Day 1 for pad-site prep, setting the generator, and rough electrical and gas piping; Day 2 for final wiring, gas hookup, and start-up testing. Commercial or large whole-house systems may take up to a week, especially if trenching for a longer gas line or upgrading the service entrance. Including permits, utility locates, and ordering equipment, the entire project usually spans 2–4 weeks.
What fuel options are available for standby generators and which is best in Graysville?
Natural gas and propane are the two most common fuels for permanently installed generators here. • Natural gas is the first choice if you already have a gas meter; supply is virtually unlimited, and you don’t worry about refilling tanks. • Propane is ideal for rural areas outside the natural-gas grid. A 250–500 gallon tank is typical and gives 3–10 days of runtime depending on load. Diesel units are available for larger commercial applications, but they require onsite fuel management and are subject to stricter emission rules. We’ll review fuel availability, required runtime, and budget to recommend the best option.
How often will my generator need maintenance and can you service it?
All major manufacturers call for service every 6 months or 100–150 hours of runtime, whichever comes first. Routine visits include an oil and filter change, spark-plug check, air-filter replacement, battery test, firmware updates, and a full transfer-switch exercise. We offer annual and semi-annual maintenance plans that include 24/7 monitoring of fault codes and priority response during outages. Keeping up with service is the best way to maintain your warranty and ensure your generator starts when you need it.
Will installing a generator increase my electricity bill and how much does it cost to run during an outage?
A standby generator remains off until a power failure, so it doesn’t add to your electric bill under normal conditions. The only routine power use is a weekly self-test that lasts about 5–10 minutes and consumes the equivalent of running a gas furnace for that period. During an outage, fuel cost is your main expense: • Natural gas units typically use 130–240 ft³ per hour, translating to about $1.50–$2.50 per hour at current local rates. • Propane models burn 1.5–3 gal per hour, or roughly $3–$6 per hour depending on load and fuel price. Even at the high end, a multi-day outage usually costs less than relocating or losing refrigerated food, and the comfort and safety benefits are significant.