Your Questions Answered by Laswell Electric
Thinking about installing a generator for your home in Louisville or Southern Indiana? You’re not alone — and you’ve come to the right place. At Laswell Electric, we specialize in professional generator installations in the Louisville area tailored to your home’s size, power needs, and safety requirements.
Below, we’ve answered the most common questions homeowners ask about generator installation, maintenance, and performance.
What size generator do I need for my home?
Generator size depends on the total wattage of the appliances and systems you want to power during an outage. Here’s a general breakdown:
- 5,000–8,000 watts: Ideal for essential circuits (lights, fridge, outlets)
- 10,000–20,000+ watts: Better for full-home backup, larger homes, or properties with HVAC systems, well pumps, or EV chargers
Laswell Tip: Our team will conduct an on-site evaluation to calculate your exact power needs and recommend the right size for you.
How much does generator installation cost?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — the cost depends on:
- Generator size and brand
- Type of fuel used (natural gas, propane, diesel)
- Site prep and electrical configuration
We offer free site evaluations and personalized quotes, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
How loud is a residential generator?
Most modern home standby generators operate between 50–70 decibels, which is comparable to a normal conversation or a dishwasher. Some larger or portable models may be louder.
For context:
- 50 dB = quiet suburb
- 70 dB = vacuum cleaner
- 80–90 dB = possible hearing risk
Let us help you choose a generator that balances power output and low noise.
Do I need to upgrade my gas meter?
You might, especially for larger standby generators. If your current gas meter can’t supply enough fuel, an upgrade may be required. The good news? It’s usually a simple and inexpensive process — and we’ll guide you through it.
Do I need a building permit to install a generator?
Yes, most municipalities require permits for permanent standby generator installations. But don’t worry — Laswell Electric handles the entire permitting process, ensuring full compliance with local codes and utility regulations.
How often does a generator need service?
We recommend servicing your generator once per year to:
- Inspect fuel systems
- Clean air filters
- Check batteries
- Test automatic start functions
More frequent servicing may be needed for generators that run frequently or for long durations. Routine maintenance ensures reliability when you need it most.
How long will my generator last?
With proper care, emergency-use generators can last 15 years or longer. Factors that affect lifespan include:
- Maintenance schedule
- Quality of the unit
- Usage frequency
Air-cooled generators aren’t designed to run continuously for days at a time. Overuse shortens lifespan significantly — our team will help ensure you’re using the right generator for your needs.
What are the installation requirements?
Requirements vary based on:
- Generator size
- Fuel source
- Local codes
- Your home’s existing electrical and gas systems
Laswell Electric performs a full-site assessment and manages every detail — from trenching and placement to code compliance and startup testing.
What kind of fuel do generators use?
Most of our residential installations use:
- Natural gas
- Propane
Other options include diesel and gasoline, but fuel type depends on your location, home infrastructure, and power goals. We’ll help you choose the best fuel source based on availability and efficiency.
Does Laswell Electric install generators?
Absolutely! Generator installation is one of our specialties. We handle:
- Load calculations
- Electrical/gas work
- Code-compliant installs
- Ongoing maintenance and service plans
Whether you’re backing up a few essentials or your whole home, we’ve got you covered.
Who does the installation work?
All work is done by our in-house team of licensed electricians and technicians — no third-party subcontractors. You’ll get professional, friendly service from people who care about doing the job right.
How heavy are generators?
- Air-cooled standby generators: 350–500+ lbs
- Portable generators: Under 100 lbs
- Larger units (liquid-cooled): Can exceed 1,000 lbs
Weight depends on the model and output. Our team will assess your space and recommend a properly sized unit that fits your power needs and installation footprint.
Have More Questions About Generator Installation?
Laswell Electric is your trusted local partner for safe, efficient, code-compliant generator installations in Louisville and surrounding areas.
Call or Text us at 502-373-4538
Message Or Schedule your FREE consultation online.
Let us help you keep the lights on when it matters most.
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