"I chose Optimize because of the positive feedback and strong recommendations I read in the reviews. I was not disappointed! Matthew, Craig and his work crew could not have been more professional and responsive. They did a great job on the installation of my stand-by generator and the price was very reasonable. I am strongly recommending Optimize to any of my friends or family that need any of the services they provide."
"The evaluation to determine generator size was excellent. Very detailed by a very knowledgeable gentleman. Answered all my questions and further advised those things I should want to follow on installing my generator. Optimize were right on schedule the stated day of installation. Excellent young crew, very knowledgeable and worked together very well. They were able to install the generator and electrical, had to wait on trenching the gas line as to wet and muddy in my back yard. Follow the end of the week, once things dried up they trenched and laid the gas line and test rain the generator. Optimize applied for all permits, a complete turn-key job done excellent. I would highly recommend these guys for any of your generator needs!"
"Very professional, quality work, timely, easy to work with and very accomodating. I highly recommend Gridic, LLC (Jonas) and will definitely use him again."
"He ran all new wires and gave me all new plugs and switches. He also gave me can lights in my kitchen and living room. All I can say is Ambient light is first class"
""The work that was carried out was to a very good standard. The electrician explained what needed to be done and gave me options for different jobs, such as whether to fix the existing light fixtures or replace with new. He was polite and helpful throughout.""
In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between $50 and $250, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you—and might be required to do so by your building department—but you’ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.
Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for electrical emergencies. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency.
The average cost to install a home generator is $5,200, but total costs can range from $500 to $18,000 or more. The final price depends on several factors, including the generator's size, type, brand, fuel source, and the cost of labor and assembly. The generator's size is the most significant cost factor, as units that can power larger homes with higher energy demands cost more.
Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500–$2,000
To ensure you get the right size unit for your needs without overpaying, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes from qualified installers to find the best fit for your budget.
Energy output depends on turbine size, average wind speed at your site, and system efficiency. A 5 kW turbine in a good wind location can generate 8,000 to 12,000 kilowatt-hours per year, which may cover a large portion of an average home’s needs. Accurate output estimates require a professional wind assessment and a review of your household’s energy usage patterns.
Generators are safe to use as long as they are installed and operated correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The most critical safety tips are to never use a portable or fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space due to the risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outdoors where fumes can dissipate away from your home. Additionally, never attempt to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel yourself—hire a professional to ensure the setup meets safety standards. Finally, avoid overloading the generator by not connecting more appliances than it is rated for, as this can damage your equipment or cause a fire.
The Maurice, LA homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.
