5 Key Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Standby Generators

Advice from an Experienced Generator Dealer
Power outages never knock — they barge in uninvited, usually during the worst possible time. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to keep the fridge running and the kids entertained, or a small business owner protecting your livelihood, a reliable standby generator can mean the difference between calm and chaos.

At Ready Power, we’ve installed and maintained thousands of systems across the Gulf Coast, and we’ve seen it all — from last-minute storm prep to smart, long-term planning. So if you’re thinking about getting a standby generator, here are five key things you should know before flipping the switch.

1. What a Standby Generator Actually Does

Let’s start with the basics: a standby generator is your home's automatic safety net. When the power goes out, it kicks in within seconds — no hauling out a noisy portable unit or fumbling with cords.

Here’s what makes a standby generator different:

Automatic transfer switch: It detects a power outage and turns the generator on — hands-free.
Whole-home or partial coverage: Depending on the model and size, it can power just the essentials (like your fridge and sump pump) or your whole house.
Tied into your fuel source: No messy gasoline cans — standby generators usually run on natural gas or propane.

Think of it as your home or business’s silent guardian, ready to act when the lights go out.

2. Sizing Matters: Don’t Go Too Big or Too Small

Just like boots, a generator has to fit just right. If it’s too small, it won’t keep up. If it’s too big, you’re paying more than you need to — in both purchase price and fuel.

What goes into sizing?

Appliance load: What do you need to power? Essentials only, or everything including HVAC?
Square footage: Bigger buildings require more juice.
Business needs: If you own a business, consider your peak energy demands (freezers, POS systems, data servers, etc.).

A professional assessment is your best bet. We’ll crunch the numbers and recommend a system tailored for your exact needs.

3. Fuel Type: Know Your Options

Not all standby generators sip the same fuel. Choosing the right type depends on what’s available and what makes sense for your lifestyle.

Natural Gas: Clean, efficient, and if your home is already connected to a gas line, super convenient.
Propane: Great for rural areas. Stored on-site, easy to maintain.
Diesel: Less common for homes, but powerful and reliable for certain commercial setups.

Considerations:

Availability of fuel in your area
Runtime and refill needs
Local ordinances and environmental impact

If you’re not sure, don’t sweat it — we’ll walk you through the pros and cons for your location.

4. Installation Is Not a DIY Job

Installing a standby generator is a major-league job. You’ll need:

Electrical work: Connecting your home or business to the generator through an automatic transfer switch.
Gas plumbing: Safe and compliant fuel line installation.
Permits & inspections: Every municipality’s different, and skipping this step can cost you.

Expect the installation process to take a few days — sometimes more if permits take longer. But once it’s in, you’ll be good to go for years with minimal upkeep.

Pro tip: Look for a licensed dealer who specializes in standby generators, not just general electrical work. Experience matters.

5. Maintenance Is What Keeps You Covered

Your generator’s job is to be ready every time — no excuses. But even the best units need a little TLC.

Here’s what proper maintenance looks like:

Weekly self-tests (most modern units do this automatically)
Oil and filter changes
Battery checks and load tests
Annual tune-ups from a certified technician

We recommend enrolling in a maintenance plan — it’s like having roadside assistance for your power supply. When a storm’s coming, you won’t be wondering if your system will start. You’ll know.

Bonus: You Might Qualify for Incentives or Financing

Standby generators aren’t pocket change — but the protection they offer is priceless. Thankfully, there are ways to ease the investment:

0% financing options
Affordable monthly plans
Local energy rebates or incentives
Potential home insurance discounts

Don’t let cost stop you from protecting what matters. Ask your local dealer (that’s us!) about current offers.

Call to Action – From Your Friends at Ready Power

Here in New Orleans & the greater Gulf South, we know how fast the weather can turn. One minute it’s sunny skies, and the next it’s thunder rolling over the levee. That’s why folks from Baton Rouge to Biloxi, and from Mobile to Metairie, trust Ready Power to keep their homes and businesses running, no matter what.

We’re not some big, faceless company. We’re your neighbors — born and raised right here in the Gulf South. When you call us, you’re getting real people who care, who’ll treat your project like it’s for their own mama’s house.

So if you're ready to take the next step toward reliable, automatic backup power — give us a shout. We’ll come out, take a look, and lay it all out for you, plain and simple. No pressure, no hassle — just good advice and even better service.

Let’s get you powered up.
📞 Call Ready Power today or visit us online to schedule your free quote.