Generator Installation & Service in Montgomery, AL

Power outages in central Alabama are a fact of life. From summer thunderstorms and tropical systems to ice storms that knock out power for days, Montgomery homeowners and businesses know the frustration — and real danger — of being without electricity. A whole-home standby generator from McGehee Electric LLC keeps your power on automatically, no matter what the weather brings.

Call (334) 273-5500 to get a free generator installation estimate today.

Benefits of a Whole-Home Standby Generator

Unlike portable generators that require manual setup, fuel hauling, and extension cords, a whole-home standby generator is permanently installed and turns on automatically within seconds of a power outage. Benefits include:

Automatic operation — Your generator senses an outage and starts itself. You don’t have to be home.
Whole-house power — Run your HVAC, refrigerator, medical equipment, sump pump, and lights without interruption.
Natural gas or propane fuel — No jerry cans, no running out of fuel mid-outage, no storage hassle.
Peace of mind for medical needs — Critical for households with oxygen equipment, refrigerated medications, or electric mobility devices.
Home protection — Keep sump pumps, HVAC, and security systems running to prevent water damage, mold, and break-ins during an extended outage.
Increased home value — A permanently installed generator is a selling point that adds real value to your property.

Types of Generators and Sizing Considerations

Choosing the right generator starts with understanding your home’s power needs. McGehee Electric will help you select the right size and type:

Standby Generator Sizes:

7–12 kW — Powers essential circuits (HVAC, refrigerator, lights, outlets). Great for smaller homes or homes on natural gas with lower electrical loads.
13–20 kW — Powers most or all of a typical 2,000–3,000 sq ft home, including central AC.
22–48 kW — Ideal for larger homes, homes with electric water heaters or ranges, or properties with outbuildings or workshops.

Fuel Options:

Natural Gas — Connected to your existing gas line. Most convenient since fuel is always available.
Liquid Propane (LP) — Ideal for homes without natural gas service. Requires an on-site propane tank.

During our free estimate, we’ll calculate your home’s electrical load, review your fuel options, and recommend the right generator size to meet your needs and budget.

Generator Installation Process and Timeline

Installing a whole-home generator is a multi-step process that requires a licensed electrician. Here’s how McGehee Electric handles it:

Free Consultation and Load Calculation — We visit your home, assess your electrical panel, calculate your power needs, and recommend the right generator size.
Site Selection — We help you choose the right placement for your generator, following manufacturer and code requirements for clearance from doors, windows, and gas meters.
Permits and Utility Coordination — We pull the required electrical and gas permits. If a natural gas meter upgrade is needed, we coordinate with Alabama Gas Corporation (Alagasco).
Electrical Installation — We install the automatic transfer switch (ATS), connect the generator to your electrical panel, and run all necessary wiring to code.
Gas or Propane Connection — We connect the generator to your gas supply or work with your propane supplier to size and connect the LP tank.
Testing and Commissioning — We run a full load test, verify automatic transfer operation, and walk you through your new system before we leave.

Most residential generator installations are completed in one to two days. The permitting process may add time depending on the city’s current schedule.

Generator Maintenance and Service Plans

A generator that isn’t maintained won’t start when you need it most. McGehee Electric offers maintenance services to keep your backup power system in peak condition:

Annual tune-ups — Oil and filter changes, spark plug inspection, battery testing, and load bank testing
Transfer switch inspection — Ensuring your automatic transfer switch is functioning correctly
Exercise cycle verification — Confirming your generator’s weekly self-test is running properly
Emergency service — If your generator fails to start or runs improperly, call us for a diagnostic and repair

Most generator manufacturers recommend annual service. We’ll remind you when your generator is due and schedule service at your convenience.

Power Reliability in Montgomery, Alabama

Central Alabama sees its share of severe weather events throughout the year. Spring and summer bring frequent thunderstorms and the occasional tornado, while fall and winter can bring ice storms that weigh down power lines and cause extended outages across Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, and surrounding communities.

Unlike a short outage of an hour or two, extended outages following major weather events can last 24–72 hours or more. During those events, spoiled food, rising indoor temperatures in summer, freezing pipes in winter, and disrupted routines become real problems — especially for families with medical needs, small children, or elderly members.

A standby generator eliminates those worries. When the power goes out in your neighborhood, your home stays on.

Generator Brands We Install and Service

McGehee Electric installs and services leading generator brands including Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton. We can also service most other brands for maintenance and repairs. During your consultation, we’ll help you choose the brand and model that best fits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Generator Installation

How much does a whole-home generator cost in Montgomery, AL?
Installed costs for standby generators typically range from $4,000 to $12,000 or more depending on generator size, fuel type, and electrical panel requirements. We provide free, detailed estimates so you know exactly what to expect.

Do I need a permit to install a generator?
Yes. Generator installations require both an electrical permit and, in most cases, a gas permit. McGehee Electric handles all permitting on your behalf.

How long does a generator last?
With proper maintenance, a quality standby generator can last 20–30 years. Annual service is the key to long generator life.

Can a generator power my whole house?
Yes, if sized correctly. We’ll calculate your home’s total electrical load to recommend a generator that can power everything you need — or help you identify which circuits to prioritize if you prefer a more economical option.

Is a standby generator better than a portable generator?
For most homeowners, yes. Standby generators start automatically, run on a permanent fuel supply, and require no setup. Portable generators require manual operation, gasoline storage, and produce carbon monoxide that makes them unsafe indoors.

Get a Free Generator Installation Estimate

Ready to stop worrying about the next power outage? McGehee Electric serves homeowners and businesses throughout Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, Pike Road, and the River Region.

Phone: (334) 273-5500
Address: 2916 Brevard Ave, Montgomery, AL 36109

Request a Free Estimate →