"Could not have asked for better service. The recommended product is working great, the installers were professional and so far the service technicians are top notch."
"The RaLo electrician did a great job running new wire to install my outdoor camlight. He also informed me of a number of other issues he noticed and gave me good price to address those issues as well. I definitely recommend their services."
"My home needed a new circuit panel. I wanted to find an electrician who was very familiar with construction style in my neighborhood, Hyattsville, MD. I posted a message on the local listserve and received a referral for S&S Electric. I contacted Steve and S&S and told him about my home's needs, and it's old construction style. He was very courteous and informative. He gave me a quick estimate and fair price. Steve and his crew completed the work in one day. I experienced no downtime in my home. He even installed a wifi switch for me free of charge. I would happily recommend S&S Electric to any local homeowner."
"On June 10, I had a company to install security equipment in my home. In doing so, the installer drilled through a wire and I did not have electricity in several outlets due to the damage. Since the company did not have an electrician on staff and was unable to refer me to anyone, I turned to Angie’s List for help in finding someone to correct the problem. I called Hands on Electric on June 11 and spoke to the owner, Kevin Williams. I explained my problem to Mr. Williams and he gave me a window of time in which he would be able to come out. Not only was he able to come out the same day that I called, but Mr. Williams was able to come much earlier than expected. Once he arrived he was able to trouble shoot and diagnose the problem. Mr. Williams was very, very friendly, professional and honest. He was able to answer my husband’s questions and explained what he was doing as he made the repairs. My husband was very happy about that and we were both impressed by the years of experience Mr. Williams had for his age. I have been looking for an electrician for a while now and have decided that I will be using Hands on Electric for all of my future projects. I was very pleased with the work that was done by Mr. Williams and will recommend him to my friends and family when they need of electrical services."
"Very responsive, extremely knowledgeable, excellent problem solvers. They kind of really solved the mystery of why the generator didn't work that had to do with the electric."
"Your technician that came out to do a yearly maintenance inspection on my generator was very nice and knowledgeable. He arrived actually earlier than expected and went right to work. I would recommend your company to anyone and it was so nice to deal with someone who acted like they enjoyed their work and wanted to please. Thank you!"
"William Burden is the third generation owner of WBLightningRods and his company has been in business since 1950. He is very courteous, professional, was on time, and has a very good crew. William was present for the entire installation. We chose the copper system. We are glad for the peace of mind a lightning rod system will provide."
"I am absolutely satisfied with Chris and the quality his work. I had a long list of electrical needs during home renovations. He installed ceiling fans, light fixtures, moved outlets, and installed new outlets. He was flexible with his schedule and worked alongside my other contractor's. He was respectful, courteous and assisted with renovation problem solving. I highly recommend Wilk & Son Electric."
Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.
Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.
Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:
The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.
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.
With proper maintenance, a whole-house generator can last between 20 and 40 years. The specific lifespan depends on how often and for how long the generator is used, and some models may have their life expectancy rated in hours of operation. To maximize its lifespan, expect to spend around $150 to $300 per year for annual maintenance checks from a qualified technician. During these checks, a technician will inspect the engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels. Consulting your installer and choosing a low-impact fuel like natural gas or diesel can also help ensure your generator lasts as long as possible.
The Dunkirk, MD homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in Baltimore, MD varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in Washington, DC varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
Portable generators are handy for many reasons, but they require care to prevent fire, electrocution, and more. Stay safe with this guide on how to use a generator.