Hi, my name is Blake Smith. I’ve been doing electrical work for the last 5 years doing service or new construction so I’m very well versed in all aspects of my field
At Whelan Electrical Services, we are committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality electrical solutions for residential and light commercial customers. With years of hands-on experience in electrical construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, and service work, we take pride in delivering honest recommendations, exceptional workmanship, and outstanding customer service.\nWhether you need electrical repairs, panel upgrades, lighting installation, generator connections, EV charger installation, troubleshooting, or new electrical installations, we approach every project with professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety. Our goal is to complete every job correctly the first time while exceeding customer expectations.\nWhen you choose Whelan Electrical Services, you’re choosing dependable service, transparent communication, and quality work you can trust.
"Great experience from start to finish! I would be happy to recommend his services to family and friends. Throughout the process he was punctual and communicative, I was always well informed what was happening. During installation of the panel he discovered a bad meter box that needed to be replaced, it was unavoidable. He was able to complete both repairs in a timely manor. Due to what work was performed a state inspection was required. it passed with no issues. For me, the whole experiences was great, I never felt pressured into any repairs that were out of the scope of what I was asking for. 5 stars from this guy!"
"The electricians and plumbers were very professional in their demeanor. They worked as a team, everyone knew what to do and how to do it. They answered all my questions, but didn't let that distract them from their job. I was impressed with the speed of the installation. They cleaned up after themselves and took their trash with them."
"Michael came out and installed an outlet for me in a timely manner at a very reasonable cost. I was extremely pleased with the quality of his work, professionalism, and knowledge. Michael was friendly, efficient, and made sure everything was done right. I would definitely recommend him to anyone needing electrical work and will use him again in the future."
"Andrea and Cary were excellent, professional, very kind, did the install quickly and triple checked everything for us before they were satisfied! I can’t say enough about how terrific they were! I want to personally give them a big Thank You! Sandra H"
It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around $300 on average, while installing a new whole-house generator costs around $5,000 on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.
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.
These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.
Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.
No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.
The Kingfisher, OK 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.