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."
"My old lighting was replaced and I couldn't be more pleased. The work was actually done while I was away at my work and there is nothing I would change about the way it all looks. The owner even searched and found the lights I wanted to have installed."
"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."
"We needed 2 ceiling fans installed, so I looked on Angie's List and sent a msg to 3 different electricians I found on here. They were the first to respond within 1-2hrs. I sent my msg on our way to church service and when it was over, I noticed they responded. They were on time, professional, and polite. I would highly recommend them and will definitely reach out to them again if we need any other electrical work."
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.
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.
Potential benefits of using a natural gas generator include reducing your carbon footprint, lower likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, budget-friendly operating costs, and low-maintenance, continuous fuel supply. Some possible drawbacks, though, include higher initial installation costs, dependency on a natural gas supply, and installation complexity. Keep in mind that pros and cons will vary based on the type and brand of natural gas generator.
While diesel is relatively stable, it won’t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it’s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn’t always ideal for home use.
In most cases, there are no tax credits available for home generators. However, that’s a general statement that applies to federal tax credits, so you might have access to state or local tax incentives. You can check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for more information about your area. If you hire a reliable home generator installer, they should also know if there are any state or local perks you can use to reduce your installation costs, including tax breaks and rebates.
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.