Recognized for its rich history and awe-inspiring architecture, Albany, New York constitutes a sparkling marriage of the past and the future. At the heart of this vibrant city lives the passion and vision of one woman: Kathy Sheehan,
the city's dynamo mayor and advocate. A true Albany loyalist, Kathy loves the soul of this city which thrives on evolution and change.
Our beloved Albany isn't merely respected for its deep roots - it's a city that embraces evolution. It enthusiastically hustles forward, taking on every dawn with fortified spirit and growth. Our majestic city wears its history like a badge of honor, yet is always teeming with anticipation for the
Mayor Kathy Sheehan's Love Letter to Albany,
Hello Albany, New York • Fall Issue |5
tomorrow.
The diversity idyllically paints the city's canvas with an expansive palette of cultures, stories, and perspectives that brings out the city's vibrant personality. This backdrop accounts for its eclectic architecture and adds layer upon layer of rich texture and fascinating complexity to its social fabric. Mayor Sheehan cherishes this diversity, volumizing it as a vital source of Albany’s progressive dynamism
and harmonious existence.
Kathy talks about the kinetic energy encompassing the city, an energy driven by an all-inclusive community that melds a multitude of unique narratives. The melting pot of histories, backgrounds, and futures forms a radiant city that cannot be labeled monochrome.
It is no secret that Mayor Kathy Sheehan deeply loves her city. She lauds Albany for its...
Mayor Kathy Sheehan's Love Letter to Albany,
Mayor Kathy Sheehan's Love Letter to Albany, New York
Recognized for its rich history and awe-inspiring architecture, Albany, New York constitutes a sparkling marriage of the past and the future. At the heart of this vibrant city lives the passion and vision of one woman: Kathy Sheehan, the city's dynamo mayor and advocate. A true Albany loyalist, Kathy loves the soul of this city which thrives on evolution and change.
Our beloved Albany isn't merely respected for its deep roots - it's a city that embraces evolution. It enthusiastically hustles forward, taking on every dawn with fortified spirit and growth. Our majestic city wears its history like a badge of honor, yet is always teeming with anticipation for the tomorrow.
The diversity idyllically paints the city's canvas with an expansive palette of cultures, stories, and perspectives that brings out the city's vibrant personality. This backdrop accounts for its eclectic architecture and adds layer upon layer of rich texture and fascinating complexity to its social fabric. Mayor Sheehan cherishes this diversity, volumizing it as a vital source of Albany’s progressive dynamism and harmonious existence.
Kathy talks about the kinetic energy encompassing the city, an energy driven by an all-inclusive community that melds a multitude of unique narratives. The melting pot of histories, backgrounds, and futures forms a radiant city that cannot be labeled monochrome.
It is no secret that Mayor Kathy Sheehan deeply loves her city. She lauds Albany for its constant evolution, its living history, its outstanding architecture, and the vibrant diversity of its community. This video uniquely captures her passion and dedication.
Her fondness for the city certainly contributes to the passion she shows in her duties. So, while you’re virtually touring the aesthetically pleasing and historically rich Albany, remember that behind its running is a dedicated leader with an unquenchable love for her city. Explore Albany through Mayor Kathy's eyes and learn what makes this city truly unique and ever-evolving.
Through her leadership, Albany continues to be a city that rewrites its story with each passing moment, building a legacy steeped in tradition but bound by its desire for evolution, understanding, and diversity.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan is indeed the tangible symbol of the positive progression of Albany, a city ready to embrace change while honoring its past. Join us as we celebrate Albany's unique charm and the determined spirit embodied by Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
What Size Generator Do You Need in Albany?
When the power goes out in Albany, most homeowners realize how much they rely on electricity for daily comfort. A generator can bridge that gap, but choosing the right size is the most important step before buying one. The size determines whether you can keep your lights on, run your heating system, and
stay connected to the internet, or if you will be stuck juggling what can stay powered.The first step is to list what you consider essential in your home. For most people, this includes the refrigerator, heating system, lighting, sump pump, and Wi-Fi equipment. These are the things that protect
6 | HelloAlbany, New York • Fall Issue
What Size Generator Do You Need in Albany?
When the power goes out in Albany, most homeowners realize how much they rely on electricity for daily comfort. A generator can bridge that gap, but choosing the right size is the most important step before buying one. The size determines whether you can keep your lights on, run your heating system, and stay connected to the internet, or if you will be stuck juggling what can stay powered.
The first step is to list what you consider essential in your home. For most people, this includes the refrigerator, heating system, lighting, sump pump, and Wi-Fi equipment. These are the things that protect your comfort, safety, and connection during an outage. Don’t forget any other essentials, like ensuring any refrigeration devices that store medications, aquarium/animal habitats, or other essential items that are sometimes overlooked, make it onto that list. Once you have your list, look at each appliance’s wattage. The wattage tells you how much power an appliance needs to run. Add them up for a total.
But that is not the full number you will need. Many appliances draw more power when starting up than they do while running. That extra surge must be included when figuring out your total wattage. For example, a furnace or refrigerator may use two or three times more electricity when it first switches on. This difference between running and startup wattage is why an accurate total matters.
In colder regions like Albany and the rest of Upstate New York, power loss can happen at the worst times of year. Heavy snow, wind, or ice can knock down lines, and repair times can stretch for days. A portable generator can provide a certain level of backup power during these outages, but a standby generator provides more reliable coverage. A standby system is permanently installed, connected to your home’s fuel source, and activates automatically when the power fails. It can generally run longer and handle heavier loads than most portable units, which usually need to be set up manually and refueled by hand.
A good way to think about generator sizing is in two categories: essential coverage and whole-home coverage. Essential coverage means the generator powers only the circuits you consider most important, such as heating, lighting, and refrigeration. Whole-home coverage generally powers everything wired into your home’s electric system, from your HVAC system to your washer and dryer. The decision often comes down to your budget, how long you expect outages to last, and how much convenience matters to you during those times.
For many Albany homes, a generator rated between 7,000 and 12,000 watts, or 7 to 12 kilowatts, is enough to cover essential needs. Larger homes, or those with electric heat, may need 18,000 watts or more. It is generally better to slightly oversize your system than to fall short. That way, the generator will not run constantly at its maximum capacity, which helps it last longer and operate more efficiently.
One mistake homeowners often make is guessing at size or buying the biggest model they can find. Both approaches can be wasteful. Oversizing leads to higher purchase costs and more fuel consumption than necessary, as well as unnecessary materials expenses in upsizing wiring and piping. Undersizing limits what you can run and can strain the generator, likely shortening its life. Further, many generators, including most home standby generators, will shut down if overloaded. Consulting a professional or using a load calculator can help you find a balanced figure that fits your home’s true needs.
When sizing, also think about the type of fuel. Propane and natural gas units are common for standby systems and work well in cold climates. Gasoline generators are usually portable but less ideal for long outages, since fuel can degrade over time or become hard to find during storms. Diesel systems are durable and efficient, but require more maintenance. The fuel type may slightly change the power output, so it is another factor in matching capacity to demand.
Choosing the right generator size ensures both safety and comfort when Albany’s weather turns harsh and the grid goes down. A properly sized unit runs smoothly without overloading, uses fuel more efficiently, and starts easily when you need it most. It is not just about convenience but about maintaining normalcy and preventing damage from frozen pipes or food spoilage.
Homeowners should also think ahead about maintenance. Like any engine, a generator needs routine attention. That includes checking oil levels, changing filters, testing startup cycles, and scheduling yearly inspections before winter begins. Maintenance helps extend lifespan and keeps your system ready for unexpected storms. An unused or poorly maintained unit can fail just when it is needed most, defeating the purpose of having backup power.
Finally, plan for professional installation and a transfer switch that safely connects the generator to your home’s circuits. This prevents dangerous back-feeding into the grid and ensures your generator runs only the systems it is meant to power. Once installed, test it occasionally, even when you do not need it. That small effort ensures it will start without hesitation the next time the lights flicker out.
When properly sized, fueled, and maintained, a generator becomes more than a convenience. It becomes a dependable safeguard for your home and family through Albany’s long winters and unpredictable storms.
Jim Cleary
The wattage tells you how much power an appliance needs to run. Add them up for a total.But that is not the full number you will need. Many appliances draw more power when starting up than they do while running. That extra surge must be included when figuring out your total wattage. For example, a furnace or refrigerator may use two or three times more electricity when it first switches on. This difference between running and startup wattage is why an accurate total matters.In colder regions like Albany and the rest of Upstate New York, power loss can happen at the worst times of year. Heavy snow, wind, or ice can knock down...
your comfort, safety, and connection during an outage. Don’t forget any other essentials, like ensuring any refrigeration devices that store medications, aquarium/animal habitats, or other essential items that are sometimes overlooked, make it onto that list. Once you have your list, look at each appliance’s wattage.
Choosing the right generator size ensures both safety and comfort when Albany’s weather turns harsh and the grid goes down.
About the Author
Jim Cleary is the owner of Capital Region Generator Solutions LLC, specializing in home backup power. With a background in electrical, gas line, and home repair work, Jim is known for his hands-on expertise, customer-first approach, and commitment to reliable backup power solutions.
HelloAlbany, New York • Fall Issue |7
FEATURED STORY
What Most People Get Wrong About EV Charging Stations
by Susan Ungerman
Electric vehicles are showing up in more driveways, yet many homeowners still think installing a charger is simple. They picture a quick add-on, like plugging in a new appliance, and getting on with the day. The truth is that an Electric Vehicle Charging Station, or EVCS, changes how a home’s electrical system works. Safe installation requires planning, code knowledge, and the right materials. Treating it casually can lead to expensive and dangerous problems.The biggest trouble starts when unqualified installers treat the job as routine. A charger that is wired to an
8 | HelloAlbany, New York • Fall Issue
Susan Ungerman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Susan Ungerman is the President and Owner of Ungerman Electric, a certified woman-owned business specializing in electrical and lighting contracting. She leads the company’s operations and strategic direction, upholding its core values of quality, responsiveness, and integrity.
overloaded circuit can overheat and fail. Loose terminations and undersized conductors can create hot spots that damage equipment or start a fire. Skipping permits and inspections removes an important layer of protection. Homeowners who try to save up front often pay later in repair costs, downtime, and risk. What looks like an easy project can turn into a long series of electrical and safety issues if not done correctly.Every home has a different electrical load profile, and adding a Level 2 charger can push a service past its limits. Before anything is mounted on the wall, a load calculation should be
Hello Albany, New York • Fall Issue |9
What Most People Get Wrong About EV Charging Stations
Electric vehicles are showing up in more driveways, yet many homeowners still think installing a charger is simple. They picture a quick add-on, like plugging in a new appliance, and getting on with the day. The truth is that an Electric Vehicle Charging Station, or EVCS, changes how a home’s electrical system works. Safe installation requires planning, code knowledge, and the right materials. Treating it casually can lead to expensive and dangerous problems.
The biggest trouble starts when unqualified installers treat the job as routine. A charger that is wired to an overloaded circuit can overheat and fail. Loose terminations and undersized conductors can create hot spots that damage equipment or start a fire. Skipping permits and inspections removes an important layer of protection. Homeowners who try to save up front often pay later in repair costs, downtime, and risk. What looks like an easy project can turn into a long series of electrical and safety issues if not done correctly.
Every home has a different electrical load profile, and adding a Level 2 charger can push a service past its limits. Before anything is mounted on the wall, a load calculation should be completed to see what the panel can support. A dedicated circuit is usually required, sized for the charger’s continuous load. In many homes, a panel upgrade or subpanel makes the system safer and easier to maintain. These decisions are best made by a licensed electrician who works to the current code. It is not just about powering a vehicle, but about ensuring the entire home can handle the added demand without strain.
Materials matter as much as design. Wire gauge, insulation type, and breaker selection must match the charger’s rating and the installation environment. Outdoor equipment needs weather-rated enclosures and proper gasketed fittings. Indoor runs should be protected from physical damage and routed cleanly to avoid heat buildup. Ground fault protection is essential, and bonding and grounding must be verified. When the wrong materials are used, small defects can grow into major failures over time, especially under constant high load.
An EV charger installed without proper assessment, permitting, and inspection can jeopardize safety, void equipment warranties, and threaten insurance coverage. Many insurers expect documented, code-compliant electrical work. If a claim follows a fire tied to unpermitted changes, coverage may be limited or denied. The permit and inspection process is not a formality; it is a safeguard that confirms the installation meets recognized standards and that every step of the work is properly documented.
Placement and user experience deserve attention as well. The charging handle should reach the port without straining the cable, and the cord should store neatly to avoid trips. Mounting height should be comfortable for regular use and accessible for different drivers. Where snow, rain, or sun are factors, weather protection and clearances reduce wear on the equipment. Good planning makes nightly charging simple, and it reduces the urge to take unsafe shortcuts that could damage the unit or wiring.
Ventilation and temperature conditions affect reliability and lifespan. Garages that get very hot in summer or very cold in winter may need small adjustments to routing and mounting. Some chargers include load sharing or smart features that balance demand between vehicles or appliances. Configuring these features correctly helps prevent nuisance trips and keeps the home within its service capacity. A professional can tune the system to the home’s routine so charging remains efficient without stressing the service panel.
Local codes and national standards evolve as technology changes, and EV charging is no exception. Cities may now require disconnect switches or specific conduit types, while newer chargers call for higher-rated breakers or updated labeling. Following these codes helps protect the homeowner from future problems and ensures compatibility with next-generation vehicles. A compliant system also helps preserve resale value, since documented upgrades make a home more attractive to future buyers who plan to drive electric.
Beyond compliance, a well-designed EVCS makes daily life easier. Faster charging, reliable performance, and fewer interruptions mean owners can depend on their vehicle without worry. Professionally installed systems also help protect the vehicle’s internal charging components from fluctuations and surges. Over time, that reliability adds up to lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for both the car and the electrical equipment. The charger becomes a stable, permanent part of the home’s infrastructure.
Homeowners who treat an EVCS as part of the home’s electrical backbone make smarter choices. They confirm capacity, use listed materials, follow the permit path, and schedule inspections to ensure compliance. With that approach, the charger becomes a durable appliance that works quietly for years. Electric transportation depends on steady, safe power, and the right installation is what delivers it. Expertise, patience, and professional oversight transform what could be a risky project into a dependable system that supports cleaner transportation for the long term.
An EVcharger installed withoutproper assessment, permitting, andinspection can jeopardizesafety, void equipment warranties,and threateninsurance coverage.
completed to see what the panel can support. A dedicated circuit is usually required, sized for the charger’s continuous load. In many homes, a panel upgrade or subpanel makes the system safer and easier to maintain. These decisions are best made by a licensed electrician who works to the current code. It is not just about powering a vehicle, but about ensuring the entire home can handle the added demand without strain.Materials matter as much as design. Wire gauge,...
