Clayton, New York, is a captivating gem where the St. Lawrence River's shimmering waters meet welcoming small-town conviviality. Proudly standing as a beacon for those seeking a harmonious blend of vibrant community life and natural beauty, Clayton offers an unparalleled quality of living.
Step into this charming town, and you'll find streets brimming with local enthusiasm, from unique boutiques to savory delights at cozy eateries. Whether you're savoring a homemade sweet or exploring artisan crafts, Clayton's downtown area is a feast for the senses and perfect for leisurely
strolls.
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the recreational opportunities Clayton has to offer. Set sail on a river adventure or lace up your hiking boots for a journey through picturesque trails—every twist and turn presents new vistas to awe and inspire. The Thousand Islands are just a stone's throw away, unlocking endless possibilities for exploration on both land and water.
With a community
Discover the Charm and Vibrancy of Clayton,
4 | HelloClayton, New York • Fall Issue
Hello Clayton, New York • Fall Issue |5
Discover the Charm and Vibrancy of Clayton,
that radiates warmth and hospitality, Clayton effortlessly balances tradition with a forward-thinking spirit. Festivals, art galleries, and cultural events throughout the year ensure there's never a dull moment for residents and visitors
alike.
Clayton, New York, invites you to experience a life enriched by natural splendor, community warmth, and boundless opportunities. Discover the vibrant heart of this...
Discover the Charm and Vibrancy of Clayton, New York
Clayton, New York, is a captivating gem where the St. Lawrence River's shimmering waters meet welcoming small-town conviviality. Proudly standing as a beacon for those seeking a harmonious blend of vibrant community life and natural beauty, Clayton offers an unparalleled quality of living.
Step into this charming town, and you'll find streets brimming with local enthusiasm, from unique boutiques to savory delights at cozy eateries. Whether you're savoring a homemade sweet or exploring artisan crafts, Clayton's downtown area is a feast for the senses and perfect for leisurely strolls.
Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the recreational opportunities Clayton has to offer. Set sail on a river adventure or lace up your hiking boots for a journey through picturesque trails—every twist and turn presents new vistas to awe and inspire. The Thousand Islands are just a stone's throw away, unlocking endless possibilities for exploration on both land and water.
With a community that radiates warmth and hospitality, Clayton effortlessly balances tradition with a forward-thinking spirit. Festivals, art galleries, and cultural events throughout the year ensure there's never a dull moment for residents and visitors alike.
Clayton, New York, invites you to experience a life enriched by natural splendor, community warmth, and boundless opportunities. Discover the vibrant heart of this delightful town and fall in love with the best that Upstate New York has to offer.
What Size Generator Do You Really Need?
Most people guess when it comes to selecting a generator size, and usually, they get it wrong. The right generator size is not about how big your house is or what size your neighbor has. It is about what you actually need or want to power when the electricity goes out.During a power outage, some
homeowners want everything to work just as it normally would. Others are comfortable keeping only the basics running until the grid power returns. Your personal preference, combined with the specific demands of your home’s electrical system, determines how much power your standby generator must deliver.
6 | HelloClayton, New York • Fall Issue
What Size Generator Do You Really Need?
Most people guess when it comes to selecting a generator size, and usually, they get it wrong. The right generator size is not about how big your house is or what size your neighbor has. It is about what you actually need or want to power when the electricity goes out.
During a power outage, some homeowners want everything to work just as it normally would. Others are comfortable keeping only the basics running until the grid power returns. Your personal preference, combined with the specific demands of your home’s electrical system, determines how much power your standby generator must deliver.
In Northern New York, whole house generator systems commonly range from 14-26 kilowatts (kW). That range can handle most homes depending on the appliances and heating systems involved. A 14kW unit can often power an average-sized home, while a 26kW or even larger system may be required for a larger house or one with heavy electrical loads. If your goal is to run only essential equipment, such as your heating system, refrigerator, water pump, and a few lights, you may only need a 10-12 kW unit with a select circuit transfer switch.
The size of your home alone does not determine your generator’s capacity. A smaller house filled with electric heating, a large well pump, and air conditioning could require more power than a larger home that uses gas appliances and efficient lighting. It is all about the load, the amount of power needed to start and run each appliance at the same time.
The only accurate way to know what size generator you need is through a professional load calculation performed by a trained technician. This process measures the total demand of your selected appliances, including startup loads that are higher than running loads. The technician then uses that data to recommend a system that delivers exactly what you need without wasting energy or capacity.
Selecting a generator that is too small can lead to frequent overloads or power shortages when you need it most. A system that is too large will cost more upfront and may operate inefficiently, using excess fuel and creating unnecessary wear. Proper sizing ensures your generator runs smoothly, reliably, and within its intended capacity, which helps extend its service life.
A correctly sized system also connects more seamlessly to your home’s electrical panel and automatic transfer switch. When installed and calibrated to match your home’s electrical load, the system transitions smoothly during an outage, maintaining steady voltage and protecting your electronics from surges.
For homeowners in regions that experience frequent storms, ice, or wind-related power interruptions, planning ahead makes a significant difference. Reliable power during an outage brings peace of mind, especially when temperatures drop and daily routines depend on electric heat or well water systems. Having the right generator size means your household can continue operating safely and comfortably through extended outages.
In most cases, deciding what to power is a matter of balance between convenience and practicality. Powering an entire home requires more capacity but provides total comfort. Running only the essentials reduces cost and fuel consumption while still keeping key systems active. By assessing your true needs and having a professional load calculation performed, you can invest in a system that works precisely as intended when the lights go out.
Sizing a generator is about understanding demand, not guessing. Once you know what you want to power, an accurate load assessment ensures your generator performs efficiently and reliably, keeping your home running just the way you need it to.
Dan Shaver
heavy electrical loads. If your goal is to run only essential equipment, such as your heating system, refrigerator, water pump, and a few lights, you may only need a 10-12 kW unit with a select circuit transfer switch.The size of your home alone does not determine your generator’s capacity. A smaller house filled with electric heating, a large well pump, and air conditioning could require more power than a larger home that uses gas appliances and efficient lighting. It is all about the load, the amount of power needed to start and run each appliance at the same time.The only accurate way to know what size generator you need is...
In Northern New York, whole house generator systems commonly range from 14-26 kilowatts (kW). That range can handle most homes depending on the appliances and heating systems involved. A 14kW unit can often power an average-sized home, while a 26kW or even larger system may be required for a larger house or one with
The only accurate way to know what size generator you need is through a professional load calculation performed by a trained technic...
About the Author
Daniel Shaver has dedicated more than 25 years to the power generation industry. Beginning as a vocational instructor, he spent over 16 years teaching engine systems and power generation to high school students, and in 2002 founded DM Shaver, Inc. Specializing specifically in power generators, his company has established itself as one of the most trusted and well-known in Northern New York.
