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Spring Allergies Making You Sniffle? IAQ Products Can Help!

Posted on by Family Danz

woman sits at home office using a tissueSpring is a beautiful time of year, with the trees budding and the flowers blooming. Unfortunately, it can also be a tough time for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Pollen counts are on the rise, and that can cause some sniffling, sneezing, and stuffy noses for those with allergies. While there’s not a lot you can do about the outdoors, there are a few ways you can help improve your indoor air quality or IAQ.

You might be thinking that you don’t really need indoor air quality products because those allergens are outside. However, pollen and other allergens (like mold) can easily get into your home and wreak havoc with your spring allergies. Pollen can come in on your clothing, your shoes, and through open doors or windows. And, the damp weather during spring can help mold and mildew grow in your home. Once these allergens are inside, your HVAC system can circulate them through the air time and time again.

What can I do to keep allergens at bay inside my home?

There are a few practical things you can do when the pollen counts are high outside. You can make sure to take off your outerwear and shoes before entering your home. And, on days when the weather report indicates a high pollen count, you can keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. If mold is a problem, you can check damp areas of your home, like basements and bathrooms, and make sure there is proper air circulation and any traces of mold and mildew growth are cleaned up as soon as you notice them.

For some allergy sufferers, these measures aren’t quite enough, and they need to consider installing indoor air quality products in their homes. At Family Danz, we want you to be as comfortable as possible in your home, and we know that often means more than just helping you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That’s why we offer a complete lineup of indoor air quality products to help keep the air in your home as fresh and clean as possible.

What products do you provide that can help with my home’s IAQ?

You trust Bryant® heating and air conditioning products to help you stay comfortable, no matter what the weather is like outside. Did you know that they also offer some of the best indoor air quality products as well? At Family Danz, we’re pleased to offer the following Bryant indoor air quality products to our customers:

  • Evolution™ Air Purifier: Compact enough to fit in your home’s HVAC installation, this solution offers whole-home air purification by cleaning the air that flows through your system. It can trap up to 95 percent of particles and inactivates 99 percent of select airborne pathogens (such as human influenza, common cold surrogate, streptococcus pyogenes, and the murine coronavirus) using patented Captures & Kills® technology. Not to mention, it provides long-lasting MERV-15 efficiency.
  • Bryant® Ventilator: Today’s airtight homes often provide no way to refresh your indoor environment. Bryant ventilators bring filtered outdoor air into your home, replacing the stale, trapped indoor air. And, unlike opening a window, ventilation systems work with your home’s HVAC system to preserve efficiency.
  • Bryant® UV Lights: Because of the often-damp environment inside your air conditioning unit, it can become the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. Bryant UV lamps are designed to focus intense UV light on the cooling coil, thus killing mold and bacteria that may have formed there. Not only does this help improve indoor air quality, it helps your system operate more efficiently, too.
  • Humidity Control: Whether the air in your home is too dry or too damp, Bryant has the solution. The Preferred™ Series humidifier lineup helps deliver moist air throughout your home, while the Preferred™ Series whole-home dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the indoor air.
  • Preferred™ Series Carbon Monoxide Alarm: Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and can be deadly. To keep your family safe from CO poisoning, it’s important to have controls in place that can alert you to a possible carbon monoxide leak. This carbon monoxide alarm uses sophisticated electronics and sensor technology to detect the CO levels in your home.

Call Family Danz for the indoor air quality products you need for your home.

If you’re ready for fresher, cleaner indoor air for your home, Family Danz is ready to assist you! We’ll help you breathe easier this spring, and all year long, with quality indoor air quality products from Bryant. Call Family Danz today at (518) 427-8685 to learn more about our complete lineup of IAQ products, and to schedule an appointment.

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and we will be glad to assist you.

Contact Family Danz

Should I Get a Whole-Home Humidifier This Winter?

Posted on by Family Danz

During the winter months, many homeowners find that the air inside their homes becomes dry, especially those with forced-air heat. While the heated air keeps your home and family toasty, it can also lack moisture. And that can lead to a whole host of concerns. Some of the discomforts that people experience when the air in their home is too dry include itchy skin, scratchy throats, and an increased frequency of ailments like colds and nosebleeds. Additionally, your home can suffer as well – you might notice that the floorboards are creaking or painted woodwork is peeling.

So, what can you do to improve the level of humidity in your home? Many people find that installing a whole-home humidification system does the trick! Whole-home systems are different than room humidifiers because they deliver humidified air to your entire home rather than one singular space. And, you won’t have to worry about them running out of water – most systems need little to no maintenance, making it easier for you and your family to enjoy humidified air, no matter how cold it gets outside.

I’m not sure if I need a home humidification system. What are some of the signs?

As we mentioned above, winter months can mean overly dry indoor air. Lack of outside air, running the furnace constantly, and using other heating methods, such as fireplaces, all contribute to drying out your home’s air. If you notice any of the following signs of overly dry air, it’s likely that you need to add some humidity to your home environment.

  • Static electricity is a problem. Is your hair standing on end and your clothing clinging, or are you noticing those little zaps when you walk across the carpet? Those are all signs of too much static electricity – and too little moisture in the air.
  • Your mucous membranes feel uncomfortable. Yuck! Nobody wants to think about mucous membranes, but those delicate linings of your eyes, nose, mouth, and throat can all become especially irritated when the air in your home is too dry.
  • Your skin is itchy, too. If your skin is dry and flaky, and your lips are chapped and cracking, it doesn’t feel the greatest – and it’s a really good indication that the air in your home is way too dry.
  • Your wooden furniture is creaky. Overly dry air can cause issues with the wooden furniture and fixtures in your home. Your hardwood floors and stairs may warp, and paint may crack. Very delicate wooden furniture and fixtures may even crack and split.

Can Family Danz help me if my home is overly dry?

We sure can! We offer home humidification solutions that can help you get the humidity levels you need in your home – helping you enjoy better comfort. We’re pleased to offer our customers the Bryant® Preferred™ Series humidifier, which can deliver humidified air throughout your entire home. Call Family Danz today at (518) 427-8685 and get the quality service that you expect from a company you know and trust.

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and we will be glad to assist you.Contact Family Danz

Feeling Chilly This Winter? Keep Your Whole House Warm with Ductless!

Posted on by Family Danz

Woman sits on couch using remote control on ductless unitThe cold winter months in the Capital Region can certainly make it difficult to stay comfortable. You look to your home as a warm, cozy haven to come into out of the cold, but if your heating isn’t adequate, you’re probably feeling the chill even when you’re indoors. Central heating systems work great in areas where your ductwork can reach, but in some instances, you may need a little extra help keeping your house warm.

Fortunately, ductless heating systems are a great option. Because of new technology, ductless now works great even in colder climates, making it a solid choice for homeowners in the Northeast. Plus, because it is available in a number of different configurations, it can be installed in most homes with minimal construction and downtime. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways ductless may benefit your home.

Areas of Your Home Where Ductless Heating Can Be Beneficial

Ductless heating relies on a heat pump system to transfer the heat from the outdoor air into your home. Many people worry this won’t work in colder temperatures, but there is heat in the outdoor air, even on chillier days. This heat is brought into the home using an outdoor heat pump unit and generally requires only a small-diameter hole to connect the outdoor and indoor units. As a result, your technician should easily be able to install your ductless system quickly – so you will be toasty-warm in no time.

Ductless systems can either be installed as singular units or in a multiple unit configuration throughout your whole home. Here are three different scenarios where ductless can help keep your entire house comfortable:

  1. You have an addition or converted space. If you’ve added onto your home or converted an area such as an attached garage or attic into living space, this area of your home might not have access to your central HVAC system. With a ductless system, you’ll be able to keep that area of your home warm, without having the mess and expense of adding ductwork.
  2. You have “cold spots” in your home. There are a variety of reasons you may notice one room of your home does not warm up adequately. If you have an older home, it may have not been originally built with an HVAC system in mind. If you’ve added space, your current heating system may not be able to effectively heat the home due to its sizing. A ductless system can help remedy that – and help your central heating system work more efficiently.
  3. You have old, inefficient baseboard electric heat. Generally speaking, homes with electric heating systems often do not have ductwork. Adding it can be a costly, time-consuming, and messy venture. And, you may not have the space to add ductwork to your home. With ductless heating, you can replace an old baseboard heating system with a new, highly efficient system that takes up no floor space and provides the benefit of air conditioning in the summer – so you can get rid of those bulky, noisy window AC units.

Wait… ductless can keep my home cool in the summer, too?

Yes! As an added benefit of ductless, the process of transferring heat indoors can be reversed in the summer months, keeping you and your family cool when it gets hot outdoors. A ductless system provides heating and air conditioning, all in one compact unit!

And, there are some other benefits you’ll appreciate as well:

  • High efficiency. Ductless systems, according to ENERGY STAR, use an average of 60 percent less energy to operate than standard baseboard electric heat, and up to 30 percent less energy than window or room air conditioners.
  • Quiet operation. Most people who have ductless heating and cooling marvel over how quiet their system is – in fact, most say it’s as quiet as a whisper. Anyone who has had noisy window air conditioning can appreciate that!
  • Remote control. Ductless systems are extremely easy to control using a remote. Some even have an app that you can download, making it easy to control the temperature using your smartphone.

How can I get ductless heating and cooling for my home?

Getting ductless for your home is as easy as giving Family Danz a call. We’ll be glad to talk to you about ductless heating and cooling, and what configuration is the best choice for your home. Just give us a call at (518)427-8685, and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Contact Family Danz

Maintenance, Repair, or Replacement: What Does Your Furnace Need?

Posted on by Family Danz

HVAC technician works on a gas furnace Now that winter has arrived and we’ve experienced some colder weather, you might be feeling a little bit concerned about the furnace in your home. Maybe the air quality in your home is not as good as it used to be. Or, maybe you’ve noticed your energy bills are much higher than they should be. Perhaps, you’re simply not as toasty as you’d like to be. No matter what the scenario – if your furnace isn’t keeping you comfortable, there could be a problem.

Of course, the best-case scenario is that your furnace may just need some maintenance or a minor repair. Unfortunately, it may need more extensive repairs, and if that’s the case, you might be wondering if it would make more sense to simply replace it. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the signs your furnace might be showing if it needs maintenance or repair, and we’ll talk about when it may be time to consider a replacement. Keep reading to learn more!

Signs Your Furnace Needs Maintenance

Let’s start off by saying that getting maintenance for your furnace on an annual basis is a good idea. The Department of Energy encourages heating equipment maintenance, indicating that proper maintenance is vital to efficient operation, and can help you save up to 10-25% in energy consumption. So, choosing an annual maintenance plan from a qualified expert is best practice when it comes to your heating system. However, if you haven’t had your system maintained in a while you might notice these signs that you need to call your HVAC contractor:

  • Your home isn’t as comfortable as you’d like. Whether you’ve noticed a decrease in comfort in certain areas or throughout, this is often a result of a poorly maintained system. There could be dirt or debris build-up that needs to be removed or a clogged filter.
  • You’ve noticed a decrease in the quality of air in your home. If you’re seeing particles dancing in the sunbeams, have noticed you need to dust more often, or your family is sniffling when the furnace kicks on, maintenance is very likely in order.
  • Your energy bills have increased. If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills for no apparent reason, it is likely that your furnace is having to work harder, and is using more energy to do so. Usually, this is a result of dirty, clogged filters and internal components.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

While dusty air and higher energy bills often signal the need for a furnace tune-up, sometimes there is more going on than a maintenance call can remedy. If you’ve noticed any of the following, there is almost definitely something going on with your furnace, and you should call your HVAC contractor right away:

  • Screeching, banging, or grinding noises
  • Unusual, foul odors that smell like melting plastic or rubber
  • Your furnace keeps cycling on and off
  • Your furnace will not start

Please note, if you notice any smoke coming from your furnace, or if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, you should leave your home and call your fire department immediately. These are serious issues and you should not wait for repair services in these instances.

When it Might Be Time to Replace

Of course, this is the scenario nobody wants to think about – having to replace their furnace. Heating equipment is a costly investment in your home and with good reason. Not only does it need to be built to last and keep your family comfortable, but it also has to provide safe heating as well. Still, most homeowners like to weigh their options before purchasing a new system.

Factors you should take into consideration include:

  • How old is my furnace? Most furnaces last between 10-20 years, so if yours is getting up there in age, you might want to replace it. It actually can save you money in the long run, because today’s furnaces are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors.
  • How often has my furnace needed repairs? If you’ve got your HVAC contractor on speed dial, and it seems like you’ve had to have frequent repairs made in order to keep it running properly, then it might be time to consider a replacement.
  • How expensive are the repairs? If you’ve needed frequent repairs, the costs definitely begin to add up. And, if your system breaks down and it will need extensive repairs in order to get it back up and running, you will definitely want to weigh the costs of repair versus replacement, especially if your system is older and less efficient.

How can Family Danz help me get the furnace services I need?

At Family Danz, we take great pride in providing you with complete heating services, including furnace maintenance, repair, and replacement. We can give your furnace the check-up it needs to help determine if there is any cause for concern, and we can make sure it receives proper annual maintenance to help it last longer and operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. And, we’ll help you in the event you need repairs or replacement, too. If you have any concerns about your home’s furnace, give us a call today at (518) 427-8685 to find out how we can help meet your furnace needs this winter – no matter what they may be!
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Maximize Your Home’s HVAC System with Ductless

Posted on by Family Danz

mother and daughter on couch using ductless heating unitWhile ductless heating and cooling has been around for a while now, some people have not yet heard of it, or if they have, don’t really know what it is. Ductless heating and cooling is, quite simply, a heating and cooling system that works without the need for ductwork. Most systems operate via a heat pump system and require minimal construction to install.

Additionally, ductless heating and cooling is very quiet, easy to operate, and best of all, highly energy efficient. But, if you already have an HVAC system in your home, you might be wondering if ductless could be of any benefit to you. The answer is yes! If you use any window air conditioning units or space heaters in your home, ductless can provide a less obtrusive, and more energy-efficient solution. Keep reading to learn more!

Three Ways Ductless Can Help Keep You Comfortable

  1. Ductless is great for additions and converted spaces. If you have built on to your home or converted an area like the basement, attic, or garage into a living space, that part of your home may not have access to your home’s ductwork. And that can make those spaces harder to enjoy when the weather outside gets too hot or cold. Some people rely on window AC or space heaters to keep those areas climate controlled, but they can be obtrusive, noisy, and can use a lot of energy. Having a ductless unit installed in that space is the perfect solution because it can provide the heating and cooling you need to enjoy the area year-round, all while offering energy efficiency.
  2. Ductless can help balance out the temperatures in your home. In larger or older homes, sometimes homeowners find that there are areas that are more difficult to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They may even find themselves cranking up the heat or AC system in order to make these rooms comfortable – and that can use a lot of fuel oil and electricity. By adding a ductless heating and cooling system in these areas, it will be much easier to keep these areas of your home comfortable and will help your central HVAC system not have to work as hard.
  3. If you need to replace old baseboard heat, ductless is a great option. If you have electric baseboard heat in your home that needs replacing, ductless is a perfect choice. Since it doesn’t require ductwork in order to operate, you won’t need to worry about messy construction. And, ductless will likely save you money on your energy bills, too – that’s because ductless can cut heating costs in half, and cooling costs by 30 percent, according to ENERGY STAR.

Do you think ductless might be a good choice for your home? Family Danz can help.

If you’d like to learn more about ductless heating and cooling, and whether or not it’s a good choice for your home, give Family Danz Heating & Cooling a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different options for ductless, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

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Worried About Fuel Costs? Here are Some Tips for Heating Your Home Efficiently.

Posted on by Family Danz

woman snuggled in warm blanketWith the costs of heating oil on the rise, you might be wondering if there are ways you can stretch your fuel dollars this fall and winter. Of course, you want to keep your family cozy and warm, but you also don’t want to break the bank on fuel oil. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take that can help keep your home more comfortable, and hopefully, save some money on heating costs.

5 Tips to Help Stretch Your Fuel Budget

  1. Make sure you have good insulation. One of the most important steps you can take toward a more energy-efficient home is by making sure you have the proper levels of insulation. Insulation helps keep the warm air inside and the cool air out, and that allows your heating system to work more effectively.
  2. Hang heavier curtains or drapes. Windows are often a spot in your home where warm air can leak out, and cool air can enter. Make sure your windows are adequately weatherproofed, and choose heavier curtains or drapes to help act as another layer against the chilly outdoor air.
  3. Free up your heating vents. If you have anything around your heating vents that could be blocking maximum airflow, be sure to move it. Obstructions not only prevent the flow of heated air throughout your home, but they can also make your furnace have to work harder – and, as a result, use more fuel.
  4. Consider zoning in larger homes. If you live in a larger or multi-story home, you may want to consider zoning. Zoning can be done for you by your HVAC contractor and provides customized temperature zones throughout your home. That way, you and your family will enjoy better comfort – and improved efficiency.
  5. Use a programmable or smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats can be set at different temperatures for when you’re awake, away from home, or sleeping. Basically, you can just set it and forget it. That way, you won’t have to worry that you left the furnace at a higher temperature while at work. A smart thermostat takes it one step further by “learning” your habits and adjusting accordingly.

Of course, Family Danz wants to help you stay as comfortable as possible.

When you choose Family Danz for your heating needs, we can make sure that your home’s heating system is operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. And, we can provide you with quality fuel oil at the best possible price. We have the current cost per gallon on our website at all times, and we can help you choose a fuel oil budget plan that’s right for your consumption needs, and your wallet.

Don’t let the cost of today’s oil prices keep you from getting the fuel you need – choose a trustworthy, reliable fuel oil delivery company to help you with your home and business heating oil needs. Give Family Danz Heating & Cooling a call today at (518) 427-8685 to find out more about how choosing us for your fuel needs can help you stay warm all winter long – without breaking the bank!

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and we will be glad to assist you.

Why Choose a Career in HVAC?

Posted on by Family Danz

technician servicing a ductless systemNew York is a great place for HVAC technicians. Why? Here, we have variable weather year-round, which means our customers rely on us to help them stay safe and comfortable all year long. According to the ACHR News, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a growth of 21 percent in the field between 2012 and 2022, and it is only expected to continue rising through 2026. A growing concern throughout the industry is that there are not enough new HVAC technicians to replace those who are retiring, so for anyone interested in the field, there will be many jobs – and competitive wages – available now and well into the future.

Interested in a career in HVAC? Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 to learn more.Contact Family Danz

What is an HVAC technician’s role?

The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system in a home or business is responsible for keeping the structure at a comfortable temperature and regulating air quality. HVAC technicians service these systems, offering installation, repair, and maintenance. While many HVAC technicians are trained across the board on all sorts of structures and types of equipment, some specialize in areas such as residential or commercial, heating or air conditioning. Some technicians have additional certifications that allow them to repair, maintain, and install refrigeration systems.

About how much does an HVAC technician make in New York?

While the amount varies from region to region, according to HVACSchool.org, salaries range from around $45-$72K annually. The website also indicates that technicians in New York generally earn a higher wage than the national average, particularly in Nassau, Ithaca, Syracuse, and Albany.

Additionally, there are usually a number of benefits offered to technicians by most reputable HVAC contractors. For instance, at Family Danz, we’re pleased to offer our employees the following comprehensive benefit package:

  • Company Health & Dental Plan
  • Supplemental Health Plan
  • Family Danz 401k Program
  • Personal Time
  • Vacation Time
  • 6 Paid Holidays/Yr.
  • Vision Plan
  • Family Danz Uniform & Cell Phone

Any technicians working with common refrigerants will need federal EPA certification, regardless of local licensing and certification requirements. Fortunately, most trad schools and technical colleges include test prep and the exam as part of their curriculum. They want to make sure you have everything you need to get started in the HVAC field once you graduate.

Where can I go to school for an HVAC degree?

In New York, many BOCES programs, including the Capital Region BOCES in Albany and the WSWHE BOCES in Saratoga Springs, offer an HVAC/R curriculum for both high school students and those interested in continuing adult education. Additionally, many technical schools and colleges offer an HVAC program as well. Here are a few:

How can I learn more about working in the HVAC industry?

At Family Danz, we’re always looking for people to join our team. If you’re already a certified and licensed HVAC technician, we currently have openings and urge you to apply. If you’re interested in a career in HVAC but aren’t quite sure where to start, we’d love to chat with you and tell you more about the business. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to help.

Is a Heat Pump System a Good Choice for My Home?

Posted on by Family Danz

Energy efficiency mobile app on screen, eco houseMore and more people are looking for ways to become more energy-efficient, from the types of vehicles they drive to the lighting fixtures they install in their homes. As you may be aware, your home’s HVAC system is one of the biggest contributors to your annual utility costs. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates heating and cooling account for about 50 percent of a typical home’s energy usage. They also estimate that homeowners who replace an electric heating system with a heat pump may save around $459 on heating costs annually, while those replacing oil systems may save nearly $1000.

Want to learn more about heat pumps? Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and we will be glad to assist you.Contact Family Danz

As you can see, finding ways to improve your home’s energy usage is important, not just for the planet but for your budget, too. One of the ways you can do this is by replacing old and inefficient heating and cooling equipment with high-efficiency HVAC equipment. And, one of the most efficient HVAC systems available on the market today is the heat pump. In this article, we’ll talk about how heat pumps work, the different types available, and how you can learn more about installing one in your home.

What is a heat pump, and how does it work?

With a traditional combustion heating system, like a furnace, fuel is burned to create heat for your home. With a heat pump system, no fossil fuel is required, because this type of heating system instead moves heat, rather than converting fuel to heat. They use heat from the outdoor air or the earth to heat your home. Because of this, they are a highly efficient type of heating equipment. What’s more, during the summer months, your heat pump can do double-duty as an air conditioner by reversing the process, drawing the heat out of the air inside your home, and moving it outdoors into the air or the ground.

What are the different types of heat pumps?

The most common type of heat pump system is the air-sourced heat pump. This operates by drawing the heat from the outdoor air and bringing it indoors (and reversing the process in the summer to provide cooling.) In the past, many people in the Northeast did not consider heat pumps as a primary source of heating. But, technologies have improved that allow air-source heat pumps to be a legitimate choice, even in chilly climates.

Air-sourced heat pumps come in different configurations that allow them to replace different types of old, inefficient equipment. Ducted systems are an ideal choice for people who are replacing an old system (such as a furnace) that used ductwork to deliver heat throughout the home. People who have used electric heating in their homes may not have ductwork. No worries – ductless systems are available for these situations.

Geothermal heat pumps, on the other hand, extract the heat from the ground (or sometimes from a water source) rather than the air. They are more expensive than air-source heat pump systems but are built to last for a long time and provide such incredible energy efficiency that the system generally pays itself off in less than a decade.

How can I learn more about installing a heat pump in my home?

At Family Danz, we can help you get the right type of heat pump for your home, and we’re dedicated to providing you with high-quality Bryant® heat pumps. They’re designed to bring just the right level of heating and cooling to your home, use a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant, and have achieved an ENERGY STAR rating. Not to mention, there are often rebates and incentives available on high-efficiency HVAC equipment that can help you save money upfront on a new heat pump system.

To learn more, simply give Family Danz a call at 518.427.8685, and we’ll be more than happy to tell you more about quality Bryant heat pump systems and help you decide if one is right for your home.

My Home is Too Humid. What Can I Do?

Posted on by Family Danz

Mold near a window in house. Condensation on window

The right humidity level in your home is important, not just for your comfort, but for your actual house as well. According to Bob Vila, the ideal humidity level for a home is between 30 and 50 percent. Vila explains that once the humidity goes past that 50-percent mark, home residents will likely start to feel uncomfortable. Additionally, these conditions can lead to mold growth, condensation, and eventually wood rot, a serious issue when it comes to your home’s structural integrity.

Is my air conditioner also a dehumidifier?

It’s a common misconception that your home’s air conditioning system doubles as a dehumidifier. Indeed, an air conditioning system can help effectively remove moisture from the air. But in overly humid environments, this can start to have a negative effect on your air conditioning system’s efficiency. That’s because your AC has to work overtime just to keep the humidity at bay in your home.

Besides discomfort, what are a few clues that my home is too humid?

Nobody enjoys feeling clammy, sticky, and uncomfortable because of excess humidity in their home. Additionally, there are a few other telltale signs that you may need to take some extra steps to mitigate the moisture in your home:

  • Condensation on windows, pipes, or plumbing fixtures
  • Peeling paint
  • Mold growth in corners, or on walls and ceilings
  • Musty odors
  • Buckling floorboards

What might be causing too much humidity in my home?

There are a number of factors that might be causing your home to be too humid. One, of course, is hot, humid weather outside. But, there are a few issues within your home that may be problematic. Here are a few factors you might want to look out for if you’ve noticed excessive humidity in your home.

  • Day-to-Day Activities:

    Cooking, washing clothes, and bathing or showering can all introduce humidity into your home environment. Adequate ventilation in kitchens, baths, and laundry rooms helps to ensure that that damp air is being drawn out of your home.

  • Leaky Plumbing:

    If you have leaking plumbing fixtures including pipes, sinks, or toilets, it definitely can contribute to the amount of humidity in your home. Appliances like dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines can also leak, so be sure to keep an eye on them as well. If you’ve noticed an increase in humidity in your home in a relatively short period of time, there may be a leak that needs attention.

  • Poor Ventilation:

    As we mentioned above, it’s important to keep your ventilation fans running while cooking or showering, so you can draw the humid air created from those activities out of your home. However, if your home has an inadequate ventilation system, it will not effectively draw the humid air out. At Family Danz, we can help you with ventilation should you need it.

  • Oversized Air Conditioning:

    Many people think a bigger air conditioning system is better at keeping their home cool and comfortable. However, this is not the case. Having the appropriate size AC system is important. Why? A too-large AC system will cool your home down way too quickly, not allowing for adequate dehumidification. Not to mention, it will use much more energy than necessary and because of abrupt starts and stops, may not last as long as a properly sized system.

  • Overly Moist Soil:

    Your home may be built in an area where there’s excessive groundwater, which most homeowners note when their home’s basement becomes overly damp or floods. As our climate in Albany can often be wet, either from rain or snowfall, it’s important to take measures to prevent your basement from becoming overly damp, such as keeping rainwater directed away from your home and making sure your basement is free from leaks.

How can Family Danz help me with my home humidity concerns?

Fortunately, there are a number of ways Family Danz can help you take control of your home’s humidity levels. We can help you get better ventilation if that’s causing problems. And, we can help make sure your air conditioning system is the right size and is properly maintained, allowing it to do a much better job of keeping humidity at a manageable level in your home.

Plus, we offer whole-home dehumidification systems from Bryant®. Bryant dehumidifiers are made to provide relief from high humidity – and high cooling costs. What’s more, with a whole-home dehumidifier, you won’t have to worry about emptying water pans – the moisture is removed via a drain tube, into a floor drain or condensate pump.

Your humidity concerns can be a thing of the past when you give Family Danz a call – just contact us at 518.427.8685 and we will be more than happy to schedule an appointment with you.

How Do I Know if My AC System Needs Repair?

Posted on by Family Danz

technician fixing wiringYou and your family have just come home from a day at the beach. While you all had fun in the sun, you can’t help but look forward to relaxing in a cool, comfortable home. However, the minute you walk in the door, you realize your home feels uncomfortably warm and stuffy. And, upon further investigation, you discover that your home’s air conditioning system has broken down.

While nobody wants to think about this scenario, too often people only notice that something is wrong with their air conditioning system when it breaks down completely. But, some signs can help you recognize that there may be a problem with your system before it stops working. In this article, we’ll share some of the signals your AC system may send you if it’s headed for a breakdown.

Five Signs Your AC Might Need Help

Unfortunately, your air conditioning system can’t tell you when it needs service. However, if you notice any of these signs, you may want to call Family Danz to help:

  • Not Cool, AC… Obviously, the job of your air conditioning system is to cool the air in your home. So, if you’re noticing that the air coming from your vents feels warm, then there is likely a problem.
  • What’s That Smell? Your air conditioning system should not be stinky. If it is, something isn’t working right. Musty odors usually indicate mold growth inside your system, while chemical or plastic-like odors can signal an electrical problem.
  • No-Go with the Flow. Is the airflow coming from your system weak? While this may seem like a major cause for alarm, the chances are your system just needs a good cleaning and your filter needs to be replaced. Give us a call and we can help.
  • Wasted Energy. You know that your AC system requires energy to operate, so you expect that there may be an increase in your energy bills once the summer months hit. But if your bills are rising exponentially with no reasonable explanation, your air conditioning system is likely operating less efficiently – and that can signal a problem.
  • Hey, Quiet Down! Is your air conditioning system making noise that is way outside the norm? If you’re hearing squealing, grating, or grinding sounds coming from your AC unit, you should have it checked out as soon as possible.

Noticing one or more of these signs? It’s probably time to call Family Danz.

The good news is, there’s no need to suffer from an air conditioning system that isn’t operating properly – Family Danz is ready to help. Our expert technicians can troubleshoot virtually any make or model of AC system. We’ll diagnose the problem, and make the necessary repairs to get your system up and running effectively and efficiently. Simply give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we will be more than happy to schedule an appointment with you!