Air Conditioning Archives

Don’t Suffer with Old Air Conditioning – 5 Reasons to Update Your System.

Posted on July 30, 2023December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

Once summer is in full swing, the heat and humidity can become unpleasant, and homeowners rely on their air conditioning systems to keep them cool. Unfortunately, if your air conditioning system is old, it might not be helping you stay as comfortable as you’d like. And, it might need frequent repairs that are both inconvenient and costly.

Sometimes, replacing an older system becomes a necessity, when the air conditioning unit breaks down completely and is beyond repair. But, you might want to make the replacement before that happens, so you won’t have to deal with discomfort – and another costly repair bill. In this article, we’ll talk about why replacing your current AC system may be the best choice, and how Family Danz can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Five Reasons to Consider Replacing Your Old AC System

Not sure if you need to replace that old air conditioner with a new one? We’re sharing five reasons why it might make good sense to consider a replacement:

Better energy efficiency. The older a system is, the less efficient it is. And, some homeowners have air conditioning systems that are 20 years old or more. These systems were far less efficient than their modern counterparts, to begin with, and chances are they’ve become less efficient over time. A new system will likely use much less energy – and you’ll start saving on your energy bills right away.
Improved refrigerant. Older air conditioning systems may use an outdated type of refrigerant. Newer types of refrigerants have been developed to be more efficient and environmentally sound. And, if your system uses an outdated type of refrigerant, it will likely be very difficult to find replacement refrigerant, and if it is found, it will be very costly.
Improved home comfort. Your old air conditioning system is probably not keeping your home as comfortable as it once did. As time goes on, all air conditioning systems stop working as effectively as they once did. You can extend your system’s life by making sure it’s regularly maintained, but if your system is older and you’ve had to make frequent repairs, you’re likely not as comfortable as you could be.
Proper sizing. If you have added to your home or have converted unused areas into living space, your current system may no longer be the proper size for your home. And, that can make your air conditioner have to work much harder to keep your home cool. You may not need to replace your entire air conditioning system, though – many homeowners can balance their cooling by adding a ductless system to added spaces.
Better indoor air quality. Older air conditioning systems, especially ones that have been neglected, can cause a decrease in indoor air quality. That’s because dust, dirt, microbes, and other particulates can collect in the system. While regular maintenance helps, old AC units aren’t as effective at filtering out moisture as newer models, and that can lead to mold growth.

As you can see, an older air conditioning system might not be keeping you as cool and comfortable as you’d like – and it might be costing you more money than it should, too.

How can Family Danz help me get new air conditioning for my home?

At Family Danz, we’re a full-service air conditioning contractor and can help you with any AC need you might have. Whether you need air conditioning maintenance, repair, or a brand-new system installation to help you stay cool this summer, we’re ready to assist you. We will always look out for your best interest and provide exceptional air conditioning services and products of the highest quality to ensure the expected comfort and safety. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Keeping Your Cool When Mother Nature Turns Up the Heat: 10 Tips

Posted on June 26, 2023December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

Summer has arrived, and that means the outdoor temperatures will likely continue to rise. While many of us look forward to summer fun in the sun, when the heat and humidity start to peak, we often look for ways to cool down and stay comfortable. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on keeping cool during the summer heat, and how Family Danz is always ready to help. Keep reading to learn more!

10 Ways to Stay Cool During the Summer Heat

Most people look forward to the summer weather, but when the heat becomes a little bit too intense, there are a few things you can do to stay more comfortable:

Close your blinds or window shades. Keeping your blinds closed during the time of day when the sun is at its strongest can help to significantly cool your home.
Block the heat using foliage or awnings. If you don’t have many shade trees or shrubs around your house, consider planting some. You can also install awnings or shutters on your windows to help block the sun’s heat.
Adjust your home’s ceiling fans. In the summer, you should run your ceiling fans counterclockwise to help circulate the cool air throughout your home. Reverse it in the winter to stay warmer.
Close outside doors and seal gaps around windows and doors. Make sure to keep outside doors closed as much as possible to keep the cool air from escaping. You can also seal any gaps around your doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping to help keep the cool air in.
Use portable fans. Fans can be a great way to help keep you cool in the summer. You can use box fans, ceiling fans, or even handheld fans to circulate the air and help you stay cool.
Take a cool shower or bath. If you’re feeling hot, a cool shower or bath can help to cool you down. No time for a bath or shower? Use a wet washcloth to wipe down your face, neck, and arms.
Drink plenty of fluids. It’s important to stay hydrated when it’s hot outside. Water is your best option, but if you’re feeling dehydrated, consider a sports drink to help restore your body’s fluid levels.
Avoid overexertion during the hottest part of the day. If you can, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 11am and 3pm. If you do have to work or exercise during this time, make sure to take breaks to cool down.
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from natural fibers like cotton will help your body stay cool. Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing, as it will absorb the heat from the sun.
Make sure your air conditioning system is running smoothly. An air conditioner is one of the best ways to help keep your home – and you and your family – cool and comfortable when the weather is at its hottest. You can keep it in good condition by getting annual maintenance from Family Danz.

I don’t have an air conditioning system in my home. Can Family Danz help?

If you don’t have an air conditioning system in your home, Family Danz can help. We offer many different types of air conditioning systems, including traditional central air conditioning, heat pumps, and ductless cooling systems. So, no matter what type of home you have or what your home cooling needs may be, we are able to help you choose the perfect air conditioning solution. And, we install quality air conditioning products, so you’ll be able to rely on your AC system for years to come. Not to mention, we work hard to help our customers save money on home comfort products and services – check with us to see if we have any rebates or incentives available.

Whether you need air conditioning maintenance, repair, or a brand-new system installation to help you stay cool this summer, Family Danz is ready to assist you. We will always look out for your best interest and provide exceptional air conditioning services and products of the highest quality to ensure expected comfort and safety. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

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

Considering New Air Conditioning for Your Home? Now’s a Great Time!

Posted on May 31, 2023December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

Once the warmer weather arrives, most people look forward to fun in the sun and vacation time away from school and work. And while they like to spend staycation days outdoors by the pool or on the patio, most people also like having a nice, cool home to enjoy when the day is done.

If your air conditioning system hasn’t been delivering the cool comfort you need for the past couple of years, it might be time to investigate getting a new air conditioning system for your home. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the benefits of installing a new AC system, and how Family Danz can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Benefits of Updating Your Home’s AC System This Spring

Summer will be here before you know it, so now is the perfect time to upgrade your air conditioning system. Not sure if it’s the right choice for your home? Here are some great things to consider:

Better Energy Efficiency: Newer air conditioner models are designed with energy efficiency in mind. And, ductless cooling, which is perfect for homes without ductwork, provides much greater energy efficiency than window or portable models. Chances are, replacing an old AC system with today’s air conditioning will help you save money on energy bills, too.
Improved Home Comfort: A new AC unit will provide better cooling performance compared to an old one, including more consistent temperatures throughout different rooms in your house. Additionally, newer systems tend to be quieter which means that you won’t have to worry about a loud AC system disrupting your sleep or quiet time.
Modern Convenience: Many new air conditioning systems can access the home’s Wi-Fi system and offer convenient online apps that allow homeowners to monitor their air conditioning system and change the temperature remotely. Ductless AC models also offer remote control access, so you can easily turn them on or off, or change the temperature, with the press of a button.
Manufacturer Warranty: If you have a system that’s old and out of date, it’s likely that the warranty is no longer valid. And, as air conditioning systems age, they often need more repairs – and without a valid warranty, that can get expensive. If your system is out of warranty and needs costly repairs, it may be a good time to consider a new AC system installation, as it may cost you less in the long run.
Dealer Availability & Incentives: Often, manufacturers and contractors offer rebates and incentives on the installation of a new system. This can help you save money upfront. Not to mention, many contractors have more availability for installation appointments during the spring. Once Mother Nature cranks up the summertime heat, contractors often become very busy with repair calls.

If you’d like to learn more about new AC for your home, Family Danz can help.

At Family Danz, we like to help our customers enjoy the best possible comfort. That’s why we’re always happy to help you explore your options when it comes to new air conditioning for your home. We’ll schedule an appointment to discuss the best possible system for your home and lifestyle needs and help you choose just the right type of air conditioning system. And, you can rely on our highly-skilled technicians to provide you with expert installation of your new system. If you’re ready for better home comfort – along with energy savings – call Family Danz today at (518) 427-8685. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you at your convenience.

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

Contact Family Danz

Why Should I Consider Ductless Cooling for My Home?

Posted on July 28, 2022December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

For many years, people only had a couple of options when it came to home air conditioning. They would either need to choose central air conditioning or window air conditioners. While central air conditioning can be very effective and efficient, it isn’t an option for homes without ductwork. And, anyone with window air conditioning knows it can be loud, clunky, and is not always energy efficient.

In recent years, though, more and more people are discovering ductless cooling. This type of system is quiet, highly efficient, simple to install, and best of all, offers cooling without the need for ductwork. For applications where adding ductwork is either impossible or impractical, ductless is an excellent option – whether cooling one room or your entire home. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Reasons Why Ductless May Be Ideal for Your Home

You have a single space you want to cool. In some instances, you have air conditioning throughout your home, but lack ductwork in a single space, such as a converted garage or addition. In this situation, you may be looking for a more effective solution than window air conditioning. A ductless system can easily be installed high on a wall or ceiling and can provide you with targeted comfort for that space.
You have baseboard heating in your home. Homes that have baseboard heating often don’t have ductwork, and that can mean you either don’t have air conditioning or rely on window AC to keep cool. If that’s the case, ductless cooling can provide you with a less obtrusive, more efficient way to cool your entire home. And, many ductless systems also provide heating in the winter, so if you need to replace your old baseboard heat, ductless can offer a year-round home comfort solution.
You don’t have ductwork. As we mentioned above, some homes have heating systems (like baseboard and/or radiant heat) that don’t require a central ductwork system. For situations like this, ductless can be a perfect choice. Ductless systems do not require ductwork in order to operate, as there are single units per room or zone in your home, allowing you targeted, room-by-room comfort.
You would like a year-round home comfort solution. While some ductless systems provide cooling exclusively, there are some systems that also offer heating in the winter. This is a great choice if you have an occasional space in your home that you’d like to be able to use all year, or in the instances described above. Additionally, ductless systems are generally highly efficient and will provide you with much better energy efficiency than most window air conditioners or space heaters can provide.
You need to balance your current air conditioning system. Occasionally, your home’s central air conditioning system may have to work extra hard to provide cooling throughout your home. This can be because you’ve added floor space, or your home’s build makes it difficult for the conditioned air to flow properly throughout your home. Adding a ductless unit to a hard-to-reach space may make it easier for your central air to do its job – helping it perform more effectively and efficiently.

Can Family Danz provide the ductless installation I need?

Family Danz is pleased to offer our customers high-quality ductless products, installed by our professional technicians. Our ductless systems are available in many different configurations, whether you need cooling in one specific area or all throughout your home. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you get better cooling for your home, give us a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you at your convenience.

Is It Time for a New Air Conditioning System?

Posted on July 28, 2022December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

Summer is in full swing, and that means that you and your family are likely enjoying plenty of fun in the sun. But, when you need a reprieve from the outdoor heat, it’s nice to come home to a cool, air-conditioned house. Air conditioning can help us feel less hot and sticky, sleep better, and relax, even when the temperatures outside are soaring.

If your air conditioning system isn’t working properly, however, it can make for an uncomfortable situation for you and your household. We understand that a new air conditioning system can be an unexpected expense, but there are times when it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace your current system. In this article, we’ll share some reasons why you may want to consider installing a new air conditioning system, and how Family Danz can help.

5 Reasons You Might Need a New AC System

You have added space to your home. When you add space to your home, it can mean that your AC system is not large enough to handle cooling your home effectively and efficiently. Or, it can mean that the added areas don’t have access to your home’s duct system. Fortunately, this can easily be remedied without having to purchase a brand-new system – ductless cooling might provide you with the solution you need.
Your current AC system is more than 10 years old. The older your air conditioning system gets, the less likely it is to provide you with effective and efficient cooling. This is generally caused by the usual wear and tear on the equipment from frequent use. It should be noted, however, that your system is likely to age faster if it isn’t properly maintained, so getting the appropriate annual maintenance it needs is key for helping it last longer.
Your air conditioning system is no longer covered by the warranty. Once a system is out of warranty, it usually means it’s at an age where replacement might be the best option. That’s because the older a system gets, the more likely it will need repairs – and unfortunately, these will no longer be covered by the manufacturer warranty.
Your AC uses a refrigerant that is no longer produced. As technology has improved, air conditioner manufacturers have developed more effective, efficient refrigerants that cause less harm to the environment. Most modern air conditioning systems use refrigerant types that don’t deplete the ozone layer, which is good for the earth and for consumers alike. However, this also means that many of the refrigerant types used in older systems are no longer produced, so system recharges can be very costly.
You’ve needed frequent, expensive repairs lately. If you’ve had to have your system repaired on a frequent basis, and you’re spending more money than you’d like every time you have to call for repair services, it may be time to consider a system replacement. Older systems are generally not as energy-efficient as new systems, so you may actually save money in the long run by replacing an aging, failing air conditioner.

How can Family Danz help me get a new air conditioning system?

Fortunately, Family Danz can help you get a new air conditioning system when the time comes to replace your old one. We provide complete air conditioning services, including maintenance, repair, and new installations. And, we offer our customers high-quality, efficient systems that are built to help keep you cool and last for years to come. We can provide a variety of air conditioning configurations as well, including traditional central air conditioning, ductless cooling, and heat pump systems.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you get better cooling for your home, simply call Family Danz today at (518) 427-8685. We’ll be happy to talk to you about our complete lineup of air conditioning products and services and schedule an appointment with you at your convenience.

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

Posted on January 27, 2022December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

The 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:

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.
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.
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

Why Choose a Career in HVAC?

Posted on September 20, 2021December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

New 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 September 20, 2021December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

More 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 August 5, 2021August 17, 2021 by Family Danz

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 July 29, 2021August 17, 2021 by Family Danz

You 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!