Category: Air Conditioning

Get Smart In 2020: Five Reasons You Need A Smart Thermostat

Posted on by Family Danz

Woman adjusting a smart thermostat through her phoneOver the past couple of decades, technology has taken us to places we could only ever imagine. Who would have guessed most of us would be carrying around a tiny device that would work as a computer, phone and camera, all the time? Or that we’d be talking to our artificial intelligence friends, Siri and Alexa, on a daily basis? The world of home comfort has also joined the smart home bandwagon, offering smart thermostats that change the way we heat and cool our homes.

Smart thermostats like ecobee and Nest are leading the way in home comfort innovation, as well as specialized smart thermostats that work seamlessly with certain brands of equipment, such as the Bryant Evolution™ Connex™ thermostat. How can a smart thermostat benefit you and your family? Here are five ways you might not have considered.

Five Reasons to Get Smart

  1. More control over your home’s heating and cooling systems. With a smart thermostat, you can precisely control your heating and cooling systems, so that you get optimal comfort in the spaces you occupy the most. And, many smart thermostats “learn” the habits of you and your family, so temperatures can change based on activities, such as at home, away, or sleeping.
  2. Better efficiency. Because you’ll have better control over your home comfort systems, they’ll operate more efficiently. Because these systems “know” when you’re occupying a space, not home, or sleeping, they’ll automatically adjust comfort levels, which will help save energy – and money on your utility bills.
  3. Simple to use. Unlike programmable thermostats of the past, which can be a little complex to program, smart thermostats are, like the name suggests, intuitive and do most of the programming work for you. And because many are easy to access via smart phone, you’ll have access to them at your fingertips.
  4. Control from wherever, whenever. Like we said above, there’s an app for that – your smart thermostat, that is. That means you’ll be able to control your system from your smart phone, laptop or desktop computer, whether you’re home or not. You’ll also be alerted to any issues with your home comfort system, so you can take care of any problems right away, before they become larger, more expensive ones.
  5. Connectivity with other smart devices. Many smart thermostats work with your home’s other smart devices, providing you with easier, more automated living. Some smart thermostats even connect to your virtual home assistant, so you can easily ask your device to turn up the heat or air conditioning, or turn it down.

Where can I find a smart thermostat for my home?

That one’s easy! Just contact Family Danz and we will be more than happy to help you learn more about smart thermostats. What’s more, we’ll help you find the right one for your home, and install it for you too! Simply give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Click below to download our smart thermostat infographic, and be sure to share with friends!

Family Danz smart thermostat infographic

Family Danz Is Your Full-Service Contractor

Posted on by Family Danz

Search bar that reads "Full Service"At Family Danz, we pride ourselves on being able to help people stay comfortable, no matter what the weather outside. We’re always willing to go the extra mile for our customers, and we offer a broad range of products and services to help ensure a wide variety of needs are met. Learn more about our offerings below:

Residential Heating & Air Conditioning

Family Danz offers complete residential heating and air conditioning throughout the Capital District. Our full suite of products and services includes:

Commercial HVAC

Commercial clients can rely on Family Danz to offer comprehensive commercial HVAC solutions. From design and build services to completion, we provide a full list of services with your budget in mind. We can help with:

Heating Oil

You’ll never have to worry about running out of heating oil when you choose Family Danz. We provide oil delivery to residents and businesses alike, with plans that can help you budget for fuel expenses.

Plumbing

We offer residential plumbing services, and are fully staffed with master plumbers who are experts in the field. We provide plumbing equipment and accessories from top manufacturers, so you’re guaranteed quality.

  • Bathroom Plumbing
  • Kitchen Plumbing
  • Hot Water Heaters
  • Tankless Hot Water Heaters
  • Additional Services

To learn more about Family Danz and our full suite of HVAC, oil delivery and plumbing services, just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Need New AC? Consider High Efficiency.

Posted on by Family Danz

Hands holding a paper cutout of a home facadeHave you been thinking of replacing the air conditioning system in your home, but not sure if it’s the right time? Just about everybody loves the cool comfort that air conditioning provides during the summer months. But often, people worry about the expense that comes with replacing their old system. A new AC system can be expensive. However, with advances in modern home comfort technology, today’s air conditioning systems are much more energy efficient – and that helps you save money in the long run.

When people are thinking about replacing their home comfort equipment, it’s usually because of a variety of different factors. Of course, many people decide that they need new air conditioning because their old system simply doesn’t keep them as comfortable as it once did. But there are a few other indicators that can help you determine for certain that new AC is the right choice.

Here are a few symptoms of a worn-out system that might help you decide if a new air conditioning system is a good idea:

  • Your current system is more than 10 years old. Obviously, this isn’t always a symptom, per se. If you’re not noticing that you need to make frequent repairs, and your energy bills aren’t outrageous, replacing your older system probably isn’t necessary. But if your system is this old, and you’re noticing some of the issues below, it’s likely time to replace.
  • Repair costs are through the roof. If you’re spending a lot on repair costs, but you still find your system is breaking down often, it’s definitely showing signs that it’s wearing out. If your system does break down, make sure to ask your technician for an estimate prior to having any repair work done. A good rule of thumb – if the cost of repair is more than half the cost of replacing, a new system is likely your best bet.
  • Utility bills are outrageous. Of course, you can expect that your utility bills will go up somewhat in the summer, when running your AC system is at its peak. But if those bills are unusually high, or you’ve noticed a steady increase year over year, it’s likely that your air conditioning system is requiring more energy than usual to operate properly. Add to that the inefficiency of an older system, and you’re probably paying much more for your utilities than you need to.

The good news? You can get high efficiency air conditioning from Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we’re happy to help you get an air conditioning system that can keep you and your family more comfortable – all while saving energy. And, when you save energy, you’ll also likely notice that your utility bills are more manageable. We offer great products for your home, including high-efficiency central air conditioning, ductless cooling systems, and ultra-efficient heat pump systems. And, there are often manufacturer and utility incentives available, which can help you save money on your system up front.

Not sure what type of AC system is best for your home? No problem! We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment for you with one of our comfort specialists, who can explain the different types of air conditioning we offer and help you determine the right choice for your home. To learn more, just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Why Choose Family Danz For Your Commercial HVAC Needs?

Posted on by Family Danz

Commercial HVAC units

You trust Family Danz for your residential home comfort needs; winter, spring, summer and fall. But did you know that we also provide commercial heating, AC and refrigeration services? You know that by choosing us for your home, you’re getting the best customer service, quality products, and maintenance that keeps your equipment running smoothly year after year. We offer that same expert service for your business as well – something we’ve been doing for decades.

At Family Danz, we’re invested in our community. We belong to the Albany, Bethlehem, Rensselaer and Saratoga Chambers of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau, where we enjoy an A+ rating. Our skilled commercial HVAC/R pros are able to install, repair and maintain commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems for your business or corporation. We’ll provide you with premium Bryant® commercial equipment, built for durability, efficiency and performance.

We’re pleased to offer a full range of commercial and mechanical services.

When you choose Family Danz for your commercial HVAC/R needs, we can help in the following ways:

  • Heating (Including Furnace & Boiler Applications)
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rooftop Installation & Repair
  • Refrigeration Installation & Repair
  • Chiller Installation & Repair
  • Large-Scale Projects (Including Design & Build Applications)

And, we’re proud to serve our commercial clients in a timely manner that minimizes downtime.

We can provide bid and spec work, and can help design and build energy efficient commercial solutions. Family Danz will work with you, helping you stay within budget and custom-tailoring your project to meet your individual business needs. We are pleased to work with more than 200 commercial clients locally, including:

  • Argyle, Averill Park, Bethlehem, Hudson Falls and Mechanicville Central School Districts
  • NYS OGS – Five Rivers
  • Mahamudra Buddhist Hermitage
  • Ida Yarbrough, Mohawk Harbor, News Lofts, and Seven Green Apartments
  • Tri City Rentals
  • Ashfield Senior Housing
  • Heritage Village

We have a broad service area throughout the Capital Region, including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Colonie, Ballston Spa, Rensselaer, and Clifton Park. If you’d like to learn more about our commercial HVAC/R services, give us a call at (518) 427-8685, or email us at tim@familydanz.com.

Cool Down In All Your Rooms With Ductless

Posted on by Family Danz

Couple sitting on couch next to wall-mounted ductless unitHave you recently converted a garage or attic into a living space, finished a basement, or built on an addition to your home? Congratulations! There’s nothing like having more space for family fun and activities. However, sometimes when you convert or add space to your home, this new area doesn’t have access to the home’s ductwork system. And that means it might not have the same comfort level as other spaces in your home. How can you make your new room as comfortable as the rest of your home?

Fortunately, there is a solution – ductless cooling and heating. There are many advantages to choosing this type of system for your converted area or addition. Of course, you can always consider using window AC or a space heater, but these types of equipment can be noisy, obtrusive and can use a lot of energy. Ductless, on the other hand, provides benefits that not only will help control your room’s temperature year-round, but also will keep the aesthetics of your new space so that you can enjoy your room, no matter what the weather outside.

Ductless cooling and heating provides comfort and many other additional benefits.

By choosing ductless for your renovated space, you’ll receive the following benefits:

  • Ductless operation. Adding to your ductwork can be costly and can cause a lot of construction mess. Ductless systems install easily without the need for additional ductwork.
  • Year-round comfort. One system has the potential to cool your room in the summer, and keep it warm in the winter.
  • High efficiency. Ductless systems are built to be highly efficient, so you’ll stay more comfortable – without seeing your energy bills go through the roof.
  • Seamless design. Unlike bulky window AC that can obstruct your view, or heaters that take up floor space, your ductless system attaches to the wall or ceiling, so the only thing you notice is improved comfort.
  • Quiet operation. You’ll find that ductless cooling and heating is much quieter than other types of room comfort equipment – often no louder than a whisper.
  • Ease of use. Ductless systems are easily operated via a remote control. You can turn your system on and adjust the temperature at a simple push of a button.

You can easily get ductless when you call on Family Danz to help.

And not only can you enjoy ductless in your converted spaces, you can also choose a split system for comfort throughout your home. That’s great for homes that have radiant or baseboard heating systems, with little to no ductwork available. If you’re not sure what type of ductless system is right for you, or you’d like to find out more, all you need to do is call Family Danz. We will be happy to talk to you about ductless for your home. Please contact us at (518) 427-8685 to learn more.

Are You Ready for the Summer? 7 Things You Can Do to Prepare.

Posted on by Family Danz

May is in full swing, and even though spring has been a bit rainy and chilly this year, summer will be here before we know it. Is your home ready for the warmer weather ahead? Now is the time to make sure you have everything in order before the lazy, hazy days of summer arrive.

Here are seven things you can do right now to make sure you’re prepared.

  1. Spring-clean your windows. Clean your windows inside and out, and while you’re at it, make sure you inspect your windows and screens for any wear and tear they may have endured over the winter months. Check your window seals and weather stripping to make sure there aren’t any gaps or damage. Be sure to clean your screens, too. Just a mild detergent and mist from the hose will do – harsh chemicals and pressure washing can damage them.
  2. Get your mower running. Check your lawn equipment, making sure it’s clean and in good working order. Giving your mowers and trimmers a good tune-up in the spring will make your yard maintenance much easier once the warmer weather arrives. If you’re not sure how to maintain your equipment, don’t hesitate to call a professional – taking care of your equipment properly will save you money in the long run.
  3. Perform a quick home inspection. Look for cracked or missing shingles, rusted flashing, or any issues with pipes or your chimney. Check your home’s exterior for any dirt, mold growth or peeling paint. A word of caution – climbing up on your roof can be dangerous, so if you notice any issues from the ground, you may want to call in a professional to take a closer look.
  4. Clean gutters. Damaged or clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water damage if they’re not properly maintained. Again, when you do this you should proceed with caution or hire a pro to do it for you. If you do it yourself, make sure you have a helper, the right tools to get the job done, and that your ladder is sturdy and safe.
  5. Give your attic a look-see. A lot can happen in your attic over the winter months. Animals may have taken up residence there during the cold winter months. Squirrels, bats and mice often nest in homes during the winter, and that means they leave behind debris and droppings that can cause issues. Make sure to wear a mask and gloves if you find yourself cleaning up after critters. Look around for possible areas where animals may have gained entry, and seal them off. Also make sure there are no wet areas – that can indicate a leak in your roof – or any obstructions to vent pipes. Finally, check your insulation. If it seems like it has compacted, consider adding more – it helps keep your home comfortable and more energy efficient.
  6. Check out your yardscape. Is everything you need for summer relaxation in great shape? Check out your outdoor furniture for any damage, rust, cracking or splintering. Give it a thorough cleaning. Keep the kids safe, too – check outdoor toys, sandboxes, and playground equipment for any wear and tear. Next, be ready to barbecue by getting your grill clean. Make sure the grill’s gas hoses are all in good working order, and refresh your propane tank if needed.
  7. Call Family Danz! We can help you make sure your home is ready for summer by inspecting your air conditioning system and your outdoor plumbing. We’ll provide you with the preventive maintenance you need for your cooling system, so you can count on it running smoothly and efficiently all summer long. If you notice your outdoor hoses and spigots have a slow flow or trickle, there could be some problems with your pipes – don’t forget we offer complete plumbing services, too!

Need air conditioning and plumbing maintenance in order to get your home summer-ready? Family Danz is ready to help. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we will be more than happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Enjoy Efficient, Year-Round Comfort with A Bryant® Heat Pump

Posted on by Family Danz

Bryant® heat pumpHave you been considering getting a new heating and cooling system for your home? You can install one system that can help you stay comfortable year-round. Bryant® heat pump systems from Family Danz can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And, they may also help you save on your utility bills. That’s because heat pumps offer incredible energy efficiency, all while bringing you the home comfort you need in one package.

Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it, which means they provide amazing comfort without burning fuel. Our Bryant heating and cooling systems use the latest in heat pump technology. Heat pumps provide incredible energy efficiency compared to a traditional furnace and air conditioning system. What’s more, you’ll save year round on your energy bills. Not to mention, when you install before the end of June 2019, you could save thousands.

But do heat pump systems work in colder climates?

Heat pumps have been used to cool and heat homes in warmer areas for quite some time. But, they weren’t as well equipped for cooler areas. However, advancements in heat pump technology have allowed manufacturers to develop heat pumps that are better suited to operate effectively and efficiently in colder areas, like New York. Bryant heat pump systems efficiently heat and cool your home, and are available in three models to best suit your home comfort needs:

  • Evolution®: This series offers the highest quality efficiency and performance available from Bryant. Recognized as the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR® 2019, the Evolution Extreme provides incredible comfort year-round coupled with total control.
  • Preferred™: The Preferred series offers all-season flexibility so you can enjoy total home comfort, no matter what the weather. You’ll also enjoy heating and cooling energy savings year-round when you choose to install this model in your home.
  • Legacy™: If you’re looking for an affordable heat pump solution to your whole home, year-round comfort needs, look no further than the Bryant Legacy line. They operate efficiently both in the summer and winter, providing you with value heating and cooling year after year.

And, getting the right heat pump for your home and budget is as easy as calling Family Danz. We can help you get the best system for you and your family, helping you enjoy year-round comfort in one highly efficient package. Contact us at 518.427.8685, and we will be more than happy to discuss heat pump options with you.

May Is The Month For Amazing Savings

Posted on by Family Danz

Computer keyboard and paper cutout of a home facadeHave you been thinking about getting a new cooling or heating system, but haven’t been sure that it’s the right time? You should know, right now you can save thousands when you choose a new, high-efficiency system from Family Danz. We’ll install a premium system in your home that will not only help you and your family enjoy better comfort, but will also help you save money on your utility bills.

You can save up to $2,975 right now. Here’s how we do it:

  • $1,475 in Utility Rebates
  • $600 in System Rebates
  • $400 Family Danz Dealer Discount
  • $500 Value – Home Humidification System

            $2,975 TOTAL SAVINGS

Not to mention, qualified buyers will get 12 months of interest-free financing with approved credit. But you have to act soon – this offer will expire on 6/30/19. So contact Family Danz today at 518.427.8685 and we will be more than happy to help you take advantage of this limited-time offer.

How to Know If You Need AC Repair for Your Schenectady Home

Posted on by Family Danz

The summer months are right around the corner, and that means before you know it, you’ll be relying on the air conditioning in your Schenectady home to keep you cool and comfortable. But maybe last summer you found that your air conditioning system didn’t keep you as cool as you would have liked. Or, maybe you were faced with an astronomical expense every time the utility bill arrived. If your current air conditioning system is performing as well as it should, it’s probably time to have it thoroughly checked by an expert like Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we make it our priority to ensure that your home comfort system is in the best possible working order. We provide you with services like air conditioning maintenance to keep the AC in your Schenectady home running properly year after year. And, we offer comprehensive maintenance plans, so you’ll know you’re getting the best air conditioning services – and you’ll receive top priority should your system fail and you find yourself in need of repairs.

But, how do you know if you need AC repair for your Schenectady home?

Sometimes, it can be tricky to know when your air conditioning system might need a repair, because the signs aren’t always obvious. But, there are a few telltale signs that you should be looking for if you think the cooling system in your Schenectady home isn’t operating properly.

  • Age of Equipment: The older your air conditioning system is, the more likely it will start to need repairs. While there are many factors that come into play when it comes to the longevity of a unit (regular maintenance, quality of equipment, etc.), systems that are 10 years older or more are more likely to experience some sort of breakdown.
  • History of Repairs: If you’ve noticed that in recent years, your system seems to need repairs often, you probably should take note when your AC seems “off.” Aging equipment is just more likely to need repairs than newer equipment, especially if you tend to run your air conditioner a lot. You should note, however, that if your repair bills seem to be steadily increasing, it may be more cost effective to replace.
  • Energy Bills: Energy bills that are on the rise – while you’re seeing no improvement in home comfort – could be an indicator that something is amiss with your system. If this is a problem and you haven’t already, check your filter first. If it’s dirty, there’s a good chance that seemingly small factor could be causing your AC to use more energy than necessary. Not sure how to check it? Family Danz will be happy to help.
  • Unusual Noises: If the AC in your Schenectady home is making any noises out of the ordinary, this is likely a sign that some sort of repair is required. If you hear squealing or grinding when you turn on your unit, you should turn it off and call in a repair professional as soon as possible.
  • System Failure: Obviously, if your cooling system is not turning on, there is likely an issue that needs to be addressed quickly. Check your thermostat first, and if that seems like it’s in good working order, call in the professionals.

No matter what AC service you need for your Schenectady home, Family Danz can help.

Regardless of your need, you’ll be able to keep your Schenectady home cool and comfortable all summer long when you choose Family Danz. Aside from air conditioning repair services, we also proudly offer AC installation and maintenance as well. We’re ready to assist you with any cooling need you may have – simply call us at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be glad to help.

Keeping Your Albany Home Cool All Summer Long

Posted on by Family Danz

Is your Albany home not as cool as you’d like it to be during the summer months? Maybe you have an older air conditioning system that isn’t as effective as it used to be. Or maybe you have radiant heat, and aren’t sure that you can install air conditioning easily in your home. When you’re thinking about how you can keep your home – and your family – cool and comfortable this summer, keep Family Danz in mind. We’re experts when it comes to the best AC for your home, and we’re always ready to help you keep cool.

Why choose Family Danz to help you get the air conditioning you need for your Albany home? For starters, we have the experience you need to ensure the very best cooling installation. Since 1976, we’ve been helping people with their home comfort needs – and we treat our customers like family. Not to mention, we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and we always strive to ensure our customers are 100 percent satisfied. We are a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer, and that means you get the very best cooling available.

Albany residents can rely on Family Danz for premium air conditioning products and services

If the air conditioning system in your Albany home isn’t performing as well as you’d like, you might need to consider replacing it. Here are a few common indicators that it’s time to replace your system:

  • Your air conditioning system is 10 years older or more.
  • You’ve had to make frequent, costly repairs to your system.
  • You’re paying higher utility bills, but not enjoying better comfort.
  • You’ve extensively remodeled or built additions to your home.

If you’re experiencing any of these concerns, you should give Family Danz a call. We can thoroughly inspect your system, see if it’s still performing well, show you your options, and help you decide the best next step.

Family Danz can help you get the right AC system for your Albany home

When you work with us, we can help you choose the right size, type and configuration of air conditioning system for your Albany residence. We’re pleased to offer:

  • New Air Conditioning Installation: We’ll provide you with highly efficient central air conditioning that ensures the comfort of your family. We install systems that are high quality, durable and built to last – all while maintaining a level of efficiency that will help you save on your utility bills.
  • Ductless Air Conditioning: Is there a room in your Albany home that you’d love to be more climate-controlled, but you’re worried about having to install additional ductwork? Where ductwork is impractical or even impossible, ductless air conditioning systems are a great option.

You’ll be able to keep your Albany home cool and comfortable all summer long when you choose Family Danz. Aside from new air conditioning products and installation, we also proudly offer AC repair and maintenance as well. We’re ready to assist you with any cooling need you may have – simply call us at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be glad to help.