Category: Air Conditioning

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.

“Spring” Into Home Maintenance

Posted on by Family Danz

Blooming flowersThe harsh winters we experience here in the Capital District can often wreak havoc with our homes. That’s why it’s always a good idea to take stock in your home’s exterior, especially after a particularly snowy winter. When the snow melts, you might notice some things you didn’t necessarily see during the long winter months – and get them repaired before summer arrives!

Here are a few things to look out for when checking out your home:

  • Window Screens: Windy, stormy winters, ice buildup and more can cause damage to your home’s window screens. In order for them to do their job of keeping bugs out, they need to be in good shape. So replace any torn or damaged window screens before it’s time to let the fresh air in.
  • Roof Shingles: We recommend that you leave roof inspection to the experts. It can be dangerous if you haven’t had the proper training! Hire a roofing professional to check out your home’s shingles and make sure they’re not curling. Shingles that are can make your roof more susceptible to leaks, so getting them replaced as soon as possible is good practice.
  • Siding & Trim: Icy conditions can cause damage to your home’s siding and trim. Look at any wooden components of your home’s exterior in case there is any wood rot, cracking or other concerns (like termites). For brick or stucco homes, check for any crumbling, cracking or deteriorated mortar. If you see any issues, contact a professional to help with repair or replacement.
  • Gutters & Spouts: During the fall and winter months, leaves, pine needles and other debris can collect in your home’s gutters. Get them ready for spring rains by cleaning them out – again, due to safety concerns, we recommend hiring a pro to help.

Make sure you maintain your AC equipment this spring, too.

Of course, there is plenty you can do around the outside of your home in anticipation of the warmer weather, such as cleaning up any leaves, debris and waste from your lawn, and if you have flower beds, starting to prepare them for blooming and planting. And, you should give Family Danz a call for your AC maintenance needs, too. We’ll be more than happy to get your spring maintenance scheduled, so you’ll be all set for warmer days ahead.

Our Best Offer of the Year

Posted on by Family Danz

march-sale-offerIf you’ve been thinking about upgrading your home’s heating or air conditioning system, there’s no better time than the present. That’s because right now at Family Danz, you can take advantage of our March Heating & Cooling Sale. You’ll be able to save thousands with our best offer of the year*.

When you upgrade to one of our high efficiency systems this month, you can get it all. But, these savings are only available throughout the month of March, so you have to act now.

When you take advantage of this offer, here’s what you’ll get:

  • $1,875 – Utility Rebate
  • $400 – Family Danz Discount
  • $600 – Humidifier
  • $200 – One Year FREE Maintenance

That adds up to $3,075 in total savings – making for one incredible deal. And, financing is available to qualified buyers**, so getting a new, higher efficiency heating or cooling system is easier than ever. But you have to hurry! Once March ends, so with this amazing deal. To learn more about how you can get into a new system this spring and save money, too, contact us online or call us at 518.427.8685, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Family Danz Can Help You With Spring Maintenance

Posted on by Family Danz

Technician inspecting an air conditionerWinter seems to have lasted forever, but in just a couple of weeks, spring will arrive. Of course, living in New York we know that just because the calendar says spring is here, doesn’t mean we won’t still be in for some chilly weather. But, it’s still a good idea to start preparing for those warmer days ahead. One of the best ways you can do that is by calling to get your air conditioning maintenance scheduled with us.

At Family Danz, we know that maintaining your home’s air conditioning system is one of the best ways you can be sure it will operate effectively and efficiently. Getting your AC system the regular maintenance it needs not only helps your system run better all summer long; it also helps it last longer, too. Not to mention, you can choose a comprehensive maintenance plan that will keep your system in perfect shape and provide you with additional benefits as well.

By choosing a maintenance plan from Family Danz, you’ll enjoy:

  • Priority scheduling for emergency service
  • 15 percent discount on parts and labor
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • No overtime rates

And did you know, the most common problem with air conditioning units stem from a dirty system? When air filters and coils become clogged, your system will operate much less efficiently, and eventually may have issues that require repair. And, a dirty AC system is the perfect place for mold, bacteria and allergens to collect – causing not only inefficiency, but poor air quality as well. Getting your annual maintenance from Family Danz can help you avoid all of that!

Getting the annual maintenance your system needs is important to the life and efficiency of it. We’ll help you get the maintenance you need to keep your air conditioning system running properly now and for years to come. Scheduling service with us is easy – just give us a call at 518.427.8685, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

How to Know if Ductless AC is the Right Choice for Your Saratoga Home

Posted on by Family Danz

Everyone loves the cool comfort of air conditioning, but not everyone is able to have it. Or, are they? Some people think that because their home, or a space in their home, lacks ductwork, AC is a no-go. But even if you don’t have a ducts, or room to install them, you should know you have options.

Ductless AC can provide cool comfort for your Saratoga home – without the added expense of having to install ductwork. Additionally, you can enjoy ductless air conditioning in one specific space, or there are multi-split units available for your whole home. How do you know if ductless is a good option for your home?

Ductless AC is great if you:

Have radiant heat installed in your home. If you rely on radiators, baseboard heat, or radiant heat under your flooring, you probably don’t have adequate ductwork in your home. Ductless air conditioning requires no additional ductwork and minimal construction, so it’s a great option for those with radiant heat.

Have a finished basement. Installing ductless AC in the finished basement of your Saratoga home is a great idea. Air circulation helps keep moisture at bay, and a ductless system can help keep humidity levels under control. Not to mention, ductless AC offers an advanced level of filtration, so the air will be deodorized and purified.

Have an addition or room with no ductwork. Many homes have rooms that are added on long after the home is built, and it can be difficult sometimes to extend ductwork to those rooms. Ductless AC guarantees you’ll get the cooling you need in those rooms, making them more enjoyable for your entire family.

Family Danz helps you get the ductless AC you need for your Saratoga home.

When you choose Family Danz for the ductless AC needs of your Saratoga home, you’ll benefit from our high quality systems and installation. We are a Mitsubishi® Diamond Dealer, which means we’ve been authorized by Mitsubishi to sell and install their quality ductless systems. With Mitsubishi Ductless, you’ll get precise comfort control. Additionally, these systems provide allergy filtration, remote control and many styles to choose from.

Any living or working space that is without ductwork is probably a good space for ductless air conditioning. Some examples include converted attics, additions, finished basements, sunrooms, older homes, data or storage rooms, kiosks, and off-hours offices. Give Family Danz Heating & Cooling a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different options for ductless cooling and heating, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Don’t Wait ’til Next Summer – Get AC Repair for Your Saratoga Home Now

Posted on by Family Danz

As summer winds down, so does air conditioner usage. Nights become cool enough to switch off your unit. Before you know it, your thoughts will turn to your home’s heating system. Maybe this year you noticed your air conditioning system isn’t working as well as it used to. Maybe there were knocks and pings. Or, you weren’t as cool as you’d like to be. Maybe your utility bills were higher than normal. You could be tempted to wait until next summer rolls around to get the needed AC repair for your Saratoga, NY home. Waiting, however, may not be in your best interest.

Of course, if you didn’t get the preventive maintenance you needed for your AC system this year, that could be the culprit in your poorly-operating system. The Department of Energy cites lack of maintenance as one of the major players when it comes to AC failure. The main reason this can cause issues with your system and lead to needing AC repair in your Saratoga, NY home is because, quite simply, your system is dirty.

Regular air conditioning maintenance helps keep your system clean.

Coils are cleaned and filters are changed, and that helps the air flow freely through your system. You can always call Family Danz to help you get the maintenance you need, even if it is at the end of cooling season. Chances are, you may need to switch the AC back on a couple of days here and there this fall. That’s why getting your system maintained late is better than never.

Refrigerant leakage is another issue your system could be having that requires your immediate attention. If your amount of refrigerant is not at manufacturer’s specification, then your system will not operate properly or efficiently. Generally, fixing a refrigerant leak and charging your system properly is a fairly simple fix for your technician – but also one that needs prompt attention. Refrigerant leaks aren’t just bad for your system – they’re also bad for the environment.

Sometimes,  electrical components and wires can corrode in your AC system. If that happens, letting the problem sit over the winter isn’t the best option. Your technician will be able to easily identify corroded parts, and make the AC repairs you need for your Saratoga, NY home.

If you need AC repair for your Saratoga, NY home, Family Danz is just a phone call away.

It’s never too late to get the AC repair you need for your Saratoga, NY home. Just give Family Danz a call. We’re pleased to provide our customers with professional air conditioning repair and more. Call us at 518-427-8685 and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Are Your Customers Comfortable? If Not, We Can Help.

Posted on by Family Danz

Barista in a caféKeeping your business climate-controlled is important. Not only do your employees work better when they’re not too hot, and not too cold. Additionally, your customers will notice when the temperatures at your business are just right. Have you ever been at a restaurant and suffered at the hands of an icy-cold, blasting AC system? Or, conversely, have you ever tried to shop at a store or boutique and left because it was just too hot, humid and uncomfortable? Then you know how important it is to your business to have the right commercial HVAC installed.

Just like your home, there are many factors that should be taken into account when installing a new air conditioning at your business. Sizing is very important. A system that’s too small for the building will work overtime, and a system that’s too large doesn’t allow for proper dehumidification. And, you’ll want to make sure that you have adequate ductwork in your commercial space, and that it’s properly sealed. If not, you’ll experience cold spots, hot spots and inefficiency.

Depending on the size of your commercial space, zoning may be important. If you occupy just a small storefront or office area, then it will likely not be an issue. But, if you have multiple rooms, floors or areas that function differently (i.e. a kitchen and a dining area), then zoning is crucial. And, you’ll want to consider the floor plan when you install commercial air conditioning. Large windows, skylights, upper levels as opposed to basement levels, types of building materials and more all come into play when it comes to the right air conditioning for your space.

Family Danz can help you with your commercial AC needs.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone when installing commercial air conditioning. Family Danz can help. We are pleased to offer commercial air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair for all sorts of businesses and organizations. Our commercial team is comprised of highly skilled HVAC professionals who have been trained to diagnose and troubleshoot any repair or replacement a commercial system might require. We’ll help you choose the best, most efficient commercial air conditioning products for your business or organization, all within your budget.

Downtime can be costly – that’s why Family Danz works diligently to ensure that your commercial air conditioning service is completed to your complete satisfaction. That way, you can get back to business without missing a beat. We’re pleased to provide our commercial customers with the best quality, most efficient air conditioning systems on the market. If you’d like improved comfort that will keep your customers coming back, call us at 518-427-8685 and we will be more than happy to help.

Understanding Air Conditioning Terms

Posted on by Family Danz

Person testing an air-conditioning systemIf you’ve been thinking about installing a new air conditioning system in your home, chances are you’re looking for one that’s energy efficient. In fact, one of the reasons people choose new air conditioning is so they can save money on their energy bills. Modern air conditioning systems are much more energy efficient than their counterparts from even 10 years ago. New technologies allow them to provide better cooling and lower energy use. Today’s air conditioning systems even use a more advanced refrigerant that is both more environmentally friendly and more energy efficient.

As beneficial as new air conditioning can be for today’s consumers, it can also be confusing. There are many terms that can be hard for anyone without the technical expertise of most HVAC contractors to understand. You might wonder what these terms mean, or if they’re even important. That’s why it’s important for you to be educated as a consumer. When you know what terms like SEER or R-410A mean, you can make better decisions when it comes to purchasing air conditioning for your home. At Family Danz, we make it a priority to share knowledge with our customers, so you can make the most informed choice. That’s why we’re sharing some common air conditioning terms with you, as defined by ENERGY STAR.

Some of the terms you may hear include:

  • SEER: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s used to measure the efficiency of an air conditioning system. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system. SEER measures system efficiency over an entire season. We offer quality Bryant air conditioning systems with ratings up to 21 SEER, among the highest available on the market today.
  • EER: Like SEER, EER, or Energy Efficiency Ratio, is used to measure the efficiency of air conditioning systems, but at the outdoor temperature of 95ºF. AC systems with a high SEER rating generally have a high EER rating as well.
  • R-410A: This is a type of refrigerant that was developed in response to concerns about the ozone layer. Because it doesn’t contain bromine or chlorine, it does not contribute to ozone depletion. Additionally, it allows for a higher SEER rating, so it reduces power consumption. R-410A is also sold under the trademark “Puron.”
  • dB: One major complaint people have about air conditioning systems is that they tend to be noisy. dB, or decibel, is the amount of noise produced. Today’s systems run at much lower dB, many producing about the same noise as a vacuum running, or about 66 dB.

Once you understand the terms surrounding air conditioning, it’s much easier to find a system that offers you everything you need. Energy efficiency, environmentally sound components and quiet operation are all important factors when it comes to selecting an AC system that will provide you with years of comfort at a lower cost.

At Family Danz Heating & Cooling, we’re pleased to provide our customers with the best quality, most efficient air conditioning systems on the market. If you’re looking for a quiet, attractive and energy efficient air conditioner, call us at 518-427-8685 and we will be more than happy to help.

Chill Out with Ductless

Posted on by Family Danz

Mitsubishi Electric wall-mounted ductless unitYou have waited for years to build a new addition onto your home, and finally you have. It gives you and your family so much more space. Maybe it serves as a den and a game room, or maybe it provides some quiet office space. You love it – until hot weather moves in and you realize your home’s air conditioning system just can’t keep your addition as cool as you’d like. Unfortunately, your addition isn’t connected to the duct system in your home. You may worry that you don’t have cooling options for your new space. Fortunately, you do!

Ductless air conditioning is a great choice for spaces where adding ductwork is impractical, or impossible. That’s because ductless systems are comprised of a small outdoor unit and one (or more, depending on needs) indoor unit that requires nothing more than mounting capabilities and access to electric. When you choose a Mitsubishi ductless system from Family Danz, we’ll have your system up and running quickly – so you’ll be enjoying cool comfort in your addition in no time!

That’s because ductless systems are generally simple to install.

Depending on the number of indoor and outdoor units you need for your home, we can have your system keeping you cool in as little as one day. The pipes for a ductless system require only a three-inch hole, so there is no rebuilding walls, heavy construction or remodeling required. Plus, because a ductless system takes up so little space, you won’t have to worry about losing valuable square footage in your home, like you would with a traditional ducted system.

There are several other advantages to ductless air conditioning.

Ductless systems offer flexibility. Because many can also be used for heating, your ductless system is great year-round, and a perfect replacement for inefficient window AC units and space heaters. And, ductless systems can help save money on your home comfort costs. They use less power, are energy-efficient, and allow homeowners the flexibility of not cooling (or heating) certain rooms when not in use. What’s more, they offer the filtration you need to keep pollutants such as dust, bacteria, pollen and allergens out of the air in your home.

Any living or working space that is without ductwork is probably a good space for ductless air conditioning. Besides additions, ductless is a great choice for converted attics, finished basements, sunrooms and older homes using radiant heat. Give Family Danz Heating & Cooling a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different options for ductless cooling and heating, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Air Conditioning Keeps Your Home Cool – And Dry.

Posted on by Family Danz

Different types of moldEveryone knows that a good air conditioning system can keep your home cool even on the hottest, muggiest days. But did you know that part of the reason your air conditioner works so well at keeping you cool is because it keeps you dry, too? That’s because air conditioning systems remove moisture from the air in your home – and that’s an important component to staying comfortable on hot, humid days.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE, air conditioning helps maintain suitable humidity throughout your home, and helps free the air from excessive moisture during the humid months. In fact, ASHRAE offers that humidity control more than temperature control was the original catalyst for the development of air conditioning. Why is it so important to control humidity in the home? Much of it has to do with your health.

Humid conditions are perfect for the growth of mold and mildew.

Living in a moldy home is not good for anyone, and can be especially problematic for people dealing with lung conditions. People with asthma and allergies can become very ill when exposed to certain types of mold. Not to mention, warm, humid conditions are the ideal breeding ground for many forms of bacteria. As you can imagine, too much dampness in your home can cause the growth of a whole host of unwanted “guests.” Having effective air conditioning can help cut down on the conditions that encourage mold, mildew and bacteria growth.

You should know, in very humid environments a conventional air conditioning system is probably not enough on its own to control humidity. ASHRAE recommends staying at 60 percent relative humidity or lower in your home. If you find moisture is a problem in your home, you may need a dehumidifier in addition to your air conditioning system. If you choose the Bryant Evolution® Variable-Speed air conditioner for your home, there is no need for additional dehumidification. This system not only provides top-of-the-line energy efficiency and comfort control, but also optimal dehumidification.

If your home is more humid than you’d like during the summer months, Family Danz can help. It’s always our goal to make sure you’re cool and comfortable all summer long. To learn more about air conditioning and home dehumidification, give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and one of our friendly associates will get back to you soon.