Category: Albany

When Should I Consider a New Heating System?

Posted on by Family Danz

man in blankets and winter wear sits on sofaWhen winter’s chill returns to the Albany area, most homeowners turn to their home heating system for warmth and comfort. An effective, efficient heating system can make the freezing temperatures outside more bearable and can help you and your family stay cozy on the chilliest of days. But, if your heating system isn’t working as well as it should, you may find yourself cold, uncomfortable, and paying more on your utility bills.

A new heating system can be a costly venture, which is why many people put off replacing their old system. However, it may cost you more to keep that old heating system going. In this article, we’ll talk about the signs that you might need a new heating system and how Family Danz can help you find the right one for your home and lifestyle needs. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Heating System

Nobody likes to think about having to replace HVAC equipment in their home. Your heating system is a major investment and something you rely on for comfort for several months of the year. If your system is showing the following signs, though, it may be time for a replacement.

  1. Your heating system is more than 15 years old. In our area of the state, the heating systems in our homes often are working from October through May. That means that they put in a lot of overtime keeping us comfortable. As your heating system ages, it becomes less effective and efficient, especially if it hasn’t received the proper maintenance. If you’ve noticed your energy bills increasing and your comfort decreasing, then it’s probably time for a replacement.
  2. You’ve had to make frequent, expensive repairs. Because your heating system works hard to keep you comfortable, you can expect to make minor repairs now and then. That’s a normal part of your heating system aging. However, if repairs have become more frequent and more costly, you may be better off financially overall if you replace your system.
  3. Your energy bills have steadily increased over the years. As your equipment ages, it loses some of its original efficiency. The older it is, the more inefficient it becomes, leaving you with higher and higher energy bills. Many of today’s heating systems offer much better efficiency than their predecessors, so it’s likely that by replacing your system, you’ll save money. High-efficiency systems can save you between 10-20% over a 15-year-old furnace, for instance.
  4. You have added on to your home. Many people don’t take their HVAC system into account when they add space to their home, but if you have built an addition, upgraded your basement, or converted any space not formerly attached to your home’s HVAC system, your heating system may not be the right size for your increased square footage. While you may not need an entirely new system, you may want to consider an alternative source of heat, such as ductless, as it will help balance out your heating and allow your central heating system to operate more efficiently.
  5. You and your family are never comfortable. If you’re always having heating system failure, or your equipment is inadequately heating your home, or no matter how many times you adjust the thermostat you simply cannot get your home warm, it’s time to consider a new system.

If your heating system is showing any of the signs above, it’s time to call in the pros. They will examine your system to see if repairs are all that is needed, and if so, explain to you what repairs they’ll make and the cost. If your system should be replaced, they’ll show you all the available options and help you choose the right heating system for your home – and your budget.

If you need a heating system replacement, count on Family Danz to help.

At Family Danz, we’re pleased to offer our customers complete heating services, so whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, our skilled technicians can help. They’ll thoroughly troubleshoot your system to see if making repairs is cost-effective And, if repairs will either be extremely expensive or impossible, they can help you choose replacement equipment so you and your family can enjoy a comfy, cozy home all winter long. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to help you.

Nominations open for Family Danz Heat for Heroes furnace giveaway

Posted on by Family Danz

Local active-duty military members, Veterans, surviving spouses eligible to win new furnace installation

Family Danz, a family-owned heating and air conditioning company in Albany, recently announced the opening of nominations for their Heat for Heroes furnace giveaway.

Family Danz has extended an invitation for the public to nominate active duty military members, Veterans or surviving spouses to win a new high-efficiency gas furnace. The nominations are open until Monday, February 5, and the winning recipient will be chosen via a random drawing and announced on Monday, February 12. To be nominated, the nominee must reside in one of the counties in Family Danz’s service area.

Todd Danz, president of Family Danz, explained that they started the Heat for Heroes program as a way to give back to Veterans for their service.

“Giving back to our community is fundamentally important to us at Family Danz,” Danz said. “We want to keep a deserving local veteran warm this winter with a new gas furnace. It is a humble way of us showing our gratitude for their service.”

To nominate someone for the program, visit https://familydanz.com/heat-for-our-heroes/.

How Do I Know if I Need Heating Repairs?

Posted on by Family Danz

Woman feeling cold at home in winterThe chilly weather has returned to the Albany area, and chances are you’ve had to run your home’s heating system by now. But maybe you’re not feeling as warm and cozy as you’d like to be. If not, your heating system might not be operating as well as it should be. How do you know if your heating system needs repairs?

In this article, we’ll talk about three different types of heating equipment – furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps – and some of the signs they might give you if they need repair services. And, we’ll explain how Family Danz can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Furnaces

Most of the homes in North America rely on a furnace to keep them comfortable during the chillier months of the year. Furnaces work by forcing warm air through ductwork that delivers the heated air throughout the house via registers. Some of the ways you can tell if your furnace needs repair services include:

  • Increased energy bills
  • Unusual odors
  • Strange noises
  • Uneven heating
  • Carbon monoxide alarm sounding

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, you should have your furnace checked out by a professional HVAC technician as soon as possible. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, you should leave your home immediately and call 911. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause serious illness and can be fatal.

Boilers

While most homeowners have a furnace installed in their home for heating, the next most popular system is boiler heating. Boiler heat is considered radiant heat because it delivers heated water to radiators throughout your home. The radiators then heat the air in your rooms. Signs your boiler may need repair include:

  • Radiators not heating or no heat at all
  • Signs of water leakage
  • Unusual noise
  • Low water pressure
  • The pilot will not stay lit

If you’ve checked your thermostat and that doesn’t seem to be the problem, the next step is to call your HVAC professional. A leaky boiler can do a lot of damage to your home quickly, so if you notice water collecting around your boiler or see an obvious leak, call as soon as possible.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps have been used in the south for home heating for quite some time, but are a relatively new way of heating homes in the Northeast. This is because early heat pump systems were not capable of providing adequate heating when the temperatures dipped too low. Modern technology has allowed cold-climate heat pump systems to be used more effectively in our chilly climate. Heat pump systems that need repair may show the following signs:

  • Increased energy bills
  • Ice on coil
  • Short cycling
  • Poor airflow
  • Constant operation

Because your heat pump system is often used for air conditioning in the summer, you’ll want to have it checked out right away if it doesn’t seem to be working right. While it can provide you with high-efficiency, year-round comfort, a problem that goes unchecked can spill over into the next season when you need it for cooling – and nobody wants a total breakdown on a hot summer day!

Family Danz can help meet your heating repair needs.

At Family Danz, we’re pleased to offer our customers complete heating services, so whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, our skilled technicians can help. They’ll thoroughly troubleshoot your system and make the repairs you need quickly. And, if repairs will either be extremely expensive or impossible, they can help you choose replacement equipment so you and your family can enjoy a comfy, cozy home all winter long. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to help you.

2023 Winter Events in Albany, NY & The Capital Region

Posted on by Family Danz

People enjoying holiday lightsEvery year it seems the winter holidays arrive earlier and earlier, but is that a bad thing? We say no! There are many reasons to get into the holiday spirit, and in the Capital Region of New York that includes an abundance of family friendly community events (many of which are free!). So we say embrace the holiday spirit, gather your family or friends, bundle up, and go enjoy one of these great winter events happening in the Capital Region this 2023 holiday season.

Click on any event name below to learn more.

 

2023 Shaker Holiday Market

“Our traditional Holiday Fair promotes the holiday spirit with regional artisans featuring handmade pottery, jewelry, fiber, artisan foods and much more!”

Where: Shaker Heritage Society in Albany, NY

When: Select Dates from October 10 – December 17, 2023

 

Schenectady Holiday Parade

“Schenectady County ushers in the holiday season in Downtown Schenectady with the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast. Sparking floats, glittering firetrucks, marching bands, dance troupes, and a special visit from Santa Claus. It’s fun for the whole family.”

Where: Downtown Schenectady, NY

When: November 18, 2023

 

Santa’s Magical Express

“Calling all EITs (Elves In Training), past and present, new and old, near and far, Santa needs your help! Jack Frost has stolen Santa’s Hat and without it, Christmas will be cancelled! Now is your chance to book your ticket on Santa’s Magical Express and join the quest to save Christmas! Does your family have what it takes?”

Where: Rensselaer, NY

When: Select Dates from November 24 – December 23, 2023

 

Christmas Land (Altamont, NY)

“Christmas Land was created to offer a holiday attraction that evokes the aura of an old fashioned Christmas. This attraction is geared toward all age groups connecting families & communities in bringing back the spirit of Christmas. It features many activities inside & out for children and adults on a large farm area in Altamont, NY. Santa will be sure to make you feel like a kid again & believe in the magic of this glorious season.”

Where: Altamont, NY

When: Select Dates From November 25 – December 16, 2023

 
Albany New York skyline

2023 City of Albany’s Tree Lighting

“The tree lighting ceremony kicks off with a concert by Amy Heebner on the historic Albany City Carillon beginning at 5:00pm. Mayor Sheehan, members of the Albany Tulip Court and city officials will light the tree at 6:00pm. Afterwards, enjoy a holiday performance by Albany High School Albanettes and Troubadours Choir, holiday crafts and FREE refreshment. Representatives from local organizations will be on-hand with information on their programs and upcoming events.”

Where: Across the street from Albany City Hall at Academy Park

When: December 1, 2023

 

2023 Schenectady Festival of Trees

“The Festival of Trees is a festive display of 90+ lighted fir trees, spread throughout the galleries of SCHS. Over 1,500 people visit the Festival throughout December, enjoying the enchantment of the holidays.”

Where: Schenectady County Historical Society

When: Every day from December 2 – 23, 2023

 

Troy Victorian Stroll

“For 40 years, the Troy Victorian Stroll has been a community holiday tradition that transforms the streets of historic downtown Troy into a bygone Victorian era, complete with visitors in Victorian dress strolling the City. The Stroll’s activities and entertainment are strategically spread throughout the streets, amidst unique shops, storefronts, restaurants, bars and parks.”

Where: Downtown Troy, NY

When: December 3, 2023

 

The Saratoga New Year’s Fest

“New York’s biggest New Year’s party north of Times Square. A full weekend of non-stop entertainment!”

Where: Multiple Venues in Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY

When: Friday, Dec 29, 2023 until Monday, Jan 1, 2024

 

Why Choose Family Danz for Your Home Comfort Needs?

Posted on by Family Danz

family danz owner photoAt Family Danz, we’re always appreciative of the support and loyalty of our customers. It means a lot to us that year after year, you choose us for your home’s heating and cooling needs. We’ve worked hard to help people throughout the Albany area enjoy better home comfort since we opened our doors in 1976.

As a company that has grown, changed, and expanded over the last 47 years, we know we never would have succeeded without dedication, from both the people we help stay comfortable, and the people who started it all, Ted Danz, and his mother Lucille, who he says, “pretty much ran the place.” As you can imagine, family is important to us – our family and yours. When you choose Family Danz, you’re choosing an HVAC company that has proven, time and time again, that our customers are like family to us.

What Makes Our Team the Best Choice?

We know you have a lot of options when it comes to your home comfort provider. We take pride in the fact that we offer our customers excellent products and straightforward service.

Quality is in the Details

At Family Danz, we understand that quality is in the details. Over the years, we have attained an outstanding reputation by tailoring equipment specifically to each of our customers’ needs. Our team of factory-trained and licensed experts carefully examine your project and your expectations then design and install the heating or cooling system that is perfect for you.

Full-Service HVAC with Your Budget in Mind

Whether you need heating or cooling maintenance, installation, or repair, or home heating oil, Family Danz makes it our priority to provide it professionally, cost-effectively, and efficiently. We offer knowledgeable, friendly advice and customer service unequaled to the competition. We also offer financing options with approved credit so you can pay over time.

The Professionalism of a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer

As a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, you can trust us to be certified by North American Technical Excellence or NATE. This is the leading certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning field, and the only test supported by the entire industry.

And, because we’re a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, we always repair your equipment using Factory Authorized Parts, so the best quality and efficiency of your heating or cooling system is guaranteed. Family Danz is also the proud recipient of the Bryant® Medal of Excellence for exceptional quality of workmanship, customer satisfaction, and overall business performance.

Exceptional Ratings & Reviews

At Family Danz, we believe those of us in a business that primarily serves others should stay humble. But we also know that word-of-mouth recommendations, online reviews, and ratings with the Better Business Bureau are important in today’s online world. We are proud to have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.6-star rating with Google. But don’t just take our word for it – see what one of our valued customers had to say about us:

“My husband met with four different HVAC companies before deciding on Family Danz, to replace our 32-year-old furnace and air conditioning unit. The salesman was great & answered all our questions.  He went above and beyond! Our main installer was AMAZING and didn’t leave until everything was perfect. All the employees we met were extremely professional, introducing themselves, etc. We plan to recommend Family Danz to our friends, family, and neighbors! Thank you for a great experience!” – K.O, Greenwich, NY

Count on Family Danz to Help You Stay Comfortable All Year Long

At Family Danz, you will always be our number one priority. We work hard to keep you and your family comfortable; in winter, spring, summer, or fall. When you need HVAC or oil delivery services for your home, call us at (518) 427-8685 and we will be happy to help meet your needs.

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

Posted on by Family Danz

happy family enjoys cool comfort of air conditioned homeOnce 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 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.

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.

Count on Family Danz for the Heating Products You Need for Your Home

Posted on by Family Danz

Couple learning about home heating solutionsHave you been dealing with a heating system that just isn’t operating properly in your home? There are many reasons why heating systems like furnaces and boilers stop working well. Maybe your heating system is on the older side. Or, maybe it hasn’t been maintained on a yearly basis. Or perhaps you’ve made changes to your home, like adding living space. All of these factors can impact how long your heating system lasts.

If your energy bills are increasing, your heating system seems to run frequently, you’ve been noticing that you’re just not as warm and comfy as you’d like to be, or all of the above – it could be time to look into a new heating system for your home. Right now, Family Danz is offering savings on all types of heating equipment – so no matter what specific type is currently installed in your home, we can help you get a new one for less.

Learn about the different types of heating systems Family Danz offers.

  • Boilers: Gas, oil, or electric boilers heat your home by moving heated water from a central point through a radiator. In homes with boiler heating systems, there is usually little to no ductwork, but instead, pipes that run the heated water throughout the home. In some applications, the boiler can also act as a water heater for the home.
  • Furnaces: Furnaces produce heat by combustion, heating the air, and then moving the heated air through the home’s duct system. Most people have a gas or oil furnace in their homes, although electric furnaces are also available.
  • Heat Pumps: Heat pump systems are unique in that they don’t require gas or oil to operate; instead, they use the 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, they can be reversed in the summer so that they also act as an air conditioner.
  • Ductless Heating Systems: Ductless heating systems use heat pump technology, but instead of operating as a central heating system and using the home’s ductwork to distribute the air, they require no ductwork. They can be used in a single application to heat a specific area of your home or can be used to heat your entire home through a series of individual units. They are generally highly efficient, providing targeted comfort.

Getting the heating system you need is as easy as calling Family Danz.

There’s no need to deal with another year of inefficient, ineffective heating in your home. Whether you need a boiler, furnace, heat pump, or ductless heating, today’s heating equipment will provide you with better comfort and savings on your utility bills, too. Contact Family Danz today to find out more about how we can help you get new heating installed in your home, all while enjoying our money-saving offer.

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

Contact Family Danz

Learn About Heating Your Home This Winter

Posted on by Family Danz

Young girls reading a book together

When you live in the Capital Region, you know that many months of the year require heating your home. We have long winters here, and that means you need to have a heating system that operates both effectively and efficiently. Many people don’t really think about their home’s heating system until an issue comes up – and that can be a costly venture, depending on the level of repair. One of the most proactive things you can do is learn about heating your home – what types of heating are available, how to know if you need a repair, and what to do if you need a replacement.

Today, there are many different types of heating equipment available.

To learn more, contact us today

Call Family Danz at (518) 427-8685 or complete our online form here:

In the past, most people either had furnaces or boilers in their homes and often, the equipment didn’t provide homeowners with the best energy efficiency. As environmental concerns have increased over the years, HVAC manufacturers have worked to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of heating equipment. Boilers and furnaces from 15-20 years ago, for instance, may have been 60 percent efficient at best. Today, most manufacturers have equipment models that are up to 98 percent efficient; not to mention, there are new, innovative types of equipment that provide optimal heating and incredible efficiency.

Learn about the types of heating equipment available today.

While most people either have a furnace or a boiler in their home, there are other types of equipment available to help people stay comfortable. Learn about the types of heating systems you can get for your home to determine what may be the best system for you and your family.

Boilers

Gas, oil, or electric boilers heat your home by moving heated water from a central point through a radiator. In homes with boiler heating systems, there is usually little to no ductwork, but instead, pipes that run the heated water throughout the home. In some applications, the boiler can also act as a water heater for the home.

Furnaces

Furnaces produce heat by combustion, heating the air, and then moving the heated air through the home’s duct system. Most people have a gas or oil furnace in their homes, although electric furnaces are also available.

Heat Pumps

Heat pump systems are unique in that they don’t require gas or oil to operate; instead, they use the 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, they can be reversed in the summer so that they also act as an air conditioner.

Ductless Heating Systems

Ductless heating systems use heat pump technology, but instead of operating as a central heating system and using the home’s ductwork to distribute the air, they require no ductwork. They can be used in a single application to heat a specific area of your home or can be used to heat your entire home through a series of individual units. They are generally highly efficient, providing targeted comfort.

Resources to Help You Learn More About Heating Equipment & Efficiency

When you’re considering a new heating system, keep in mind that this is a major investment. Like a vehicle, heating systems are complex pieces of machinery that require appropriate installation and operation in order to work effectively, efficiently, and safely. Therefore, doing research is important. Reliable sources can provide you with a wealth of excellent information. That being said, there is an overwhelming amount of information on the internet and it can be tough to ensure that the websites you’re visiting are providing accurate content. To make this easier for you, we’re providing a shortlist of sites that can help you learn more about heating.

  • ENERGY STAR: This is a government organization that focuses on helping people learn about energy efficiency. Additionally, it offers energy-efficiency ratings on various types and brands of equipment to help consumers make the best choices.
  • Angie’s List: As an online review-collecting group, Angie’s List provides an overview of different heating systems, giving you the information you need to make the right choice for your home.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy: This website offers useful statistics, data, and an unbiased review of the different types of heating equipment available, including their efficiency and effectiveness.

Heating System Concerns: How to Know if You’re Headed for a Breakdown

Couple learning how to use a thermostatOf course, heating systems require regular maintenance in order to operate at their most effective and efficient best. Therefore, we recommend that consumers get annual heating maintenance regardless of the type of system they have installed in their home. Getting maintenance can help mitigate the need for repairs while keeping systems running smoothly. As systems get older, they often become less efficient and can need heating repairs from time to time. Here are five ways to tell if your system may be having issues:

  1. Age of Equipment. Most types of heating equipment last 15 years before they need replacing. If your system is nearing that age and hasn’t been performing as well as it used to, you might want to consider replacing it. Unfortunately, heating systems that haven’t been properly maintained can start to show signs of failure even sooner. You can help ensure your system lasts longer by getting annual maintenance and changing out filters when they are dirty.
  2. Utility Bill Spike. If you noticed an uptick in your utility bills over the past winter that doesn’t correlate with increased costs, then it means your heating is likely working harder to give you the heating output your home requires. Sometimes the solution is simple, like cleaning your system and changing the filter, but other times it can signal larger issues.
  3. Dusty House. If you’ve noticed a layer of dust on household surfaces lately, it’s likely your heating system is blowing dust, dirt, and debris around. The fix is usually simply changing the filter. Doing this helps your indoor air quality improve, and it helps your heating system perform better. Your HVAC contractor can help you change the filter
  4. Noisy Equipment. Mechanical equipment makes some noise when it operates. However, if you’re hearing grinding, banging, or squealing sounds coming from your equipment, it’s an indication of a mechanical failure somewhere in your furnace. Shut it down and call a licensed contractor to come help.
  5. Frequent, Costly Repairs. If your system has needed frequent, expensive repairs, you may wish to consider replacing your system. You can find out if a system replacement would be more advantageous than a repair by multiplying the cost of repairs by the age of your system. If the number is 5000 or more, then it’s probably a good time to consider a replacement.

Finally, choose a heating contractor you can trust.

Whether you need repair, replacement, or maintenance for your heating system, choosing a reliable contractor is important. When you choose a company like Family Danz, you’re choosing a family-owned business that has been helping meet the needs of people throughout the Capital Region for more than 30 years. And, we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, so you can count on us to provide you with quality products and services, and complete customer satisfaction.

To learn more about how we can assist you this heating season, give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we will be more than happy to help you.