To Repair or To Replace Your AC? That Is the Question.

Technician repairing an air conditionerHave you noticed that the air conditioning system you have installed in your home has been struggling this summer? Maybe you’re having a hard time keeping your home as cool as you’d like. Or, maybe you’ve noticed that your energy bills are skyrocketing for no apparent reason. If you’re concerned that your AC system isn’t operating up to par, you might be wondering if it’s time for repairs – or a replacement.

At Family Danz, it’s important to us that we share with you the information you need to make an informed decision. We never take your home comfort lightly – we strive to ensure that you and your family are always comfortable, energy-efficient and safe. So, when it comes time to consider replacing the air conditioning system in your home, there are a few telltale signs that a new installation may be the right choice.

Five Signs You May Need to Replace Your AC

  1. Your air conditioning system has needed frequent, expensive repairs. This is perhaps the strongest indicator that you likely should consider replacing your system. If you need to repair your system often, and those repairs come with a high price tag, it probably will be more cost-effective for you to replace your system.
  2. Your AC is more than 10 years old and/or uses an obsolete refrigerant. The older your air conditioning system is, the more likely it will be less efficient, and need repairs. As AC systems move past 10 years, the likelihood they will need to be replaced becomes higher. And, older systems that use obsolete refrigerants, like Freon, are more expensive to repair and maintain.
  3. Your utility bills have been on the rise. Of course, we can expect that the cost of utilities is going to increase a bit year over year. But if your utilities have risen and energy costs aren’t the factor, it’s likely your AC system is working harder than it should be to keep your home cool.
  4. Your home is simply not as cool and comfortable as you’d like. If you’ve noticed a marked change in the level of comfort of your home over the past couple of years, it’s likely your system is simply not operating efficiently and effectively. This is especially important to note if you’ve regularly maintained your system. (Incidentally, if you haven’t, you might want to call for maintenance, as a dirty system could be the problem.)
  5. You have made changes to the size of your home. Many people don’t realize that if they add square footage to their home, they may also need to make changes to their home comfort system. Additions, or using spaces in your home that previously were not inhabited (like a converted garage or finished basement) may mean you need to replace your AC system or enhance your system with a ductless unit in that space.

Not sure if you should repair or replace? Family Danz can help.

If you have questions about your air conditioning system, and would like to know whether you need a repair or a replacement, Family Danz can help. We can determine if your current system still has life in it, or if you should be thinking about installing a new system. From there, we’ll work with you for the best possible solutions.

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 and we’ll be glad to help you with your needs.

Contact Family Danz

Comfort + Improved Indoor Air Quality = Ductless

Woman sitting on couch next to a wall-mounted ductless unit

If you’d like to better home comfort combined with improved indoor air quality, you should know that ductless cooling can be an excellent option. There are many benefits to choosing a ductless system for your home, with precise comfort control at the forefront. Of course, you’d expect better comfort when you install a new cooling system, but you might not be aware of the other improvements your home will experience when you choose a new ductless system.

Who can benefit from a new ductless system in their home?

To learn more, contact us today

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

The short answer is, ductless is a great solution for most homeowners. But for some, ductless cooling is an incredible choice. Homeowners who have limited space for ductwork, use radiant heat, or would like to add comfort control to an addition, finished basement, or converted attic or garage can enjoy cool comfort that may not be as easy to enjoy otherwise. That’s because ductwork is not required, and only minimal construction is needed, for a ductless system installation. No more noisy window fans or extensive construction projects – a new ductless system can be installed quickly and fairly easily, so you and your family will be enjoying improved comfort in no time.

What do you mean when you say, “improved indoor air quality”?

Ductless cooling not only offers better home comfort; it also provides advanced filtration. That means that the air circulating around your home via a ductless system goes through a multi-stage filtration system that decreases particles and contaminants in the air – some of which include dust, allergens, pollen, bacteria and some viruses. That makes ductless air conditioning beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory concerns, or who just want cleaner indoor air.

What other benefits will ductless cooling provide me?

The reasons to choose ductless don’t stop at better cooling and filtration. A ductless cooling system can also offer you:

  • Improved energy efficiency via heat pump technology;
  • Precise comfort control via an easy-to-use remote control;
  • Quiet operation, unlike noisy window AC units;
  • Non-obtrusive comfort, as these systems generally are installed high on walls or in ceilings;
  • Heating during the cooler months, as many ductless systems are capable of both cooling and heating;
  • Zoned comfort control that can help you enjoy premium comfort and efficiency.

Ductless cooling sounds like the right choice for me. How can I learn more?

At Family Danz, we proudly offer our customers advanced ductless systems and professional installation that will have you and your family enjoying cool comfort – and improved indoor air quality – in no time!

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 and we’ll be glad to help you with your needs.

Please note – we treat our customers like family, and as such your safety is our top priority. We are following stringent CDC guidelines to help you stay safe and comfortable.

Three Ways You Can Green Up Your Life This Summer

Hands holding a small plant growing in dirtEvery day, news headlines talk about environmental concerns. From greenhouse gas emissions to holes in the ozone layer to global warming concerns, many people are wondering what they can do to make their carbon footprint smaller. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take toward greener living – right at your own home. Choosing environmentally friendly cleaners, recycling and making sure the home appliances you choose are ENERGY STAR rated are all examples of how you can do more for Mother Earth, but there are many more ways you can do your part to keep the planet green.

Learn more about simple measures you can take to go green this summer and all year through.

If you and your family are interested in being a bit more environmentally conscious, here are three easy measures you can start taking today:

  • Pay attention to – and conserve – resources. Think about how you heat and cool your home, how much water you use, and what types of household products you use. Then take measures to conserve these resources. For instance, you can get better use of your HVAC system by making sure your home is well insulated and any leaks around doors and windows are sealed. And, installing a programmable thermostat can help you save even more energy. Shut off the faucet when you’re brushing your teeth, and take shorter showers. Choose reusable water bottles and reduce the amounts of food and drink packaging you purchase.
  • Consider composting and gardening. Your vegetation, plant and kitchen waste can be turned into nutrient-rich compost, easily! You can find composting bins at most home improvement stores, or you can make your own fairly easily. You can use that nutrient-rich soil in your own small garden. Tomatoes, peppers, squash and cucumbers are fairly easy to grow and can be canned for use over the winter as well. Even if you don’t garden on your own, you can offer your compost to other gardeners and enjoy some of the bounty of locally grown produce, as many are willing to trade! And, shop at one of the many farmers’ markets that abound during the summer and fall months.
  • Unplug cords and use energy-efficient lighting. A simple way to conserve energy in your home is to unplug your charging cords. You can also unplug other household appliances, like toasters and electric can openers, when not in use. Choose an energy-efficient power strip, and consider making the switch to LED lighting and bulbs. Keep outdoor lights on a motion sensor or timer, so they’re not on all night – using up valuable energy!

And, Family Danz can help you get the best and most efficient home comfort equipment.

At Family Danz, we think it’s important to do what we can to help our customers stay comfortable, all while being as energy efficient as possible. That’s why we offer equipment brands that have been manufactured to provide maximum effectiveness and energy efficiency. We can help you get a system that provides you and your family with ultimate comfort and reduced energy usage – and has been made with the earth in mind. To learn more, just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Family Danz Is Your Full-Service Contractor

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.

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!

June Is Party Time – How To Plan A Successful Celebration

Group of people celebrating around a table outdoorsJune has arrived, and with it, the season of celebration. From graduation parties and anniversaries, to a backyard barbecue that will create special memories for years to come, a successful celebration doesn’t have to be complicated. Of course, some careful planning in advance will help your party go much more smoothly – along with a little help from friends and family.

If a party is in your near future, here are a few simple steps you can take to make the process go much easier:

  • Create a budget. This is the first step for successful planning, because it will dictate every action you take from here on out. Know how much you want to allocate for food, the space where you want to hold the party, any favors you’ll offer your guests, any help you may need, and any activities. Make sure to add a bit more as a cushion, because sometimes costs add up unexpectedly.
  • Choose your date, time and location: If you choose to hold the party at home, make sure you have adequate seating and tables. You may also want to consider tents in case of rain. Or, think about holding the party in another area, like a community center or banquet hall. Once you’ve squared away this information, you’ll be able to send out invites or set up your event on social media.
  • Build your menu. Depending on the type of party, you might need anything from cake and punch to a full buffet. If you’re having a backyard grilling session, you’ll need to make sure you have meats and veggies for grilling, as well as salads, chips, fruit and veggie platters and plenty of drinks. An anniversary celebration might entail a few hors d’oeuvre trays, punch, champagne and of course, a lovely cake. Your menu will depend on the type of party and your budget. 
  • Consider your decorations. Again, this is highly dependent on the party you’re planning. Grad parties can incorporate school colors, anniversary celebrations can be simple and elegant, using colors based on the year (gold, silver, etc.), and backyard barbecues might not need any decorations at all, unless you want to fun it up with a theme, like a tiki or tropical party.
  • Ask for help in advance. You will likely need some assistance – don’t think you can do it all by yourself, or you won’t be able to enjoy the party yourself, or your guests. De-stress the situation by asking friends and family if they would mind helping out, and assigning them specific duties, like keeping snacks and drinks replenished or helping to greet guests. Consider hiring some help for set-up, serving or clean-up.
  • Have a few activities planned. Choose a few participation-optional activities like quick games or a photo booth. If children are invited to the party, you might consider some yard games, a bouncy house, and a treat bag with items that will keep them occupied.

Make sure your home is a comfortable retreat, too.

If you’re planning a party at home, make sure you have some indoor space people can enjoy in case the weather is hotter than expected. You’ll know your air conditioning system will be running perfectly for your guests when you count on Family Danz to help. We’ll provide you with the AC maintenance you need to be company-ready this summer. Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 and we’ll be happy to help.

Why Choose Family Danz For Your Commercial HVAC Needs?

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

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.

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

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.