Category: Cooling News

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.

How AC in Your Saratoga, NY Home Can Help

Posted on by Family Danz

Summertime can mean fun in the sun outdoors, but if you don’t have air conditioning in your home, it can be less than enjoyable. Homes without an AC system are not only hot, but they can get sticky and uncomfortable. Not to mention, the dampness can cause unpleasant odors to stick around, and can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. If your Saratoga, NY home is lacking AC, you might not be as comfortable as you could be. What can air conditioning do to help?

A report from CBS News discussed the pros and cons of air conditioning when it comes to health. From what they found, a properly maintained AC system benefitted people and helped with air quality. For starters, most of the issues blamed on air conditioning actually are a result of neglect. The AC in your Saratoga, NY home, circulates air all day long. That’s one of its main jobs. Not getting your system the repairs it needs, or neglecting maintenance, can lead to trouble.

There are easy ways to ensure the AC in your Saratoga, NY home provides you with full benefits.

Dirty filters cause problems with your indoor air quality. The filter in your AC system does its job by trapping unwanted particles like dirt, pollen, and dander. Filtered air is one of the benefits of AC, however, clogged, dirty filters negate those benefits. You can easily remedy that problem by making sure you change your air filters monthly. Not sure how to do it? Your Family Danz AC technician will be glad to show you how, or do it for you. As a result, you’ll enjoy fresher, cleaner air all summer long.

Another common concern with AC systems is build-up of mold, mildew and bacteria. This can happen inside your air conditioner, mainly from the moisture that collects on the fan blades and coils. Again, with proper maintenance this will not be an issue. Annual preventive maintenance from Family Danz will help keep your air conditioner clean and free of harmful pathogens. Our technicians clean your coils and blades, making sure any mold, mildew and bacteria buildup is removed from your system.

Once the AC in your Saratoga, NY home is properly maintained, you’ll enjoy some impressive benefits.

You may not realize this, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite air conditioning as hugely important in preventing heat-related illness. The organization encourages people to use their home air conditioning systems readily, especially during times of extreme heat, to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Family Danz can help you get the AC you need for your Saratoga, NY home. We install systems that are highly efficient and provide the cooling you need to prevent heat-related illness in your home.

As we said earlier, air conditioning can help filter the air. It removes particles like pollen, pet dander and dust – and this can be especially important for people with allergies and asthma. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people with respiratory illnesses use their air conditioning systems, especially during allergy season. Not only will it help remove harmful particles, but it will also lower the indoor humidity, making the air easier to breathe.

Having properly-maintained AC in your Saratoga, NY can provide you with numerous benefits. At Family Danz, we want to help you make the most of your current system by providing you with quality annual maintenance. Or, if you need AC, we can install top-quality systems that are effective and efficient.

Making the Most of the Air Conditioning in Your Albany, NY Home

Posted on by Family Danz

Summer’s not quite over yet, and it’s likely you’ll still need your Albany, NY home’s air conditioning over the next few weeks. Are you getting the most from your AC system? If you’re not as comfortable as you’d like to be, and your energy bills are high, it could signal trouble. Fortunately, however, it is often a common issue causing the problem. The Department of Energy (DOE) discusses some typical AC concerns, and how they can be remedied.

Often, the problem with the air conditioning in your Albany, NY home can be as simple as improper operation. That’s easy enough for anyone to do! Leaving windows and doors open is the biggest culprit. Letting that hot outdoor air in negates your system’s cool air output. Not to mention, it also makes your system work harder to keep your home cool. So make sure you have doors and windows shut before cranking up the AC. And, make sure you have the thermostat set to the appropriate temperature. Sometimes it’s easy enough to think your system isn’t working, only to discover someone has either turned off or changed the temperature on the thermostat.

Of course, sometimes the problem is within your system. Here are a few common mechanical problems that could be causing the AC in your Albany, NY home to perform poorly.

Refrigerant Leak

When your system is leaking refrigerant, simply adding more might seem to be a solution. Unfortunately, taking that measure isn’t your best option. A qualified technician can repair the leak and then recharge your system with the correct type of refrigerant. When the amount of refrigerant in your air conditioning system is perfectly charged to manufacturer specifications, your system will not only keep you cooler. It will also perform more efficiently. And, that helps you save money on your energy bills.

Poor Maintenance

Your Albany, NY home’s air conditioning isn’t simply “set it and forget it.” You need to make sure it is properly maintained on a yearly basis. Often, something as simple as a dirty filter can wreak havoc with your AC system. In fact, dirty filters are often responsible for poorly performing, energy sucking systems. That’s because your air conditioning has to work that much harder to circulate air through the grime. To ensure that filters are changed, parts are well-lubricated and refrigerant is at appropriate levels, annual maintenance is a must. Your HVAC technician is best equipped to offer you the maintenance you need.

Electrical Issues

Many moving parts make up your air conditioning system. Naturally, you can expect some of these parts to wear out over time. Compressor failure, fan failure and corrosion of wires and terminals are problematic. Annual maintenance is important because your technician will look for electrical issues. And, they’ll often be able to fix them before they become larger, more costly air conditioning repairs.

Drainage Concerns

Did you know that the climate type in Albany borders on hot summer/humid continental? That heat and humidity can lead to some drainage concerns when it comes to your home’s AC. If your air conditioning system isn’t working right and it’s particularly humid outside, check your condensate drain. It could be clogged.

As you might imagine, the best remedy for air conditioning concerns in your Albany, NY home is getting proper annual maintenance. Most likely, your technician will spot these common issues before they become large, expensive ones. And, getting annual maintenance just helps your system run better, last longer and maintain higher energy efficiency.

You’ll be glad to know you can trust Family Danz with all your Albany, NY home’s air conditioning needs. From expert installation of quality equipment, to annual maintenance, to professional repairs, we can help. To learn more about how we can assist you, simply call us at (518) 427-8685.

Commercial Needs? Family Danz Can Help.

Posted on by Family Danz

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning aren’t just needs that homeowners have. Businesses and organizations require comfort systems as well. Did you know that in addition to providing great residential service we offer commercial services as well? Family Danz Mechanical, a branch of Family Danz Heating & Cooling, can help your business or organization with their comfort needs.

We know that downtime can be expensive, so you need an HVAC contractor who can get your heating or cooling system up and running quickly. At Family Danz, we employ skilled professionals who understand the unique qualities of commercial HVAC systems. They have the know-how to troubleshoot your system and make any needed repairs, efficiently. Not to mention, we are also able to help you find top-quality, energy efficient commercial systems that keep your company’s budget in mind.

Family Danz proudly offers the best products, expert services and a commitment to treating all of our customers like family.

We have worked with a number of different industries, and our skilled technicians have provided the best repair, maintenance and installation services for a broad range of commercial clients. Here are just a few of our neighbors who we have assisted with their commercial HVAC needs:

  • Hudson Falls CSD
  • Ashfield Senior Housing
  • NYS OGS – Five Rivers
  • Seven Green Apartments
  • Mahamudra Buddhist Hermitage
  • Mohawk Harbor Apartments
  • Ida Yarbrough Apartments

Our commercial HVAC services include:

  • Heating
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rooftop Installation & Repair
  • Refrigeration Installation & Repair
  • Chiller Installation & Repair
  • Larger Projects
  • Design & Build Applications

At Family Danz, we always treat our customers, whether they’re residential or commercial, like family. In fact, we’ve been family owned and operated for more than 30 years. We’re a member of the Northeastern Subcontractors Association (NESCA) and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Because we’re a business ourselves, we understand your unique needs and work to help you get the commercial HVAC services you need in a timely fashion. If you need commercial services, give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we will be more than happy to help you.

What Types of AC Services Does Family Danz Offer?

Posted on by Family Danz

When you need help with your air conditioning, you need a contractor who can offer you a full range of products and services to meet any need. You don’t want to have to worry about choosing someone who can only help you install a new system, or another who might only offer repairs. You need a contractor who can provide you with any service or product you might need, as well as one who you can trust with your home and your family. You won’t have any worries when you choose Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we’ve been offering people all throughout the Capital District the best in air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair for more than 30 years. We always treat our customers just like they’re members of our own family. You can rest assured that when you choose us for your AC needs, you’ll be treated with courtesy, honesty and professionalism. We proudly provide a full suite of air conditioning products and services, so that no matter your need, you can count on us to help.

Learn about the air conditioning products and services we proudly provide:

  • Air Conditioning Maintenance: Maintaining your air conditioning system is one of the best ways you can be sure that it will operate effectively and efficiently. Regular AC maintenance is important to the life of your equipment. Family Danz Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive maintenance plans for Capital District residents, which help them keep their air conditioning systems in tip-top shape.
  • Air Conditioning Repair: If you’re faced with a cooling emergency, Family Danz can help. Our factory certified technicians will thoroughly evaluate your air conditioning repair needs and find the best solution possible to help make your home as comfortable and energy efficient as possible. They arrive to your home on time and are able to address any questions or concerns that you may have.
  • New Air Conditioning Installation: Don’t suffer through another sweltering summer – Family Danz Heating & Cooling will help you cool off with a new air conditioning installation. We’re pleased to provide Capital District residents with the best quality, most efficient air conditioning systems on the market. And, because we’re a full-service contractor, we can help maintain your system after the sale, and, should you need repairs, we can make those, too.
  • Ductless Air Conditioning: Ductless air conditioning systems are high-efficiency cooling and heating systems that allow you to keep spaces with no ductwork as comfortable as those that do. What’s more, they can be used not only in spaces that have no available ductwork, but they can also be used to balance out hot and cold spots, increase energy efficiency, or provide precision temperature control.

Family Danz is pleased to provide expert air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair services throughout Albany, NY and the entire Capital District. When you need an air conditioning contractor, we are ready to assist you. Simply call us at 518.427.8685 and we will be more than happy to help you.