Ductless Heating Archives

When Should I Consider a New Heating System?

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Family Danz

When 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Ductless Heating Can Keep You Cozy This Winter

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Family Danz

Do you have a space in your home that you wish you could use more during the winter months? For people with seasonal rooms, converted areas like attics or garages, or additions, heating those rooms during the colder times of the year can be challenging. Many people resort to using space heaters, which can take up floor space and can cause injury or fire. You should know, however, that you can keep those spaces comfortable, both safely and efficiently, with ductless heating.

Ductless heating is perfect for those areas in your home that don’t have access to your HVAC system’s ductwork, like the spaces mentioned above. Additionally, if you’ve been considering replacing old, inefficient electric baseboard heat throughout your home, ductless heating can be an ideal option. In this article, we’ll share some of the benefits of ductless heating, and explain to you how Family Danz can help you get it for your home. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Benefits of Ductless Heating

In the past, many homeowners in northern climates like New York did not use ductless heating because it was not an effective choice during the coldest months. However, advanced technology has allowed for ductless heat pump systems that can function well in cold climates. Below are five benefits of ductless heating you can expect to enjoy:

Multiple Configurations: Whether you need to heat just one room or your entire home, ductless heating can get the job done. It offers an effective alternative for space heating but is also available in multiple units that can be installed throughout your home for an all-over heating solution – perfect for homes that do not have ductwork.
Energy Efficiency: Ductless heating systems tend to be highly efficient. Unlike traditional furnaces or boilers, they don’t use fossil fuels to heat your home. Instead, they operate using heat pump technology, which extracts heat from the outdoor air and pumps it into your home. And, they are far more efficient than outdated electric baseboard heat – the Department of Energy suggests that ductless systems can reduce your electricity use for heating by up to 65 percent!
Safety: An unfortunate fact about space heaters is that they can cause safety concerns, especially those that burn fuel, such as kerosene heaters. These types of heaters can cause burns, as they are usually on the floor and within reach of children and pets. Additionally, they can emit carbon monoxide if not properly vented and can cause fires. Ductless heating does not burn fuel and is generally installed high on a wall or ceiling, keeping it clear of your home’s living space.
Ease of Operation: Ductless heating systems are easy to operate, and most use a handheld remote to adjust the temperature. Because they can be installed throughout your home in different areas, or zones, you can get targeted comfort for each area. And, they are easy to maintain. The unit is easy to clean with a damp cloth, and the filter is removable for ease of cleaning. Like any other type of HVAC equipment, yearly maintenance by a professional technician is recommended.
Year-Round Comfort: As a bonus, many ductless heating systems can also double as air conditioning systems in the summer months. During warmer weather, the heat pump will extract the heat from the indoor air and pump it outside. This makes ductless an effective and much more efficient alternative to window or portable air conditioners.

How can Family Danz help me decide if ductless heating is right for my home?

As a Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor, Family Danz is pleased to offer professional ductless mini-split heating installation in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga, and the surrounding areas. When you need premiere quality ductless mini-split heating in the Capital Region, call Family Danz Heating & Cooling at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different options for ductless heating and cooling, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

How Can I Save Energy in My Home During the Holidays?

Posted on November 15, 2022December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the holiday season! With Thanksgiving fast approaching and Christmas and Hanukkah on the way, your home will likely be filled with friends and family before you know it. While this is the time of year for food, fun, and festivities, it also is the time of year when you might be outspending your budget a bit.

If you’ve been considering how you can save some money while enjoying all the comforts and joys the season has to offer, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll talk about some home efficiency tips that can help you save energy – and money – this holiday season, and all year long. Keep reading to learn more!

Five Ways to Save Energy This Holiday Season

Choose energy-efficient decorations. Lighting up your home inside and out definitely makes it a beautiful sight, but the energy those strings of light use can add up when it comes time for your utility bills. When replacing old holiday lights, choose ones that use LED bulbs instead of the traditional incandescent ones. And, consider putting them on a timer, so you won’t be wasting energy if you forget to unplug them.
Deck your halls with LED lighting. This is the time of year when the days grow shorter, and that means that the lights inside and outside your home likely stay on longer. Consider replacing old, incandescent light bulbs throughout your home’s interior and exterior with LED bulbs. According to the Department of Energy, taking this measure can help you use at least 75 percent less energy than with traditional bulbs. As an added bonus, LED bulbs last up to 25 times longer.
Give yourself the gift of energy savings with smart power strips. Purchasing smart, or advanced power strips for your home can help reduce energy consumption. Even when appliances and devices are off, they still can consume small amounts of energy. When you think of how many electronics are continually plugged in at your home, you can see how energy usage adds up! Advanced power strips detect when a device is in standby mode and cut off power and save energy.
Keep the guest room warm with ductless heating. If you have an addition or converted space in your home that you’ve turned into a guest room, it might not have access to your home’s duct system. It can be tempting to turn up the heat in your home to warm those areas up for your guests, but that can cause your heating system to work overtime and use a lot of energy. Instead, consider installing a ductless unit in that space. Your guests will be able to control the temperature to their liking, and you’ll get more use out of the space yourself.
Lower the thermostat when entertaining. Between the heat from your oven during holiday cooking and the added body heat of your guests, your home is likely to warm up once the festivities begin. Turning the heat down a bit helps you and your guests stay more comfortable – and can save a bit on heating costs.

Choose Family Danz when you need help keeping your home cozy this holiday season.

Whether you need a ductless heating system for your guest room or want to make sure your current heating system will keep your home warm and toasty during the holidays (and all winter long), Family Danz can help. As a full-service heating contractor, you can count on us for the heating installation, maintenance, and repair services you need. Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

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

The Holiday Season is Approaching – Is Your Home Ready?

Posted on October 26, 2022December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

Even though it’s early in the fall season, many people are starting to think about the holiday season and the cooler weather that comes with it. Autumn is a great time to make sure your home is ready for the chillier weather – and the holiday guests – to come. If you have a room that would be perfect for guests, but lacks an adequate heating system, there’s good news.

Ductless heating is a perfect choice for areas in your home that don’t have access to your home’s central heating system. Additions, converted garages and attics, and finished basements can all benefit from a ductless heating system. In this article, we’ll talk about the many benefits of ductless heating, and how Family Danz can help.

Contact Family Danz

How can a ductless heating system make my home more comfortable?

If you have an area in your home that you’re currently keeping warm with a space heater, you may want to consider ductless heating. A ductless unit can be installed easily with minimal construction – usually within one day, depending on your home. Ductless systems generally operate using a heat pump and are highly efficient as a result; often much more efficient than a typical space heater.

Of course, you may have heard that ductless systems aren’t a great option in the Albany area because of the cold temperatures we often experience. While it’s true that in the past, heat pumps wouldn’t work properly once outside temperatures dipped down, today’s heat pumps are made for cold climates. That makes them a great option for heating an addition or converted space in your home.

What are the benefits of a ductless heat pump system?

As we’ve already mentioned, ductless heating systems are a terrific choice for heating a space in your home that doesn’t have ductwork. Here are a few more reasons why you might want to consider ductless for your home, according to NYS Clean Heat:

Better Efficiency: Ductless heat pump systems are highly energy efficient, and the cost of operation is usually less than a propane or an electric space heating option.
Cleaner Heating: Because heat pumps don’t use fossil fuels, you can count on them to provide cleaner heat in your home. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about dangerous carbon monoxide emissions like you would with propane or kerosene-burning space heaters.
Better Year-Round Comfort: As an added bonus, ductless heat pumps can be reversed in the summer months, providing cooling to your space. No more clunky, noisy, and inefficient window air conditioners!
Quiet Operation: Ductless systems are notoriously whisper-quiet, making them a great choice for comfort control in a guest bedroom or home theater room. You won’t be competing with the buzz of a space heater or the hum of a window AC.
Easy Maintenance: Ductless heating and cooling is easy to maintain. As a homeowner, you can easily clean the outside of the unit with a damp cloth, and most ductless systems have filters that are simple to remove and clean. Yearly maintenance from the professionals at Family Danz is all you need to ensure your ductless system will work effectively and efficiently all year!

I think ductless would be a great choice for my home. Can Family Danz help?

At Family Danz, we’re pleased to offer a complete listing of ductless services to our customers. We offer maintenance and repair, as well as the installation of high-quality Mitsubishi ductless products. If you’d like to learn more about ductless heating for your home, 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.

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

Contact Family Danz

Feeling Chilly This Winter? Keep Your Whole House Warm with Ductless!

Posted on January 27, 2022December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

The cold winter months in the Capital Region can certainly make it difficult to stay comfortable. You look to your home as a warm, cozy haven to come into out of the cold, but if your heating isn’t adequate, you’re probably feeling the chill even when you’re indoors. Central heating systems work great in areas where your ductwork can reach, but in some instances, you may need a little extra help keeping your house warm.

Fortunately, ductless heating systems are a great option. Because of new technology, ductless now works great even in colder climates, making it a solid choice for homeowners in the Northeast. Plus, because it is available in a number of different configurations, it can be installed in most homes with minimal construction and downtime. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways ductless may benefit your home.

Areas of Your Home Where Ductless Heating Can Be Beneficial

Ductless heating relies on a heat pump system to transfer the heat from the outdoor air into your home. Many people worry this won’t work in colder temperatures, but there is heat in the outdoor air, even on chillier days. This heat is brought into the home using an outdoor heat pump unit and generally requires only a small-diameter hole to connect the outdoor and indoor units. As a result, your technician should easily be able to install your ductless system quickly – so you will be toasty-warm in no time.

Ductless systems can either be installed as singular units or in a multiple unit configuration throughout your whole home. Here are three different scenarios where ductless can help keep your entire house comfortable:

You have an addition or converted space. If you’ve added onto your home or converted an area such as an attached garage or attic into living space, this area of your home might not have access to your central HVAC system. With a ductless system, you’ll be able to keep that area of your home warm, without having the mess and expense of adding ductwork.
You have “cold spots” in your home. There are a variety of reasons you may notice one room of your home does not warm up adequately. If you have an older home, it may have not been originally built with an HVAC system in mind. If you’ve added space, your current heating system may not be able to effectively heat the home due to its sizing. A ductless system can help remedy that – and help your central heating system work more efficiently.
You have old, inefficient baseboard electric heat. Generally speaking, homes with electric heating systems often do not have ductwork. Adding it can be a costly, time-consuming, and messy venture. And, you may not have the space to add ductwork to your home. With ductless heating, you can replace an old baseboard heating system with a new, highly efficient system that takes up no floor space and provides the benefit of air conditioning in the summer – so you can get rid of those bulky, noisy window AC units.

Wait… ductless can keep my home cool in the summer, too?

Yes! As an added benefit of ductless, the process of transferring heat indoors can be reversed in the summer months, keeping you and your family cool when it gets hot outdoors. A ductless system provides heating and air conditioning, all in one compact unit!

And, there are some other benefits you’ll appreciate as well:

High efficiency. Ductless systems, according to ENERGY STAR, use an average of 60 percent less energy to operate than standard baseboard electric heat, and up to 30 percent less energy than window or room air conditioners.
Quiet operation. Most people who have ductless heating and cooling marvel over how quiet their system is – in fact, most say it’s as quiet as a whisper. Anyone who has had noisy window air conditioning can appreciate that!
Remote control. Ductless systems are extremely easy to control using a remote. Some even have an app that you can download, making it easy to control the temperature using your smartphone.

How can I get ductless heating and cooling for my home?

Getting ductless for your home is as easy as giving Family Danz a call. We’ll be glad to talk to you about ductless heating and cooling, and what configuration is the best choice for your home. Just give us a call at (518)427-8685, and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Contact Family Danz

Maintenance, Repair, or Replacement: What Does Your Furnace Need?

Posted on December 30, 2021December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

Now that winter has arrived and we’ve experienced some colder weather, you might be feeling a little bit concerned about the furnace in your home. Maybe the air quality in your home is not as good as it used to be. Or, maybe you’ve noticed your energy bills are much higher than they should be. Perhaps, you’re simply not as toasty as you’d like to be. No matter what the scenario – if your furnace isn’t keeping you comfortable, there could be a problem.

Of course, the best-case scenario is that your furnace may just need some maintenance or a minor repair. Unfortunately, it may need more extensive repairs, and if that’s the case, you might be wondering if it would make more sense to simply replace it. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the signs your furnace might be showing if it needs maintenance or repair, and we’ll talk about when it may be time to consider a replacement. Keep reading to learn more!

Signs Your Furnace Needs Maintenance

Let’s start off by saying that getting maintenance for your furnace on an annual basis is a good idea. The Department of Energy encourages heating equipment maintenance, indicating that proper maintenance is vital to efficient operation, and can help you save up to 10-25% in energy consumption. So, choosing an annual maintenance plan from a qualified expert is best practice when it comes to your heating system. However, if you haven’t had your system maintained in a while you might notice these signs that you need to call your HVAC contractor:

Your home isn’t as comfortable as you’d like. Whether you’ve noticed a decrease in comfort in certain areas or throughout, this is often a result of a poorly maintained system. There could be dirt or debris build-up that needs to be removed or a clogged filter.
You’ve noticed a decrease in the quality of air in your home. If you’re seeing particles dancing in the sunbeams, have noticed you need to dust more often, or your family is sniffling when the furnace kicks on, maintenance is very likely in order.
Your energy bills have increased. If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills for no apparent reason, it is likely that your furnace is having to work harder, and is using more energy to do so. Usually, this is a result of dirty, clogged filters and internal components.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

While dusty air and higher energy bills often signal the need for a furnace tune-up, sometimes there is more going on than a maintenance call can remedy. If you’ve noticed any of the following, there is almost definitely something going on with your furnace, and you should call your HVAC contractor right away:

Screeching, banging, or grinding noises
Unusual, foul odors that smell like melting plastic or rubber
Your furnace keeps cycling on and off
Your furnace will not start

Please note, if you notice any smoke coming from your furnace, or if your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, you should leave your home and call your fire department immediately. These are serious issues and you should not wait for repair services in these instances.

When it Might Be Time to Replace

Of course, this is the scenario nobody wants to think about – having to replace their furnace. Heating equipment is a costly investment in your home and with good reason. Not only does it need to be built to last and keep your family comfortable, but it also has to provide safe heating as well. Still, most homeowners like to weigh their options before purchasing a new system.

Factors you should take into consideration include:

How old is my furnace? Most furnaces last between 10-20 years, so if yours is getting up there in age, you might want to replace it. It actually can save you money in the long run, because today’s furnaces are much more energy-efficient than their predecessors.
How often has my furnace needed repairs? If you’ve got your HVAC contractor on speed dial, and it seems like you’ve had to have frequent repairs made in order to keep it running properly, then it might be time to consider a replacement.
How expensive are the repairs? If you’ve needed frequent repairs, the costs definitely begin to add up. And, if your system breaks down and it will need extensive repairs in order to get it back up and running, you will definitely want to weigh the costs of repair versus replacement, especially if your system is older and less efficient.

How can Family Danz help me get the furnace services I need?

At Family Danz, we take great pride in providing you with complete heating services, including furnace maintenance, repair, and replacement. We can give your furnace the check-up it needs to help determine if there is any cause for concern, and we can make sure it receives proper annual maintenance to help it last longer and operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. And, we’ll help you in the event you need repairs or replacement, too. If you have any concerns about your home’s furnace, give us a call today at (518) 427-8685 to find out how we can help meet your furnace needs this winter – no matter what they may be!
Contact Family Danz

Maximize Your Home’s HVAC System with Ductless

Posted on November 30, 2021December 4, 2023 by Family Danz

While ductless heating and cooling has been around for a while now, some people have not yet heard of it, or if they have, don’t really know what it is. Ductless heating and cooling is, quite simply, a heating and cooling system that works without the need for ductwork. Most systems operate via a heat pump system and require minimal construction to install.

Additionally, ductless heating and cooling is very quiet, easy to operate, and best of all, highly energy efficient. But, if you already have an HVAC system in your home, you might be wondering if ductless could be of any benefit to you. The answer is yes! If you use any window air conditioning units or space heaters in your home, ductless can provide a less obtrusive, and more energy-efficient solution. Keep reading to learn more!

Three Ways Ductless Can Help Keep You Comfortable

Ductless is great for additions and converted spaces. If you have built on to your home or converted an area like the basement, attic, or garage into a living space, that part of your home may not have access to your home’s ductwork. And that can make those spaces harder to enjoy when the weather outside gets too hot or cold. Some people rely on window AC or space heaters to keep those areas climate controlled, but they can be obtrusive, noisy, and can use a lot of energy. Having a ductless unit installed in that space is the perfect solution because it can provide the heating and cooling you need to enjoy the area year-round, all while offering energy efficiency.
Ductless can help balance out the temperatures in your home. In larger or older homes, sometimes homeowners find that there are areas that are more difficult to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They may even find themselves cranking up the heat or AC system in order to make these rooms comfortable – and that can use a lot of fuel oil and electricity. By adding a ductless heating and cooling system in these areas, it will be much easier to keep these areas of your home comfortable and will help your central HVAC system not have to work as hard.
If you need to replace old baseboard heat, ductless is a great option. If you have electric baseboard heat in your home that needs replacing, ductless is a perfect choice. Since it doesn’t require ductwork in order to operate, you won’t need to worry about messy construction. And, ductless will likely save you money on your energy bills, too – that’s because ductless can cut heating costs in half, and cooling costs by 30 percent, according to ENERGY STAR.

Do you think ductless might be a good choice for your home? Family Danz can help.

If you’d like to learn more about ductless heating and cooling, and whether or not it’s a good choice for your home, give Family Danz Heating & Cooling a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different options for ductless, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Contact Family Danz

Make the Most of All Your Spaces with Ductless Heating

Posted on February 26, 2021September 17, 2021 by Family Danz

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more people are working and going to school from home. For many homeowners, space in their houses is at a premium. If you have a room that would be a great spot for a home office or classroom but doesn’t have year-round heating, you should know a ductless heating system can help.

Often, seasonal rooms, additions, and converted spaces don’t have access to the home’s duct system, which means they can only be used at certain times during the year. That’s where a ductless heating system comes in. Because these units operate outside of your home’s ductwork, they can be installed quickly and help you maximize every space in your home in a matter of just a few hours.

5 Benefits of Ductless Heating

Aside from helping you make the most of every nook and cranny of your home, there are several additional benefits to ductless heating that you’ll enjoy:

Ductless heating is efficient. Most ductless systems use heat pump technology, which is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home. Ductless systems tend to be far more efficient than space heaters, so installing one can help you save on energy bills.
Ductless systems often provide both heating and cooling. This is a great benefit when it comes to being able to use your space year-round. You’ll enjoy warmth during the colder months, and cool comfort in the summer.
Installation requires minimal construction. Your ductless system is comprised of an indoor and an outdoor unit, which are connected by small-diameter tubing. That means your technician will be able to install your ductless system quickly, with very little construction mess!
Ductless heating helps your main heating system operate more efficiently. This is because it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your entire home. Ductless heating (and cooling) helps to balance out the temperature of your home, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard.

Ductless heating offers precise comfort control. Most systems are easy to operate via remote control, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the room easily and to your unique needs.

How can I get ductless heating for my home?

That’s easy! All you need to do is give Family Danz a call at 518.427.8685. We’ll set up an appointment to discuss all the options and benefits of ductless heating with you, and help you get a unit installed in your home – so you can start enjoying every room in your home right away!

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

Contact Family Danz

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

Posted on January 25, 2021August 20, 2022 by Family Danz

Have 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 December 21, 2020August 20, 2022 by Family Danz

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

Of 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:

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.
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.
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
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.
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.