Energy Savings Archives | Page 2 of 5

Tips for Saving Fuel & Heating Your Home More Efficiently

Posted on September 3, 2019September 17, 2021 by Family Danz

With cooler weather on the way, your thoughts might be turning to how you can save some money on heating your home. Most homeowners budget for heating costs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to make your home more efficient. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help save fuel – and save money on your utility bills.

Five Ways You Can Improve Your Home Heating Efficiency

Check your insulation. If your home’s insulation isn’t up to par, it can definitely affect your comfort level. Having adequate insulation is important, because it helps keep your home warmer in the winter – and cooler in the summer. It helps your home comfort system operate more effectively and efficiently, too, because it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home at a comfortable level.
Make sure doors and windows are sealed. Drafty doors and windows mean the outside air is making its way inside. It also means that your heated air is making its way outside! Seal up any gaps around your windows and door frame areas with caulk or foam sealant, and insulate windows and door jambs with weather stripping.
Consider spaces in your home that lack ductwork. If you regularly use a space in your home that lacks ductwork, you might find yourself turning up the heat to keep that space warm. Some people opt for a space heater to help, but a more effective, efficient solution could be a ductless unit for that space. Ductless requires no installation of additional air ducts, and can keep the space warm in the winter – and cool in the summer!
Think about installing a smart thermostat. There are many varieties of programmable and smart thermostats on the market today. Some even have the technology to “learn” your family’s habits, like when you leave home for the day or go to bed, and will adjust the temperature accordingly. Much more than a convenient, high-tech gadget, however; a smart thermostat can help your home become more energy efficient.
If your heating equipment is old, consider replacing. Advances are made in home heating systems all the time – ones that help make them more efficient and leave behind a smaller carbon footprint. If you’re due for a replacement, there are many choices available that can offer you 95 percent efficiency and higher. Your HVAC company can help you determine the best heating system for your needs, and can likely help you save money, too.

Family Danz Fuel Service can help you get the fuel you need.

When you choose Family Danz for your home fuel needs, you can count on us to provide you with the lowest possible price, guaranteed. We sell only premium grade fuel, and we will meet any price you may find that is lower. To learn more about our oil delivery services and how we can help you save, simply call us at 518.427.8685. We’ll be happy to help you stay warm all season long.

Three Ways You Can Green Up Your Life This Summer

Posted on July 3, 2019September 17, 2021 by Family Danz

Every 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!

Need New AC? Consider High Efficiency.

Posted on July 3, 2019September 17, 2021 by Family Danz

Have 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!

Cool Down In All Your Rooms With Ductless

Posted on June 3, 2019September 17, 2021 by Family Danz

Have 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.

Posted on May 16, 2019November 4, 2020 by Family Danz

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Posted on May 16, 2019September 17, 2021 by Family Danz

Have 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.

May Is The Month For Amazing Savings

Posted on May 16, 2019September 17, 2021 by Family Danz

Have you been thinking about getting a new cooling or heating system, but haven’t been sure that it’s the right time? You should know, right now you can save thousands when you choose a new, high-efficiency system from Family Danz. We’ll install a premium system in your home that will not only help you and your family enjoy better comfort, but will also help you save money on your utility bills.

You can save up to $2,975 right now. Here’s how we do it:

$1,475 in Utility Rebates
$600 in System Rebates
$400 Family Danz Dealer Discount
$500 Value – Home Humidification System

$2,975 TOTAL SAVINGS

Not to mention, qualified buyers will get 12 months of interest-free financing with approved credit. But you have to act soon – this offer will expire on 6/30/19. So contact Family Danz today at 518.427.8685 and we will be more than happy to help you take advantage of this limited-time offer.

Our Best Offer of the Year

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Family Danz

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

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

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

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

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

5 Ways You Can Maximize Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Posted on November 14, 2018April 25, 2022 by Family Danz

Whether or not we’re ready for it, the time has come when we must again begin to use our furnaces. If you have somehow managed to postpone the inevitable, we salute you, but are also a bit cold just at that thought. While none of us enjoy forking over increased sums of money to the energy companies this time of year, it is a part of life in New England that we must accept. Here we will suggest five simple strategies for reducing your energy consumption (and consequently, your bill) this heating season. Even employing just one strategy will positively impact your wallet so choose those that will work best for your family.

Clean your furnace: First and foremost, we suggest scheduling a cleaning for your furnace. This should be done annually and will not only ensure that you are ready when it is time to flip that switch but will also help you prepare for any additional maintenance costs that may be lurking around the corner. We also recommend having spare furnace filters on hand and swapping them out at least once a season (although greater frequency is recommended in a home with pets).

Smart Thermostats: While your trusted HVAC professional is at work on your annual furnace maintenance, perhaps they can recommend a smart thermostat. These devices can quickly pay for themselves both monetarily and in terms of convenience as they can be controlled from your mobile device allowing you to never have to get out of bed in a cold house again! Additionally you can monitor the heat in your home while you are out for those days that you’ve forgotten to turn the heat down before leaving for the day or a weekend away.

Passive Heating: When it comes to saving money on your heating costs, the sun can be your seasonal best friend. Does your home offer excellent daytime sun exposure? Make the most of this positioning and open your window treatments during the day to allow your home to bask in natural light and slowly warm up. While your furnace takes a rest your bank account will be growing.

Cooler Nights: Sleeping in a cooler room is not only good for your financial health but your physical health as well. While you’re saving money sleeping in a colder bedroom your body is benefiting by working harder to stay warm (consequently burning more calories while also putting you into a deeper sleep). Additionally, a colder bedroom helps your body better produce melatonin, which not only helps with sleep quality but also promotes anti-aging.

Utilize your Ceiling Fan: Many of us live in homes equipped with ceiling fans but they often sit unused during the winter months just collecting dust. By simply changing the direction of the blades to a clockwise motion helps to trap the heat inside the room with the ceiling fan making it feel warmer.

There are a number of simple and often subtle changes that we can make to our homes and in our daily routines that can positively impact both the health of our environment and finances. If you’d like more information on how you can make your home more energy efficient this winter, give Family Danz a call at 518.427.8685, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Keep the Hot Water Flowing with a Tankless Hot Water Heater

Posted on January 19, 2018August 20, 2022 by Family Danz

We’ve all been there. Just a couple of minutes into enjoying a steamy shower, then – the hot water disappears. And… the rest of the shower is spent under a Nordic waterfall! Nobody likes running out of hot water, but did you know you don’t have to? Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, rather than heating a whole tank of water, so you can count on a hot shower every time! Even more importantly, though, a tankless hot water heater can help you save energy – and money on your utility bills.

ENERGY STAR offers a number of benefits to choosing a tankless hot water heater for your home. Some of these benefits include:

Endless Hot Water: As mentioned above, tankless water heaters only heat the water you need as you’re using it. So you won’t have to wait for a tank of water to heat up.
Space Saving: You won’t have a large water tank taking up space in your home when you go tankless; these water heaters are small and wall-mounted. There are even models designed for outdoor installation.
Longer Life: According to ENERGY STAR, tankless water heaters offer up to 20 years of usage. Additionally, you don’t run the risk of leaky tanks (and the subsequent water damage.)
Energy Savings: Tankless water heaters are efficient, and can save the average family of four nearly $100 a year compared to a gas storage water heater. And, the more efficient the model you choose, the greater the savings – choosing an ENERGY STAR certified model can save you an additional $20 a year.

If you live in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga or the surrounding areas and need to choose a tankless water heater for your home, give Family Danz a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different tankless water heater products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.