Get the Heating Repair You Need from Family Danz

Technician inspecting a heating systemIt’s not something anyone wants to think about, but it happens to the best of us – we wake up to a chilly house, only to find our heating system has broken down. If this happens to you, you need to know you can call someone who is reliable, professional and can help with your emergency and get you the heating repair you need as quickly as possible. At Family Danz, we make it our priority to help you.

We’ve offered our heating services for more than 30 years, and we’re dedicated to getting you the quality repair you need, all while providing you with the best possible service. That’s because at Family Danz, we truly believe in treating our customers like family. We want to make sure you’re comfortable and safe, and that even inconveniences like a furnace or boiler breakdown are as worry-free as possible for you.

How can Family Danz help if I’m having a heating emergency?

When you call us, you’ll notice right away that we’re different from the rest. We really do want to help you, and your comfort is very important to us. Our technicians are factory-certified, and they will completely evaluate your heating system repair needs in order to get your home as comfortable and energy efficient as possible. They’ll arrive at your home promptly and can address any concerns you might have. They’ll bring with them the most advanced diagnostic tools and equipment, so you can trust that they’ll get to the root of the problem quickly – and have your heating system back up and running in no time.

Not to mention, if you have a service agreement with us, we’re happy to provide you with priority scheduling for your emergency. And, you’ll get a 15 percent discount on parts and labor and won’t have to pay overtime rates. A service agreement also ensures annual maintenance on your heating and air conditioning equipment – which can keep breakdowns from happening in the first place!

What’s the best way to contact Family Danz if I need help?

If you need emergency service, give us a call at 518.427.8685 or contact us online and we will be happy to help. However, your safety is of utmost importance to us, so if you notice any of the following, please leave your home immediately and contact your utility company and/or your local fire department before giving us a call:

  • Overpowering fuel odor
  • Smoke coming from equipment
  • Flames coming from equipment
  • Smoke detector sounding
  • Carbon monoxide detector sounding

Please be safe and use caution if you’re faced with equipment that isn’t working properly. Any equipment that relies on a fuel or electric source can become dangerous if it is malfunctioning.

Need a New Furnace? Consider Bryant® High Efficiency.

With the cold weather returning, many people are turning on their heating systems – and dreading the energy bills that come along with it. Older furnaces, especially those that haven’t been well-maintained over the years, definitely can be a huge energy-sucker in your home. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Of course, purchasing a new furnace for your home can be a hefty expense. Many people don’t consider that furnaces, just like vehicles, are complex equipment. They’re built to not only provide you and your family with comfort, but also safety. That’s why it’s so important to choose quality equipment, like Bryant, and to make sure you hire a trusted contractor to install your furnace.

Why choose high efficiency heating?

According to the Department of Energy (DOE),“upgrading to a high efficiency furnace or boiler is an effective way to save money on home heating.” They suggest that when you look for high efficiency heating equipment, check for the ENERGY STAR® label. They also advise that if you live in a cold climate area, it usually makes sense for you to invest in the highest efficiency equipment possible. Additionally, they say it’s important that you get annual maintenance for your heating system – that way, you can help ensure that it runs both effectively and efficiently for years to come.

Bryant offers high-efficiency heating systems that are both effective and save on energy.

When you choose a Bryant Evolution® model furnace, you can get up to 98 percent efficiency. That means that there is only a two-percent energy loss, and the rest goes to heating your home. Evolution offers quiet, smooth whole-home comfort. Additionally, Bryant offers their Preferred™ series, which can provide up to 96.5 percent efficiency, as well as their Legacy™ line, which offers up to 95 percent efficiency. All are built to be durable, reliable, and to provide you with the best in home comfort now and for years to come.

Family Danz can help you get the high-efficiency heating you need for your home.

Family Danz is a full-service HVAC company, and as such, we’re pleased to offer our customers a wide range of heating products and services tailored to meet your needs promptly, efficiently and courteously. If you’d like to talk to us about high-efficiency heating for your home, simply give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Fuel Up This Fall with Family Danz

You trust Family Danz to meet your home comfort needs, such as heating system installation, maintenance and repair. But did you know that we can also provide for your fuel oil needs as well? We deliver our customers only premium grade fuel oil at the lowest possible price. You can count on us for the fuel you need to keep your heating system running at top performance.

Family Danz fuel delivery truckThat’s because our fuel oil contains special detergents that keep your system running clean, and at its efficient best. These heating fuel additives may help reduce service calls, extend the life of your equipment, help you save money, and are less harmful to the environment. That means you can be comfortable in your home, all while feeling better about the fuel you use.

And, at Family Danz we can provide fuel commercially, too.

Do you need fuel commercially as well? In addition to delivering fuel oil, kerosene and Bioheat to homes, we’re also pleased to supply on-road and off-road diesel to farms, construction companies, excavators and many other commercial accounts. At Family Danz, we’re so confident we can provide fuel oil at the lowest available price that we publish it daily on our website.

We also offer convenient payment plans to help meet your needs.

When you choose Family Danz for your heating fuel needs, you can schedule automatic deliveries at no charge. Discounted budget and prepayment plans are available with automatic deliveries. Or, if you’d just rather call us when you need fuel oil delivery, please contact our office when you tank gauge is between half and a quarter full, in order to allow ample time for scheduling delivery. Simply reach out to us at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to help.

Autumn is Coming! Time to Schedule Your Fall Maintenance.

Person replacing their furnace filterAs always, it seems like summer just flew by, and it’s once again time for back to school – and back to routine. Of course, fall means that cooler weather is on its way, too. Before you know it, you’ll probably be shutting down the air conditioning for the season and thinking about home heating again. Is your furnace ready for the cooler weather ahead? It will be, if you get it the annual maintenance it needs.

Annual maintenance is an important part of your fall routine. Just like you change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the fall, getting your furnace checked out by a professional is something that should be on your fall to-do list. There are many reasons why fall maintenance is important, but unfortunately many people often neglect it. But is it really a big deal? What problems might occur if you choose to bypass furnace maintenance?

Neglecting furnace maintenance can be a costly mistake.

Sometimes, people avoid annual maintenance because they don’t think the expense is worth it, especially if their furnace is running okay. But there are a few problems that can occur when you don’t get your furnace the maintenance it needs – some that you may not have considered.

  • Your furnace can run less efficiently. Furnace components can gather dust, dirt and grime, and filters can easily clog up. Both of these factors can make your furnace work harder, and in the long run, use more energy. And that can be costly when it comes to your utility bills.
  • Minor issues can go unnoticed. As furnaces age, it becomes more likely that there are occasional small repairs that need to be made. Unfortunately, without proper maintenance these issues can go unchecked – leading to larger, more expensive repairs down the road.
  • You could void your warranty. Many times, manufacturers require that customers get annual maintenance on their home comfort systems in order to keep the warranty intact. Failure to do so could void the warranty – and end up costing you in expensive repairs or replacement down the road.
  • Your heating system might not last as long. Think about it – what if you never changed the oil in your car, or put on new tires? You probably wouldn’t expect your car to last as long as it could. The same goes for your furnace. It needs periodic tune-ups and checkups in order to work effectively, and to last for a long time.
  • You could suffer from poor indoor air quality. If your furnace is collecting gunk and your filter is dirty, it only stands to reason that all that dust and debris will end up floating around the air in your home every time the furnace runs. That can cause your home to be less clean, and is especially a problem for allergy sufferers.

The good news? You can get the fall maintenance you need by calling Family Danz.

At Family Danz, your comfort is our priority. That’s why we’re pleased to offer you the furnace maintenance you need to ensure your equipment is running effectively and efficiently. To schedule your fall maintenance appointment with us, simply give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we’ll be happy to help.

Tips for Saving Fuel & Heating Your Home More Efficiently

Coffee mug and candle on a window sillWith 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.

Five Reasons To Get Fall Heating Maintenance

Once autumn arrives, so does the unmistakable chill in the air. Although the days can be warm and sunny, the temperature starts to cool down – and that inevitably means that before you know it, it’ll be time to turn the heat on in your home. Did you know that one of the best things you can do for your home’s heating system is get annual fall maintenance from your HVAC professional?

Getting annual preventive maintenance for your heating system is an easy enough thing to neglect. Some people look at it as an unnecessary expense, or even an inconvenience. If your furnace is running great, you might wonder why you’d even need maintenance. After all, if it’s not broken, why fix it? Well, there are many reasons why getting annual maintenance on your heating system – even if it’s working just fine – is important.

Five Reasons You Should Call For Annual Maintenance Today

  1. Heating system maintenance can help your system last longer. When you get your fall tune-up, your HVAC technician will make sure all the components of your system are lubricated and operating smoothly. And, they’ll clean your system and change the air filter. All of these measures keep your system operating better, longer.
  2. Annual maintenance can help find small problems before they become larger ones. By having your system looked over by a professional yearly, any small issues can be addressed right away – and that can help save you from an expensive repair or replacement down the road.
  3. Fall maintenance can help your system run more efficiently. Cleaning your system and changing the air filter can make the air flow much more easily through your system. In turn, it won’t have to work so hard to heat your home – saving energy and ultimately money on your utility bills.
  4. Seasonal maintenance can help with your indoor air quality. Systems that are neglected often become dirty, and that means your furnace could circulate air that has dirt, dust, mold and pollen throughout your home. By getting proper maintenance, you can rest assured your indoor air will be fresher and cleaner.
  5. Furnace maintenance is an important step in maintaining your warranty. If you look at the fine print on your heating equipment’s warranty, you might see that getting proper preventive maintenance is necessary in order to keep your warranty intact. Without it, your warranty may be voided – and that can mean costly repairs or replacement down the road.

Fortunately, getting the fall maintenance you need is as easy as calling Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we want to help you make sure your furnace runs effectively and efficiently all season long. We’re pleased to provide our customers with the annual maintenance they need in order to keep their heating systems in shape. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we will be happy to schedule your fall furnace maintenance appointment.

Family Danz Is Your Full-Service Contractor

Search bar that reads "Full Service"At Family Danz, we pride ourselves on being able to help people stay comfortable, no matter what the weather outside. We’re always willing to go the extra mile for our customers, and we offer a broad range of products and services to help ensure a wide variety of needs are met. Learn more about our offerings below:

Residential Heating & Air Conditioning

Family Danz offers complete residential heating and air conditioning throughout the Capital District. Our full suite of products and services includes:

Commercial HVAC

Commercial clients can rely on Family Danz to offer comprehensive commercial HVAC solutions. From design and build services to completion, we provide a full list of services with your budget in mind. We can help with:

Heating Oil

You’ll never have to worry about running out of heating oil when you choose Family Danz. We provide oil delivery to residents and businesses alike, with plans that can help you budget for fuel expenses.

Plumbing

We offer residential plumbing services, and are fully staffed with master plumbers who are experts in the field. We provide plumbing equipment and accessories from top manufacturers, so you’re guaranteed quality.

  • Bathroom Plumbing
  • Kitchen Plumbing
  • Hot Water Heaters
  • Tankless Hot Water Heaters
  • Additional Services

To learn more about Family Danz and our full suite of HVAC, oil delivery and plumbing services, just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Enjoy Efficient, Year-Round Comfort with A Bryant® Heat Pump

Bryant® heat pumpHave you been considering getting a new heating and cooling system for your home? You can install one system that can help you stay comfortable year-round. Bryant® heat pump systems from Family Danz can keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And, they may also help you save on your utility bills. That’s because heat pumps offer incredible energy efficiency, all while bringing you the home comfort you need in one package.

Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it, which means they provide amazing comfort without burning fuel. Our Bryant heating and cooling systems use the latest in heat pump technology. Heat pumps provide incredible energy efficiency compared to a traditional furnace and air conditioning system. What’s more, you’ll save year round on your energy bills. Not to mention, when you install before the end of June 2019, you could save thousands.

But do heat pump systems work in colder climates?

Heat pumps have been used to cool and heat homes in warmer areas for quite some time. But, they weren’t as well equipped for cooler areas. However, advancements in heat pump technology have allowed manufacturers to develop heat pumps that are better suited to operate effectively and efficiently in colder areas, like New York. Bryant heat pump systems efficiently heat and cool your home, and are available in three models to best suit your home comfort needs:

  • Evolution®: This series offers the highest quality efficiency and performance available from Bryant. Recognized as the Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR® 2019, the Evolution Extreme provides incredible comfort year-round coupled with total control.
  • Preferred™: The Preferred series offers all-season flexibility so you can enjoy total home comfort, no matter what the weather. You’ll also enjoy heating and cooling energy savings year-round when you choose to install this model in your home.
  • Legacy™: If you’re looking for an affordable heat pump solution to your whole home, year-round comfort needs, look no further than the Bryant Legacy line. They operate efficiently both in the summer and winter, providing you with value heating and cooling year after year.

And, getting the right heat pump for your home and budget is as easy as calling Family Danz. We can help you get the best system for you and your family, helping you enjoy year-round comfort in one highly efficient package. Contact us at 518.427.8685, and we will be more than happy to discuss heat pump options with you.

Staying Safe During a Winter Storm

Person bundled up in the middle of a snow stormThis time of year it’s inevitable – we’ll likely need to brace ourselves for a winter storm or two. When the wind howls and Old Man Winter kicks up a blizzard, you might find yourself facing some unpleasant situations. The best thing you can do is prepare yourself for winter weather in advance, so that you’re ready for whatever weather comes your way – and you’re able to keep you and your family safe and sound. The American Red Cross offers some tips that can help you stay safe in the face of harsh winter weather.

Be prepared.

First of all, assemble an emergency preparedness kit that contains items that can help you weather the storm. Plenty of water, non-perishable food items, a flashlight, a battery operated radio, and a first aid kit are all essentials for any kit. You may also want to have extra cash on hand, a toolbox with the essentials, and at least a week’s supply of any medications you may need. If there are infants in the house, make sure you’re stocked up on diapers and formula, and if you have pets, have pet food and extra water on hand for them, too.

Keep your pets in mind.

If you have pets, you’ll want to keep them indoors. If the outdoor weather is inclement, you may have to resign yourself to the fact that they’ll have to do their business indoors, too. Have extra cleaning products like disinfectant spray and paper towels on hand, as well as plastic bags for any waste. Make sure you’re stocked up on cat litter – in the winter, it’s not a bad idea to keep an extra bag of the non-clumping variety in the trunk of your vehicle anyway, because it can help your tires gain traction if you get stuck.

Prepare for power outages.

You also may want to prepare for a power outage, as can sometimes occur in severe winter weather. Keep extra blankets on hand, as well as sweaters, sweatshirts and pants, thermal underwear, heavy socks, and even hats and gloves. If the power goes out, gather the family in one room to maximize body heat for warmth. You might even want to consider having some active fun, like dancing or exercising, to help stay warm and generate more heat.

Let Family Danz help.

Another way you can be prepared for whatever winter has in store for us is by making sure your heating system has had the proper annual maintenance. At Family Danz, it’s important to us that our customers are comfortable – and safe. That’s why we’re happy to offer preventive maintenance, which will help ensure your heating system runs effectively and efficiently, even when outdoor temperatures are at their coldest. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to help you get the maintenance you need.

5 Ways You Can Maximize Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Digital thermostat that reads "SAVE"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.