Category: Indoor Air Quality

Fall Allergies? Consider Your Indoor Air Quality.

Posted on by Family Danz

Sniffling, sneezing, and itchy eyes. If you’re a fall allergy sufferer, you know these symptoms all too well. They can ruin a beautiful autumn day, for sure. Outside, it’s difficult to get away from the pollen and other allergens that can irritate you and disrupt your life. But did you know they can also get into your living space indoors? Pollen and mold can be brought inside on your shoes and clothes, and unfortunately can be circulated throughout your home via your ducts.

But fortunately, you can take measures to prevent this, when you choose indoor air quality (IAQ) products for your home. Today, there are a number of different products that work directly with your home’s HVAC system. That means you can keep pollen, dust, mold spores and other irritants from contaminating your indoor air – helping you breathe easier this allergy season.

Learn more about the different types of IAQ products available for today’s homeowners.

One of the problems with today’s homes is how airtight they can be. Modern homes are built with efficiency in mind – but that can also mean that allergens get trapped inside, and are circulated over and over again whenever the home’s comfort system is operating. That’s why it can be important for some homeowners to choose to install IAQ products that can mitigate some of this concern. Here are a few IAQ products available for your home:

  • Air Filters: Air filters in general can help trap particles that otherwise would circulate through your home, but there are some that are advanced enough to trap very tiny particles, like mold spores, bacteria and more. Your HVAC professional can help you choose the right air filter for your needs.
  • Air Cleaners: Whole-house air cleaners are installed directly into your home’s return air ducts. They trap particles as the air passes through your system. Electronic air cleaners, unlike filters, never need replacing but they should be maintained by your HVAC technician.
  • Ultraviolet Air Cleaners: These types of cleaners work especially well for people who need an added layer of protection against bacteria and viruses, because the UV light in the system kills these pathogens, leaving your indoor air pure and free of contaminants.

How can I get IAQ products for my home?

The easiest – and best – way to get the indoor air products you need to enjoy cleaner indoor air is by talking with your HVAC professional. They will be able to explain to you the best type of IAQ products for your needs, and will be able to install them for you. At Family Danz, we want to make sure your indoor air quality is the best it can be. Give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we will be happy to help you find the right indoor air quality solution for your needs.

You Can Get Anything You Want from Family Danz!

Posted on by Family Danz

Sign that reads Heating Ventilation Air ConditioningAt Family Danz, Thanksgiving is always a time when we step back and think about how thankful we are for our customers. That’s why we work so hard to make sure we can meet a wide range of your needs. We’re much more than just a heating and cooling company, and nothing pleases us more than being able to keep you and your family comfortable on many different levels.

But maybe you don’t know all the products and services you can get from Family Danz. When you choose us, you’ll get the very best HVAC services and much more.

Learn about what Family Danz has to offer:

Heating: Family Danz is pleased to provide you with complete heating products and services. We are a proud Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer, so you can rely on us for equipment built for energy efficiency and durability. We offer heating installation, maintenance and repair, offering boiler systems, furnaces and ductless heating made to provide you and your family with optimal comfort.

Air Conditioning: You can rely on Family Danz to keep you cool all summer long, with air conditioning products and services for your home. We offer top-quality air conditioning equipment. What’s more, we’re full-service contractors offering you professional installation, maintenance and repair services. We can help you get central air as well as ductless cooling for your home.

Plumbing: At Family Danz, you can count on us for complete plumbing services and products for your home. We offer hot water heaters, water filters, and water softeners. Plus, we provide the kitchen and bathroom plumbing you need to keep the water flowing properly throughout your home.

Home Heating Oil: For the best home heating oil, trust Family Danz. We provide the best prices available on fuel oil, as well as automatic delivery and budget plans. Our heating oil contains detergents to keep your heating system running clean and at maximum efficiency, too. Additionally, you can choose Bioheat®, a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement. And, we always list our price at the top of our website.

Commercial Services: Aside from the comprehensive residential services we provide, you can count on Family Danz to provide your business with the commercial HVAC necessary to keep it running smoothly. We’re pleased to offer commercial heating and cooling, as well as refrigeration and chiller installation.

Want to learn more about how we can keep you, your family and your business comfortable?

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685. We will be more than happy to assist you.

5 Reasons to Take This Important Step Toward Furnace Health

Posted on by Family Danz

Dirty furnace filterWith November’s arrival, people start to seriously think about the winter months ahead. And just like you make sure your car is winter road-ready, you should start to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. An area that frequently gets neglected is, unfortunately, the home comfort system. One very important – yet very simple – measure you can take during the winter to ensure it’s running its best? Change your filter!

Here are five reasons you should change your filter often:

System Efficiency: It only stands to reason that your furnace will have to work harder if the airflow is impeded. A dirty filter will keep air from flowing freely, and the air flowing through your system will likely be dirty. And that makes your furnace operate at lower efficiency – costing you more on your energy bills.

Smokers in the House: If you have smokers in your house, you should change your furnace filter more often. Cigarette odors and some of the leftover contaminants from smoking linger in your filter. If your filter is clogged with them, the air that circulates through your home will be filled with them too.

Fur Babies: When you have pets, you already know that their fur goes virtually everywhere. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that dog and cat hair also can end up in your HVAC system. A good air filter helps to keep the fur at bay, but once it gets full – usually in about a month – it needs to be changed.

Allergy Sufferers: Having clean air to breathe is important for everyone, but for allergy sufferers or those with respiratory concerns, it’s a vital necessity. As a result, making sure your furnace filter as changed as soon as it is dirty can help you keep fresher air circulating in your home this winter.

Furnace Performance: It’s simple – a furnace with a clean filter just runs better than one without. The Department of Energy (DOE) says changing your furnace filter once a month is important – it’s part of the maintenance routine that will keep your furnace operating at top performance this winter, and for years to come.

Need help with your filter change? Call Family Danz.

As you can see, a simple filter change can keep the air in your home cleaner, helping you avoid health concerns and furnace issues. Not sure how to do it? Just give Family Danz a call, and we’ll be happy to show you how, or change your filters for you. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685. We will be more than happy to assist you.

Air Conditioning Keeps Your Home Cool – And Dry.

Posted on by Family Danz

Different types of moldEveryone knows that a good air conditioning system can keep your home cool even on the hottest, muggiest days. But did you know that part of the reason your air conditioner works so well at keeping you cool is because it keeps you dry, too? That’s because air conditioning systems remove moisture from the air in your home – and that’s an important component to staying comfortable on hot, humid days.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE, air conditioning helps maintain suitable humidity throughout your home, and helps free the air from excessive moisture during the humid months. In fact, ASHRAE offers that humidity control more than temperature control was the original catalyst for the development of air conditioning. Why is it so important to control humidity in the home? Much of it has to do with your health.

Humid conditions are perfect for the growth of mold and mildew.

Living in a moldy home is not good for anyone, and can be especially problematic for people dealing with lung conditions. People with asthma and allergies can become very ill when exposed to certain types of mold. Not to mention, warm, humid conditions are the ideal breeding ground for many forms of bacteria. As you can imagine, too much dampness in your home can cause the growth of a whole host of unwanted “guests.” Having effective air conditioning can help cut down on the conditions that encourage mold, mildew and bacteria growth.

You should know, in very humid environments a conventional air conditioning system is probably not enough on its own to control humidity. ASHRAE recommends staying at 60 percent relative humidity or lower in your home. If you find moisture is a problem in your home, you may need a dehumidifier in addition to your air conditioning system. If you choose the Bryant Evolution® Variable-Speed air conditioner for your home, there is no need for additional dehumidification. This system not only provides top-of-the-line energy efficiency and comfort control, but also optimal dehumidification.

If your home is more humid than you’d like during the summer months, Family Danz can help. It’s always our goal to make sure you’re cool and comfortable all summer long. To learn more about air conditioning and home dehumidification, give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and one of our friendly associates will get back to you soon.

How AC in Your Saratoga, NY Home Can Help

Posted on by Family Danz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have You Called For Your AC Maintenance Yet?

Posted on by Family Danz

With the heat of summer fast approaching, it’s important that your air conditioning system is ready. That’s why you need to call Family Danz right away to get the maintenance you need to keep your system running great. Maintaining your air conditioning system is one of the best ways you can ensure effective, efficient operation all summer long. Not to mention, getting regular AC is important to the life of your system. We’re happy to provide maintenance plans that help keep your air conditioning system in perfect shape.

If you don’t maintain your system, you can be in for a whole host of issues. The most common problem comes from a dirty system. Clogged filters and air coils can make your system operate much less efficiently, and can eventually lead to issues that might require repairs. Worse yet, an unkempt air conditioning system can become a place for mold and bacteria to collect. Not only will this cause inefficiency in your system, but it also can lead to poor indoor air quality.

Getting maintenance for your system is important for the health and comfort of you and your family.

When you choose us for your air conditioning maintenance needs, you’ll enjoy a number of benefits. Aside from your annual service and tune-up appointment with us, you’ll also receive:

  • Priority scheduling for emergency service
  • 15 percent discount on parts and labor
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • No overtime rates

Preventive maintenance is important to the life and efficiency of your home’s air conditioning system. We can get you the maintenance you need to keep your air conditioning system running perfectly now and for years to come. Scheduling service with us is easy. You can call us at 518.427.8685, or schedule an appointment with a Family Danz technician by filling out our convenient online form.

Getting Ahead of Spring Allergies

Posted on by Family Danz

Child blowing their noseFor most allergy sufferers, March often comes in like a lamb, and goes out like a lion – a big, sneezing lion! Once spring arrives and everything starts to blossom, pollen is everywhere – both outside and inside. Not to mention, the rain and dampness of spring likely brings with it mold and fungus that can wreak havoc with someone’s allergies. What can you do to make your home a sanctuary once allergy season starts? You may want to consider installing some products that can make the indoor air you breathe healthier.

The first place you should start when it comes to fresher air in your home is, quite simply, your system’s filter. Today’s filters do a great job of keeping dirt, allergens and microbes out of the air in your home, but they lose their effectiveness and efficiency once they become dirty. When your system is being used frequently, your filter needs to be changed more often – and fortunately, this is something you can easily do yourself. Of course, if you’re worried about changing them on your own, the pros at Family Danz can show you how or do it for you.

Air cleaners are another way you can improve the air you breathe.

Air cleaners can help to remove allergens in the air you breathe in your home. They help to ensure your home’s air is healthier, cleaner and more comfortable for you and your family by stopping dirt, dust, pollen, dander and more from entering the air as it circulates through your comfort system. These systems are ideal for households that include allergy sufferers, those more susceptible to airborne germs like infants, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems, and those sensitive to the effects of allergens like pollen and pets.

Of course, at Family Danz we’ll be happy to talk to you about how you can get healthier, fresher air in your home, from changing the filter in your home’s HVAC system to installing equipment that can provide advanced air cleaning. We can help you get the solutions you need, so you’ll be ahead of allergy season this year! Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we will be happy to help you.

March is the Right Time to Schedule Spring Maintenance

Posted on by Family Danz

ac_preventive_maintenanceSpring is right around the corner, and while you’re probably not ready to run your air conditioner yet, you may be thinking about getting it ready for the warmer weather ahead. Preventive maintenance is a very important part of keeping your air conditioning system running its best and most efficient. And, when you have your air conditioner serviced on an annual basis, you’re also ensuring that it enjoys a longer life – and who doesn’t want their home comfort equipment to last as long as it possibly can?

Every air conditioning system requires regular maintenance to ensure it’s running at maximum efficiency. Keeping it properly maintained on an annual basis will help to lower your utility bills, reduce the need for service calls, increase efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your equipment. When you choose a preferred service agreement with Family Danz, your system will receive a professional cleaning and precision tune-up. Air conditioning maintenance includes:

• Refrigerant charge check
• Electrical components check
• Air filter check
• Condensate drainage check
• Overall efficiency check
• Condenser coils check

When you call Family Danz, we can help you with the preventive maintenance you need to ensure your system stays running all summer long, no matter how hot it gets outside. Our technicians have been specially trained to maintain virtually all makes and models of air conditioning equipment. When you choose Family Danz Heating & Cooling for your air conditioning maintenance needs, you’ll receive the following additional benefits as well:

• Priority Scheduling for Emergency Services
• 15% Discount on Parts & Labor
• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• No Overtime Rates

And scheduling your annual preventive maintenance appointment with us is easy. You can either give us a call at 518-427-8685 or fill out our convenient online contact form, and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to help you set up your appointment with us.

What Lurks Inside Your Ductwork?

Posted on by Family Danz

Summer is now just a memory for residents of Saratoga, N.Y. and the Capital District of New York State, and that means soon they will start preparing to button down for the long, cold winter months around the corner.

That will mean furnaces that have been resting for several months will soon come back to life. But what has been going on inside your heating ductwork even as it lay dormant through the spring and summer?

At Family Danz Heating & Cooling, we recommend a thorough, professional cleaning of heating ductwork well before turning your system on for the first time in the fall. Just about everyone has experienced that blast of nasty, dirty air coming through their registers the first time the furnace is turned on in the fall, as the debris trapped in the ducts and accumulating over the summer starts to work loose and fly out into the room.

Just think about what could be inside there — unclean heating ducts can have a buildup of dirt, dust, mold, mites, bugs and bug droppings, rodent remnants, and other flotsam that isn‘t easy on the human lungs. And if you think you are OK because you always keep a clean furnace filter installed, you are wrong — that filter only cleans the air going into the furnace, leaving the air coming out unfiltered, delivering all of those pesky particles right into the air you breathe.

You know it‘s inevitable that the cold weather will soon return, so why not make sure your entire heating system is up to all of the challenges the winter will be throwing at it this season? Give Family Danz a call today for an expert cleaning and inspection of your heating apparatus, and rest easy knowing you are ready for whatever the cold months send your way. Well, except for the snow shoveling part — you are on your own there.

Family Danz Heating & Cooling is a full-service heating and air conditioning contractor, offering sales and service in Saratoga, N.Y. and throughout the Capital District of New York State. If you would like more information on any of our services, call us at 518-427-8685.

Get Rid of Air Contaminants

Posted on by Family Danz

To maximize the efficiency of the air conditioning system in your Schenectady, N.Y. area home or office, you’ll want to close your doors and windows to seal out the heat of the summer and lock in the coolness your AC provides.

At the same time, however, you could be sealing in all kinds of air contaminants.

Family Danz Heating & Cooling are the experts in making sure you are comfortable all year round, and that means more than just maintaining a suitable temperature. The air quality around you is also a major concern, especially when you are cooped up on those hot summer days. There can be all kinds of contaminants in the air — from dirt, dust, and pollen to mold, mildew, and bacteria. And if you have pets, the amount of air contamination rises significantly.

Those contaminants can build up in the air ducts running through your home or business. This can constrict the airflow and increase your utility bills, while causing unneeded extra wear and tear on the machinery. These pollutants can also cause sickness, especially if you or any member of the family have allergies or are especially susceptible to airborne viruses.

Your friendly Family Danz technician can clean out those dusty ducts, making sure you have only clean air flowing through them. Our cleaning equipment can get right into the nooks and crannies of your ductwork to find whatever is lurking inside. Once it is removed, you’ll literally be able to feel the difference in the air.

When the ducts are clean, you can help keep them that way by having our technician install a high efficiency air cleaner to remove those particles. A whole-house air filtration system will mean a healthier environment for everyone in the family, and a more comfortable area whenever you are closed up inside to get away from the weather extremes outside.

For more than 30 years, Family Danz has made homes and offices more comfortable throughout the Schenectady, N.Y. area. If your own air quality isn’t what it should be, give us a call for an expert air quality inspection.

Family Danz Heating & Cooling is a full-service heating and air conditioning contractor, offering sales and service in the Capital District of New York State. If you would like more information on any of our services, call us today at 518-427-8685.