Category: Preventive Maintenance

Have You Scheduled Your Fall Tune-Up? 5 Reasons Why You Should.

Posted on by Family Danz

Person replacing their heating system filterYou rely on your heating system to help you stay comfortable once the chilly weather hits. That’s why yearly maintenance on your furnace, boiler, or heat pump system is so important.

With annual fall maintenance, you can keep your heating system running smoothly all winter long – and save yourself from the hassle of a breakdown. We’re sharing five reasons why you should call and schedule your fall heating maintenance appointment below.

Top 5 Reasons to Consider Maintenance for Your Home Heating System

  1. Heating maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently. A dirty system has to work much harder to operate properly. When you get annual maintenance, your system will be cleaned and its components well-oiled – making it operate more easily, and thus more efficiently.
  2. A well-maintained furnace, boiler, or heat pump lasts longer. Think about it – if you never maintained your vehicle, you wouldn’t expect it to last very long. Your heating equipment is the same. It needs cleaning, maintenance, and even small repairs in order to stay in good working condition.
  3. You’ll be less likely to experience a breakdown come winter. Getting seasonal maintenance can help find small problems before they become larger ones. You’ll be able to take care of the problem before it really starts – and becomes an expensive repair or replacement.
  4. Your indoor air quality will be better. Because your system is cleaned and the filter is changed, you can expect that the air circulating through your system and throughout your home will be much cleaner and less likely to be dirty or dusty.
  5. You’ll maintain your manufacturer warranty. If you read the fine print on your manufacturer warranty for your heating equipment, you’ll likely find that preventive maintenance is required in order to keep your warranty intact. And this is important because it can prevent you from having to pay expensive repair or replacement costs.

Getting the preventive maintenance you need is as easy as calling Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we’re always ready to help our customers’ heating systems run their most efficient best. We’re here to help you get the fall maintenance you need. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll schedule an appointment for you.

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

Contact Family Danz

6 Ways to Winterize Your Home

Posted on by Family Danz

Preparing Your Home for Winter

Winter usually comes early in New York – bringing with it chilly temperatures and snow. It’s important that your home is ready for cooler weather. Of course, being comfortable is the primary concern, but a home that isn’t winter-ready can use more energy. That’s because heated air can easily escape out of unprepared doors and windows, and the home’s heating system has to work harder to keep the house warm. But there are a few steps you can take to winterize your home – and enjoy better comfort.

6 Ways to Winterize Your Home6 Ways to Winterize Your Home Infographic.

  1. Make sure doors and windows are draft-free. Windows and doors that aren’t draft-proof can cause cold air to get in, and warm air to escape. You can help keep this from happening by using window insulation film, weather-strip tape, and adding draft guards at the bottom of doors.
  1. Consider adding insulation. If your home is older, there is a good chance it doesn’t have the amount of insulation it needs. Blown-in insulation can settle, leaving gaps in your walls, and older insulation is not as energy-efficient as some of the newer kinds on the market.
  1. Reverse your ceiling fans. An easy way to stay warmer is by reversing your ceiling fans so the blades move clockwise. This pushes warmer air that rises to the ceiling down into your living space.
  1. Clean your gutters. Leaves and other debris that build up in your gutter block any water from melting snow from flowing freely, which can cause ice damming in the winter – and that can make your home a lot colder and can cause damage to your roof.
  1. Install a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats help you enjoy better comfort and help your HVAC system operate more efficiently. You can set the temperature so that it’s lower while you’re away but toasty-warm by the time you and your family return home.
  1. Change your heating system’s filter. The filter in your heating system can get clogged with dirt and debris. This is especially the case if your system runs frequently. Not sure how to change your filter? You can always count on the professionals at Family Danz to help.

Make sure your heating system is ready for winter by calling Family Danz.

Of course, your heating system is the number-one way you keep your home warm during the winter months. Having it maintained on an annual basis is one of the best ways you can assure it operates effectively and efficiently all winter long, and lasts for years to come.

If you need heating system maintenance, just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we will be glad to help.
Contact Family Danz

Time for Pumpkin Spice Everything – Check Out Our Pumpkin Muffin Recipe!

Posted on by Family Danz

Pumpkin muffinsThis time of year, everyone is busy. September means back to school and back to work routines, so you might be thinking you don’t have an extra moment to breathe, much less bake. But you should know you and your family can enjoy one of your favorite flavors of fall – using only three ingredients!

This recipe for pumpkin muffins is simple, and you can make them for a quick breakfast treat, an easy lunchbox addition, or an after-school snack. You can easily dress them up by adding chocolate chips to the mix, or a few swirls of glaze on the tops. Whether you stick right to the recipe or add a few of your own special touches, we think this will become your favorite pumpkin muffin recipe! We know we love it!

Easiest Pumpkin Muffins Ever

Ingredients

  • 1 box of spice cake mix
  • 15 oz. can of pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup water

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Either spray your muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray, or line with cupcake wrappers. (Makes 24 muffins.)
  • Mix cake mix, pumpkin puree, and water until well combined. Divide evenly among prepared muffin tins.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes.

This muffin recipe is super easy, and can save you time and hassle when it comes time for breakfasts and snacks. Did you know calling Family Danz to schedule your fall maintenance can save you time and hassle, too? Heating systems that are properly maintained are far less likely to need repairs, or worse yet, break down at an inconvenient time. So give us a call today at 518.427.8685, and we’ll be happy to get your fall maintenance scheduled.

Autumn is Coming! Time to Schedule Your Fall Maintenance.

Posted on by Family Danz

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.

Five Reasons To Get Fall Heating Maintenance

Posted on by Family Danz

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

Posted on by Family Danz

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!

Are You Ready for the Summer? 7 Things You Can Do to Prepare.

Posted on 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

“Spring” Into Home Maintenance

Posted on by Family Danz

Blooming flowersThe harsh winters we experience here in the Capital District can often wreak havoc with our homes. That’s why it’s always a good idea to take stock in your home’s exterior, especially after a particularly snowy winter. When the snow melts, you might notice some things you didn’t necessarily see during the long winter months – and get them repaired before summer arrives!

Here are a few things to look out for when checking out your home:

  • Window Screens: Windy, stormy winters, ice buildup and more can cause damage to your home’s window screens. In order for them to do their job of keeping bugs out, they need to be in good shape. So replace any torn or damaged window screens before it’s time to let the fresh air in.
  • Roof Shingles: We recommend that you leave roof inspection to the experts. It can be dangerous if you haven’t had the proper training! Hire a roofing professional to check out your home’s shingles and make sure they’re not curling. Shingles that are can make your roof more susceptible to leaks, so getting them replaced as soon as possible is good practice.
  • Siding & Trim: Icy conditions can cause damage to your home’s siding and trim. Look at any wooden components of your home’s exterior in case there is any wood rot, cracking or other concerns (like termites). For brick or stucco homes, check for any crumbling, cracking or deteriorated mortar. If you see any issues, contact a professional to help with repair or replacement.
  • Gutters & Spouts: During the fall and winter months, leaves, pine needles and other debris can collect in your home’s gutters. Get them ready for spring rains by cleaning them out – again, due to safety concerns, we recommend hiring a pro to help.

Make sure you maintain your AC equipment this spring, too.

Of course, there is plenty you can do around the outside of your home in anticipation of the warmer weather, such as cleaning up any leaves, debris and waste from your lawn, and if you have flower beds, starting to prepare them for blooming and planting. And, you should give Family Danz a call for your AC maintenance needs, too. We’ll be more than happy to get your spring maintenance scheduled, so you’ll be all set for warmer days ahead.

Family Danz Can Help You With Spring Maintenance

Posted on by Family Danz

Technician inspecting an air conditionerWinter seems to have lasted forever, but in just a couple of weeks, spring will arrive. Of course, living in New York we know that just because the calendar says spring is here, doesn’t mean we won’t still be in for some chilly weather. But, it’s still a good idea to start preparing for those warmer days ahead. One of the best ways you can do that is by calling to get your air conditioning maintenance scheduled with us.

At Family Danz, we know that maintaining your home’s air conditioning system is one of the best ways you can be sure it will operate effectively and efficiently. Getting your AC system the regular maintenance it needs not only helps your system run better all summer long; it also helps it last longer, too. Not to mention, you can choose a comprehensive maintenance plan that will keep your system in perfect shape and provide you with additional benefits as well.

By choosing a maintenance plan from Family Danz, you’ll enjoy:

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

And did you know, the most common problem with air conditioning units stem from a dirty system? When air filters and coils become clogged, your system will operate much less efficiently, and eventually may have issues that require repair. And, a dirty AC system is the perfect place for mold, bacteria and allergens to collect – causing not only inefficiency, but poor air quality as well. Getting your annual maintenance from Family Danz can help you avoid all of that!

Getting the annual maintenance your system needs is important to the life and efficiency of it. We’ll help you get the maintenance you need to keep your air conditioning system running properly now and for years to come. Scheduling service with us is easy – just give us a call at 518.427.8685, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

Family Danz Recipe Corner: Sweets for Your Sweet

Posted on by Family Danz

Sugar in the shape of a heartNothing says love quite like a sweet treat made from the heart. If you’re looking for something special to give your sweethearts this Valentine’s Day, why not consider making something yourself? In honor of the month of hearts and flowers, we’re sharing a recipe for cherry kiss cookies from Taste of Home. These delicious cookies are perfect to give to someone special. Whether you’re making them for a loved one, your co-workers, your child’s teacher or a friend, they’re sure to be appreciated!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. maraschino cherry juice
  • ½ tsp. almond extract
  • 6 drops red food coloring (optional)
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries
  • 54 milk chocolate kisses, unwrapped

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar and salt until blended. Add in cherry juice, extract and food coloring. Gradually stir in flour. Stir in chopped cherries.
  • Shape dough into 1” balls and place 1” apart on greased baking sheets.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. As soon as you remove from oven, press a chocolate kiss into the center of each. Edges may crack a little. Cool on cookie sheet for two minutes, and remove to wire racks to finish cooling.

If you haven’t had annual maintenance done on your furnace this year, why not show it a little love this February and schedule an appointment with us? Getting preventive maintenance will keep your furnace running all winter long. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to set up a heating maintenance appointment with you.