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.

You Can Get Anything You Want from 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.

What to Do When You Need Heating Repair in Your Albany Home

Colder weather will soon settle into the Capital District, and that means the heating system in your Albany home will soon be busy. If you’re concerned about the health of your heating system this winter, it could be time to call Family Danz. Often, there are warning signs that let you know you’re in for some heating repair services. If you’re on the lookout for them, you’ll know when an issue is about to arise – and take proactive measures. Most likely, trouble with your furnace or boiler started well before this heating season.

Here are some important questions to ask yourself if you have heating system concerns, as they can be signs you need heating repair in your Albany home:

  • Did you notice your heating bills were higher than normal last year? If you answered yes, it might mean your system was working harder than it should have been. Or, if you have an older heating system, it may simply be losing efficiency.
  • Did you notice some rooms were warmer, or colder, than others? If so, it may not necessarily mean you need heating repair in your Albany home. It may, however, require some balancing and adjustments to your ductwork, which is a job for your heating contractor.
  • Did you have your furnace maintained by an HVAC professional? If you answered no, you may have some problems. Heating maintenance helps ensure all parts are well-oiled, no minor issues exist, and filters are clean.
  • Did you notice knocking or pinging sounds when you started up your system? If you have a radiator system, these noises can be common, but shouldn’t be too loud. If your furnace is making loud noises, especially screeching, banging or grinding ones, then you likely need heating repair for your Albany home right away.
  • Did you notice a smell that wouldn’t go away when you started up your system? It’s normal for there to be a “basement-like,” musty smell when you first turn on your furnace. After all, it’s sat dormant for months. But if the smell lingers, you likely need a filter change. Of course, in the event of a burning odor, turn your furnace off right away and call your HVAC dealer. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the fire department.

You should know, you can count on Family Danz to help when you need heating repair for your Albany home. Our highly skilled technicians can help you, no matter what your heating concerns may be. Your comfort and safety are always our number one priority, and we always treat you like family. We can repair virtually any make and model of home heating equipment, and we’re happy to help you should you need a furnace or boiler replacement. Plus, we offer annual maintenance plans that will keep your heating system in great shape, this winter and for years to come.

So when you need heating repair for your Albany home, Family Danz is ready to assist you. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685 and we will be more than happy to help meet your needs.

 

 

Family Danz Offers Top-Notch Furnace Repair in Albany

Winter scarf laying on the groundWinter weather is on its way. Are you worried that the furnace in your Albany home might not be up to snuff? Nobody wants to deal with furnace repair once it gets cold and snowy. Not to mention, a total breakdown can be costly. So if you’ve noticed any issues at all with your furnace, you should give Family Danz a call.

Many times, people will put off getting their furnace looked at. They might worry they’ll feel silly if there’s nothing wrong with it. Or, they may think there’s only a minimal problem and calling a technician out to look at it will be a waste of time and money. Sometimes, they may not know for sure what’s going on and are not sure how to express their concerns to their contractor.

First and foremost, Family Danz cares about your safety.

At Family Danz, you can rest assured that we take your call seriously. We’d much rather you be safe than sorry. As a result, we offer 24/7 emergency furnace repair in Albany, including weekends and holidays. Our skilled technicians have been trained to offer repair for both gas and oil furnaces, on most makes and models. Still not sure you should call for furnace repair?

Here are a few indicators shared on the Angie’s List website:

Noisy Operation: Of course your furnace isn’t completely quiet when it operates. But if you notice it’s been getting louder or making unusual noises, it’s time to have it checked out.

Pumping Up the Heat: If you keep turning up the thermostat, but aren’t feeling any more comfortable, there could be a problem requiring furnace repairs for your Albany home. A faulty thermostat, ductwork or a problem with the furnace itself could all be the culprit. Your tech can tell you what’s wrong.

On/Off/On/Off: If your furnace is cycling faster than Lance Armstrong, that’s not a good sign. It could have a rapid cycling condition. You’ll want to have it looked at, as it could be a problem with the wiring or the ignitor.

Escalating Energy Bills: If your energy bills are on the rise, but there haven’t been any rate hikes or increased usage, then that means your furnace isn’t operating as efficiently as it should. Getting furnace maintenance can help, but if you’ve been getting regular maintenance and there have been other furnace problems, you may need furnace repairs in your Albany home.

For your convenience, Family Danz services all makes and models of furnaces, and we pride ourselves on providing prompt service, especially to those most in need without heat.Our technicians are factory-certified and will thoroughly evaluate the furnace repair needs of your Albany home, and find the best solution to help make your home as comfortable and energy efficient as possible. They’ll arrive at your home on time are able to address any questions or concerns that you may have.

Don’t hesitate to call us for the furnace repair needs of your Albany home.

Family Danz Heating & Cooling is ready to assist you with your furnace concerns. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685.

At Family Danz, We Care About Furnaces in Schenectady!

People living in Schenectady know winters can get pretty harsh. That’s why it’s so important to have a furnace that’s running perfectly. Not only is a properly-running furnace important for your comfort, it’s also necessary for your safety. And that’s where Family Danz comes in. We are full-service heating contractors, and that means we can help with just about any furnace concern you may have.

We keep furnaces in Schenectady running great by offering maintenance and repair services, as well as premium-grade fuel oil. And, if you need a new furnace, we can help you there, too. We offer our customers the best new furnaces on the market. They’re made to be efficient, durable and reliable. As a result, you and your family will enjoy greater comfort all winter long and for years to come, as well as lower utility bills.

Learn more about the furnace services Family Danz offers to Schenectady residents.

For your convenience, we offer maintenance, repair and installation for both gas and oil furnaces. And, we can help both residential and commercial consumers with their furnace needs. Count on us for:

Furnace Maintenance: When you choose us to help you get the furnace maintenance you need for your Schenectady home, we’ll do much more than provide annual preventive maintenance. You’ll also get priority scheduling in case of emergency, a 15% discount on parts and labor, 24-hour emergency service, and no overtime rates.

Furnace Repair: Nobody wants to think about the furnace in their Schenectady home breaking down on the coldest night of the year. But, if it happens to you, it’s good to know you can count on Family Danz to help get your furnace back up and running safely. And, we can repair virtually any make or model of furnace available.

Furnace Installation: Has the time has come for a new furnace in your Schenectady home? Then trust the pros at Family Danz to help you get the expert installation and quality system you deserve. We provide exceptional furnaces that are engineered to keep your home as comfortable as possible, all while offering energy efficiency.

Commercial Furnace Services: Businesses and organizations in Schenectady rely on Family Danz to provide the best in commercial furnace services. We offer competitive bids with our personal guarantee that your commercial furnace service will be done professionally, within your budget, and with adherence to timelines and design.

Oil Delivery Service: Residences and businesses in Schenectady keep their furnaces running with fuel oil from Family Danz. Our goal is to bring you the best home heating oil products on the market.  When you choose us for fuel oil, you’ll get premium grade fuels at the lowest possible price – guaranteed.

Family Danz is ready to help with the furnace needs of your Schenectady home.

We strive to offer our customers the best in furnace maintenance, repair and installation. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional service that exceeds your expectations. If you need a furnace contractor in Schenectady, Family Danz is ready to assist you. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685 and we will be happy to help.

Get Your Fall Maintenance Scheduled Before Winter

Tool box filled with toolsWe’ve had unseasonably warm temperatures so far this fall, so your furnace is probably the last thing on your mind right now. But, getting your heating system maintained is an important step toward ensuring that it runs well this winter. Unfortunately, many people think that preventive maintenance is just another way heating contractors try to make money, and that it isn’t really necessary. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, ENERGY STAR strongly recommends it.

Their website states, “Maintain your equipment to prevent future problems and unwanted costs. Keep your cooling and heating system at peak performance by having a contractor do annual pre-season check-ups.” At Family Danz, we offer fall preventive maintenance because we actually like saving you money. We know in our experience that the heating systems that most often fail on those cold winter nights are the ones that haven’t received proper maintenance.

Lack of maintenance can cause both large and small problems with your system.

At the very least, systems that go unchecked are often inefficient because of clogged, dirty filters and moving parts that haven’t been lubricated. These things make your system work harder and can make your energy bills more costly. At the most, unmaintained systems fail to the point they are beyond repair, and have to be replaced at a cost that most homeowners have not prepared for. So if you want to ensure that your heating system is reliable, safe and operating smoothly. And, a Family Danz heating system maintenance plan offers more than just an annual tune-up. You’ll also receive:

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

To get the preventive maintenance you need, simply call us at (518) 427-8685. We will be more than happy to assist you.

Prepare Your Home for Fall with this Easy Maintenance Checklist

Home surrounded by trees with fall leavesSummer is quickly nearing the end, and cooler fall days are on their way. You’re probably aware that there’s a lot on your to-do list, both inside and outside of your home, as you prepare for the autumn weather ahead. We’re sharing this checklist to help you as you prepare for the cooler weather to come.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Check your heating system

It’s that time of year again – the time for you to call your heating contractor to schedule your heating system maintenance. This will help ensure your system is operating properly, and providing you with maximum efficiency and comfort.

Call in your local chimney sweep

If you have a wood stove or fireplace, you should have it inspected by a professional every year. That way, you’ll have the peace of mind in knowing it will be ready to fire up on those chilly nights ahead.

Change direction

On your ceiling fan, that is. Make sure your blades are moving clockwise to force warm air down into your living space. This will allow you to turn your thermostat down a couple of degrees, which in turn will help you save on heating costs.

Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Replace batteries and test alarms to make sure your smoke and CO detectors are working as they should be. In this case, an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure – properly operating detectors can save your life.

Check your seals

Are your windows and doors drafty? Now is the time to look for cracked windows and leaky seals, and get them repaired with caulk and weather-stripping.

Make sure your AC is ready for winter

Yes, it’s important to take care of your AC unit in the fall, too. Clean around it, removing any leaves or debris that have accumulated around it. Cover the unit loosely to protect it from the icy, snowy weather ahead.

At Family Danz, fall is a busy time for us, too, as we help customers with their annual preventive maintenance, and install new heating equipment for those who want to get ahead of Old Man Winter. When you’re ready to get the fall heating services you need, we’re ready to help. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you with any furnace need you may have.

Have You Scheduled Your Fall Maintenance? You Should. Here’s Why.

Tool box filled with toolsWith cooler weather on the way, no doubt you’ll be using your home’s heating system again before you know it. You’ll want to be sure that your heating system, whether you have a boiler, furnace or ductless heating, is operating safely and reliably. The best way you can do that is through preventive maintenance. Regular heating system maintenance is important to the life of your equipment. According to Angie’s List, annual preventive maintenance helps your system last longer, and helps you save on energy bills.

According to the article on their website, it is estimated that up to 75 percent of repair calls received by HVAC companies in the winter are due to poor equipment maintenance. Not only can that leave you without heat during the cold of winter, but it also can be unsafe. Annual maintenance can help catch issues like wiring issues and carbon monoxide leaks, both of which pose a dangerous risk to you and your family. Nobody wants to think about a house fire or carbon monoxide poisoning, but without having a technician look at your system before heating season starts, you have no way of knowing if either of these factors could be cause for concern.

Family Danz can help you get the maintenance you need.

The reason we offer heating system maintenance is simple – we want you and your family to enjoy warm home all winter long. We want you to be safe, and to save money on your energy bills. With our comprehensive fall preventive maintenance, you can rest assured that your heating system is in good shape. Not only do we inspect your system, but we also clean it thoroughly and clean or change the filter. That helps it run easily and more efficiently. And, we make sure all electrical connections are operating properly, and we lubricate moving parts for smooth operation.

Additionally, if we find a concern with your system, we’ll explain the problem to you and make the repair. Often, annual maintenance finds small problems that are simple to fix – problems that left unchecked, however, can lead to a breakdown and expensive repairs. We’ll also explain to you the small things you can do to help ensure your heating system operates well all winter long, such as changing filters whenever they are dirty and using a programmable thermostat. Of course, we can help you change your filters if you worry about doing it yourself. And, we can help you program your thermostat so you use your heating system in the most effective, efficient way possible.

If you haven’t called for your annual heating system maintenance, what are you waiting for?

You’ll enjoy better comfort, greater efficiency, and peace-of-mind knowing that your system is safe for you and your family. And, as a full-service heating contractor, Family Danz can help you no matter what need you have – from our comprehensive maintenance plans, to thorough repair services, to installation, we think you’ll be pleased with what we can do for you. We’re ready to assist you – simply call us at (518) 427-8685 and we’ll be happy to help you get through the colder months ahead.

How AC in Your Saratoga, NY Home Can Help

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.

Making the Most of the Air Conditioning in Your Albany, NY Home

Summer’s not quite over yet, and it’s likely you’ll still need your Albany, NY home’s air conditioning over the next few weeks. Are you getting the most from your AC system? If you’re not as comfortable as you’d like to be, and your energy bills are high, it could signal trouble. Fortunately, however, it is often a common issue causing the problem. The Department of Energy (DOE) discusses some typical AC concerns, and how they can be remedied.

Often, the problem with the air conditioning in your Albany, NY home can be as simple as improper operation. That’s easy enough for anyone to do! Leaving windows and doors open is the biggest culprit. Letting that hot outdoor air in negates your system’s cool air output. Not to mention, it also makes your system work harder to keep your home cool. So make sure you have doors and windows shut before cranking up the AC. And, make sure you have the thermostat set to the appropriate temperature. Sometimes it’s easy enough to think your system isn’t working, only to discover someone has either turned off or changed the temperature on the thermostat.

Of course, sometimes the problem is within your system. Here are a few common mechanical problems that could be causing the AC in your Albany, NY home to perform poorly.

Refrigerant Leak

When your system is leaking refrigerant, simply adding more might seem to be a solution. Unfortunately, taking that measure isn’t your best option. A qualified technician can repair the leak and then recharge your system with the correct type of refrigerant. When the amount of refrigerant in your air conditioning system is perfectly charged to manufacturer specifications, your system will not only keep you cooler. It will also perform more efficiently. And, that helps you save money on your energy bills.

Poor Maintenance

Your Albany, NY home’s air conditioning isn’t simply “set it and forget it.” You need to make sure it is properly maintained on a yearly basis. Often, something as simple as a dirty filter can wreak havoc with your AC system. In fact, dirty filters are often responsible for poorly performing, energy sucking systems. That’s because your air conditioning has to work that much harder to circulate air through the grime. To ensure that filters are changed, parts are well-lubricated and refrigerant is at appropriate levels, annual maintenance is a must. Your HVAC technician is best equipped to offer you the maintenance you need.

Electrical Issues

Many moving parts make up your air conditioning system. Naturally, you can expect some of these parts to wear out over time. Compressor failure, fan failure and corrosion of wires and terminals are problematic. Annual maintenance is important because your technician will look for electrical issues. And, they’ll often be able to fix them before they become larger, more costly air conditioning repairs.

Drainage Concerns

Did you know that the climate type in Albany borders on hot summer/humid continental? That heat and humidity can lead to some drainage concerns when it comes to your home’s AC. If your air conditioning system isn’t working right and it’s particularly humid outside, check your condensate drain. It could be clogged.

As you might imagine, the best remedy for air conditioning concerns in your Albany, NY home is getting proper annual maintenance. Most likely, your technician will spot these common issues before they become large, expensive ones. And, getting annual maintenance just helps your system run better, last longer and maintain higher energy efficiency.

You’ll be glad to know you can trust Family Danz with all your Albany, NY home’s air conditioning needs. From expert installation of quality equipment, to annual maintenance, to professional repairs, we can help. To learn more about how we can assist you, simply call us at (518) 427-8685.