Is Ductless Cooling & Heating the Right Choice for My Home?

Couple sitting on couch next to a wall-mounted ductless unitAs more and more people are working from home, they’re finding it necessary to make use of all of their spaces, year-round. Many people are converting areas like seasonal rooms, finished basements, and converted garages and attics into office space. But, they might find these spaces that are only used during milder months uncomfortable when it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Often, these spaces don’t have access to the home’s duct system, and it can be an expensive, messy venture to add ductwork. Fortunately, there is a solution – ductless cooling and heating.

Just like the name suggests, ductless systems operate without having to add ductwork, making them a great choice for areas in your home where adding ductwork is either impossible or impractical. And aside from providing a comfort solution, there are many additional benefits to ductless cooling and heating that many homeowners are unaware of. In this article, we’ll explain some of these benefits, and how ductless can enhance your home – and help create additional living space year-round.

Five Benefits of Ductless Cooling & Heating

If you have a space in your home that needs year-round climate control, but doesn’t have access to your home’s duct system, then ductless may just be the solution for you. Here are some benefits that you’ll enjoy when you install ductless:

  1. Ductless cooling and heating systems are unobtrusive. If you’re currently using room heating or air conditioning for climate control, you know they can take up some of the living space in your room. Since ductless is mounted on a wall or ceiling, it won’t take up floor space or block your window view.
  2. Ductless systems can help improve indoor air quality. Because they have filters at the source, they’ll trap any tiny particles like dust, dirt, and pollen, preventing it from circulating around the room. The air will be fresher and cleaner, which is especially helpful for those suffering from allergies.
  3. Ductless cooling and heating is energy-efficient. Most ductless systems utilize heat pump technology to operate, which is one of the most efficient methods of cooling and heating around. And, because your ductless system will provide climate control for the space in which it’s installed, your home comfort system won’t have to work as hard to cool or heat that space – helping you save on energy bills.
  4. Ductless systems are easy to operate. Most ductless cooling and heating systems are operated via remote control, allowing you to adjust the temperature easily, with just the touch of a button.
  5. With ductless heating and cooling, you’ll only notice the comfort – not the noise. Ductless systems are engineered to operate quietly, unlike window air conditioning units or space heaters, which can be loud. Ductless systems are whisper-quiet when they operate.

How can I get ductless for my home?

Getting the ductless cooling and heating system you need is as easy as calling Family Danz. And, because they’re simple to install and require minimal construction work, your new system will be up and running quickly – allowing you to enjoy comfort before you know it! If you think ductless might be the right solution for your home comfort needs, just give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Make the Most of All Your Spaces with Ductless Heating

Woman sitting on couch next to a wall-mounted ductless unitAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more people are working and going to school from home. For many homeowners, space in their houses is at a premium. If you have a room that would be a great spot for a home office or classroom but doesn’t have year-round heating, you should know a ductless heating system can help.

Often, seasonal rooms, additions, and converted spaces don’t have access to the home’s duct system, which means they can only be used at certain times during the year. That’s where a ductless heating system comes in. Because these units operate outside of your home’s ductwork, they can be installed quickly and help you maximize every space in your home in a matter of just a few hours.

5 Benefits of Ductless Heating

Aside from helping you make the most of every nook and cranny of your home, there are several additional benefits to ductless heating that you’ll enjoy:

  1. Ductless heating is efficient. Most ductless systems use heat pump technology, which is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home. Ductless systems tend to be far more efficient than space heaters, so installing one can help you save on energy bills.
  2. Ductless systems often provide both heating and cooling. This is a great benefit when it comes to being able to use your space year-round. You’ll enjoy warmth during the colder months, and cool comfort in the summer.
  3. Installation requires minimal construction. Your ductless system is comprised of an indoor and an outdoor unit, which are connected by small-diameter tubing. That means your technician will be able to install your ductless system quickly, with very little construction mess!
  4. Ductless heating helps your main heating system operate more efficiently. This is because it doesn’t have to work as hard to heat your entire home. Ductless heating (and cooling) helps to balance out the temperature of your home, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. 
  1. Ductless heating offers precise comfort control. Most systems are easy to operate via remote control, allowing you to adjust the temperature of the room easily and to your unique needs.

How can I get ductless heating for my home?

That’s easy! All you need to do is give Family Danz a call at 518.427.8685. We’ll set up an appointment to discuss all the options and benefits of ductless heating with you, and help you get a unit installed in your home – so you can start enjoying every room in your home right away!

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

Contact Family Danz

How Family Danz Helps People Stay Warm

Young girls reading a book togetherWinters in the Capital Region are often cold and last for months, with chilly temperatures and snow arriving as early as late October and not leaving until April. As a result, most homeowners rely on their heating systems for a good portion of the year. That’s why it’s so important to have a heating contractor you can count on, for all of your home heating needs.

When you choose Family Danz to help, you’re choosing a full-service heating contractor with the experience to help you get any heating product or service you might need. We provide a full suite of services and quality heating products, as well as fuel oil delivery, so you can stay warm all winter long – no matter how long the cold weather settles in.

Learn more about heating products and services from Family Danz.

To learn more, contact us today

Call Family Danz at (518) 427-8685 or complete our online form here:

No matter what type of heating system you have installed in your home, Family Danz is able to help. Our expert technicians have been specially trained to offer you prompt, thorough heating services. Not to mention, we install quality Bryant® heating equipment, so you’ll be getting quality equipment from a trusted name in HVAC. We’re pleased to provide the following:

Heating Installation: We provide a complete range of heating products, including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and ductless heating systems. And, we’ll make sure you have the right product for your home, sized appropriately for your house size and lifestyle needs. Our technicians will install it to your complete satisfaction and will provide you with the services you need to keep your system running effectively and efficiently for years to come.

Heating Maintenance: One of the best things you can do for your heating system is to ensure it gets the annual maintenance it needs. Maintaining your system is important because it helps your system operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. It also helps your system last longer, all while keeping your manufacturer warranty intact. And, at Family Danz, we can provide maintenance on virtually any make or model of equipment – even if we didn’t install it.

Heating Repair: Nobody wants to think about their heating system breaking down on the coldest night of the year, but if that happens to you, you can count on Family Danz to help. Our technicians will provide expert repair services to get your equipment back up and running quickly. And, if your system is beyond repair or the repair costs will be cost-prohibitive, we can help you get a new system that fits your needs and your budget.

Fuel Oil Delivery: In addition to quality heating products and expert service, Family Danz is also pleased to offer our customers the fuel oil delivery they need to stay warm and toasty. We offer premium fuel oils at the lowest possible price, and we’re pleased to provide customers with budget plans and scheduled delivery, so you’ll be able to save money – and you won’t have to worry about running out of fuel.

Trust Family Danz to provide you with everything you need to stay warm this winter.

When you need heating products and services this winter, it’s as easy as giving Family Danz a call.

We’re ready to assist you – simply contact us at 518.427.8685, and we will be more than happy to help.

Air Filtration & Your Business – Is It Important?

Graphic depicting HVAC air filtrationIf you’re a business owner, you probably have been working diligently to ensure you’re following reopening mandates and guidelines. Depending on the type of business or commercial building you own, there have been some mandates put in place regarding HVAC systems. One such mandate has to do with air filtration. Filters with a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, such as HEPA filters, are required for some commercial spaces. While you should refer to state reopening guidelines for complete information, we’re sharing some information that hopefully makes MERV a bit easier to understand.

As we mentioned above, a MERV rating is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value of an air filter. According to the EPA, “MERVs report a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns.” This helps people when comparing how different filters will perform. HEPA filters, for instance, boast a high MERV rating and therefore are a good choice for businesses that need to ensure filtration with ratings between MERV 11-13. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air filter, and in theory removes at least 99.9 percent of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and all other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns.

How do I know if my commercial space needs advanced filtration?

To learn more, contact us today

Call Family Danz at (518) 427-8685 or complete our online form here:

The best way to know is by reviewing reopening procedures per the New York State website. Of course, you can contact Family Danz with any questions you might have as well. At Family Danz, we’re proud of our commercial HVAC team, and we have the experience to help you get the air filtration you need to meet state guidelines. We provide businesses and organizations with complete HVAC services and will be happy to help assess your system and provide you with the air filtration products and services you need.

You can count on Family Danz for commercial service.

We are pleased to meet the commercial needs of many different industries. Here are some of the commercial clients we’ve helped:

  • Argyle, Averill Park, Bethlehem, Hudson Falls, and Mechanicville Central School Districts
  • NYS OGS – Five Rivers
  • Mahamudra Buddhist Hermitage
  • Ida Yarbrough, Mohawk Harbor, New Lofts, and Seven Green Apartments
  • Tri-City Rentals
  • Ashfield Senior Housing
  • Heritage Village

We know the “new normal” can be confusing. There’s no need to worry about state guidelines, regulations, and mandates because you can rely on Family Danz to help you through.

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and we will be more than happy to discuss your commercial filtration needs with you.

To Repair or To Replace Your AC? That Is the Question.

Technician repairing an air conditionerHave you noticed that the air conditioning system you have installed in your home has been struggling this summer? Maybe you’re having a hard time keeping your home as cool as you’d like. Or, maybe you’ve noticed that your energy bills are skyrocketing for no apparent reason. If you’re concerned that your AC system isn’t operating up to par, you might be wondering if it’s time for repairs – or a replacement.

At Family Danz, it’s important to us that we share with you the information you need to make an informed decision. We never take your home comfort lightly – we strive to ensure that you and your family are always comfortable, energy-efficient and safe. So, when it comes time to consider replacing the air conditioning system in your home, there are a few telltale signs that a new installation may be the right choice.

Five Signs You May Need to Replace Your AC

  1. Your air conditioning system has needed frequent, expensive repairs. This is perhaps the strongest indicator that you likely should consider replacing your system. If you need to repair your system often, and those repairs come with a high price tag, it probably will be more cost-effective for you to replace your system.
  2. Your AC is more than 10 years old and/or uses an obsolete refrigerant. The older your air conditioning system is, the more likely it will be less efficient, and need repairs. As AC systems move past 10 years, the likelihood they will need to be replaced becomes higher. And, older systems that use obsolete refrigerants, like Freon, are more expensive to repair and maintain.
  3. Your utility bills have been on the rise. Of course, we can expect that the cost of utilities is going to increase a bit year over year. But if your utilities have risen and energy costs aren’t the factor, it’s likely your AC system is working harder than it should be to keep your home cool.
  4. Your home is simply not as cool and comfortable as you’d like. If you’ve noticed a marked change in the level of comfort of your home over the past couple of years, it’s likely your system is simply not operating efficiently and effectively. This is especially important to note if you’ve regularly maintained your system. (Incidentally, if you haven’t, you might want to call for maintenance, as a dirty system could be the problem.)
  5. You have made changes to the size of your home. Many people don’t realize that if they add square footage to their home, they may also need to make changes to their home comfort system. Additions, or using spaces in your home that previously were not inhabited (like a converted garage or finished basement) may mean you need to replace your AC system or enhance your system with a ductless unit in that space.

Not sure if you should repair or replace? Family Danz can help.

If you have questions about your air conditioning system, and would like to know whether you need a repair or a replacement, Family Danz can help. We can determine if your current system still has life in it, or if you should be thinking about installing a new system. From there, we’ll work with you for the best possible solutions.

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 and we’ll be glad to help you with your needs.

Contact Family Danz

Comfort + Improved Indoor Air Quality = Ductless

Woman sitting on couch next to a wall-mounted ductless unit

If you’d like to better home comfort combined with improved indoor air quality, you should know that ductless cooling can be an excellent option. There are many benefits to choosing a ductless system for your home, with precise comfort control at the forefront. Of course, you’d expect better comfort when you install a new cooling system, but you might not be aware of the other improvements your home will experience when you choose a new ductless system.

Who can benefit from a new ductless system in their home?

To learn more, contact us today

Call Family Danz at (518) 427-8685 or complete our online form here:

The short answer is, ductless is a great solution for most homeowners. But for some, ductless cooling is an incredible choice. Homeowners who have limited space for ductwork, use radiant heat, or would like to add comfort control to an addition, finished basement, or converted attic or garage can enjoy cool comfort that may not be as easy to enjoy otherwise. That’s because ductwork is not required, and only minimal construction is needed, for a ductless system installation. No more noisy window fans or extensive construction projects – a new ductless system can be installed quickly and fairly easily, so you and your family will be enjoying improved comfort in no time.

What do you mean when you say, “improved indoor air quality”?

Ductless cooling not only offers better home comfort; it also provides advanced filtration. That means that the air circulating around your home via a ductless system goes through a multi-stage filtration system that decreases particles and contaminants in the air – some of which include dust, allergens, pollen, bacteria and some viruses. That makes ductless air conditioning beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory concerns, or who just want cleaner indoor air.

What other benefits will ductless cooling provide me?

The reasons to choose ductless don’t stop at better cooling and filtration. A ductless cooling system can also offer you:

  • Improved energy efficiency via heat pump technology;
  • Precise comfort control via an easy-to-use remote control;
  • Quiet operation, unlike noisy window AC units;
  • Non-obtrusive comfort, as these systems generally are installed high on walls or in ceilings;
  • Heating during the cooler months, as many ductless systems are capable of both cooling and heating;
  • Zoned comfort control that can help you enjoy premium comfort and efficiency.

Ductless cooling sounds like the right choice for me. How can I learn more?

At Family Danz, we proudly offer our customers advanced ductless systems and professional installation that will have you and your family enjoying cool comfort – and improved indoor air quality – in no time!

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 and we’ll be glad to help you with your needs.

Please note – we treat our customers like family, and as such your safety is our top priority. We are following stringent CDC guidelines to help you stay safe and comfortable.

COVID-19: How We’re Handling the Crisis

Microscopic view of a virusCOVID-19, or the coronavirus as it’s more commonly called, is rapidly moving and is affecting our daily lives more and more each passing day.  While most people who contract the virus will survive it, for some, like the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, it can be deadly. That’s why we’re taking every possible measure to keep our customers and our team safe.

As HVAC contractors, Family Danz knows how important it is to keep home and business environments safe and comfortable. We’re taking every measure possible to ensure our workforce is healthy, and our workplace is safe for our employees. While we’ve always taken measures to ensure that our employees practice appropriate sanitary and health measures, in light of COVID-19 we have put some additional practices in place.

Our Workforce

We have requested that anyone who is feeling ill at all not report to work. That way, we can rest assured that those on our team avoid health risks and possible sickness. But more importantly, this measure is in place to ensure that you, our valued customer, are not exposed in any way to illness. While this is not much different than how we do business normally, we are asking employees that have any symptoms of COVID-19 to stay at home for 14 days. As always, our customers and our employees are like family to us.

Our Customers

As we’ve said above, we’re taking every possible measure with our team to ensure that the spread of illness is contained. We’d also ask at this time that our customers who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms inform us before we come into your home. So, please let us know if anyone in your household has symptoms of, or has tested positive for, coronavirus prior to your appointment. Keeping you comfortable is important to us; however, we also need to put practices in place that keep our employees safe as well.

bryant air filter "protect your family 99% inactivation rate against selected viruses, bacteria, fungi"

How We Can Help

In the world of HVAC, we’re trained to keep customers and their comfort top of mind at all times. We strive to help people who are concerned about their home environment, and there are ways we can assist you when it comes to the health of your indoor air. As home comfort specialists, we can provide you with indoor air quality products that can help contain and diminish the spread of microbes, including viruses, in your home air.

We offer some products, such as ultraviolet filtration, that can also kill certain contaminants. Currently, we’re offering the Bryant® Perfect Air Cleaner to our customers, along with a UV light and one-year service agreement, starting at $2,499.99. We welcome your call to discuss these products with us, as helping you stay well is our priority always.

The Best Way to Get Started is by Contacting Family Danz Today

Call Family Danz at (518) 427-8685 or complete one of our online forms. A representative will find you the best available options for your home and your budget.

Communication is Key

Family Danz cares about your health and well-being. You are valuable to us, not only as a customer but as someone we’ve come to know over the years of doing business with you. We know that times like this can be difficult, and uncertain. We want you to feel comfortable to communicate freely with us. If you’re concerned about us coming into your home, or you’re worried that you may be ill and are wondering how to get the home comfort assistance you need, call us. We can talk it through with you, and help you find the best solution. And, if you want to know more about our indoor air quality products that can help keep your air contaminant-free, please let us know. We want to help, and are ready to work with you during this time of uncertainty.

At Family Danz, we truly care about you, our customer. Please call us at (518) 427-8685, and let us know how we can assist you. We hope you and your family stay safe and healthy.

Get Smart In 2020: Five Reasons You Need A Smart Thermostat

Woman adjusting a smart thermostat through her phoneOver the past couple of decades, technology has taken us to places we could only ever imagine. Who would have guessed most of us would be carrying around a tiny device that would work as a computer, phone and camera, all the time? Or that we’d be talking to our artificial intelligence friends, Siri and Alexa, on a daily basis? The world of home comfort has also joined the smart home bandwagon, offering smart thermostats that change the way we heat and cool our homes.

Smart thermostats like ecobee and Nest are leading the way in home comfort innovation, as well as specialized smart thermostats that work seamlessly with certain brands of equipment, such as the Bryant Evolution™ Connex™ thermostat. How can a smart thermostat benefit you and your family? Here are five ways you might not have considered.

Five Reasons to Get Smart

  1. More control over your home’s heating and cooling systems. With a smart thermostat, you can precisely control your heating and cooling systems, so that you get optimal comfort in the spaces you occupy the most. And, many smart thermostats “learn” the habits of you and your family, so temperatures can change based on activities, such as at home, away, or sleeping.
  2. Better efficiency. Because you’ll have better control over your home comfort systems, they’ll operate more efficiently. Because these systems “know” when you’re occupying a space, not home, or sleeping, they’ll automatically adjust comfort levels, which will help save energy – and money on your utility bills.
  3. Simple to use. Unlike programmable thermostats of the past, which can be a little complex to program, smart thermostats are, like the name suggests, intuitive and do most of the programming work for you. And because many are easy to access via smart phone, you’ll have access to them at your fingertips.
  4. Control from wherever, whenever. Like we said above, there’s an app for that – your smart thermostat, that is. That means you’ll be able to control your system from your smart phone, laptop or desktop computer, whether you’re home or not. You’ll also be alerted to any issues with your home comfort system, so you can take care of any problems right away, before they become larger, more expensive ones.
  5. Connectivity with other smart devices. Many smart thermostats work with your home’s other smart devices, providing you with easier, more automated living. Some smart thermostats even connect to your virtual home assistant, so you can easily ask your device to turn up the heat or air conditioning, or turn it down.

Where can I find a smart thermostat for my home?

That one’s easy! Just contact Family Danz and we will be more than happy to help you learn more about smart thermostats. What’s more, we’ll help you find the right one for your home, and install it for you too! Simply give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Click below to download our smart thermostat infographic, and be sure to share with friends!

Family Danz smart thermostat infographic

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.

Fall Allergies? Consider Your Indoor Air Quality.

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.