2023 Winter Events in Albany, NY & The Capital Region

People enjoying holiday lightsEvery year it seems the winter holidays arrive earlier and earlier, but is that a bad thing? We say no! There are many reasons to get into the holiday spirit, and in the Capital Region of New York that includes an abundance of family friendly community events (many of which are free!). So we say embrace the holiday spirit, gather your family or friends, bundle up, and go enjoy one of these great winter events happening in the Capital Region this 2023 holiday season.

Click on any event name below to learn more.

 

2023 Shaker Holiday Market

“Our traditional Holiday Fair promotes the holiday spirit with regional artisans featuring handmade pottery, jewelry, fiber, artisan foods and much more!”

Where: Shaker Heritage Society in Albany, NY

When: Select Dates from October 10 – December 17, 2023

 

Schenectady Holiday Parade

“Schenectady County ushers in the holiday season in Downtown Schenectady with the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast. Sparking floats, glittering firetrucks, marching bands, dance troupes, and a special visit from Santa Claus. It’s fun for the whole family.”

Where: Downtown Schenectady, NY

When: November 18, 2023

 

Santa’s Magical Express

“Calling all EITs (Elves In Training), past and present, new and old, near and far, Santa needs your help! Jack Frost has stolen Santa’s Hat and without it, Christmas will be cancelled! Now is your chance to book your ticket on Santa’s Magical Express and join the quest to save Christmas! Does your family have what it takes?”

Where: Rensselaer, NY

When: Select Dates from November 24 – December 23, 2023

 

Christmas Land (Altamont, NY)

“Christmas Land was created to offer a holiday attraction that evokes the aura of an old fashioned Christmas. This attraction is geared toward all age groups connecting families & communities in bringing back the spirit of Christmas. It features many activities inside & out for children and adults on a large farm area in Altamont, NY. Santa will be sure to make you feel like a kid again & believe in the magic of this glorious season.”

Where: Altamont, NY

When: Select Dates From November 25 – December 16, 2023

 
Albany New York skyline

2023 City of Albany’s Tree Lighting

“The tree lighting ceremony kicks off with a concert by Amy Heebner on the historic Albany City Carillon beginning at 5:00pm. Mayor Sheehan, members of the Albany Tulip Court and city officials will light the tree at 6:00pm. Afterwards, enjoy a holiday performance by Albany High School Albanettes and Troubadours Choir, holiday crafts and FREE refreshment. Representatives from local organizations will be on-hand with information on their programs and upcoming events.”

Where: Across the street from Albany City Hall at Academy Park

When: December 1, 2023

 

2023 Schenectady Festival of Trees

“The Festival of Trees is a festive display of 90+ lighted fir trees, spread throughout the galleries of SCHS. Over 1,500 people visit the Festival throughout December, enjoying the enchantment of the holidays.”

Where: Schenectady County Historical Society

When: Every day from December 2 – 23, 2023

 

Troy Victorian Stroll

“For 40 years, the Troy Victorian Stroll has been a community holiday tradition that transforms the streets of historic downtown Troy into a bygone Victorian era, complete with visitors in Victorian dress strolling the City. The Stroll’s activities and entertainment are strategically spread throughout the streets, amidst unique shops, storefronts, restaurants, bars and parks.”

Where: Downtown Troy, NY

When: December 3, 2023

 

The Saratoga New Year’s Fest

“New York’s biggest New Year’s party north of Times Square. A full weekend of non-stop entertainment!”

Where: Multiple Venues in Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY

When: Friday, Dec 29, 2023 until Monday, Jan 1, 2024

 

Learn About Heating Your Home This Winter

Young girls reading a book together

When you live in the Capital Region, you know that many months of the year require heating your home. We have long winters here, and that means you need to have a heating system that operates both effectively and efficiently. Many people don’t really think about their home’s heating system until an issue comes up – and that can be a costly venture, depending on the level of repair. One of the most proactive things you can do is learn about heating your home – what types of heating are available, how to know if you need a repair, and what to do if you need a replacement.

Today, there are many different types of heating equipment available.

To learn more, contact us today

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

In the past, most people either had furnaces or boilers in their homes and often, the equipment didn’t provide homeowners with the best energy efficiency. As environmental concerns have increased over the years, HVAC manufacturers have worked to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of heating equipment. Boilers and furnaces from 15-20 years ago, for instance, may have been 60 percent efficient at best. Today, most manufacturers have equipment models that are up to 98 percent efficient; not to mention, there are new, innovative types of equipment that provide optimal heating and incredible efficiency.

Learn about the types of heating equipment available today.

While most people either have a furnace or a boiler in their home, there are other types of equipment available to help people stay comfortable. Learn about the types of heating systems you can get for your home to determine what may be the best system for you and your family.

Boilers

Gas, oil, or electric boilers heat your home by moving heated water from a central point through a radiator. In homes with boiler heating systems, there is usually little to no ductwork, but instead, pipes that run the heated water throughout the home. In some applications, the boiler can also act as a water heater for the home.

Furnaces

Furnaces produce heat by combustion, heating the air, and then moving the heated air through the home’s duct system. Most people have a gas or oil furnace in their homes, although electric furnaces are also available.

Heat Pumps

Heat pump systems are unique in that they don’t require gas or oil to operate; instead, they use the heat from the outdoor air or the earth to heat your home. Because of this, they are a highly efficient type of heating equipment. What’s more, they can be reversed in the summer so that they also act as an air conditioner.

Ductless Heating Systems

Ductless heating systems use heat pump technology, but instead of operating as a central heating system and using the home’s ductwork to distribute the air, they require no ductwork. They can be used in a single application to heat a specific area of your home or can be used to heat your entire home through a series of individual units. They are generally highly efficient, providing targeted comfort.

Resources to Help You Learn More About Heating Equipment & Efficiency

When you’re considering a new heating system, keep in mind that this is a major investment. Like a vehicle, heating systems are complex pieces of machinery that require appropriate installation and operation in order to work effectively, efficiently, and safely. Therefore, doing research is important. Reliable sources can provide you with a wealth of excellent information. That being said, there is an overwhelming amount of information on the internet and it can be tough to ensure that the websites you’re visiting are providing accurate content. To make this easier for you, we’re providing a shortlist of sites that can help you learn more about heating.

  • ENERGY STAR: This is a government organization that focuses on helping people learn about energy efficiency. Additionally, it offers energy-efficiency ratings on various types and brands of equipment to help consumers make the best choices.
  • Angie’s List: As an online review-collecting group, Angie’s List provides an overview of different heating systems, giving you the information you need to make the right choice for your home.
  • The U.S. Department of Energy: This website offers useful statistics, data, and an unbiased review of the different types of heating equipment available, including their efficiency and effectiveness.

Heating System Concerns: How to Know if You’re Headed for a Breakdown

Couple learning how to use a thermostatOf course, heating systems require regular maintenance in order to operate at their most effective and efficient best. Therefore, we recommend that consumers get annual heating maintenance regardless of the type of system they have installed in their home. Getting maintenance can help mitigate the need for repairs while keeping systems running smoothly. As systems get older, they often become less efficient and can need heating repairs from time to time. Here are five ways to tell if your system may be having issues:

  1. Age of Equipment. Most types of heating equipment last 15 years before they need replacing. If your system is nearing that age and hasn’t been performing as well as it used to, you might want to consider replacing it. Unfortunately, heating systems that haven’t been properly maintained can start to show signs of failure even sooner. You can help ensure your system lasts longer by getting annual maintenance and changing out filters when they are dirty.
  2. Utility Bill Spike. If you noticed an uptick in your utility bills over the past winter that doesn’t correlate with increased costs, then it means your heating is likely working harder to give you the heating output your home requires. Sometimes the solution is simple, like cleaning your system and changing the filter, but other times it can signal larger issues.
  3. Dusty House. If you’ve noticed a layer of dust on household surfaces lately, it’s likely your heating system is blowing dust, dirt, and debris around. The fix is usually simply changing the filter. Doing this helps your indoor air quality improve, and it helps your heating system perform better. Your HVAC contractor can help you change the filter
  4. Noisy Equipment. Mechanical equipment makes some noise when it operates. However, if you’re hearing grinding, banging, or squealing sounds coming from your equipment, it’s an indication of a mechanical failure somewhere in your furnace. Shut it down and call a licensed contractor to come help.
  5. Frequent, Costly Repairs. If your system has needed frequent, expensive repairs, you may wish to consider replacing your system. You can find out if a system replacement would be more advantageous than a repair by multiplying the cost of repairs by the age of your system. If the number is 5000 or more, then it’s probably a good time to consider a replacement.

Finally, choose a heating contractor you can trust.

Whether you need repair, replacement, or maintenance for your heating system, choosing a reliable contractor is important. When you choose a company like Family Danz, you’re choosing a family-owned business that has been helping meet the needs of people throughout the Capital Region for more than 30 years. And, we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, so you can count on us to provide you with quality products and services, and complete customer satisfaction.

To learn more about how we can assist you this heating season, give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we will be more than happy to help you.

Keep the Hot Water Flowing with a Tankless Hot Water Heater

Running faucet with steamWe’ve all been there. Just a couple of minutes into enjoying a steamy shower, then – the hot water disappears. And… the rest of the shower is spent under a Nordic waterfall! Nobody likes running out of hot water, but did you know you don’t have to? Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, rather than heating a whole tank of water, so you can count on a hot shower every time! Even more importantly, though, a tankless hot water heater can help you save energy – and money on your utility bills.

ENERGY STAR offers a number of benefits to choosing a tankless hot water heater for your home. Some of these benefits include:

  • Endless Hot Water: As mentioned above, tankless water heaters only heat the water you need as you’re using it. So you won’t have to wait for a tank of water to heat up.
  • Space Saving: You won’t have a large water tank taking up space in your home when you go tankless; these water heaters are small and wall-mounted. There are even models designed for outdoor installation.
  • Longer Life: According to ENERGY STAR, tankless water heaters offer up to 20 years of usage. Additionally, you don’t run the risk of leaky tanks (and the subsequent water damage.)
  • Energy Savings: Tankless water heaters are efficient, and can save the average family of four nearly $100 a year compared to a gas storage water heater. And, the more efficient the model you choose, the greater the savings – choosing an ENERGY STAR certified model can save you an additional $20 a year.

If you live in Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga or the surrounding areas and need to choose a tankless water heater for your home, give Family Danz a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different tankless water heater products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

How to Know if Ductless AC is the Right Choice for Your Saratoga Home

Everyone loves the cool comfort of air conditioning, but not everyone is able to have it. Or, are they? Some people think that because their home, or a space in their home, lacks ductwork, AC is a no-go. But even if you don’t have a ducts, or room to install them, you should know you have options.

Ductless AC can provide cool comfort for your Saratoga home – without the added expense of having to install ductwork. Additionally, you can enjoy ductless air conditioning in one specific space, or there are multi-split units available for your whole home. How do you know if ductless is a good option for your home?

Ductless AC is great if you:

Have radiant heat installed in your home. If you rely on radiators, baseboard heat, or radiant heat under your flooring, you probably don’t have adequate ductwork in your home. Ductless air conditioning requires no additional ductwork and minimal construction, so it’s a great option for those with radiant heat.

Have a finished basement. Installing ductless AC in the finished basement of your Saratoga home is a great idea. Air circulation helps keep moisture at bay, and a ductless system can help keep humidity levels under control. Not to mention, ductless AC offers an advanced level of filtration, so the air will be deodorized and purified.

Have an addition or room with no ductwork. Many homes have rooms that are added on long after the home is built, and it can be difficult sometimes to extend ductwork to those rooms. Ductless AC guarantees you’ll get the cooling you need in those rooms, making them more enjoyable for your entire family.

Family Danz helps you get the ductless AC you need for your Saratoga home.

When you choose Family Danz for the ductless AC needs of your Saratoga home, you’ll benefit from our high quality systems and installation. We are a Mitsubishi® Diamond Dealer, which means we’ve been authorized by Mitsubishi to sell and install their quality ductless systems. With Mitsubishi Ductless, you’ll get precise comfort control. Additionally, these systems provide allergy filtration, remote control and many styles to choose from.

Any living or working space that is without ductwork is probably a good space for ductless air conditioning. Some examples include converted attics, additions, finished basements, sunrooms, older homes, data or storage rooms, kiosks, and off-hours offices. Give Family Danz Heating & Cooling a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about the different options for ductless cooling and heating, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Don’t Wait ’til Next Summer – Get AC Repair for Your Saratoga Home Now

As summer winds down, so does air conditioner usage. Nights become cool enough to switch off your unit. Before you know it, your thoughts will turn to your home’s heating system. Maybe this year you noticed your air conditioning system isn’t working as well as it used to. Maybe there were knocks and pings. Or, you weren’t as cool as you’d like to be. Maybe your utility bills were higher than normal. You could be tempted to wait until next summer rolls around to get the needed AC repair for your Saratoga, NY home. Waiting, however, may not be in your best interest.

Of course, if you didn’t get the preventive maintenance you needed for your AC system this year, that could be the culprit in your poorly-operating system. The Department of Energy cites lack of maintenance as one of the major players when it comes to AC failure. The main reason this can cause issues with your system and lead to needing AC repair in your Saratoga, NY home is because, quite simply, your system is dirty.

Regular air conditioning maintenance helps keep your system clean.

Coils are cleaned and filters are changed, and that helps the air flow freely through your system. You can always call Family Danz to help you get the maintenance you need, even if it is at the end of cooling season. Chances are, you may need to switch the AC back on a couple of days here and there this fall. That’s why getting your system maintained late is better than never.

Refrigerant leakage is another issue your system could be having that requires your immediate attention. If your amount of refrigerant is not at manufacturer’s specification, then your system will not operate properly or efficiently. Generally, fixing a refrigerant leak and charging your system properly is a fairly simple fix for your technician – but also one that needs prompt attention. Refrigerant leaks aren’t just bad for your system – they’re also bad for the environment.

Sometimes,  electrical components and wires can corrode in your AC system. If that happens, letting the problem sit over the winter isn’t the best option. Your technician will be able to easily identify corroded parts, and make the AC repairs you need for your Saratoga, NY home.

If you need AC repair for your Saratoga, NY home, Family Danz is just a phone call away.

It’s never too late to get the AC repair you need for your Saratoga, NY home. Just give Family Danz a call. We’re pleased to provide our customers with professional air conditioning repair and more. Call us at 518-427-8685 and we will be more than happy to assist you.

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.

Get Ready for the Summer with Air Conditioning Services for Your Saratoga, NY Home

When you need help beating the heat this summer, you probably will turn to the air conditioning system in your Saratoga, NY to keep you cool. Having an air conditioning contractor who is able to keep your air conditioning system running in top form, or who can install a new air conditioning system in your home when you need one, is important. When you choose Family Danz for your air conditioning needs, you’ll quickly see that we can provide you with any air conditioning service you might need – from installation of a new air conditioning system, to repair of your current system.

At Family Danz, we’ve been in the business of home comfort for more than 30 years, and we want to help you with your air conditioning repair, maintenance and installation needs. We take great pride in our factory trained and certified technicians. They make customer satisfaction their top priority, and you can count on them to provide premium air conditioning services for your Saratoga, NY home. We help keep your system up and running by offering:

AC in Saratoga: Family Danz is a full-service air conditioning contractor serving all of Saratoga, NY. We offer the best air conditioning systems available from today’s leading manufacturers, as well as service after the sale. You can count on us to provide you with expert installation, as well as air conditioning maintenance and repair services. No matter what your AC need, Family Danz’s skilled technicians can help.

AC Systems in Saratoga: There’s no need to suffer through the summer heat this year, either because the air conditioning system in your Saratoga, NY isn’t functioning properly or because you’ve never had AC installed. Family Danz can provide you with cool, energy-efficient air conditioning, so that you and your family can enjoy improved comfort all summer long.

 AC Service in Saratoga: Having the air conditioning in your Saratoga, NY home serviced on a regular basis is important for the efficiency and longevity of your system. Our technicians are able to maintain most makes and models of air conditioning systems, and when you choose a service plan with us you’ll get priority scheduling, discounts on parts and labor, 24-hour emergency service and no overtime rates.

AC Repair in Saratoga: Nobody wants to think about their air conditioning system breaking down on the hottest day of the summer, but if that happens to you, you can count on Family Danz. Our technicians will provide air conditioning repair services in your Saratoga, NY home promptly and effectively. They’re equipped with the most advanced diagnostic tools and instruments, so your service problems can be resolved quickly.

You’ll be ready to stay cool and comfortable when the hot summer weather hits, when you rely on Family Danz to provide you with the air conditioning services you need for your Saratoga, NY home. At Family Danz, we treat our customers like family. No matter what air conditioning service you need, we’re happy to assist you. Simply call us for assistance at 518-427-8685.