Category: Schenectady

2023 Winter Events in Albany, NY & The Capital Region

Posted on by Family Danz

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

Posted on by Family Danz

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.

Heating Your Schenectady Home Is Easy With Family Danz

Posted on by Family Danz

There are many different types of heating systems available for today’s homeowners, and it can be difficult to know what the right type of equipment is for your home and lifestyle. At Family Danz, we’re proud to offer our Schenectady customers a number of different options when it comes to home heating. We’re experts in the home comfort field, and we can help you choose the heating system that’s perfect for your home and needs.

We offer some of the best equipment available on the market today, so when it comes time for you to replace your old system, you’ll know your new equipment has been built to be effective, efficient, durable and safe. No matter what type of equipment is best suited for your home, Family Danz’s expert technicians will install it to perfection, so you can count on improved home comfort in your Schenectady home from the moment it’s installed and for years to come.

Family Danz offers many types of heating equipment to residents throughout Schenectady.

When you trust us with the heating needs of your Schenectady home, one of our comfort specialists will visit you to find our the type of equipment best suited to your needs. From there, we’ll provide you with expert installation, and of course, service after the sale. Learn more about the various types of equipment we can install for you below:

  • Gas Furnaces: We offer premium gas furnaces that are made to be effective and efficient, providing you and your family with the home comfort you need, no matter how chilly the weather might get outside. The gas furnaces we offer are among the most efficient available, so you’ll save on your energy bills, too.
  • Oil Furnaces: Family Danz is pleased to offer high quality oil furnaces throughout the Schenectady area. We’ll provide you with an oil furnace that effectively heats your home – all while keeping energy efficiency in mind. Not to mention, we proudly provide premium grade home heating oil. You’ll stay warm all winter with us!
  • Ductless Heating: Whether you have radiant or baseboard heat, or just need heating for a room in your home like an addition, converted attic or garage, or finished basement, ductless heating is a great option. Ductless heating is made to work without the need for ductwork – saving you from messy remodeling and downtime.
  • Boiler Systems: For the best boiler systems available, you can count on Family Danz to provide quality equipment and installation. We offer boiler systems that are both efficient and deliver clean, comfortable heating throughout your home, no matter how cold the weather might get in Schenectady.
  • Heat Pumps: With advanced technologies that make them much more colder-climate-friendly, many people are choosing to install heat pump systems. When you count on us to provide a heat pump for your Schenectady home, you’ll enjoy incredible energy efficiency, premium equipment, and expert workmanship.

When you need to replace your Schenectady home’s heating system, Family Danz can help. We’ll be happy to explain your options for you, and find you the heating system you need to best suit your home and lifestyle. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685, and we will be more than happy to help.

How to Know If You Need AC Repair for Your Schenectady Home

Posted on by Family Danz

The summer months are right around the corner, and that means before you know it, you’ll be relying on the air conditioning in your Schenectady home to keep you cool and comfortable. But maybe last summer you found that your air conditioning system didn’t keep you as cool as you would have liked. Or, maybe you were faced with an astronomical expense every time the utility bill arrived. If your current air conditioning system is performing as well as it should, it’s probably time to have it thoroughly checked by an expert like Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we make it our priority to ensure that your home comfort system is in the best possible working order. We provide you with services like air conditioning maintenance to keep the AC in your Schenectady home running properly year after year. And, we offer comprehensive maintenance plans, so you’ll know you’re getting the best air conditioning services – and you’ll receive top priority should your system fail and you find yourself in need of repairs.

But, how do you know if you need AC repair for your Schenectady home?

Sometimes, it can be tricky to know when your air conditioning system might need a repair, because the signs aren’t always obvious. But, there are a few telltale signs that you should be looking for if you think the cooling system in your Schenectady home isn’t operating properly.

  • Age of Equipment: The older your air conditioning system is, the more likely it will start to need repairs. While there are many factors that come into play when it comes to the longevity of a unit (regular maintenance, quality of equipment, etc.), systems that are 10 years older or more are more likely to experience some sort of breakdown.
  • History of Repairs: If you’ve noticed that in recent years, your system seems to need repairs often, you probably should take note when your AC seems “off.” Aging equipment is just more likely to need repairs than newer equipment, especially if you tend to run your air conditioner a lot. You should note, however, that if your repair bills seem to be steadily increasing, it may be more cost effective to replace.
  • Energy Bills: Energy bills that are on the rise – while you’re seeing no improvement in home comfort – could be an indicator that something is amiss with your system. If this is a problem and you haven’t already, check your filter first. If it’s dirty, there’s a good chance that seemingly small factor could be causing your AC to use more energy than necessary. Not sure how to check it? Family Danz will be happy to help.
  • Unusual Noises: If the AC in your Schenectady home is making any noises out of the ordinary, this is likely a sign that some sort of repair is required. If you hear squealing or grinding when you turn on your unit, you should turn it off and call in a repair professional as soon as possible.
  • System Failure: Obviously, if your cooling system is not turning on, there is likely an issue that needs to be addressed quickly. Check your thermostat first, and if that seems like it’s in good working order, call in the professionals.

No matter what AC service you need for your Schenectady home, Family Danz can help.

Regardless of your need, you’ll be able to keep your Schenectady home cool and comfortable all summer long when you choose Family Danz. Aside from air conditioning repair services, we also proudly offer AC installation and maintenance as well. We’re ready to assist you with any cooling need you may have – simply call us at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be glad to help.

Keep the Hot Water Flowing with a Tankless Hot Water Heater

Posted on by Family Danz

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.

At Family Danz, We Care About Furnaces in Schenectady!

Posted on by Family Danz

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.