COVID-19 Update

Microscopic view of coronavirusThe cooler weather has arrived, and along with it, an uptick in COVID-19 cases. In some areas throughout the Capital Region, businesses are once again having to shut down, and people are being encouraged to stay at home whenever possible. As a Family Danz customer, you may be concerned about getting the heating services you need as a result of these closures. We want to assure you that we are still operating, and still available to assist you.

Home heating is a necessity when the temperatures dip down, and with families staying at home more often, your comfort is very important to us. The HVAC industry has been deemed an essential business, and as such, we will be there for you when you need us. We know there is a lot of uncertainty during times like these, but you can rest assured that all of us at Family Danz will be here for you and your family.

Of course, as we have been doing throughout the pandemic, we will have certain procedures in place to help ensure the safety of you and your family as well as our employees. We want you to be comfortable, not just with your home heating, but with the way we help you with your needs. Please review the following procedures we have in place to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

  • We require all service technicians to be equipped with the following personal protective equipment when entering homes or businesses:
    • Gloves
    • Shoe Covers
  • All service technicians are following best practices for prevention of viral transmission:
    • No personal contact, including handshakes
    • No passing of any object without it being sanitized or handled with
      gloves
    • We’re practicing social distancing of at least 6 feet on the job
  • If an employee is experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fever, we take appropriate measures consistent with NYS Health Department criteria. Should there be concerns about any employee, please contact us at 518.427.8685.
  • For the safety of our employees and customers, our Customer Relations team check with you beforehand to confirm that no occupants at a customer’s residence or business is experiencing any symptoms and to re-confirm we have the authorization to enter and service the property.
  • We will postpone service if we encounter any situations where symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fever are present.

It is always our aim to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of you and your family. We understand that you may have questions regarding our safety procedures, and we want you to feel free to talk to us about any concerns you may have. Please contact us during normal business hours and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for trusting Family Danz to help you with your heating needs during this time. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you and your family.

 

6 Ways to Winterize Your Home

Preparing Your Home for Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I Repair or Replace?

My Heating System: Should I Repair or Replace?

Living in New York, you know that your heating system is an essential part of your home. You and your family rely on it to stay comfortable all winter long – and sometimes from the fall through the spring. For that reason, it’s so important to make sure your heating system is working both effectively and efficiently.Should I Repair or Replace my Heating System Infographic.

There are steps you can take to ensure your heating system runs smoothly, no matter how cold it gets outside. The best way is to make sure you get annual maintenance. During maintenance, your technician will clean your system, eliminating the dirt and buildup that accumulates in it over the year of use. They’ll make sure it is operating safely, and alert you to any repairs that need to be made. Getting annual maintenance also helps keep the manufacturer warranty intact – a big plus if you find yourself having to have extensive repairs.

How do you know whether to repair or replace, though?

Even with annual maintenance, a point in time will come that your system either needs a big repair or a replacement. How can you determine whether or not your system should be replaced? There are a few indicators that can alert you to the inevitable. If you notice any of the following, you could need to consider replacing your system.

Your current system is old. Heating systems usually last anywhere from 10-20 years. If your system gets a lot of use or hasn’t had regular maintenance, you could be looking at the lower end of that scale.

Your heating system isn’t keeping you comfortable. As systems age, they have to work harder to warm your house. If you’ve noticed a decrease in comfort over the last couple of years, or you have to turn the thermostat up higher for it to heat your home effectively, it might be time to think about replacing.

You’ve noticed an increase in energy bills. Of course, utilities can be costlier from year to year. But if you’ve noticed a spike in your utility bills that doesn’t coincide with an increase in utility prices, then it means your system is working harder – and using more energy – to do the job it has always done.

You’ve created more space in your home. When you have a heating system installed, your HVAC company generally sizes it according to the needs of your home. When you add on space such as a finished basement, converted attic, or addition, it can make your system have to work harder and operate less efficiently in order to heat the entire home.

You’ve experienced some major repairs. If you’ve had some breakdowns that require expensive repairs, you might want to weigh that against the cost of a new system. What you’re spending in repair bills and system inefficiency might be more than what you could save with a new system.

At Family Danz, we can help you decide if repair or replacement is the right choice.

We understand that nobody wants to think about the cost of installing a new heating system. It’s a significant investment. But, you should know most of today’s heating systems are highly energy-efficient and effective, so in the long run, you’ll be saving money instead of losing it to repairs and inefficiency. Of course, we won’t suggest a replacement unless it’s necessary – and if it is, we’ll work with you and your budget to help you get a heating system that keeps you comfortable.

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

5 Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Allergens at Bay in Your Home

How to Fight Fall Allergens in Your Home

Fall is here, and that means the weather is changing, the leaves are falling, and for many – allergens are on the rise! What makes fall such a sniffling, sneezing time of year for allergy sufferers? There are a couple of different factors.
5 Steps You Can Take to Keep Your Allergens at Bay in Your Home Infographic.
The weather changes from warm to cool and back again can wreak havoc with some people’s sinuses. The leaves that look so beautiful on the trees can turn into damp piles of mold-growing matter once on the ground. And, there are some fall plants like goldenrod that are in full bloom and sending their nefarious pollen into the air.

5 Steps You Can Take to Keep Allergens at Bay in Your Home

Obviously, there is very little you can do to control the outdoor air. But there are a few measures you can take to ensure that the indoor air in your home is as allergen-free as possible. Below are five steps you can take to cut down on those allergy-inducing culprits – and enjoy cleaner, fresher indoor air in the process.

  1. Keep windows closed during high-pollen days. If you’re an allergy sufferer, keeping those windows shut can help mitigate pollen entering your home.
  1. Remove shoes/outerwear before entering the house. Leaving your jacket and shoes out of your living space can help keep allergens you pick up outside out of your home.
  1. Vacuum more often. Pollen and allergens can settle into carpets. So, vacuum more often during the times when your allergies tend to flare.
  1. Install a clean filter in your HVAC system. Over time, your filter can become clogged with particulates – and send those allergens circulating through your home.
  1. Consider an air cleaning system for your home. Your HVAC dealer can recommend and install indoor air quality products that can help improve your indoor air quality.

Choose Family Danz to help you get the indoor air quality products you need.

If you or a family member suffer from allergies, or you’re simply concerned about the quality of the air in your home, we can help. At Family Danz, we can provide you with the indoor air quality products and services you need, from filters to air cleaners, and everything else in between.

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

 

5 Tips for Better Air Conditioning Performance

Your air conditioning system was likely a significant investment in your home. As such, you want it to last as long as possible. But, if your AC is overworked, the more likely it is to perform poorly, need repairs before its time, or worse yet, break down completely and need to be replaced.

Fortunately, there are some very simple measure you can take to help it last longer. And, these measures, although easy, provide an added bonus for most homeowners – because they improve system performance, your air conditioning system uses less energy. So, when it comes time for your utility bills, you’ll likely notice that you’re saving money as well.

These five tips can help improve your air conditioner’s performance:

five tips for better air conditioning performance infographic

  1. Change your filter frequently. Your system’s filter gets dirty, especially when your AC is running consistently. It’s important to make sure your filter is clean – the dirtier it is, the harder your air conditioning system has to work to circulate the cooled air throughout your home.
  2. Make sure your outdoor unit is free of foliage and debris. If your outside unit is obstructed, it can make it difficult for your unit to get the proper air flow – and that can make it work harder.
  3. Take measures to keep your home cooler. Not using the oven, reversing your ceiling fans to counter-clockwise, and keeping blinds or curtains closed during the day are all ways you can keep your home cooler.
  4. Consider adding ductless units. If you’ve added area to your home, or converted spaces like basements, attics or attached garages into living spaces, your original air conditioning system may not be the right size to accommodate your home anymore. By adding ductless cooling to these spaces, you can keep your central air from having to work harder.
  5. Sign up for annual maintenance. A well-maintained system performs better because it’s properly cleaned, small issues are taken care of, and refrigerants are at the appropriate level.

Learn more about AC performance – and how to improve it – by calling Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we take great pride in helping customers make the most of their home’s air conditioning system. If you have questions about keeping your home cooler in the summer, and making sure your air conditioning system is performing at its most efficient best, Family Danz can help. Our expert technicians can provide you with the air conditioning products and services you need.

Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 and we’ll help you find the right solution for your budget.

Contact Family Danz

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.

“March” Into Getting Your Home Ready for Spring

Even though Old Man Winter has been hanging around for a while now, before you know it spring will arrive and (hopefully) so will the return to warmer weather. March is a great time to start preparing your home for the spring season ahead, so that once those nice days return, you’ll have time to spend outdoors enjoying the milder temperatures.

Winter can last for a long time in our part of the country, and with many of us having central, forced-air heating in our homes, it’s always a good idea to get ready for spring by giving our house a good interior cleaning. Dusting, washing curtains, and deep-cleaning carpets and flooring can help get rid of dust, dirt and grime that’s settled in over the winter months. Wiping down the walls and ushering out the dust bunnies that might have gathered in corners and under furniture is a good idea, too.

But besides a good spring cleaning, what else can you do to prepare your home for milder days ahead? In addition to an interior cleaning, here are a few more ideas that can help get your home ready for spring.

Click for full size infographic, or read on below.

five ways to get ready for spring from family danz

Five Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Spring

 

  1. Get your patio ready for outdoor fun. Clear it of any leaves, twigs or debris that might have collected there over the winter. It’s also a good time to give your patio furniture a good cleaning, and make sure your grill is ready for those warm-weather cookouts.
  2. Clean out your gutters. Gutters can be a collection point for leaves, pine needles, debris and other gunk over the winter months. Remove as much as you can with gloved hands, and then hose out anything remaining. (You will want a helper for this task. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, hire a professional to help – your safety is most important!)
  3. Wash your windows. Washing your windows inside and out eliminates any dust and dirt that has gathered there over the winter, and literally lets the sunshine in!
  4. Change out your lightbulbs. As the landscape around us starts to get greener, so can your home! Taking some simple steps like replacing old incandescent bulbs with higher-efficiency LEDs can help you save energy, and keep the planet green.
  5. Call your HVAC company for spring maintenance. There are many reasons why it’s always a good idea to have your air conditioning checked out in the spring, the main one being assurance that it will work properly once the heat of summer hits. Not to mention, maintenance will help it run more efficiently, last longer, and keep your warranty valid.

Trust Family Danz for the spring AC maintenance you need.

You can check air conditioning maintenance off your spring-cleaning to-do list by giving Family Danz a call. We’ll get your maintenance appointment scheduled so your AC system won’t miss a beat once the warm weather arrives. Simply give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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.

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

Tired of Waiting in Line for Your Pumpkin Spice Latte This Fall? Try This Easy DIY Recipe!

Hands holding a pumpkin spice latteEverywhere you go during the fall, you can’t escape from pumpkin spice. Whether it’s in your favorite baked goods, coffee treat, or even air freshener, the world is filled with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg and everyone’s favorite fall gourd. But you might not always have time to stop into your favorite coffee shop to pick up your favorite autumn coffee, so we’re sharing a great recipe you can make right at home.

This pumpkin spice latte recipe comes to us courtesy of the Food Network, and is super easy to make – and even easier to enjoy. Give it a try and let us know if you enjoy it!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp. pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 tbsp. sugar
  • ¼ tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus more for sprinkling
  • ¼ tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup hot espresso or strong brewed coffee
  • Sweetened whipped cream

Directions

Combine the milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and vent with a small hole. Microwave until the milk is hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk vigorously until the milk mixture is foamy, around 30 seconds. Pour the espresso into a large mug and add the foamed milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Enjoy your latte in the comfort of a warm, cozy home when you rely on Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we’re all about helping you stay comfortable, no matter what the weather outside is like. Trust us with your fall heating needs, whether you need furnace maintenance or repair, or oil delivered to your home, we’re here to help. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and let us know how we can assist you!

Five Reasons To Get Fall Heating Maintenance

Once autumn arrives, so does the unmistakable chill in the air. Although the days can be warm and sunny, the temperature starts to cool down – and that inevitably means that before you know it, it’ll be time to turn the heat on in your home. Did you know that one of the best things you can do for your home’s heating system is get annual fall maintenance from your HVAC professional?

Getting annual preventive maintenance for your heating system is an easy enough thing to neglect. Some people look at it as an unnecessary expense, or even an inconvenience. If your furnace is running great, you might wonder why you’d even need maintenance. After all, if it’s not broken, why fix it? Well, there are many reasons why getting annual maintenance on your heating system – even if it’s working just fine – is important.

Five Reasons You Should Call For Annual Maintenance Today

  1. Heating system maintenance can help your system last longer. When you get your fall tune-up, your HVAC technician will make sure all the components of your system are lubricated and operating smoothly. And, they’ll clean your system and change the air filter. All of these measures keep your system operating better, longer.
  2. Annual maintenance can help find small problems before they become larger ones. By having your system looked over by a professional yearly, any small issues can be addressed right away – and that can help save you from an expensive repair or replacement down the road.
  3. Fall maintenance can help your system run more efficiently. Cleaning your system and changing the air filter can make the air flow much more easily through your system. In turn, it won’t have to work so hard to heat your home – saving energy and ultimately money on your utility bills.
  4. Seasonal maintenance can help with your indoor air quality. Systems that are neglected often become dirty, and that means your furnace could circulate air that has dirt, dust, mold and pollen throughout your home. By getting proper maintenance, you can rest assured your indoor air will be fresher and cleaner.
  5. Furnace maintenance is an important step in maintaining your warranty. If you look at the fine print on your heating equipment’s warranty, you might see that getting proper preventive maintenance is necessary in order to keep your warranty intact. Without it, your warranty may be voided – and that can mean costly repairs or replacement down the road.

Fortunately, getting the fall maintenance you need is as easy as calling Family Danz.

At Family Danz, we want to help you make sure your furnace runs effectively and efficiently all season long. We’re pleased to provide our customers with the annual maintenance they need in order to keep their heating systems in shape. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685, and we will be happy to schedule your fall furnace maintenance appointment.

Need Heating Help for Your Albany Home? Choose Family Danz!

You rely on your home’s heating system to keep you and your family warm in Albany, NY. You need the peace of mind that your heating equipment will work properly, efficiently and safely. That’s why it’s so important to chose an expert in the field of home comfort to help. When you work with an HVAC company that not only provides superior products and installation, but also treats you like family, then it’s easy to rest assured that your heating system is at its best. That’s where Family Danz comes in.

At Family Danz, we strive to provide you with the best heating system services available in Albany, all while providing caring, committed customer service. We always work hard to show our customers that we value them. It’s important to us that our customers are completely satisfied before, during and after the heating repair, maintenance or installation. As a result of this, we offer a comprehensive listing of heating services, coupled with incentives on new equipment and the best brands available in the heating industry.

How can Family Danz help me heat my Albany home?

Family Danz provides complete heating services throughout the Albany, NY area. No matter what your needs may be, we strive to help you and your family stay warm and comfortable all year long. You can count on us to help you, whether you have a furnace, boiler or heat pump system. We proudly provide:

  • Heating Maintenance: We offer annual preventive maintenance for your heating system, servicing boilers, furnaces and heat pumps. Maintenance helps keep your system running smoothly, and your equipment warranty intact, and often, it helps your heating equipment retain its energy efficiency level.
  • Heating Repair: If the heating system in your Albany home breaks down, you can trust Family Danz to get it back up and running for you. We can repair virtually any make or model of heating equipment, and we strive to ensure that it’s operating effectively, efficiently and safely for you and your family.
  • New Heating Installation: Whether you heat your home using a boiler, a furnace or a heat pump, when it comes time for a replacement you can count on Family Danz. We offer premium home heating products from trusted manufacturers, and we provide expert, thorough installation to your complete satisfaction.
  • Ductless Heating: If you’d like to heat a space in your home, but worry about the lack of ductwork, stress no more! At Family Danz, we’re pleased to offer Albany customers ductless heating. These systems are easy to operate, highly energy efficient and provide optimal home comfort – without the need for ductwork.
  • Heating Oil: Aside from offering our customers the very best in home heating products and services, we’re also pleased to provide premium grade heating oil as well. With several delivery options available, and the best prices throughout the Albany area, you can rely on us to provide you with the fuel you need to keep warm.

When you need heating services for your Albany home, trust Family Danz to help. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685, and we will be more than happy to help you get the maintenance, repair or installation you need.