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Need a New Home Comfort System? Heat Pumps are a Great Choice.

girl and mother enjoying sunny morningNow that the summer months are winding down, you may be wondering if your home heating system will be ready for the cooler weather ahead. If you’ve been considering updating your home comfort equipment, you should know that heat pumps are a great option. Heat pump systems have been around for a while, but have only recently become a more popular choice for home comfort in the Northeast.

That’s because older heat pumps did not have the capacity to keep homes warm when temperatures fell below freezing. However, technological advances have made it so heat pumps can operate even in cold climates, making them a viable heating option for places like the Albany area. There are many benefits to choosing a heat pump system for your home – keep reading to learn more!

How Can My Albany Area Home Benefit from a Heat Pump System?

As heat pump systems become more common in our area, you may be interested in learning more about them. Below, we’ve outlined some of the main benefits of choosing a heat pump system for your home.

  • Heat pumps offer year-round comfort. Not only can a heat pump keep you warm in the winter, but it can also keep you cool in the summer, too. That’s because heat pumps extract heat from the air. In the winter, they extract heat from the outdoor air and pump it into your home (yes, there is heat present in the air, even on chilly winter days.) In the summer months, the process is reversed, and hot air is pumped out of your home.
  • Heat pumps are highly efficient. Heat pumps are considered to be one of the most efficient types of home comfort equipment on the market. The Department of Energy states that a heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by approximately 50% compared to electric resistance heating, such as baseboard heaters. They also indicate that high-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in the summer months. Combined, these factors can help you see significant savings on your utility bills all year long!
  • Heat pumps are better for the environment and safer for you. Because they do not require fossil fuel to operate, heat pump systems are considered more environmentally friendly than other types of home comfort equipment. You won’t have to worry about fuel storage, which can sometimes leak and cause hazardous conditions, or carbon monoxide emissions.
  • Heat pumps are available in both ducted and ductless configurations. If you have a central heating and air conditioning system installed in your home, a ducted heat pump system is probably the right choice for you. If you have no system of ductwork in your home and rely on electric baseboard heat in the winter and window AC units in the summer, then a ductless heat pump system is a better option.
  • Heat pumps offer ease of use. No more forgetting to call for fuel in the winter or struggling with installing window air conditioning in the summer. Heat pump systems, whether ducted or ductless, provide comfort with minimal effort on your part.

Are there any incentives available for heat pump systems?

To help people convert to heat pump systems, both New York State and the federal government are currently offering incentives. You can learn more about these incentives and tax credits on the NYS Clean Heat website. Additionally, there are often manufacturer rebates available as well. We encourage you to call us and talk about ways you can save money on a heat pump upgrade for your home. We are pleased to offer our customers quality ducted and ductless heat pump systems, professionally installed by our skilled technicians. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to help you.

Don’t Suffer with Old Air Conditioning – 5 Reasons to Update Your System.

Couple trying to refresh during summer heat waveOnce summer is in full swing, the heat and humidity can become unpleasant, and homeowners rely on their air conditioning systems to keep them cool. Unfortunately, if your air conditioning system is old, it might not be helping you stay as comfortable as you’d like. And, it might need frequent repairs that are both inconvenient and costly.

Sometimes, replacing an older system becomes a necessity, when the air conditioning unit breaks down completely and is beyond repair. But, you might want to make the replacement before that happens, so you won’t have to deal with discomfort – and another costly repair bill. In this article, we’ll talk about why replacing your current AC system may be the best choice, and how Family Danz can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Five Reasons to Consider Replacing Your Old AC System

Not sure if you need to replace that old air conditioner with a new one? We’re sharing five reasons why it might make good sense to consider a replacement:

  1. Better energy efficiency. The older a system is, the less efficient it is. And, some homeowners have air conditioning systems that are 20 years old or more. These systems were far less efficient than their modern counterparts, to begin with, and chances are they’ve become less efficient over time. A new system will likely use much less energy – and you’ll start saving on your energy bills right away.
  2. Improved refrigerant. Older air conditioning systems may use an outdated type of refrigerant. Newer types of refrigerants have been developed to be more efficient and environmentally sound. And, if your system uses an outdated type of refrigerant, it will likely be very difficult to find replacement refrigerant, and if it is found, it will be very costly.
  3. Improved home comfort. Your old air conditioning system is probably not keeping your home as comfortable as it once did. As time goes on, all air conditioning systems stop working as effectively as they once did. You can extend your system’s life by making sure it’s regularly maintained, but if your system is older and you’ve had to make frequent repairs, you’re likely not as comfortable as you could be.
  4. Proper sizing. If you have added to your home or have converted unused areas into living space, your current system may no longer be the proper size for your home. And, that can make your air conditioner have to work much harder to keep your home cool. You may not need to replace your entire air conditioning system, though – many homeowners can balance their cooling by adding a ductless system to added spaces.
  5. Better indoor air quality. Older air conditioning systems, especially ones that have been neglected, can cause a decrease in indoor air quality. That’s because dust, dirt, microbes, and other particulates can collect in the system. While regular maintenance helps, old AC units aren’t as effective at filtering out moisture as newer models, and that can lead to mold growth.

As you can see, an older air conditioning system might not be keeping you as cool and comfortable as you’d like – and it might be costing you more money than it should, too.

How can Family Danz help me get new air conditioning for my home?

At Family Danz, we’re a full-service air conditioning contractor and can help you with any AC need you might have. Whether you need air conditioning maintenance, repair, or a brand-new system installation to help you stay cool this summer, we’re ready to assist you. We will always look out for your best interest and provide exceptional air conditioning services and products of the highest quality to ensure the expected comfort and safety. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

Keeping Your Cool When Mother Nature Turns Up the Heat: 10 Tips

family sits together on couch reading booksSummer has arrived, and that means the outdoor temperatures will likely continue to rise. While many of us look forward to summer fun in the sun, when the heat and humidity start to peak, we often look for ways to cool down and stay comfortable. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on keeping cool during the summer heat, and how Family Danz is always ready to help. Keep reading to learn more!

10 Ways to Stay Cool During the Summer Heat

Most people look forward to the summer weather, but when the heat becomes a little bit too intense, there are a few things you can do to stay more comfortable:

  1. Close your blinds or window shades. Keeping your blinds closed during the time of day when the sun is at its strongest can help to significantly cool your home.
  2. Block the heat using foliage or awnings. If you don’t have many shade trees or shrubs around your house, consider planting some. You can also install awnings or shutters on your windows to help block the sun’s heat.
  3. Adjust your home’s ceiling fans. In the summer, you should run your ceiling fans counterclockwise to help circulate the cool air throughout your home. Reverse it in the winter to stay warmer.
  4. Close outside doors and seal gaps around windows and doors. Make sure to keep outside doors closed as much as possible to keep the cool air from escaping. You can also seal any gaps around your doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping to help keep the cool air in.
  5. Use portable fans. Fans can be a great way to help keep you cool in the summer. You can use box fans, ceiling fans, or even handheld fans to circulate the air and help you stay cool.
  6. Take a cool shower or bath. If you’re feeling hot, a cool shower or bath can help to cool you down. No time for a bath or shower? Use a wet washcloth to wipe down your face, neck, and arms.
  7. Drink plenty of fluids. It’s important to stay hydrated when it’s hot outside. Water is your best option, but if you’re feeling dehydrated, consider a sports drink to help restore your body’s fluid levels.
  8. Avoid overexertion during the hottest part of the day. If you can, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 11am and 3pm. If you do have to work or exercise during this time, make sure to take breaks to cool down.
  9. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from natural fibers like cotton will help your body stay cool. Avoid wearing dark-colored clothing, as it will absorb the heat from the sun.
  10. Make sure your air conditioning system is running smoothly. An air conditioner is one of the best ways to help keep your home – and you and your family – cool and comfortable when the weather is at its hottest. You can keep it in good condition by getting annual maintenance from Family Danz.

I don’t have an air conditioning system in my home. Can Family Danz help?

If you don’t have an air conditioning system in your home, Family Danz can help. We offer many different types of air conditioning systems, including traditional central air conditioning, heat pumps, and ductless cooling systems. So, no matter what type of home you have or what your home cooling needs may be, we are able to help you choose the perfect air conditioning solution. And, we install quality air conditioning products, so you’ll be able to rely on your AC system for years to come. Not to mention, we work hard to help our customers save money on home comfort products and services – check with us to see if we have any rebates or incentives available.

Whether you need air conditioning maintenance, repair, or a brand-new system installation to help you stay cool this summer, Family Danz is ready to assist you. We will always look out for your best interest and provide exceptional air conditioning services and products of the highest quality to ensure expected comfort and safety. Simply call us at (518) 427-8685 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment with you.

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

Staying Safe When Outdoor Air Quality Is Poor

woman looks out of window at wildfire hazeWith the recent wildfires in Canada and the subsequent effect they’re having on our local environment, you may be wondering what you can do to stay safe when the outdoor air quality is poor. It isn’t as simple as staying indoors until the poor air quality warnings expire, because that outdoor air can find its way into your home and cause issues for you and your family. If you’re worried about the current air quality and want to safeguard yourself and your family, here are a few simple suggestions you can follow.

  1. Wear a mask if you must go outdoors. Masks can help you keep from inhaling pollutants, like pollen or smoggy air. Make sure the mask fits tightly around your nose and mouth.
  2. Keep your windows closed. While it’s always tempting to open windows this time of year, on days when the air quality outside is poor it’s a good idea to keep them shut – and keep the pollutants outside.
  3. Avoid running window fans and window AC units. This can bring polluted air indoors. And while you can’t see the particles in the air caused by fires or pollinating plants and trees, they’re there, and can easily enter your home via your fans or window AC. (Note: running your central air conditioning system is fine, and may actually be beneficial because it provides filtration.)
  4. Check the air quality regularly. As we’ve seen recently, the air quality can change dramatically over the course of just a few hours. The AirNow website has up-to-date information as well as air quality forecasts, so you can plan accordingly.
  5. Consider air purification. An air purifier can help to remove pollutants from the air in your home. You can buy portable air purifiers at most larger department and home improvement stores. If you or a family suffers from respiratory conditions, you may want to talk to an HVAC professional about whole-home air quality solutions.

Of course, you can always count on Family Danz to help you should you have any additional concerns about the quality of the air in your home. Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 and we will be more than happy to help you.

Considering New Air Conditioning for Your Home? Now’s a Great Time!

happy family enjoys cool comfort of air conditioned homeOnce the warmer weather arrives, most people look forward to fun in the sun and vacation time away from school and work. And while they like to spend staycation days outdoors by the pool or on the patio, most people also like having a nice, cool home to enjoy when the day is done.

If your air conditioning system hasn’t been delivering the cool comfort you need for the past couple of years, it might be time to investigate getting a new air conditioning system for your home. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the benefits of installing a new AC system, and how Family Danz can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Benefits of Updating Your Home’s AC System This Spring

Summer will be here before you know it, so now is the perfect time to upgrade your air conditioning system. Not sure if it’s the right choice for your home? Here are some great things to consider:

  1. Better Energy Efficiency: Newer air conditioner models are designed with energy efficiency in mind. And, ductless cooling, which is perfect for homes without ductwork, provides much greater energy efficiency than window or portable models. Chances are, replacing an old AC system with today’s air conditioning will help you save money on energy bills, too.
  2. Improved Home Comfort: A new AC unit will provide better cooling performance compared to an old one, including more consistent temperatures throughout different rooms in your house. Additionally, newer systems tend to be quieter which means that you won’t have to worry about a loud AC system disrupting your sleep or quiet time.
  3. Modern Convenience: Many new air conditioning systems can access the home’s Wi-Fi system and offer convenient online apps that allow homeowners to monitor their air conditioning system and change the temperature remotely. Ductless AC models also offer remote control access, so you can easily turn them on or off, or change the temperature, with the press of a button.
  4. Manufacturer Warranty: If you have a system that’s old and out of date, it’s likely that the warranty is no longer valid. And, as air conditioning systems age, they often need more repairs – and without a valid warranty, that can get expensive. If your system is out of warranty and needs costly repairs, it may be a good time to consider a new AC system installation, as it may cost you less in the long run.
  5. Dealer Availability & Incentives: Often, manufacturers and contractors offer rebates and incentives on the installation of a new system. This can help you save money upfront. Not to mention, many contractors have more availability for installation appointments during the spring. Once Mother Nature cranks up the summertime heat, contractors often become very busy with repair calls.

If you’d like to learn more about new AC for your home, Family Danz can help.

At Family Danz, we like to help our customers enjoy the best possible comfort. That’s why we’re always happy to help you explore your options when it comes to new air conditioning for your home. We’ll schedule an appointment to discuss the best possible system for your home and lifestyle needs and help you choose just the right type of air conditioning system. And, you can rely on our highly-skilled technicians to provide you with expert installation of your new system. If you’re ready for better home comfort – along with energy savings – call Family Danz today at (518) 427-8685. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you at your convenience.

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

Contact Family Danz

Updating a Bonus Room? Keep it Cool with Ductless Air Conditioning!

Family watching television in living roomOnce the spring season arrives, many homeowners start to think about how they can take advantage of the better weather for home improvements. Some get to work on updating lawn, garden and patio spaces, while other people replace doors and windows. Some homeowners use the better weather as a time for home remodeling. If you’ve been thinking about turning an unused room in your home into livable space, you’ll also want to consider how best to keep it comfortable.

Whether you’re creating a craft or hobby room, a guest bedroom, a home theater space, or even a cozy den or library area, you’ll want to ensure that your bonus room is as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, bonus rooms in areas of the home like attics, basements, or garages may not be connected to the home’s ductwork system. The good news is, you won’t have to resort to clunky window air conditioning to keep it cool – ductless air conditioning offers the perfect solution.

What is ductless air conditioning?

Ductless air conditioning is a type of home cooling system that does not require access to air ducts in order to operate. Ductless systems generally use heat pump technology, which means they extract the heat from the indoor air and pump it outside. The indoor unit is attached to the outdoor unit using small-diameter piping, so homeowners don’t need to worry about extensive, messy construction. Technicians are able to install a ductless unit within a day or two in most homes.

What are some benefits of ductless AC?

You might be wondering if there are any real advantages to ductless air conditioning over window AC. Here are a few reasons why we recommend it for rooms with no ductwork:

  • Energy efficiency: Ductless AC uses heat pump technology to cool your space, making it much more efficient than window air conditioning.
  • Safety: Ductless units are mounted high on the wall or ceiling, so you don’t have to worry about them toppling out of a window or obstructing your view.
  • Improved Indoor Air Quality: Ductless units filter the air as it circulates throughout the room, so many homeowners notice cleaner, fresher indoor air. Cleaning the filter monthly is simple, and guarantees fresh airflow.
  • Quiet Operation: If you’ve ever been in a room with window air conditioning, you know how noisy and obtrusive it can be. Ductless systems are whisper-quiet, making them perfect for bedrooms and home theater spaces.
  • Year-Round Comfort: One of the biggest advantages of ductless is that many configurations also offer heating in the winter. You won’t have to worry about a space heater taking up valuable floor space, and you’ll enjoy highly efficient heating.

Can Family Danz help me get ductless for my bonus room?

If you’re planning to convert an unused area of your home into livable space this spring or summer, Family Danz can help you get the home comfort equipment you need. We’re pleased to offer our customers high-quality ductless products, installed by our professional technicians. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you get better cooling for your home, give us a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment with you at your convenience.

How Bryant® Helped Shape Women’s Racing

As a Family Danz customer, you know you can rely on quality Bryant® equipment to keep your home comfortable. But, did you know that Bryant was also a longtime auto racing sponsor, and served as a sponsor for Janet Guthrie, the first woman to qualify for and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500? Since March is Women’s History Month, we thought we’d share Janet Guthrie’s story with you – keep reading to learn more!

Who is Janet Guthrie?

As we mentioned above, Janet Guthrie is a retired race car driver, and the first woman to qualify for and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. She was also the first woman to lead a lap in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Interestingly enough, Guthrie’s original career goal was out of this world instead of on the track – she was an aerospace engineer and a pilot. However, she took up racing in 1963, and by 1972, she had become a full-time driver.

Over the course of her racing career, Guthrie competed in three Indy 500s and more than 30 NASCAR races. Her highest finish was 6th place in Bristol in 1977, for which she still holds the record for the best finish by a woman in a top-tier NASCAR race (Danika Patrick tied with her in 2014.) Guthrie was one of the first women elected to the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Additionally, she has been inducted into both the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, as well as the Automotive Hall of Fame.

“Racing takes everything you’ve got — intellectually, emotionally, physically — and then you have to find about ten percent more and use that too.” -Janet Guthrie

Janet Guthrie’s helmet and driver’s suit are on display at the Smithsonian Institute. Her autobiography, “Janet Guthrie: A Life at Full Throttle” was published in 2005. Guthrie recently celebrated her 85th birthday on March 7th.

Learn More About Bryant Racing Sponsorship

Bryant has a rich tradition in auto racing and is the longest-standing non-automotive sponsor at the Indianapolis 500. In addition to Janet Guthrie, legends like Eddie Sachs, Roger Ward, Cale Yarborough, Scott Brayton, Chip Ganassi, and Stan Fox have all driven under the Bryant Racing banner, earning a total of 16 previous race victories on other tracks. Bryant also sponsors Tony Kanaan and Marcus Ericsson.

And, you can count on quality Bryant home comfort equipment from Family Danz.

As a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, Family Danz is proud to provide our customers with quality home comfort solutions from Bryant. You can also trust us to be certified by North American Technical Excellence, or NATE. This is the leading certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning field, and the only test supported by the entire industry.

And, because we’re a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, we always repair your equipment using Factory Authorized Parts, so the best quality and efficiency of your heating or cooling system is guaranteed.

When you choose us, you’ll know that the Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer symbol means we’ve met Bryant’s highest standards for superior skills, service, and a promise of 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed. Reliable products, dealers who care – Family Danz does whatever it takes to keep you and your family comfortable. Whether you need quality heating or air conditioning products for your home, count on Family Danz and Bryant. Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685 and we will be more than happy to help.

How Do I Know if My Furnace Needs Repairs?

cold couple in winter wear and blankets on couchNobody wants to think about their furnace, boiler, or other type of heating system having trouble when the weather turns chilly. Unfortunately, though, it seems like heating equipment often breaks down when the temperatures outside dip below freezing. And that can leave you and your family cold and uncomfortable while waiting for repairs.

There are, however, a few signs that your heating equipment will often give you before it breaks down completely. In this article, we’ll share five of these warning signs, and how Family Danz can help you get the repairs you need. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Ways Your Heating System Will Let You Know It Needs Repair

  1. You notice cold spots throughout your home. This can mean a variety of things, and sometimes it’s not a direct problem with your heating system, but with your ductwork or thermostat. It’s best to have a professional check it out in order to rule out any mechanical concerns.
  2. There is an unpleasant odor when your system operates. If you smell odors like burning plastic or rubber coming from your heating system, it’s likely that there are components (such as belts) that need replacement. If it’s a burning or gaseous odor, or if you see smoke coming from your equipment, you should leave your home immediately and call 911, as your equipment could be on fire or there could be a gas leak.
  3. Your heating system is making unusual noises. Popping or pinging noises from a boiler system, or squealing noises from a furnace, are your heating equipment’s way of letting you know something is amiss. Any time your system makes strange noises, having it serviced is a safe bet.
  4. You cannot seem to get comfortable. Either you find yourself adjusting the thermostat constantly, or feeling too hot in some rooms and too cold in others. Maybe you’ve noticed that your heating system simply is not working as effectively as it once did. No matter what the scenario, if your heating system isn’t keeping you comfy, there could be bigger issues, and it’s a good idea to call Family Danz.
  5. Your energy bills are higher than they should be. We all know that utility bills are usually higher than we’d like them to be. But if your energy bills have been increasing steadily for no apparent reason, your heating equipment could be using more energy than necessary to operate. While it may be as simple as your system needing a good cleaning, you still should have it checked out by a professional.

If you’re experiencing any of these concerns in your home, you should give Family Danz a call as soon as possible. We can check out your heating system and make any necessary repairs before the problem becomes a larger, and often more expensive, one.

How can Family Danz help if my heater needs to be serviced?

At Family Danz, we’re pleased to offer a complete listing of heating services to our customers. We offer maintenance and repair, as well as the installation of high-quality Bryant heating equipment. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help with your heating needs, give Family Danz Heating & Cooling a call at (518) 427-8685. We’ll tell you about our different heating services, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Feeling Flaky? You May Need a Home Humidification System.

Once the chillier temperatures return to our area, chances are we’ll need to run our heating systems more often in order to keep our homes nice and toasty. While we all love the warm comfort our furnaces provide, unfortunately forced-air heating can also dry the air in our homes. And, if the air becomes too dry, it can cause awhole host of problems.

Nobody wants to deal with the issues caused by dry home conditions. Are you concerned that the air in your home may be overly dry? In this article, we’ll talk about how you can tell if your home is too dry this winter, and how Family Danz can help you add moisture to the air and help you and your family enjoy better home comfort. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Signs Your Home’s Air is Too Dry

If you suspect that the air in your home lacks moisture, here are five tell-tale signs that indicate you need better home humidification:

  1. Itchy, flaky skin. Noticing that your skin is itchy and flaky? While dry skin is a common problem during the winter months, if your home is too dry it can make it even worse. If you have severely dry skin, you might want to consider adding moisture to your home’s environment during the winter months.
  2. Static cling. Do blankets and sheets crackle and cling when you try to make your bed? Do your clothes ride up and do you find the occasional sock clinging to your shirt or pant leg? Then static cling is a problem in your home, as is often the case when indoor air is too dry.
  3. Runny nose and watering eyes. It might seem like the exact opposite would be true, but when the air in your home is too dry, you might experience a runny nose and watering eyes. This is because the membranes of your nose and eyes are actually dehydrated, and your body is compensating by producing excessive mucous or tears.
  4. Creaky floorboards and furniture. Wooden fixtures in your home need moisture in order to stay in good condition. Very dry environments can cause wood floors and furniture to creak, and in some cases, the wood can warp and crack.
  5. Flyaway hair. Does your hair seem to have a mind of its own during the winter, no matter how well-conditioned it is? If your hair is frizzy and flyaway, it’s likely a victim of static, which as we mentioned above is caused by indoor air that lacks the proper level of humidity.

How can Family Danz help with my home humidification needs?

At Family Danz, it’s always important to us that you stay as comfortable as possible in your home. That goes beyond home heating and cooling to include indoor air quality products and services. We’re pleased to offer our customers Bryant® whole house humidifiers. These quality systems help add moisture to the air in your home, helping to keep static cling and physical ailments like dry skin at bay.

Our Bryant whole-house humidifiers easily tie into your heating system to provide a convenient, effective whole-home solution. They work with your furnace and duct system, delivering moisturized air throughout your home. If you’d like to learn more about our home humidification solutions, call Family Danz today at (518) 427-8685 and get the quality service that you expect from a company you know and trust.

How Can I Save Energy in My Home During the Holidays?

woman adjusts thermostatIt’s the most wonderful time of the year – the holiday season! With Thanksgiving fast approaching and Christmas and Hanukkah on the way, your home will likely be filled with friends and family before you know it. While this is the time of year for food, fun, and festivities, it also is the time of year when you might be outspending your budget a bit.

If you’ve been considering how you can save some money while enjoying all the comforts and joys the season has to offer, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll talk about some home efficiency tips that can help you save energy – and money – this holiday season, and all year long. Keep reading to learn more!

Five Ways to Save Energy This Holiday Season

  1. Choose energy-efficient decorations. Lighting up your home inside and out definitely makes it a beautiful sight, but the energy those strings of light use can add up when it comes time for your utility bills. When replacing old holiday lights, choose ones that use LED bulbs instead of the traditional incandescent ones. And, consider putting them on a timer, so you won’t be wasting energy if you forget to unplug them.
  2. Deck your halls with LED lighting. This is the time of year when the days grow shorter, and that means that the lights inside and outside your home likely stay on longer. Consider replacing old, incandescent light bulbs throughout your home’s interior and exterior with LED bulbs. According to the Department of Energy, taking this measure can help you use at least 75 percent less energy than with traditional bulbs. As an added bonus, LED bulbs last up to 25 times longer.
  3. Give yourself the gift of energy savings with smart power strips. Purchasing smart, or advanced power strips for your home can help reduce energy consumption. Even when appliances and devices are off, they still can consume small amounts of energy. When you think of how many electronics are continually plugged in at your home, you can see how energy usage adds up! Advanced power strips detect when a device is in standby mode and cut off power and save energy.
  4. Keep the guest room warm with ductless heating. If you have an addition or converted space in your home that you’ve turned into a guest room, it might not have access to your home’s duct system. It can be tempting to turn up the heat in your home to warm those areas up for your guests, but that can cause your heating system to work overtime and use a lot of energy. Instead, consider installing a ductless unit in that space. Your guests will be able to control the temperature to their liking, and you’ll get more use out of the space yourself.
  5. Lower the thermostat when entertaining. Between the heat from your oven during holiday cooking and the added body heat of your guests, your home is likely to warm up once the festivities begin. Turning the heat down a bit helps you and your guests stay more comfortable – and can save a bit on heating costs.

Choose Family Danz when you need help keeping your home cozy this holiday season.

Whether you need a ductless heating system for your guest room or want to make sure your current heating system will keep your home warm and toasty during the holidays (and all winter long), Family Danz can help. As a full-service heating contractor, you can count on us for the heating installation, maintenance, and repair services you need. Just give us a call at (518) 427-8685, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

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