Category: Land & Property

Simple Tips To Save on Heating Costs This Winter

Young woman knitting on a gray couch surrounded by yarn and supplies, emphasizing cozy home services by The Meridian Company.

Ways To Spend Less and Stay Warm This Winter

When winter comes, it is easy to get worried about a high electric bill due to the increased use of home devices like furnaces. Luckily, staying warm in winter does not have to come with a high electric bill. 

This article will review some useful tips on saving energy this winter and keeping warm.

  • Bundle up with warm clothes: Dressing snugly inside during the winter is a great way to reduce your reliance on home heaters and other warming devices. 
  • Run a ceiling fan to spread warm air: Ceiling fans set to run clockwise, pull cold air up, and push warm air down. 
  • Maintain and service home devices like furnaces: Keeping up with maintenance like air filter replacements keeps homes energy-efficient and allows heating devices to operate most effectively. 
  • Utilize Smart Devices: A smart thermostat allows more control and tracking over a home's heating system. 
  • Manage energy used in peak hours: Using less energy during the billing hours, usually between 1 pm and 8 pm in Lansing, Michigan, will save on energy bills.

Stay Comfortable With a Ceiling Fan in Any Season

Ceiling fan with sleek design, mounted on a white ceiling, illustrating energy-efficient air circulation for winter heating.Ceiling fans circulate air mostly in the summer but are also very useful in winter. Using a ceiling fan in winter is a smart way to save on energy bills, allowing homeowners to keep their thermostats lower overall. 

When rotating counterclockwise, ceiling fans move warm air down and lift colder air. Most have a switch that allows them to change direction. A ceiling fan should be set very low in the winter to prevent a breeze from forming. 

In general, they use around 15-90 watts of energy, which is much less than running a heater all the time. Using a ceiling fan more and a home heater less will help lower the energy bill.

Dont Forget About Essential Air Filter Replacements

Replacing an air filter is one way to reduce energy usage. A dirty air filter causes HVAC systems to work harder than usual and become less effective. Replacing a furnace filter can allow for energy savings of up to 15%. 

On average, air filter replacements cost around $20 to $50, but they can save up to $150 in energy use in the long run. If you use a system like a furnace to stay warm, getting the most out of the energy spent is important. When heating systems start to malfunction, it could be the start of energy wasted. 

Smart Thermostat Installation

Smart thermostat installation with user adjusting settings on smartphone, showcasing energy-efficient temperature control.Smart thermostats are great investments for homeowners, allowing better heating system control. While they are an investment, the several benefits smart thermostats offer allow homeowners to save more money over time using them. 

Benefits of a smart thermostat include:

  • Better energy efficiency
  • Able to control thermostat remotely
  • Track energy usage
  • Able to learn patterns of thermostat usage
  • Simple to install

There are countless smart thermostats to choose from. A smart thermostat installation is easy with the help of an HVAC expert, and they are also useful in choosing the right thermostat. Utilizing a smart thermostat and other tips in this article will lower energy usage and utility bills in winter while keeping a cozy home. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 

Trusted in the Plumbing and HVAC Industries, Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has provided exceptional service to the Lansing, Michigan region since 1984. For trusted service and expertise, you can rely on us. Contact us for heating system maintenance and repair needs in Lansing, MI. 

Distribution Links +

Electrical Safety Devices That Can Save People and Property

Human hands protecting a crafted house model on a table, representing home security and maintenance by The Meridian Company.

Simple But Important Ways To Protect A Household

Protecting a home against electrical issues doesn’t require a security company subscription and smart doorbells. Investment is much less involved in both money and time. They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which certainly holds when preventing electrical fires and other electrical accidents. This article will discuss several easy ways a family can prepare their home and save themselves from electrically triggered disasters.

Tip #1: Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detector mounted on a ceiling, emphasizing home safety and fire prevention in residential settings.Every year, nearly 2000 people die due to house fires. Installing a smoke detector can save lives. Even installing one in the kitchen or bedroom is a start. For the best possible coverage of the home, smoke detectors should be placed in the following areas:

  • On every floor of the home (including the basement)
  • Hallways outside sleeping areas
  • In bedrooms to alert sleepers

Though these cannot prevent a fire, they can detect even a fairly small amount of smoke. People will be alerted in the case of an electrical fire, one of the most common forms of house fire. Usually, the deaths during a fire are due to poisonous gas and smoke, so the next step in safety preparation concerns a carbon monoxide detector.

Tip #2: Invest in a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon monoxide detector mounted on ceiling, emphasizing home safety and prevention of CO poisoning.Carbon monoxide(CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that causes flu-like symptoms. With minimal exposure, more extensive exposure can lead to death. Most victims who lose their lives to carbon monoxide succumb while they are sleeping due to some sort of leak. 

Because CO cannot be easily detected by human senses(unless they are experiencing symptoms), it is highly recommended that homeowners purchase and install a CO detector.  An alarm will sound if there is an unusual buildup of carbon monoxide in the home. Here are a few facts about CO and CO detectors in the home:

  • Placement: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be placed on every house level for the best detection chance.
  • Normal CO: Carbon monoxide is present in the air, but only in very small amounts. It is usually measured at .5 to 15 ppm(parts per million), even in homes with gas stoves. Levels above 30 ppm start causing problems. 
  • Symptoms of CO Poisoning: Carbon monoxide exposure produces headaches, nausea, disorientation, lethargy, and confusion. If someone is experiencing these symptoms and they go away when they leave the house, they should get the levels checked in their home.

Tip #3: Take Time for an Electrical Inspection

An electrical safety inspection done by a reputable and qualified electrical technician can save lives, prevent property damage, and eliminate the simple inconvenience of the breaker box constantly throwing breakers. A safety inspection can prevent problems before they start and alert the homeowner to needs they might otherwise be unable to see. Electricians and electrical technicians have the tools to keep a household safe from electrical issues.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical serves Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. Its flexible 24-hour staff is available for all home emergencies. Call today for smoke detector services in Lansing, MI.

Distribution Links +

Don't Let Water Leaks Go Unnoticed

Water damage on a textured ceiling with yellowish-brown stains, indicating plumbing issues by The Meridian Company.

Prevent Costly Leak Repair With Advanced Leak Detection

Water leaks have a reputation for being sneaky, and homeowners could face significant water damage, high water bills, and more by the time a water leak makes its presence felt. Identifying a water leak before it reaches this point is vital to prevent costly repairs, and this article will share how.

High Water Bill 

Concerned man reviewing high water bill at home, illustrating the impact of water leaks and the need for plumbing services.One of the first signs of a water leak is an unusually high water bill. While it doesn’t give the location to make water leak repairs, it raises a red flag that something is wrong and that a plumber should be called to locate and repair the leak. 

Some activities might raise a water bill, like watering the garden more than usual or filling a pool. However, if there are no circumstances of extra water use and the bill is rising, this could indicate a leaking pipe. Even the smallest leaks can cause many gallons of water to be lost daily, causing water damage and higher water bills. It is important to take action right away when this is noticed. 

Common Water Leak Signs

In addition to a high water bill, there are additional signs that homeowners can look for. Here are a few: 

  • Damp or discolored walls and ceilings
  • Mold or mildew growth
  • Musty odors
  • Low water pressure
  • Trickling water sounds
  • Pooling water

It is best to take action immediately if anything abnormal is noticed. Excess moisture often causes water damage, which homeowners prefer to avoid at all costs. Recognizing signs like these and taking action is the best defense against a water leak. 

Understand and Use the Water Meter

Water meter with lid open, displaying dial and indicators, illustrating essential tool for monitoring water usage and detecting leaks.Homes have a water meter, but many homeowners have no idea how to read them. Knowing where the water meter is, how to use it, and understanding it is always a good idea. Regularly checking the water meter and being familiar with the normal flow of the home could help catch a water leak early. 

If a leak is suspected, a homeowner can follow these steps to confirm their suspicions or check for a leak: 

  • Turn off all water sources inside and outside of the home
  • Check the water meter to note the current reading
  • Leave the water off for 30-60 minutes without any use
  • Check the meter again

If the reading has changed when no water was used, this is a sign of a leak. Call a plumber to help pinpoint the leak and start the repair of the water leak immediately. Homeowners can use this method on a routine basis simply to be proactive with possible leaking pipes. 

Always remember that understanding the basic signs and detecting a leak can go a long way to protect a home. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical believes in putting the community first and has been delivering quality care and service since 1984. They stand by their roots of quality customer service before anything else. Contact them today for water leak detection and leak repair in Lansing, MI.

Distribution Links +

Benefits of Getting a New Air Conditioner Before the Old One Stops Working

Air conditioning unit outside a house with a brick wall and lawn, highlighting The Meridian Company's HVAC services.

Three Reasons It May Be Time for New AC Installation

Though summer may be drawing to a close, that doesn’t mean the need for air conditioning has evaporated. People will likely need to use their air conditioners for at least another six weeks. As demand lessens, it may be time to consider whether a home’s current AC will keep the house cool in ever-increasing temperatures. This article will look at three reasons new air conditioning installation may be a more economical choice for a household rather than AC repair.

A New Air Conditioner Is More Energy Efficient

save money As an HVAC unit ages, it will become less and less efficient. This means the household will pay more for the same amount of cooling, even with regular maintenance. This is because the unit pulls more energy even if it still seems to be cooling well. A few points about energy efficiency are listed below.

  • Consistent Cooling: Temperatures will be more consistent with a new unit.
  • Energy Efficiency: Newer AC units are getting more efficient, reducing energy usage more than tuning up an older unit.
  • Lower Utility Bills: Less energy usage can mean a cooler, more comfortable home with even lower bills.

AC Replacement Means Fewer Repairs and Lower Costs

hvac repair Not only does a unit become less efficient as it ages, it becomes more difficult to repair. This is not the unit's fault. It is merely the result of an ever-improving product and an ever-changing market. Even with proper maintenance, a unit may wear out parts more frequently as it loses efficiency. Repair costs increase, and air conditioning replacement may be the more economical choice. Here’s why:

  • If a unit needs regular repairs, that cost can quickly add up.
  • Older parts can be more difficult and expensive for the HVAC technician, who must pass that expense to the homeowner.
  • Newer units mean simple maintenance costs and are less likely to need repairs.

Sometimes Less Is More

A home with an AC unit of the wrong size can have some negative effects. This is true if the unit is too big or too small. It can lead to high energy bills, short cycling, and extreme temperature differences between rooms and at different times of day. It is counterintuitive that a unit that is too large would have the same problems as a unit that is too small, but they result in similar issues. Consulting with an HVAC professional to get the right-sized unit for a home can eliminate many problems that can’t be repaired if the unit is the wrong size.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Offering flexible scheduling and firm price quotes, Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical serves Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas with caring professionals. Their friendly technicians provide personalized care with every service call, including tailored full-service solutions and upfront pricing before starting any work. Call for an AC installation anytime in Lansing, MI, today!

Distribution Links +

Signs It's Time to Replace an Electrical Panel

Hand interacting with an electrical panel and organized circuit breakers on a wooden wall.

Know When to Get an Electrical Panel Upgrade

An electrical or breaker panel is the central component of a household's electrical system. It distributes electricity to different circuits within the house. It consists of circuit breakers, which act as safety switches that trip when there is an overload or short circuit. This cuts off power to the affected circuit and prevents potential electrical hazards, such as electrical fires. Knowing when to replace an electrical panel is essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the electrical system in a home.

Your House Has a Fuse Box

fuse boxIf a house still has a fuse box, it’s a sign that a change might be needed. Fuse boxes are considered outdated since they stopped being installed around the 60s and 70s, meaning that if a home still has one, it’s old, and a new electrical panel installation is likely necessary. 

The biggest difference between fuse boxes and electrical panels is that panels have circuit breakers that can be reset when they trip. On the other hand, a blown fuse in a fuse box needs to be manually replaced each time it happens. It is recommended that an old fuse box be replaced with a modern electrical panel to improve convenience and home safety. 

The Electrical Panel Is Old or Corroded

old electrical panelLike any good piece of equipment in the household, the electrical panel is made to last a long time. That being said, eventually, it will need to be replaced. Electrical panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 40 years, so if a home has a panel in that range, it should be inspected to determine if a replacement is needed.

A common problem with aging electrical panels can be rust and corrosion. Corrosion and damage to an electrical panel can compromise electrical safety, so it’s crucial to call an electrician to inspect the panel if any damage, rust, or corrosion is spotted. A new electrical panel installation can help keep the home’s electrical system safe. 

Circuit Breakers Trip Often

Circuit breakers are the defensive mechanism of an electrical system. They are designed to trip or shut off the power if they detect an overload of electricity or a short circuit. So, if circuit breakers begin to trip more often or frequently, an electrician should be called to inspect them. 

It is something to be attentive to as it could be a sign that the panel is no longer adequate for the needs of the home. This could be due to adding new appliances that increase the house's electrical needs. So, frequently tripping breakers can mean that the electrical panel needs to be upgraded to match the home’s electrical demands.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local family-owned business serving the Lansing area. They offer fast response, financing, and trusted technicians. Call them for electrical panel replacement and services in Lansing, MI. 

Distribution Links +