Tag: cooling

Benefits of Heating and Cooling With Mini Splits

What Is a Ductless Mini Split?

A ductless mini split is a revolutionary way to heat and cool a home. For over a century, central heating and cooling systems have used various types of ducting to convey heated and cooled air throughout the home. 

With ductless mini splits, the heating or cooling refrigerant is piped through the home instead of individual heads that control the temperature of a space. Instead of bulky ductwork, small copper lines are used to convey the refrigerant. 

The resulting heating and cooling system exceeds the performance of even the best central AC systems. Here are three benefits of heat pumps when considering heating and cooling system installation. 

Keeps Energy Bills Lower 

save money As it turns out, the ductwork in a central AC system is very inefficient. Not only does it require a huge amount of materials, but the insulation and joints in the system can leak hot or cold air. 

In most central systems, the ductwork alone can account for 40% of efficiency losses, leading to massive energy costs over the years. Even with more modern ductwork systems, the inefficiencies can be felt in the home’s budget. So, why not eliminate this inherent weakness of central AC systems altogether? 

Ductless mini splits save tons of money through improved efficiency, but they also save money because they use physics to heat and cool the home. By using a heat pump instead of burning fossil fuels, homeowners can utilize technology that is hundreds of times more efficient than furnaces or resistance heating, further lowering monthly energy bills.

Makes Installation Easier

Many homes in the US were built before central AC systems were standard in a home. As a result, millions of homes can’t accommodate the necessary ductwork for central heating and cooling.

Ductless mini splits are more easily installed in older homes and can fit into spaces that can’t accommodate ductwork. This makes them the obvious choice for homes heated and cooled with space heaters and window units.

In addition to retrofitting spaces that can’t have central AC, ductless mini splits allow for faster installation. Any time a contractor saves time on a project, they offer the savings to the customer. Homeowners can get an upgraded HVAC system for less than a new central system by choosing ductless mini splits. 

Take Advantage of Zoning

mini spilt One of the inherent drawbacks of central heating and cooling is that the entire home is uncomfortable for people who don’t control the thermostat. As the home is regulated to a single temperature, most people are too hot or cold, and they can do nothing about it. 

With zone control strategies utilized by ductless mini splits, everyone in the home can control their own room or zone and keep it at the precise temperature they need. Since the entire system isn’t cycling as often as it would with a central system, energy bills are lower, meaning homeowners can improve their comfort while actually lowering their monthly costs. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has a large team of professionals that offer same-day service for plumbing and HVAC concerns. With extended warranties, the risks associated with HVAC installations have never been lower. Call today for HVAC service in Lansing, MI. 

Central Air Conditioning Vs. Ductless Mini Split Cooling Systems

How To Choose Between a Central or Ductless Air Conditioner

When it comes time to replace that old air conditioning unit after years of service, many homeowners are at a loss for what kind of system to install. Central AC has been the most widely used type of system for decades, but ductless mini-split systems have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their advantages. So which one should homeowners choose?

Unfortunately, there’s no cut-and-dry answer. There are many factors to consider, and a system that works for one home may not work for another. So to help homeowners make a more informed decision, this article will outline the advantages and drawbacks of common types of air conditioning systems.

Central Air Conditioner

central ACCentral air conditioning systems involve one large unit that delivers air throughout the home via air ducts. Because of their size and power, they tend to be better for larger homes with many rooms or large open spaces. They also tend to have a lower upfront cost than ductless systems since only one unit is installed rather than several smaller units.

Even though they may have a lower initial cost, central AC systems often come with higher operating costs over time since they cool every room, whether occupied or not, and some energy gets lost in air ducts. And, of course, the air ducts themselves will require periodic maintenance and cleaning.

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner

ductless mini split Ductless mini split air conditioning systems involve smaller units that serve individual rooms. This makes them more expensive initially to install, especially in larger homes that require several units - but they are more efficient, lowering utility bills, and advantageous in terms of zone control. Homeowners can choose to cool only the occupied rooms, dramatically reducing energy consumption, and everyone can set their room to their desired temperature without affecting the rest of the home. Mini-splits also save energy because they avoid the energy losses associated with air ducts.

Another benefit of ductless mini split AC units is their relatively simple installation. Since no ducts are required, mini-split installation generally only involves mounting the indoor blower unit to the wall and running conduits for wiring and refrigerant to the outdoor unit, typically through a small hole in the wall. However, many homeowners find the indoor units unsightly. Mini-splits are a great option for older homes that do not have existing ductwork or the space for it.

Other Kinds of AC Systems

While central and ductless mini-splits are the most common and effective air conditioning systems available, there are a couple of other options that can be useful in certain circumstances: window AC units and portable AC units.

Air conditioning window units are fairly small all-in-one devices that can be mounted inside a window frame. They can be effective for cooling very small homes or individual rooms and are generally very affordable. However, they tend to be somewhat noisy and aren’t exactly discreet.

Portable air conditioners are also quite inexpensive compared to central and mini-split systems, but like window units, they’re generally only suited for individual rooms or small homes. These can be placed virtually anywhere, but they have exhaust hoses that need to be run outside through a window.

All in all, the right air conditioner for the home depends on the household's individual needs and what kind of space it will be serving. Sometimes, homeowners may even want to utilize a combination of these AC systems. Like using a portable AC for a detached garage that isn’t connected to the house’s air conditioning system. Before picking a system, however, it’s always best to consult with a local HVAC professional for expert recommendations!

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned local business serving the residents of Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas since 1984. They provide superior customer service, fast response, and tailored solutions. Call them today for heating and air conditioning services in Lansing, MI.

Black Friday Readiness: Heating and Cooling Deals Checklist

Black Friday promotional chalkboard sign showcasing home service deals from The Meridian Company.

Don’t Miss Out on This Year’s Black Friday HVAC Deals

If you’ve got your eyes set on upgrading to a new phone, appliance, or bed set as a way to improve your home and life, you can also take the opportunity of this Black Friday event and scope out HVAC deals that can improve your home’s cooling and heating systems.

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical technicians suggest that you keep your eyes peeled for new HVAC systems and air purifiers that can enhance your home’s comfort level.

HVAC Installation and Brands You Need to Know About

As a homeowner, it’s up to you to find the right products that fit your home’s standards and meets your family’s needs to keep your home a safe and cozy place. More often than not, houses on the market will already have an air conditioning system installed.

hvac installation

If you have a system installed in your home that you aren’t pleased with or it is wearing down, now’s the best time of the year to purchase a new one. Here are some brands to keep a watchful eye on that may offer HVAC deals so you can upgrade your home:

Thinking About Purchasing a Ductless HVAC Systems?

With today’s latest HVAC products on the market, did you know that your home doesn’t have to only rely on a central until to keep your home set get your ideal temperature? It’s true! Now, there are more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly models to help you receive higher quality performance and save money while doing so.

A ductless HVAC system, also known as a mini-split system, is like a hybrid between a window and a central air unit. If you are unfamiliar with this type of system, they have a condenser that goes outside and connects to the evaporator that is located on a wall or on the ceiling. Here are some pros and cons to know prior before purchasing one:

Pros:

  • ductless hvacCan be controlled by remotes or timers
  • Quieter when operating
  • Can have multiple zones to control specific rooms
  • Decreases chances of energy loss

Cons:

  • Can be double or triple the price of a normal HVAC system
  • An additional expense to have it installed in the home
  • Some technicians may not know how to install due to its newness
  • Can disrupt the aesthetics of your home

Air Purifiers and Why You Need One in Your Home

While your HVAC system may have filters to regulate and clean your air, a home that has pets, occupants who are allergen sensitive, or are smokers may find the additional benefit of having an air purifier in their home to clean the air to be a must-have. There are a variety of air purifiers on the market to rid your home’s air of pollutants, germs, or pesky odors that you can’t seem to be rid of.

air purifiers

Here are the different types of air purifiers to consider:

  • Activated Carbon: The carbon in this type of purifier traps odors and gases that pass through its filter and removes them from the air.
  • HEPA: The most common type of filter made of particle-trapping material causes particles to go through them and get stuck in the filter.
  • Ion and Ozone Generators: Normal particles in the air have a neutral charge, but when coming in contact with the air purifier, they then have a charge and will cling to a room’s surface area instead of remaining in the air.
  • Ultraviolet Light: Ultraviolet air purifiers are designed to rid the air of microbes and germs in the air, sometimes even viruses as well.

Depend on Your Local Technicians

When choosing the right HVAC brands to meet your family’s needs, the last choice to make is hiring the right contractors to install your new features. You want to rely on the professionals that are up-to-date on the latest models on the market to install your systems correctly the first time.

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned company that has a team of technicians that focus on maintaining a customer-friendly environment. When you hire them, you are guaranteed that they will produce efficient services with upfront prices that will beat out their competitors.