Tag: getting

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

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!

Green Electrical Tips to Avoid Getting "Pinched" By High Electric Bills

Light bulb glowing in hand with icons, symbolizing innovation in electrical services by The Meridian Company.

3 Tips for Lowering a Home’s Energy Costs

As the prices of everything from eggs to gasoline continue to soar, people are scrambling for ways to cut their spending. They may be looking for ways to save money as well as find energy savings. Since everyone is trying to be greener, below are a few tips for cutting a household’s electric bill and energy usage.

Ceiling Fans Make a Difference 

fanWhile heating and air conditioning systems are made to heat or cool an entire home, ceiling fans can help with air distribution, meaning the HVAC system does not have to work as hard, saving energy and money. Despite fans not being associated with heating, they can be used to help redistribute heat that has risen to the ceiling.

One thing homeowners need to make sure of is the fan blade direction, or they may be working against their heating and cooling systems. When the heat is on for cooler months, fan blades should rotate clockwise, and during the warmer seasons, when the AC is on, they should rotate counterclockwise to achieve the best results. 

Keep Lights and Appliances Off When Not in Use

lightKeeping lights turned off and appliances unplugged when no one uses them has been advised for decades. Homeowners can significantly impact energy costs by turning off lights and appliances when not in use or when natural light is available. Doing so reduces the amount of electricity pulled from the grid, saving money and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with power generation. 

It is important to remember that even small habit changes like this can make a difference. Additionally, switching to more energy-efficient lights and appliances is another way to reduce energy consumption and costs while helping the environment.

Upgrade Lightbulbs to LEDs

It’s time to upgrade the lights if homeowners still use those old incandescent bulbs. LED lights are the most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technology in today’s market and have improved on incandescent bulbs in several ways. LED lighting uses at least 75% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer than incandescent. 

LED lights also give off very little heat compared to incandescent bulbs which release 90% of their energy as heat. This means that LED lightbulbs are unlikely to catch on fire, making the home safer than it would be with incandescent lights as well as reducing energy usage and bills. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local, family-owned business serving East Lansing and the surrounding communities. They provide fast response, full-service solutions, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing, heating, AC, remodeling, or electrical services in Lansing, MI.