Tag: heating

Benefits of Heating and Cooling With Mini Splits

Air conditioning unit by The Meridian Company, showcasing sleek indoor and outdoor components with modern design details.

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 

Person placing a coin into a jar filled with coins, symbolizing savings and lower energy bills from efficient ductless mini split HVAC systems.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?nbsp;

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

Ductless mini-split HVAC system mounted on a wall, illustrating efficient heating and cooling solutions for homes without ductwork.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. 

Distribution Links +

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 +

Have a Speed Dating Session With Your Home Heating System!

Wooden blocks spelling 'STOP' on a neutral background, emphasizing home comfort and HVAC safety tips.

This Valentine’s Day, Learn More About the History of Central Heating

Whether it takes the form of a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, central heating is an integral part of modern life. And yet, many homeowners don’t know much about them beyond the basics of daily operation. This is understandable, as the complexity of these systems makes them seem intimidating and unapproachable. Here are a few fun facts to break the ice and help homeowners better understand and appreciate the marvel of their central heating systems.

Were the Romans the First To Develop Central Heating?

Hand holding a card with a question mark, symbolizing inquiries about central heating history and systems.

Systems resembling modern central heating date back as far as thousands of years. In ancient Korea, possibly as early as 1000 BC (or even earlier), a system was used to spread smoke from a cookfire under a room’s flooring and out a chimney on the other side, thereby heating the floor. A few thousand years later, the Romans devised a similar system called a hypocaust, whereby the heat from a furnace would be channeled through a crawlspace beneath a raised floor and up through masonry pipes in the walls.

While the early Korean version could only heat the floor, the Roman hypocaust could heat an entire room and even the upper levels of a building due to the vertical heating vents built into the walls. Due to the expense and labor involved in constructing a hypocaust system, they were typically only found in public bathhouses or homes of very wealthy Romans.

Who Invented the Radiator?

Franz San Galli is widely credited with the invention of the modern radiator. Though he was not the first to conceive of the idea, his 1855 design is the closest to today’s radiators. Before San Galli, numerous inventors and entrepreneurs devised systems to carry steam or hot water from one central boiler to a coil or other configuration of pipes to radiate heat into a given space. 

From the first instances of steam heating in the late 1700s, the idea was revised and improved upon several times over by French, British, and American inventors and engineers. The materials went from steel to cast iron and back again, and the mid-19th century saw the mass production of radiators for residential implementation. Finally, Franz San Galli came along with a superior design that became the basis for the radiators found in homes today.

When Was the First Thermostat Invented?

Dutch inventor Cornelis Drebbel created the first-known mercury thermostat around the year 1620 to control the temperature of a chicken incubation chamber. About two hundred years later, Scottish chemist Andrew Ure devised the first mechanical bi-metallic thermostat, variations of which are still used today. Finally, everything changed when a Swiss inventor named Albert Butz patented the first electric thermostat in 1886.

Metal type blocks spelling "WHEN?quot; related to the history of thermostat invention and central heating advancements.

Central heating and thermostats have come a long way, especially with the recent advent of digital technology, but the principles largely remain the same. Fortunately, they are no longer out-of-reach luxuries or restricted to industrial applications but are a part of everyday life - and certainly not one to be taken for granted. HVAC manufacturers are continually making improvements and innovations, but in the meantime, homeowners can simply make sure their current systems are happy and healthy with proper care and maintenance.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a full-service home maintenance contractor serving Lansing, Michigan. Since their founding in 1984, their passion for customer service and community care has earned them numerous awards and consistent 5-star ratings across the board. Meridian provides 24-hour emergency service, flexible scheduling, upfront pricing, and a full guarantee on all work performed.

Distribution Links +

Easy Ways to Fix Your Central Heating & Air Conditioning System

Hand showing a thumbs-up gesture, symbolizing approval for The Meridian Company's home services in Lansing, Michigan.

Fix Your Central HVAC System Today!

Do you enjoy it when your HVAC system has problems? Of course you don’t! Being a homeowner can be stressful at times, especially when your essential appliances start acting up. Sometimes when an appliance needs repaired, it can pose a danger to those living in the household. Take your HVAC for instance.

Lansing can get pretty cold, so it is vital to have a working HVAC system. Not only that, but you may start to see problems in your HVAC during the colder weather. It is necessary to have a trusted HVAC repair company you can call when your HVAC system needs to be repaired.

There are ways to help keep your HVAC working without it breaking earlier than it should. Keep reading to learn more about how to care for your HVAC on your own.

Icy Drain Line? Melt It!

Ice cubes melting on a surface, illustrating issues with HVAC drain lines in cold weather.Michigan can get extremely cold, and because of this, HVAC systems may break down or cause some grief. This can be extraordinarily frustrating because this is when you rely on your system to work the most, but simple things like the temperature can make your system not work properly. If your system has broken down or isn’t working as it should, you should first go check your drain line.

It’s possible that the cold weather has caused a crack to occur and you could have some refrigerant leaking and freeze over. This can cause blockages in your drain line that affect the way your HVAC system is running.

You can try melting the ice from the drain line to see if that helps, but eventually, you are going to have to call in a professional, especially if it is refrigerant that is leaking and causing the problems. Leaking refrigerant is a safety hazard and compromises the efficiency of your central HVAC system.

Check Your Outdoor Unit

Springtime hits and your outdoor unit has endured a year’s worth of weather. The condenser fins are likely covered in dirt and debris. It is recommended to clean your condenser, but you do not want to do so by using a water hose, as this can bend or break the condenser fins and then you have a pricey fix on your hands. When the compressor and condenser aren’t clean, it makes it a lot harder for your HVAC system to do its job.

HVAC outdoor units positioned beside a house, highlighting the importance of cleaning and maintaining condenser fins for optimal system efficiency.

When your HVAC is working harder than it should, it increases the natural wear and tear that occurs, which means you will be replacing parts far sooner than you should. Not only that, but it also increases your energy bill significantly.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Person using a smartphone while typing on a laptop in a cozy indoor setting, illustrating the convenience of scheduling routine HVAC maintenance online.The best way to keep your HVAC unit working properly for years to come is by getting routine preventative maintenance done to it. This may sound redundant and unnecessary, but preventative maintenance can actually save you money in the long run.

If you schedule routine maintenance once a year, it could keep your HVAC unit from having severe problems. Without technical maintenance, those problems will get worse and worse until it ends up being a costly fix for you or ends with the unit needing to be replaced altogether.

A simple yearly maintenance check can spot those problems before they become serious issues and get them fixed for a cheaper price. Doing so will also keep your unit working efficiently for years to come.

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Is Here for You

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is the number one plumbing and heating team in Lansing, MI. They provide any service you need on your plumbing and HVAC system, from hydrojetting to AC filter replacements. They are there to answer your calls day or night, and they promise a satisfaction guarantee, so you know you will be getting a service you can count on.

Distribution Links +

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.

Technician installing an HVAC unit on a ladder, demonstrating home improvement and air conditioning 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:

  • Woman sitting on a couch holding a remote control, smiling, with a ductless HVAC mini-split system mounted on the wall in a modern living room setting.Can 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.

Hand removing a filter from an air purifier, demonstrating maintenance for improved indoor air quality, relevant to home air purification solutions.

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.

Distribution Links +