Tag: money

Save Money on Holiday Decorations

White piggy bank on wooden surface with coin slot; represents saving for plumbing and electrical service maintenance.

Energy-Efficient Decorations Save Money

The holidays are a time when power bills typically increase due to the extra electricity being used for holiday decorations and Christmas lights, in addition to the cost of heating. However, integrating energy-efficient lighting or lighting that uses no power at all into a home’s decor can save energy and money this holiday season.

LED Lights

Colorful LED Christmas lights held in hands, showcasing energy-efficient holiday decorations, emphasizing savings and safety during the festive season.LED lights are a popular, energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent lights. In part, this is due to their longevity. LED lights simultaneously use less energy and last longer than their incandescent counterparts. According to the US Department of Energy, LED lights use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights. 

String Christmas lights are a great opportunity to use LED lighting because they will keep the color vibrant, last longer, and use less energy. LED holiday lights also come in many different colors and styles, so switching to LEDs will not limit a homeowner’s decor options. Since many holiday lights are left on for long periods of time, LED Christmas lights are also considered safer since they generate less heat than other bulbs.

Battery Operated Lights

Battery-powered lights and decor do not impact monthly electric bills. The only cost is the price of the Christmas decorations upfront and the batteries. Because they don’t add to the energy bill and don’t need long cords to be plugged in, battery-powered lights make a great addition to holiday wreaths or garlands. They will add to the festive nature of decor without unsightly cords sticking out. 

Popular battery-powered holiday decor options include electric candles, string lights, and even inflatable yard decor. Homeowners can also use them for DIY decor, like mason jars filled with battery-operated fairy lights so that cords can be eliminated. In general, battery-operated decorations are not much more expensive than plug-in ones and can be used for hours on end without worrying about rising electricity costs.

Using Candles

Elegant Christmas candles on a table with a festive tree in the background, enhancing holiday decor and creating a warm atmosphere.Candles are the original holiday decor. They add elegance to indoor holiday decor without adding a cent to utility bills and can be purchased almost anywhere. Homeowners can decorate their homes with Christmas-themed candles or plain white candles for a classic look. There are so many options to choose from with different styles and scents.  

Candles create a warm and inviting atmosphere during the holidays, but it’s important to stay alert when using them since they are a fire hazard. Here are some safety tips for using candles during the holiday season:

  • Place candles away from flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and other holiday decorations.
  • Always use a candle holder that is both sturdy and heat-resistant.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended, and always extinguish it when finished.
  • Keep lit candles away from children and pets to prevent accidental burns or fires.
  • Make sure the home’s smoke detectors are fully functional and get them fixed or install new ones if they aren’t. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned and local business serving Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide superior customer service, fast response, and tailored solutions. Call them today for electrical or smoke detector services in Lansing, MI.

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These Holiday Decorations Can Save Money (and Electricity)!

Festively decorated residential house with Christmas tree, icicle lights, and lawn decorations for winter ambiance.

How to Save Money When Decorating the Home 

CNBC reports that homeowners in some states will spend over $30 on powering their home’s holiday lights. That doesn’t even take into account the cost of decorations, anchors, and extension cords. A beautiful, neon-powered holiday display can quickly turn into a hundred-dollar-plus venture. 

Yet, not all hope is lost. By switching to LED lights, battery-operated displays, and other cost-effective decorations, homeowners don’t have to sacrifice a beautiful display for a lower power bill. 

Change to LED Lights (They’re the Most Efficient!) 

LED light strips in blue and yellow hues, showcasing energy-efficient holiday decoration options for homeowners.LED holiday lights are the most popular decorations for a reason. Not only are they cheap, but because they rely on light-emitting diodes (rather than incandescent bulbs), they can last years with no problems. Furthermore, LED lights don’t need as much power as incandescent holiday lights and don’t feel hot to the touch. 

Examples of LED-powered holiday displays include: 

  • Wreaths 
  • Animatronics 
  • Inflatable characters 
  • Lighted pathways 
  • String lights 
  • Bulbs 
  • Window frames 
  • Doorknob hangers 

Some modern LED lights come with motion-activated sensors, so they only light up when visitors come near. 

Upgrade to Battery-Powered Lights 

Installing and operating battery-powered lights is easy. Instead of stretching extension cords halfway across the lawn, homeowners snap in a few batteries, stick the battery pack to the wall, and they’re good to go. 

Most battery-powered lights on today’s market are string lights, also called “fairy lights.” These low-powered lights aren’t as bright as LED lights, but they get the job done. However, some manufacturers are coming out with LED battery-operated lights, which is the best of both worlds- bright lights at a low cost. 

Battery-Operated Displays Are the Future 

When homeowners think of “battery-operated,” they usually envision buying packs and packs of AA and AAA batteries. Now, homeowners can purchase rechargeable battery packs online. These batteries can sometimes power USB light displays for days without fading, cutting out, or blinking. 

It’s also good to know that charging a rechargeable battery costs virtually no electricity, making it both cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. When shopping for rechargeable batteries, homeowners should look for products with high voltage. The higher the voltage, the more energy the battery produces. 

Switch to Good Ol’ Candles 

Tea light candles glowing in a warm ambiance, highlighting the aesthetic appeal of traditional holiday decorations while emphasizing fire safety concerns.There is nothing more authentic than a holiday display with glowing candles. Homeowners can light tea lights around the front door or get holiday-themed tiki torches. However, it’s important to remember that candles come with more fire hazards than traditional LED lights. According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2015 to 2019, over 7,400 fires were caused by candles. 

When using candles as outdoor holiday decorations, be sure to: 

  • Keep candles away from anything flammable, like garlands. 
  • Keep candles out of reach of pets or children. 
  • Use metal drip plates for melting wax. 
  • Do not leave candles unattended for hours at a time. 
  • Enclose the flame in a glass container. 
  • Don’t put tea lights directly on the table. 
  • Trim the candle’s wick after use. 

Homeowners can learn more about candle safety by visiting the National Candle Association.  They can also consult a company that specializes in electrical services. 

About the Meridian Company 

Meridian Company’s more than an electrical service; they’re advocates of electrical safety, energy-efficient appliances, and eco-friendly solutions. They’re committed to providing the best possible service to residents of East Lansing and the surrounding area. Homeowners can connect with their team today to learn more about their electrical services in East Lansing.

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3 Tips for Saving Money On Shopping This Holiday

Hand holding a piggy bank with coins stacked, representing financial savings for HVAC maintenance in Lansing, MI.

Save Money On Heating and Cooling 

By optimizing the performance of their HVAC systems, homeowners can save more money on utility bills to put towards holiday shopping. Heating costs in the cold winter months can impact families financially. Having the right heating system professionally installed and well maintained will help to reduce heating costs. 

One: Replace Old Thermostats 

Person using a screwdriver to install a Wi-Fi programmable thermostat on a wall, emphasizing HVAC system maintenance and energy efficiency.

The thermostat controls the function of central air systems. When the thermostat is not working properly, it can increase the energy bills. Changing the batteries, cleaning away dust, matching the right thermostat with the system, and replacing outdated models of thermostats will optimize the performance. If the thermostat does not read the temperature accurately, it may fail to heat the home adequately, shut on and off, and increase energy usage.

New Wi-Fi programmable thermostats help reduce energy usage, keep utility bills low, and reduce environmental impact. Smart thermostats learn the home and automatically optimize the system for cost-effectiveness and energy usage. 

Homeowners should consider replacing old thermostats before the temperature drops in the winter to save money on energy bills. Every dollar saved on energy costs can go towards a better holiday. 

Two: Change Air Filter Often  

Air filter for HVAC systems, showcasing pleated design for optimal air quality and efficiency in home maintenance.The air filter needs to be changed every three months, but that frequency can increase based on the number of people and pets in the house, or if there are smokers present. The air filter removes particles from the air, promoting healthy air quality so that families are not breathing in airborne contaminants. If the air filter is not cleaned/replaced regularly, the air quality will be worse, and the system can fail. 

Replacing the air filter will help to prevent system failure. It is a small step that can save homeowners a lot of money. While most HVAC maintenance requires the help of an HVAC technician, replacing the air filter is something the homeowner can do themselves. It is important to make sure that the air filter is replaced regularly and with the right type of filter and the right size filter. 

Three: Keep Track of Maintenance 

During the busy holiday season, many homeowners lose track of when the last time they had their HVAC system serviced. Doing regular maintenance is the most powerful tool homeowners have for preventing costly repairs and high utility bills. Local HVAC experts are a resource for homeowners who are looking to improve the efficiency of cost-effectiveness of their heating and cooling system. 

Keeping a written log of all furnace maintenance and HVAC maintenance will help with scheduling. This log can be handwritten or digital. Keeping the receipts/paperwork from every maintenance appointment in a folder is an easy way to track services. 

Writing in maintenance dates on calendars and personal planners will help to remind the homeowner when to schedule an appointment. Some home service providers have recurring maintenance services that homeowners can schedule in advance. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical 

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a Lansing, MI home service provider that is top-rated for its friendly, knowledgeable staff. They are extremely trusted by their community. Call today to schedule a maintenance service appointment in Lansing, MI, with one of their dependable staff members!

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Save Money This Back to School Season!

Two young girls in a car, one waving, promoting friendly community interactions. HVAC and home service maintenance focus.

Remember These Tips Before Back to School Drop Off

It is almost that time of year when students and teachers around the country will be heading back to school. And what better time to learn something new than now! For homeowners, in particular, this is a great time of year to see how they currently care for their homes and how they might better care for their homes when it comes to efficiency.

In particular, there are a number of different tips and tricks that homeowners can employ to save themselves money that they could instead be put toward the cost of new school supplies for their children! Continue reading for some of the best changes homeowners can make to save themselves money now and going forward.

Close Window Curtains and BlindsHand adjusting white window blinds to control sunlight, illustrating energy-saving tips for homeowners during hot summer months.

Pro-tip number one is to close the window curtains and blinds. The biggest benefit of this action is that curtains and blinds can prevent excessive sunlight from entering the home. During hot summer days, especially, high volumes of sunlight can raise indoor temperatures, which forces the air conditioning system to work even harder to achieve the desired cooling settings.

Of course, homeowners and their families probably enjoy looking outside, which is impossible when the curtains and blinds are closed. Thus, a great way to start is to close the curtains and blinds when the family is out of the house. In this way, they can still enjoy looking out when they are home, but they can save money by decreasing the strain on the AC system when they are not home.

Raise Thermostat Temperatures

Pro-tip number two is to raise the thermostat temperatures to save on monthly utility bills. This essentially means raising the “maximum” cool setting so that air conditioning is activated slightly less. Maybe homeowners set it to 70 degrees instead of 68. The delta does not have to be huge for it to make a meaningful difference.

Of important note, similar to the discussion about the window curtains and blinds, this does not mean that homeowners and their families have to suffer without air conditioning when they are at home. Rather, this is a change they can make during the hours when they are not at home. Perhaps they are going to be out for four hours during the middle of the day. Right before they leave, they can raise the thermostat settings, and when they arrive home, they can lower the settings back down!

Replace Air Filters RegularlyMan wearing a blue hard hat holding a clean air conditioning filter, emphasizing the importance of regular air filter replacement for home efficiency.

Pro-tip number three is to replace the air conditioning filters regularly. Specifically, homeowners should replace their filters at least once every three months - perhaps more often if they run their air conditioners frequently. The key idea here is that air filters trap particles that are circulating through the air. This dust and debris accumulates fast, and this can have future consequences if not managed responsibly.

In particular, it can make the air conditioning systems run less efficiently since it impacts airflow. The AC system will have to work even harder to achieve the same cooling effect when the filters are jammed up with debris. Filter replacement improves efficiency, which therefore saves energy costs!

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical of Lansing, MI has delivered best-in-class solutions since 1984. With the belief that simply “getting the job done” is not enough, their team of experts prioritize the most accurate workmanship and highest quality products for each and every one of their customers. Give them a call for air conditioning help today!

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Unexpected Changing Habits For Your Thermostat That Save You Money

Person in formal attire inserting money into a pink piggy bank, representing financial planning for home services.

Heating Habits That Can Save You Money

As the days get colder and the nights get longer, it is typical for heating bills to soar. Cold weather means that everyone is using their heaters and furnaces more often. Holiday season means that people are entertaining and may be obliged to turn their thermostats even warmer than if they were home alone. However, cold weather does not need to equal high heating bills.

By properly maintaining your heating system and making sure your home is free of cracks or cold drafts, you can make sure your home is heating efficiently. This will mean less money spent each month on heating bills while still feeling warm and comfortable!

Make Sure Your Home is Airtight

Person applying caulk to seal windows for better insulation and energy efficiency, emphasizing the importance of making homes airtight to reduce heating bills.Making sure your home is airtight is one very simple way to save money on heating bills. Drafty homes let warm air out and cold air in, making them harder to heat. Homes that are poorly insulated or that have drafts near windows and doors are much more expensive to heat because the heating system needs to work twice as hard to keep the home at a comfortable temperature.

If you have an older home, it might be worth it to get your house entirely re-insulated. This can be expensive, but it pays off in the long run with drastically lower heating bills. It is common for most homes to be a bit drafty near windows and doors. Windows and doors are essentially holes in the exterior wall filled with a thinner material than the wall itself.

Caulking around windows can help prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also use thin plastic to cover windows. Most hardware stores sell kits with plastic and double-sided tape that can be used to cover drafty windows. A hair blow-dryer can be used to shrink the plastic and make an airtight covering. You can use weatherstripping around drafty doors to make them more airtight.

Maintain Your Heating System

Maintaining your heating system is also important for saving money on your heating bill. Cleaning air filters in the furnace regularly keeps your system working as efficiently as possible because dirty filters require the furnace to work harder and use more energy. Keeping vents clean and clear helps air travel more effectively around the house, which also makes sure the furnace is working as efficiently as possible and not using extra energy.

Important stamp emphasizing the significance of maintaining heating systems and HVAC efficiency for homeowners.

It is usually a good idea to have an HVAC professional check out your heating system at the beginning of the cold weather season to be sure that there are no blockages in your system and to keep your furnace running and smoothly as possible. Staying up to date on maintenance also means that the furnace will last longer along with allowing your home to have clean air each and every day.

Make Sure to Replace Old HVAC Parts

Old and rusted HVAC unit mounted on a wall, illustrating the importance of replacing outdated heating parts for efficient home heating.When it comes to saving money, it can seem like it makes sense to wait to replace old HVAC parts. But not replacing these parts can end up costing you more money in the long run. Old parts can result in a heating system not working efficiently and can result in your home not being properly heated.

Even if you think you are saving money by keeping the old parts, you may end up paying more money for your heating bill and living in an uncomfortable home environment. Old HVAC parts can leak air, have blockages, or make unpleasant squeaking or grinding noises.

In the long run, it is much cheaper to replace them than to leave them. Replacing old parts can save you money on your heating bill and also help your heating system last longer.

Trust Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical!

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical started out in 1984 as Meridian Plumbing. They have since included HVAC and bathroom/kitchen remodeling. While their business has evolved over the years, they remain firmly rooted in old-fashioned customer service.

Now in their third decade of business, their team anticipates more opportunities to be a benefit to the community through better service, more advanced technologies and solutions, and faster response times.

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