Tag: summer

Take Refreshing Summer Drinks to the Next Level With Filtered Water

Why Everyone Should Install a Whole Home Water Filter This Summer

Water filters are an essential and helpful tool for households interested in improving the quality of their tap water. Water filtration systems provide many benefits that can help people to create a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. This blog post will share three benefits of installing a water filtration system at home.

Improved Taste

waterOne of the primary benefits associated with water filtration systems is improved taste. Tap water from municipal sources often has additives, such as chlorine or fluoride, that have a strange, unpleasant taste. Water filtration systems can filter out these additives and contaminants to give water a better flavor. Installing a whole-house water filter can provide homeowners with better-tasting tap water, meaning that the water tastes better, as well as drinks made with water. It can improve the taste of coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and other popular summer drinks. 

Water filtrations systems can improve the taste of water (and other drinks) by:

  • Removing the chlorine and chloramines from the water
  • Reducing the sediment and particles in the water
  • Eliminating the heavy metals from the water
  • Reducing the organic compounds from the water
  • Creating a better pH balance in the water
  • Enhancing the overall purity of the water

Safer Water

Another benefit of water filtration systems is the improved health benefits of drinking clean water. After passage through a municipal water supply, tap water may contain trace amounts of minerals, chemicals, and other pollutants. A water filtration system removes these contaminants, ensuring people drink clean and safe water.

Many types of water filters exist for various applications, some utilizing physical barriers such as sediment filters or activated carbon and others using chemical reactions like reverse osmosis or ion exchange. Water filtration systems offer numerous benefits that help households improve their health and reduce their environmental impact. By investing in a water filter system, people can ensure that they are drinking clean, safe, and great-tasting water daily.

Save Money

saveWith the cost of groceries skyrocketing, buying bottled water for everyday use can be costly. So, in addition to health benefits, whole-house water filters also help households save money. By using a filtration system to purify tap water, households can reduce their spending on beverages rather than purchasing expensive bottled water from the store.

Finally, with water filtration systems, households can reduce their environmental impact. Purchasing bottled water contributes to the creation of plastic waste and pollution, while a whole-home water filter eliminates these risks and reduces a home’s plastic waste.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a local family-owned business serving East Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide full-service solutions, fast response, and superior customer service. Call them today for water filtration system installation or repair in East Lansing, MI.  

Summer is Coming: Signs That a Home's AC Unit Can't Take the Heat

Symptoms of an AC That May Need Replacement Before the Summer

Nothing ruins a great summer day like an air conditioner going out. The heat can cause serious physical problems for people, including headaches and fatigue, not to mention the worst-case scenario of heat stroke, which can be extremely dangerous. Now is an excellent time for homeowners to verify that their system is working correctly and will be reliable throughout the summer’s hottest days. This blog will share common signs indicating an AC replacement may be needed before the summertime. 

The Age of the AC System

oldOn average, air conditioners can last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. However, older units may show signs of aging and require more repair before eventually needing replacement. In hot weather, it is essential that the air conditioning is properly functioning to keep a home cool and comfortable and prevent the dangers of being stuck in the heat without AC. 

If homeowners have an old AC unit nearing the end of its life, it might not be able to handle the heat, and they'll end up with an inefficiently cooled home or, worse, a broken AC in the summer. It's crucial to consider replacing an old air conditioner before it breaks down to save time and money in the long run. Investing in a new air conditioning unit can give homeowners peace of mind knowing they won't be left in the hot weather with a broken AC. It's also important to consider getting an energy-efficient model to save money on cooling bills every month. Replacing an old, inefficient unit can provide homeowners and their families with greater comfort and save them money.

Loss of Energy Efficiency

Another sign an AC unit may need replacement is a loss of efficiency that homeowners may notice through higher-than-usual energy bills. Air conditioners become less energy efficient and cost more to run as they age. Additionally, component malfunctions, dirty filters, neglected maintenance, and outdated systems can cause AC units to work harder than necessary and use more energy. All these things add up to higher operating costs for the homeowner.

If a newer air conditioner that has received routine maintenance begins to run inefficiently, it's likely an issue with a specific component or malfunctioning part requiring repair. However, an inefficient system can also lead to more wear and tear on the system, reducing its lifespan, so once a professional inspect the system for the cause of its inefficiency, the best solution may be to replace the unit. 

Home Fails to Reach the Right Temperature

hotIf the house never seems to get as cool as it should or warm air blows from the vents instead of cool air, this can indicate a serious issue with the AC unit that may require replacing it. Many things can cause such a problem, including: 

  • Bent coil fins
  • Broken thermostat
  • Dirty coils
  • Dirty air ducts
  • Electrical issues
  • Leaky coolant
  • Malfunctioning blower

Depending on factors like what is causing the problem and the age of the unit, the solution may be AC replacement or repair. HVAC contractors can advise homeowners on the best solution to their air conditioning problems. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned plumbing, HVAC, and remodeling business serving Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide full-service solutions, fast response, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for AC replacement and installation in Lansing, MI. 

How To "Light Up" The Yard For Summer Cookouts!

Metal fire pit in a landscaped garden with a residential house, showcasing The Meridian Company's home service environment.

3 Easy Ways To Prep the Yard Lighting for Summer Nights

Summer is best spent BBQing, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the warm weather. There is nothing more relaxing than hanging out in the yard when the sun starts to set! But the fun doesn’t have to end with the sunset. Installing outdoor lighting can extend summer fun into the evening, allowing everyone a little more time to enjoy the fun of summer! Read on to explore three popular types of outdoor lighting that create the perfect environment for a summer evening outside.

Floodlights for Superb Lightingfloodlights

Floodlights are a popular addition to any yard that needs a brighter environment when darkness falls. They are the super-powered version of a porch light but can be installed just about anywhere in a yard. Floodlights are an excellent investment for year-round use, coming in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit any home’s needs. In terms of cost-effectiveness, LED floodlights are the best option, saving homeowners about 80% on their electrical bill compared to traditional floodlights.

Benefits of Floodlights

  • Versatile: Floodlights come in hundreds of colors and a variety of programming options. Homeowners can use them to project textures and colors onto a home’s walls for the holidays or as lighting for an outdoor party.
  • Enhance Home Security: Floodlights are a recommended addition to a home’s security system. Most floodlights have a motion sensor setting, turning on when any activity occurs in their vicinity. Floodlights reduce theft and vandalism risks for a home.
  • Improve Yard Safety: An evening BBQ can quickly go awry by tripping on a hose or rock hidden in the shadows. Floodlights create better visibility in a yard, making it safer for outdoor evening events.

Spotlight the Garden With Landscape Lighting

Many people spend hundreds of hours keeping their lawn and gardens perfectly manicured. But it’s hard to enjoy that manicured oasis in the dark. Spotlight lighting emphasizes the unique and beautiful landscaping areas in a yard, such as topiary bushes or fountains. 

Benefits of Landscape Lighting

  • Increase Curb Appeal: Homes with landscape lighting attract attention 24/7! Curb appeal increases when the beautiful landscape can be appreciated at night and during the day.
  • Increase Home Value: Outdoor landscape lighting increases a home’s value in addition.
  • Deters Crime: Like floodlights, landscape lighting helps to deter crime.
  • Extends Outdoor Space Use: Landscape lighting provides additional lighting for outdoor evening activities.

Improve the Summer Vibe With String Lightinglights

Looking for an inexpensive, fun way to light up the yard for an evening outside? String lighting is the way to go! String lights come in plug-in, battery, and solar-charged models to suit any home’s setup. What’s more, they come in countless styles, lengths, and colors to fit any outdoor design.

Benefits of String Lighting

  • Inexpensive: Quality string lighting generally costs less than $200. 
  • Versatile: String lighting can be installed around furniture, on porches, or hanging from pergolas. Homeowners can often use them year-round.
  • Easy to Use: String lighting doesn’t require professional installation and is super easy to install.

For help deciding on lighting options for a yard, reach out to a professional electrician. They’ll be able to investigate the electrical capabilities of the outdoor space and provide guidance on the best solution for every unique situation!

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Since 1984, Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has been committed to providing Lansing, MI with quality heating, cooling, and electrical services. Homeowners never need to compromise quality for affordability when working with their technicians - they tailor every project to suit their needs and budget and offer helpful financing options. Contact them today for electrical services.