Company: Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Tips To Prepare a Kitchen for the Holidays

‘Tis the Season: Getting the Heart of the Home Ready for Guests

The holidays are quickly approaching. This means that many homeowners are gearing up for the extra cost, stress, and messes that come along with hosting festive family and friend get-togethers. And when it comes to Thanksgiving and holiday parties, a lot of the preparation and actual events themselves take place primarily in the heart of the home: the kitchen. 

For proactive, organized homeowners, now is the time to ensure the kitchen is ready for all the activity that is soon coming its way.

Is Everything in Good, Working Order? How About Your Kitchen Faucet?

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In order to cook the turkey and fancy appetizers, homeowners need to make sure their kitchen appliances are all working properly. And don’t forget all those dirty dishes that will need to be washed!

Consider whether it may be time to replace that old kitchen faucet. Some signs it may need to be replaced:

  • It’s dripping or leaking even when the handle is completely turned off or water leaks from the base of the faucet.
  • Water spews out of the faucet from various angles, or there is irregular water discharge.
  • There is rust and corrosion or scratches and cracks on the faucet itself.
  • The handle of the faucet is loose (in which case, it’s likely leaky as well).
  • There is abnormal water pressure. In this case, the problem is likely more extensive than just the kitchen faucet, and the homeowner should call a certified plumber to investigate.

If the homeowner is experiencing any of the above issues, they should have a plumber look at the problem and potentially replace the faucet if needed. This will prevent any embarrassing situations in front of the in-laws during cleanup after Thanksgiving dinner!

Install a New Kitchen Sink and Impress Your Friends and Family

Having a nice, large sink in the kitchen makes washing all those holiday dishes so much easier. But if a homeowner wants to upgrade their kitchen sink, what should they keep in mind while deciding which one to purchase and have installed? Here are some tips:

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  • Choose the right sink material - Homeowners will want to make sure the sink they pick fits into their decor, whether they decide to go with stainless steel, porcelain, cast iron, or another type of material. 
  • Decide on the placement - Will it be a drop-in where there is a visible lip on the counter or an undermount that creates a seamless look? 
  • Choose the right size - Maybe most importantly, the homeowner needs to select the best size sink for their needs. They will want to make sure they have enough space to wash dishes comfortably. Also, the larger the sink, the pricier it will be!
  • Choose a convenient style - Does a single or double bowl sink work better? People have different preferences regarding this, so this also needs to be considered when selecting the new sink.

No matter what type of sink one decides to go with, it will be imperative that the homeowner have a professional plumber come to install it properly.

The Garbage Disposal: Is It Ready for Thanksgiving Dinner?

The last thing a homeowner wants to deal with in the middle of a holiday party or Thanksgiving dinner cleanup is a broken garbage disposal. If there is any sign the garbage disposal isn’t working correctly - for example, it’s making funny noises or doesn’t seem to be grinding up items like it usually does - call the local plumber and have them check it out before the kitchen is filled with house guests.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

A family-run plumbing and HVAC company, Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical provides emergency service, trusted technicians, and guaranteed satisfaction. The staff at Meridian also takes pride in offering responsive customer service and firm price quotes. Meridian treats its customers like family.  Contact them for kitchen plumbing service in Lansing, MI.

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Scary Movies Should Give You Chills, Not a Broken Heater

Did a Broken Heater Ruin Your Scary Movie Night? Here’s Signs To Watch for Next Time

In some states, it is possible for homeowners to live without a heater during the winter months. For many, however, it’s critical for comfort and safety. That is why it is so crucial for the homeowners in Lansing to take care of their heaters. The last thing anyone wants is for their heater to break down just before the winter months. As a means to try and eliminate this issue, the homeowner can get regular maintenance done to his home’s electrical work. That said, it doesn’t mean the homeowner won’t experience some troubles every now and then. 

When trouble does strike, it is vital to understand what the signs to look out for are. Continue reading below to learn more about the common signs that a home’s heater needs some attention. 

The Home Isn’t Heating up

The main purpose of a heater is to heat a home. When the heater can’t do its job properly, this is the biggest sign that something deeper is at play, and the heater is most likely due for some repairs. Just because the heater won’t heat the home doesn’t mean it’s broken, though. That is why it’s crucial to call a professional before the homeowner makes a decision he or she might regret.

For instance, no one wants to buy a new heater when they could have easily fixed their old one for a quarter of the price. The only way to know for sure what the culprit is by calling a professional to come out and take a look. They will be able to tell the homeowner why his or her home isn’t getting warm and fix the problem in no time at all. 

Hearing Loud Noises? It’s Probably the Heater, Not a Monster

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Houses make scary noises sometimes, but if the noise seems to be coming from the heater, there could be a bigger problem at hand. Faulty heaters can make all kinds of scary noises. The homeowner needs to know what to do when he or she hears an unusual noise coming from the furnace. 

Common reasons the heater makes noises are:

  • Loose ducts
  • Loose blower fan
  • Worn out fan belt
  • A leak
  • A cracked heat exchanger

Regardless of the noise, if the heater in the home is making loud noises, the homeowner is highly encouraged to call a professional. Doing so is the only way to ensure the safety of all those that live in the household. Not only that, but a professional will also ensure that the job is done right the first time. 

A Significant Rise in the Electric Bill

Perhaps one of the most overlooked symptoms of a broken heater is an increase in the monthly bill. Most homeowners pay their electric bill each month without necessarily paying attention to a slight fluctuation in payment. However, if the homeowner is worried about his or her furnace, then one of the first places to look is actually the previous electric bills. 

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Any abnormality can make the electric bill increase. Essentially, if the heater is overworked for whatever reason, it will cause the bill to increase. This is potentially one of the first questions an electrician will ask the homeowner too. 

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Keeps Their Customers Happy

When it comes to electrical problems, the experts at Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are there to help the residents of Lansing, MI. Surviving a Michigan winter without a heater is not just inconvenient; it’s unsafe. Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are the trust techs that get the job done right the first time! Call today to schedule an appointment for heating services in Lansing.

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How To Know When To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

When Is It Necessary To Upgrade the Electrical Panel?

A lot of people tend to see updated electrical codes as being unnecessary and irritating. However, updated electrical codes are necessary to keep modern buildings safe and ready to accept the new demands placed on them. As building technology gets better, it becomes necessary to implement new building practices to keep up with the times. Upgrading electrical panels is one of the things that is becoming increasingly more common as society continues to use more electricity.

Upgraded electrical panels remove some of the dangers that have arisen from outdated equipment of the past. Additionally, new electrical panels can replace old equipment with new equipment that is more user-friendly and safer. 

But knowing when to replace the panel can be a daunting decision. Luckily, there are opportunities to have a panel replaced without major interruptions in electrical service.

Old Wiring Problems

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Whenever a home has wiring problems, they need to be addressed immediately. Wiring problems can run the range of inconvenient to hazardous. Wiring problems are most common in older homes that were built according to outdated codes with inferior materials. This means that the electrical panel is also likely outdated. Even if a newer home is having frequent wiring problems, these problems put extra stress on the electrical panel.

When an electrician comes to fix wiring issues, it is a prime opportunity to upgrade the service panel. Upgrading the service panel will ensure that the wiring and panel are compatible and that the home is protected from overcurrent and fire hazards. 

Installing New Appliances

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It is common to need an electrician's help when installing new appliances. New appliances may have different electrical demands than what was common when a home was built. As a result, the current wiring may be too small, and the overcurrent protection may be outdated. This means that the new appliance could present a hazard.

Having an electrician install appliances can ensure that the home's infrastructure can support the new appliance. During installation, the electrician can inspect the wiring and electrical panel to ensure it is safe and up to code. If it is not, they may recommend replacing the panel. 

Adding Circuits To a Home

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One of the best times to upgrade a panel is when a homeowner wants to add circuits to their home. In most homes, electrical panels are completely full, leaving no room for expanding service to the house. As a home demands more electricity with increased lighting needs, appliances, and room additions, it becomes necessary to get a bigger panel to serve the new circuits. 

Over the years, homes' demands for electricity have increased. People are using more electricity today than they were even 20 years ago, and the trend will probably continue. Furthermore, new codes are restrictive when it comes to combining certain loads on a circuit, so homes need more circuits than they used to. Therefore, by choosing to upgrade an electrical panel, a homeowner can more easily meet the demands they place on an electrical system and make expansion easier in the future. 

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Need help with an electrical problem? The electricians at Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are ready to help. Serving the Lansing, MI area since 1984, they are available to offer cost-effective, expert solutions to electrical panel problems. 

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The Facts About Pipe Installation

All There Is to Know About Pipe Installation

The piping system of a home is often forgotten. The "out of sight, out of mind" mentality is all too real when it comes to pipes. That said, they are one of the most important aspects of the modern home because they keep the plumbing system moving, which in turn keeps the home moving. Without all their hard work, society would look a lot different. 

That's why it is so crucial to take care of the home's piping system. Pretty much every area of the home has pipes running to and from it, and the best way to maintain clean pipes is by maintaining clean plumbing fixtures. 

But for the problems that can't be fixed with a simple cleaner, professional plumbers can keep a home working efficiently. Sometimes it even takes a whole-home piping installation to get the job done right. 

When Is the Right Time for Piping Installation?

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Without the help of a professional, it is nearly impossible to know if a home needs a whole-home piping installation performed. That said, there are some key things homeowners can look for that point to a need for replacement. 

Some common warning signs include: 

  • Discolored water
  • Corrosion in certain places of piping
  • Struggle from multiple clogs
  • Frequent leaks
  • Aged pipes

Old age is the most common reason for a whole-home piping installation. But if the previous homeowner didn't take care of the plumbing, pipes might need replacement sooner than anticipated. 

Available Piping Services

a plumber installing a pipe

Many people think about whole-home piping installation when they hear the words "piping installation," but this isn't the only service available. Houses are a labyrinth of pipes that work together to form the plumbing system. 

That said, just because one part of the plumbing system is bad doesn't mean the rest is. It is entirely possible, and in most cases recommended, to have outdoor piping installed or indoor piping done. 

Two plumbing systems work in tandem to keep the home moving properly. When living in an area prone to rainstorms and flooding, homeowners might need their outdoor pipes replaced sooner than the pipes that keep toilets, sinks, and showers going.

The only way to know for sure is to call in a professional to take a look. A professional can perform remote inspection and give advice on how to proceed. 

Tools Needed for Pipe Installation

First and foremost, a plumber will perform some inspection to ensure the pipes actually need replacement. This can happen in a few different ways, but many plumbers today will perform a camera pipe inspection. This type of inspection can be done remotely and provides video footage of the inside of the pipes.

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When the plumber installs new pipes into the home, they will need a few key tools. Some of these tools include: 

  • A welder's gauge
  • Fitter grips
  • Pipe fitter's square
  • Pipe wraps
  • Two-hole pin pipe fitting tool
  • Magnetic centering heads
  • Magnetic flange aligners

No matter what tool the plumber might need, they will come prepared with everything they need to get the job done right! Once a new piping system is installed into the home, these new pipes should last at least 50 years! 

Homeowners shouldn't hesitate to have a whole-home piping installation done to their home. It will save money in the long run and keep the home efficient and safe for decades. 

Trusted Local Plumbing Professionals

No matter the time of day or night, the professionals at Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical are there to help. They believe in providing excellent customer service and quality work. When having plumbing issues, homeowners can rest assured that the job will get done right the first time!

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Air Conditioning History: The Difference Between Then & Now

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A Brief History on Air Conditioning

It’s hard to imagine what life would be like without modern-day inventions. Without cars that can go over 40mph, without microwaves that heat up food in a few seconds, without electricity to power light bulbs and appliances, and without air conditioners to keep people cool and comfortable. People often take these things for granted, forgetting about the inventors and how much work went into making these products that would forever change people’s lives.

Through this article, homeowners can learn about the history of how air conditioning was invented and how the device has changed since then.

A Name to Remember: The AC Inventor the inventor

When it comes to air conditioning, people enjoy the use of it. They love how simple it is to use and how effectively it works. But how many people can name the inventor and understand how it was first developed?

The name to remember is Willis Carrier. Maybe it will come in handy for a game of jeopardy someday, or maybe it will simply allow people to show their appreciation to a person who truly made living in the home more comfortable. Carrier was born in Angola, New York in 1876 and graduated with a degree in engineering. 

One day, he was standing at a train platform on a foggy day when he suddenly realized how to control the air’s humidity: he could reduce the moisture in the air by passing the air through water to create fog. With this idea in mind, he soon created the first air conditioner in 1902, and since then, he has been known as the “Father of Air Conditioning.”

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A Critical Time Period

The early 1900s was a time of societal changes as well as huge advancements in manufacturing and engineering. For a long time, people had wanted a way to control the temperature and humidity indoors to make it more comfortable. Air conditioning made this possible for homes and also for businesses, which allowed for drastic growth in other industries. 

In the entertainment industry, AC led to movie blockbusters in the summer when people came to the theaters to escape the heat. In the manufacturing industry, it improved working conditions so employees wouldn’t have to deal with the heat around the machines. In the retail industry, it allowed for indoor shopping malls. And eventually, AC paved the way for the invention of computers and servers, which these days, people couldn’t do without.

Air Conditioner Development Over TimeAC unit

The “first” of any new invention tends to be quite large and bulky. Remember the first cell phones? They were giant compared to what most people use today, and don’t forget, they came with antennas! The same is true with the first air conditioner. It was very large at 7 feet high, 6 feet wide, and 20 feet long! 

Today, that would take up an entire room and then some. Since then, the size of the AC unit has changed drastically. However, it still uses the same concepts and mechanical setup to draw out the warm air from inside, cool it, and then circulate the cool air through the house. But now, that AC unit is more discreet and can fit right outside of a door or simply hang on a wall.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has been connected with the community throughout Lansing, East Lansing, and surrounding Ingham County since 1984. They cater to the plumbing, heating, and cooling needs of their neighbors. Their team specializes in remodeling solutions, particularly accessibility remodeling, and they understand the unique needs of the community, no matter what they need when it comes to their home comfort.

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