Tag: conditioning

Central Air Conditioning Vs. Ductless Mini Split Cooling Systems

How To Choose Between a Central or Ductless Air Conditioner

When it comes time to replace that old air conditioning unit after years of service, many homeowners are at a loss for what kind of system to install. Central AC has been the most widely used type of system for decades, but ductless mini-split systems have become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to their advantages. So which one should homeowners choose?

Unfortunately, there’s no cut-and-dry answer. There are many factors to consider, and a system that works for one home may not work for another. So to help homeowners make a more informed decision, this article will outline the advantages and drawbacks of common types of air conditioning systems.

Central Air Conditioner

central ACCentral air conditioning systems involve one large unit that delivers air throughout the home via air ducts. Because of their size and power, they tend to be better for larger homes with many rooms or large open spaces. They also tend to have a lower upfront cost than ductless systems since only one unit is installed rather than several smaller units.

Even though they may have a lower initial cost, central AC systems often come with higher operating costs over time since they cool every room, whether occupied or not, and some energy gets lost in air ducts. And, of course, the air ducts themselves will require periodic maintenance and cleaning.

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner

ductless mini split Ductless mini split air conditioning systems involve smaller units that serve individual rooms. This makes them more expensive initially to install, especially in larger homes that require several units - but they are more efficient, lowering utility bills, and advantageous in terms of zone control. Homeowners can choose to cool only the occupied rooms, dramatically reducing energy consumption, and everyone can set their room to their desired temperature without affecting the rest of the home. Mini-splits also save energy because they avoid the energy losses associated with air ducts.

Another benefit of ductless mini split AC units is their relatively simple installation. Since no ducts are required, mini-split installation generally only involves mounting the indoor blower unit to the wall and running conduits for wiring and refrigerant to the outdoor unit, typically through a small hole in the wall. However, many homeowners find the indoor units unsightly. Mini-splits are a great option for older homes that do not have existing ductwork or the space for it.

Other Kinds of AC Systems

While central and ductless mini-splits are the most common and effective air conditioning systems available, there are a couple of other options that can be useful in certain circumstances: window AC units and portable AC units.

Air conditioning window units are fairly small all-in-one devices that can be mounted inside a window frame. They can be effective for cooling very small homes or individual rooms and are generally very affordable. However, they tend to be somewhat noisy and aren’t exactly discreet.

Portable air conditioners are also quite inexpensive compared to central and mini-split systems, but like window units, they’re generally only suited for individual rooms or small homes. These can be placed virtually anywhere, but they have exhaust hoses that need to be run outside through a window.

All in all, the right air conditioner for the home depends on the household's individual needs and what kind of space it will be serving. Sometimes, homeowners may even want to utilize a combination of these AC systems. Like using a portable AC for a detached garage that isn’t connected to the house’s air conditioning system. Before picking a system, however, it’s always best to consult with a local HVAC professional for expert recommendations!

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is a family-owned local business serving the residents of Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas since 1984. They provide superior customer service, fast response, and tailored solutions. Call them today for heating and air conditioning services in Lansing, MI.

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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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Easy Ways to Fix Your Central Heating & Air Conditioning System

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 meltingMichigan 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.

cleaning hvac

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

schedulingThe 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.

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