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Cunningham Associates
Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Tag Archives: air conditioning

A Big Spike In Power Bills? It Could Be An Air Conditioning Problem!

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The summer heat is brutal and our HVAC systems are running around the clock. We are not surprised when we get our higher electricity bills in the summer months. But, look closely. Is the bill unusually high? Is the cost increase more than it was last year? You could have an air conditioning problem.

A clogged up and dirty condenser coil results in overworked HVAC systems. The air is not freely flowing through the system. This could cause your system to continually cycle on and off using more electricity to maintain your comfort levels. A cleaning is a quick and inexpensive fix that will save your system and return your power bill to normal.

Thermostat problems are one of the most overlooked issues with our HVAC systems. If your thermostat is not correctly calibrated and working properly, it could cause your system to turn on and off too often. This is a common problem and (like with the coil issue), a cheap fix. Allow a professional to check, calibrate or if needed, replace your thermostat. This is a much less expensive option than a year of higher power bills.

A tiny leak in the refrigeration lines could be allowing small amounts of the refrigerant to leak out of the system. If the leak is small, you may not hear or feel the difference. But you can see the difference in the electric bills. Your HVAC system is struggling to keep the house at a cooler temperature with less than enough refrigerant to do so. Over time, the leak will get worse and eventually a costly repair is necessary. Fixing a minor leak allows minor problems to remain minor.

All of these little issues can cause you headaches and cost big money if neglected. All of them would be addressed in your bi-annual cleaning and system checkup.

Do not let your hard-earned money be stolen by unnecessary electric bill surges. Make sure that you call Cunningham Associates today for an air conditioning system inspection in Atlanta, GA.

3 Things to Do Before Worrying About Your Air Conditioner

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It’s summer time! That means fireworks, pool time, cold lemonade, watermelon, and barbecues. Summer can also mean hot days and staying inside just to stay cool. This can be fun for a little while, but staying inside can mean running your air conditioner all day. That can result in lots of questions. Is it normal for my air condition to always be running? Why won’t my air conditioner turn off? Why does it seem like my air conditioning isn’t getting cold enough? Don’t fret yet! These are all common questions. Below is a list of three easy steps to try first before letting the stress sink in.

 

1. Make sure you actually have a problem

 
With the air conditioner running constantly, it’s easy to assume something is wrong. However, remember that it is summer. If your home is reaching the air conditioner temp without problem and you energy bills are roughly what they were at this time last year, then you may be stressing over nothing. Expect that your air conditioner will be running more frequently because it is hot outside!

 

2. Make easy changes

 
One tiny issue with something as important as the air conditioner can cause people to go into a frenzy. But, before you completely freak out, there are some easy things to check. Make sure that your air filters are clean. At the very least, air filters should be changed every three months. But, when your air is being used constantly, changing it monthly may be necessary. Also, make sure your vents aren’t being blocked. Something as simple as moving drapes, curtains, or furniture can make a huge difference in the amount of airflow allowed in your home.

 

3. Talk to an expert

 
Few and far between have much knowledge of the internal workings of your air conditioner. So, if you’ve tried the easy options, it may be time to call someone who knows. When looking for a good technician, trust is important. Pick a company that has state of the art devices to get accurate information, but also gives you a home town feel.

 
Don’t let something as silly as your air conditioner ruin your summer. Contact Cunningham Associates today. They’ll be able to answer your air conditioning service questions or concerns.

5 Common Sense Explanations for Seeking a Commercial Air Conditioning Specialist

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Commercial air conditioning problems aren’t situations that you should sort out on your own. Commercial grade HVAC units are complicated mechanical devices that require years of experience and training to properly diagnose and repair. It is never a good idea to attempt to fix your commercial property’s HVAC unit if you don’t know what you are doing.

Here are five reasons to hire a commercial air conditioning specialist to maintain and repair your HVAC system.

  1. Safety: The obvious first reason to trust a heating and cooling professional with your HVAC is for safety reasons. Repairing HVAC systems requires training and knowledge. Don’t risk your safety, call a professional for all repairs.
  2. Speed: If you own an apartment building, the last thing you want is for your tenants to worry about not having air conditioning. To expedite the repair process, always trust a professional with the repair job.
  3. Money: If you think it’s expensive to pay a professional for HVAC repairs, then imagine the cost of trying it yourself and failing. The cost to repair an ailing machine is far less than replacing an entire unit.
  4. Guarantee: Commercial HVAC companies offer service guarantees on their work. With a work warranty presented in writing by your trusted HVAC professional, you can rest easy knowing the job will always be done right.
  5. Maintenance: On-going HVAC maintenance, which is carried out long into the future, gives you peace of mind that all necessary maintenance and upkeep is priority number one.

Never consider repairing your Commercial HVAC unit or system yourself. Always trust a professional to keep your unit and system running like the day it was installed. Call Cunningham Associates today at (770) 455-6722, we’re an air conditioning specialist in Atlanta, GA.

Summer’s Coming – Time for an Air Conditioning Tune-up!

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Anyone having experienced a typical Atlanta summer knows it is not a time to be left without reliable home air conditioning. While you may not need your air conditioning unit right now, you will need it in the near future. It is necessary to contact an HVAC professional to not only perform annual maintenance, but to also look for potential problems that may have developed during the winter while the unit sat dormant. Over time, the system accumulates dust and dirt. Left unchecked, this can wreak havoc on an air conditioning unit.

 
Routine inspections pay for themselves. Small problems can be identified and fixed before they become a costly repair. Furthermore, an air conditioning tune-up will help your system operate at peak efficiency. This will help keep energy consumption low and will keep monthly payments reasonable. Air conditioners that are well-maintained can be expected to last more than a decade.

 
A seasonal tune-up performed by a qualified professional may include inspections and repairs to the following components:
 

  • Blower
  • Drain line
  • Coils
  • Operating pressures
  • Refrigerant levels
  • Duct work

 
Servicing your air conditioning unit before peak months with prevent any disruption in cooling when it is needed for continuous use. Operating a unit that has not been serviced puts you at risk for compromised efficiency and comfort, and may cause costly damage. If your air conditioning in the metro Atlanta and surrounding areas needs a tune-up, Cunningham Associates can help. We offer the highest levels of service, quality and professionalism. Schedule a service call today!

Air Conditioning Repair: How to Get the Most From Your AC

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Having your air conditioning go out is a homeowner’s nightmare. Especially in the middle of the summer, you do not want to spend time in the sweltering heat in your own home. Also, when your air conditioning goes out, you are probably dreading the worst, that you will need to replace your entire system. But in many cases air conditioning repair could be all you need.

A good HVAC company isn’t just going to try to sell you a new unit. Oftentimes, your AC unit can be repaired by replacing a part. Another thing to consider if you dread your AC going out is having annual maintenance done on your unit to keep it running optimally for as long as possible. In the long run, annual maintenance can save you money.

However, if your AC breaks and it turns out it needs to be replaced, there is good news. Units today are much more efficient than they used to be. Even standard models are more efficient than older units, so you can start saving money on energy costs right away. But to get the most energy savings and lessen your environmental footprint, you can purchase a high-efficiency unit.

If you live in Atlanta and have HVAC needs, contact Cunningham Associates today. With summer on its way, now is the time to have your air conditioner repaired or replaced if you have been putting it off since last year. At Cunningham Associates, we are a Dave Lennox Premiere Dealer, meaning we have an independent customer satisfaction program, making sure all of our customers are getting exactly what they want. Check us out today for your cooling needs.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Experience with Professional Air Conditioning Installation

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When you want to improve the cooling in your home or replace the current air conditioning system, you should consider contacting a professional right away to discuss the situation. Although you might think you are capable of handling something like this on your own, replacing or installing a brand new air conditioning system is not easy and is a task best left for qualified professionals.

When you get professional air conditioning installation, you also get a stress-free experience.

Determine the Right System

The first part of the process is determining what kind of cooling system you need. For instance, your home may be exceptionally insulated, which might prevent you from needing central air conditioning.

It all depends on numerous variables that professionals have the knowledge and experience to analyze, and make sure you end up with an air conditioning system that satisfies your needs.

Work with Your Budget

When you have a particular budget to work with, professionals know how much most projects cost, especially after taking a good look at your property and seeing what needs to be done. When you use professional installers, you can feel confident that your budget will not be exceeded.

A Convenient Installation

It is nice to know that when you invest in an installation by professionals, they will work around your schedule to make sure that you are comfortable throughout the entire process.

Guaranteed Professional Results

An amateur installation has no guarantees, and this is exactly what you want to avoid with something as substantial as a cooling system. To have a stress-free experience, professional installation is a necessity.

With all of the benefits above, hiring a professional should be an easy decision to make. Call us today to schedule your professional air conditioning installation!

Causes of HVAC Problems

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Your HVAC system is comprised of many complex components used to control the temperature within your home and provide you with a less stressful and more comfortable living space. Here at Cunningham Associates, we know that you’ve probably come to rely on your HVAC system this summer, but consider this: what would you do if it stopped working? Before you panic and book the next available emergency service appointment with us, consider these common HVAC problems to determine if there’s a quick fix.

Is the Filter Dirty?

A dirty air filter will not only lead to less effective heating and cooling, but it will put added stress on your whole HVAC system. Filters can be disposable or permanent, so it may be necessary to either purchase a new filter to replace the old one or clean out the existing filter.

Did You Check Outside?

If your HVAC system has an outside unit, double-check to make sure it is not damaged or clogged up with debris, like grass, rocks, sticks, or leaves. This can affect your system’s overall ability to heat and cool your home by causing internal damage to the motor or other critical components.

Is the Thermostat Broken?

A broken thermostat is likely to cause uncomfortable temperatures within your home and, if not fixed quickly, can skyrocket your utility bills. Try troubleshooting your thermostat to check if it is working properly by changing the temperature to see if the corresponding HVAC system kicks on.

Did You Check the Breaker?

Check your circuit breaker box to see if the breaker is tripped. It may be as simple as flicking the switch from “off” to “on.”

These common issues may seem easy to fix, but it’s important to consider that there may be additional underlying issues that only a professional can recognize. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding the functionality of your HVAC system.

Six Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning Unit Makes Odd Sounds

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Your air conditioning unit is a mechanical device with moving parts and will never run completely silently. However, it is designed to make minimal noise. When it gets really loud or makes odd sounds, something is wrong. Learn the meaning of these sounds so that you can get your air conditioner repaired before it breaks down and leaves you sweating in the hot weather. Here are six common reasons for a noisy air conditioner.

Loose Screws

The moving parts of your AC unit cause vibrations, which in turn may loosen panels and/or mounting screws. When this happens, you will hear rattling sounds. The good news is that it’s easily fixed by tightening the screws with a screwdriver. Beware of opening the AC unit to tighten screws because the thermostat may turn it on while your hands are inside. Leave this type of work to a professional.

Fan Blades Are Rubbing Against Something

Sometimes a stick, branch, or other form of debris rubs against the fan blades. The fan blades may also rub against a warped or damaged fan cage. If you hear very loud rattling sounds, quickly turn the unit off to prevent damage to the fan blades.

Leaking Ductwork

If your ductwork has air leaks from cracks or seams, it may make whistling sounds. Leaks from seams may be easily repaired by tightening the appropriate screws or bolts.

Worn Belt

When a belt wears out, its grip weakens and will slip whenever you turn on your air conditioner. The screeching sound you hear will be momentary. This is similar to the behavior of a loose fan belt in your car that only screeches when you press down on the gas pedal. When you hear this sound, have the belt replaced.

Loud Fan Motor Bearings

This problem usually occurs after many years of use. The lubrication in the fan motor bearings will eventually break down. The bearings then make noise and become damaged from the lack of lubrication. Depending on the AC unit, the bearings might be replaceable. Often the motor isn’t designed for easy bearing replacement, so you may have to replace the entire thing.

Noisy Compressor

Compressors often make noise, but if it’s louder than usual, it may be wearing out. If the noise is accompanied by weak cooling air, your compressor is the likely cause.

Pay attention to the sounds your air conditioner makes because it may be telling you it needs repair or adjustment. Contact Cunningham Associates to resolve the issue before a breakdown occurs.

What to Look for When It Comes to Air Conditioning Installation

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Air conditioning is a staple in most homes today. When it’s time for air conditioning installation, you’ll want to do it right the first time since it’s such a time-consuming job. For this reason, there are a few things you need to consider before getting started:

You want an efficient unit so that it doesn’t cause a drag on your energy bill, thus costing you a lot of money. In order to understand this, you need to know what the SEER (Season Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is.

It’s also important to install the right size unit. If it’s too small, it won’t cool your home adequately. However, if the unit is too big, it will continuously turn off and on in just a short amount of time. Not only will this use a lot of energy, it will place a lot of strain on each part of the unit.

Another important thing to do is what’s known as an energy audit. This looks at your insulation, air sealing, and whether there are any leaks in your ductwork. If any problems are found, you should take remedial actions at the time that you install your new central air conditioning system.

Now that you understand how vital it is to choose the right air-conditioning unit, you can see why it’s just as important to choose an experienced contractor, like Cunningham Associates. We can help you work through all the necessary considerations that you need for finding the best air-conditioning system for your home.

Why Your Air Conditioner Leaks

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One of the most common air conditioning problems is leakage or pool buildup. Water is a natural byproduct of the air conditioning process. When warm humid air passes over the evaporator coil, the air is cooled and the humidity condenses on the cold surface of the coil. This condensate collects in a sloped drip pan and then leaves via a drain line. When this drainage is blocked or prevented in some way, you will have a leakage problem. The following are a few reasons why you might have a leakage problem:

Blocked Condensate Drain Line: A common reason for water leakage is a clogged drain line that is blocked by dirt, insects, or other debris. When the drain line can’t carry the water out of your house, the drip pan overflows!

Leaking Drip Pan or Condensate Drain Line: Cracks or holes in either the drip pan or condensate drain line will leak water into your home. A damaged drain line or a rusted drip pan may be responsible for this problem.

Condensate Pump Doesn’t Work: Some air conditioners use a pump to force the condensate out of your home. These are used when the water must flow uphill. When the pump doesn’t work, water builds up and leaks.

If your air conditioner is leaking, don’t ignore the problem because water-soaked walls and floors lead to mold damage which is expensive to repair. Contact us to get the problem resolved.