FAQ

Please take a look at our frequently asked questions. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us at (478) 471-6655

How can I tell if my air conditioner is broken?

If the cool air has stopped flowing, the first thing you should do is check your thermostat.

• If your thermostat display is blank, try changing the batteries.
• If the display is still blank, remove the thermostat from the wall and check the wires to make sure it’s getting power. Use a multimeter to check the voltage.
• If you’re not getting voltage, check your fuse box to see if any fuses have been blown or tripped. If the fuses look good, locate the switch connected to your central A/C and switch it on and off to reset the connection.
• If it’s getting power, but the screen is still blank, go outside and check the condenser to see if a fuse has been tripped.
• If your thermostat still isn’t working, it may be time to replace it. Check the warranty to see if it’s expired.
• If your thermostat is working, but the air conditioner won’t turn on, you should also:
• Turn on the fan to see if the blower is getting power.
• Change your air filter if it’s more than one month old. The buildup of dirt and debris could be preventing air flow.
• Check the condensation drain.
• If you’re still experiencing problems, call Emerald Services at (478) 741-6655.

When should I replace my air conditioner?

Replacing your air conditioner is an investment. Here are some things to consider:

• The age of your air conditioner.
  • The life of an air conditioner is somewhere between 10 and 20 years. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement.
• Rising energy bills.
  • As air conditioners get older, they become less energy efficient. Compare your utility bills for the last few summers. If your costs are rising, it could be a sign that your air conditioner is wearing out.
• Leaking refrigerant.
  • Not only is refrigerant expensive, but refrigerant leaks will cause the compressor to eventually go out. The type of refrigerant appropriate for your air conditioner may also cause you problems down the road.
• The cost of repair.
  • Call Emerald Services at (478) 741-6655 to get a free quote on repair costs. We’re competitive and prompt. Great service is our goal!

Why is my air conditioner freezing up?

Nearly all air conditioner freeze ups are caused by either a lack of refrigerant, or a lack of air flow to the evaporator coils. If your air conditioner is freezing up, the first thing you should do is turn it off. If you continue to run it, the compressor could be damaged. Check the following items:

• Thermostat temperature setting.
  • If your thermostat is set below 70 degrees it could be causing your air conditioner to freeze up — and it’s actually not cooling your home any faster.
• Refrigerant level.
  • If your refrigerant level is low, this could signal a larger issue and we’d recommend calling a professional to have a look.
• Air filter.
  • A clogged, dirty air filter could be causing the issue. As mentioned above, change the filter if it’s been more than a month since the last change.
• Vents.
  • Make sure all vents are open to ensure air flow to the evaporator coil.
• Evaporator coils.
  • If the evaporator coils are blocked by dirt and debris, this could be cause of the problem.
• Fan has stopped working or is not up to the job any longer.
  • Your fan blows cool air through the ductwork in your home — and also helps circulate air back to your evaporator coil.

Why is my air conditioner leaking condensation? Should I be worried?

One function of air conditioners is to extract humidity from the air, so a little bit of condensation is natural. However, leaks usually indicate that there’s a problem with the way the condensate is draining. The following things could be causing this issue:

• A clogged condensate line or rusted condensate pan.
• A dirty or frozen evaporator coil.
• A low refrigerant level.
• Dirty air filter.
• Installation issues.

Our technicians can diagnose the problem and arrive at the best solution for your issues.

How do I change my air filter?

You should regularly change your air filter to ensure your AC is running efficiently - and not contributing to other maintenance problems. To change your filter, follow these steps:

• Choose the right size. Remove your old filter and measure it, or read your user’s manual.
• Choose a MERV. MERV stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and ranges from 1-20. The higher the MERV, the more effective the air filter.
• Choose the type of filter. You can choose from fiberglass, washable, pleaded or electronic.
• Install it. Most air filters are extremely easy to install. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.