
Whether you’re installing a new air conditioner or looking to maximize your current one, having it level is important.
Air conditioners are often placed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can result in breakdowns and even premature failure. Let’s review some of the malfunctions that can happen and how to fix an air conditioner that isn’t level.
1. Damaged Compressor
Your air conditioner’s compressor is a critical part. As its name implies, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it absorbs heat from your home. Once the compressor exhausts heat under pressure, the refrigerant becomes liquid again.
The compressor needs oil to run properly. If your air conditioner isn’t level, its oil could be distributed unevenly.
This can create:
- Compressor damage because of grinding parts.
- A compressor that’s too hot.
- Higher energy bills due to less efficient cooling.
The compressor is one of the most expensive components to replace on your air conditioner. If it breaks, you’re better off doing air conditioning installation because of this part’s cost.
2. Rust and Mold
Water naturally occurs during the cooling process. Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your home. This moisture drains into a pan and then out via a line.
If your air conditioner isn’t level, water could end up accumulating in the pan instead of flowing away. This can lead to:
- Water accumulating near the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Rusty coils, which won’t be able to exhaust heat as well.
- More expensive energy costs due to less efficient cooling.
3. More Wear and Tear
If your air conditioner isn’t level, it may vibrate excessively. This can create obnoxious sounds when running and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration can:
- Put extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
- Loosen refrigerant lines and create an expensive refrigerant leak.
- Make your air conditioner sink further.
- Eventually wear out your air conditioner much sooner.
How to Level an Air Conditioner Pad
Leveling an air conditioner pad requires experience. It’s typically not a job you’ll want to tackle by yourself, because your air conditioner might need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the help of a certified HVAC technician.
If you think your air conditioner is sinking and causing problems, give Farnell Heating & Air Conditioning Inc a call at 251-471-2674. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.