Whether you’re getting a new air conditioner or wanting to maximize your current one, having it level is important.
Air conditioners are usually placed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause malfunctions and even premature replacement. Let’s discuss 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 an important part. As its name suggests, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it absorbs heat from your home. Once the compressor releases heat under pressure, the refrigerant turns into liquid again.
The compressor needs oil to work properly. If your air conditioner isn’t level, its oil could be distributed unevenly.
This can cause:
- Compressor damage due to grinding parts.
- A compressor that’s too hot.
- Higher electricity bills due to less efficient cooling.
The compressor is one of the most expensive parts to replace on your air conditioner. If it stops working, you’re better off doing air conditioning installation because of this part’s cost.
2. Rust and Mold
Water is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your house. This moisture drains into a pan and then out via a line.
If your air conditioner isn’t level, water might end up accumulating in the pan instead of draining away. This can lead to:
- Water pooling around the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Damaged coils, which won’t be able to exhaust heat as efficiently.
- Higher energy costs due to less efficient cooling.
3. More Wear and Tear
If your air conditioner isn’t level, it might vibrate more than normal. This can create obnoxious sounds when on and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration could:
- Put more strain on parts and wear them out faster.
- Shake loose refrigerant lines and create a costly refrigerant leak.
- Make your air conditioner sink further.
- Eventually wear out your air conditioner much faster.
How to Level an Air Conditioner Pad
Leveling an air conditioner pad requires experience. It’s usually not a job you’ll want to try on your own, since your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the assistance of a certified HVAC technician.
If you’re worried your air conditioner is sinking and causing problems, give Evenaire Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 512-355-1482. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.