Whether you’re getting a new air conditioner or looking to maximize your current one, having it level is important.
Air conditioners are often placed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad could crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature replacement. Let’s review some of the problems 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 suggests, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it takes on 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 cause:
- 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 parts to replace on your air conditioner. If it fails, you’re better off doing air conditioning installation because of this part’s cost.
2. Mold and Rust May Accumulate
Water is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your home. This moisture flows into a pan and then out through a line.
If your air conditioner isn’t level, water could end up pooling 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 get rid of heat as well.
- Higher energy costs due to less efficient cooling.
3. More Severe Wear and Tear
If your air conditioner isn’t level, it might vibrate more than normal. This can cause annoying noises when running and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration could:
- Place extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
- Loosen refrigerant lines and cause an expensive refrigerant leak.
- Make your air conditioner sink even more.
- Eventually wear out your air conditioner much sooner.
Steps for Leveling Your Air Conditioner Pad
Leveling an air conditioner pad requires expertise. 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 tech.
If you think your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give J & J Air Conditioning a call at 254-355-3833. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.