Whether you’re getting a new air conditioner or looking to maximize your current one, having it level is important.
Air conditioners are typically installed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature failure. Let’s go over some of the issues 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 component. As its name implies, 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 work properly. If your air conditioner isn’t level, its oil could be distributed unequally.
This can cause:
- Compressor damage due to grinding parts.
- An overheated compressor.
- Higher electricity bills due to less efficient cooling.
The compressor is one of the costliest parts to replace on your air conditioner. If it goes out, you’re better off doing air conditioning installation due to this part’s cost.
2. Rust and Mold
Water naturally occurs during the cooling process. Your air conditioner gets rid of 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 could end up accumulating in the pan instead of draining away. This can cause:
- Water accumulating near the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Damaged coils, which won’t be able to exhaust heat as well.
- More expensive energy bills due to less efficient cooling.
3. Increased Wear and Tear
If your air conditioner isn’t level, it may vibrate more than normal. This can create annoying noises when on and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration could:
- Put extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
- Shake loose refrigerant lines and create an expensive 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 typically not a job you’ll want to tackle by yourself, since your air conditioner might need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the assistance of a certified HVAC technician.
If you’re worried your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. a call at 614-879-9091. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.