Whether you’re installing a new air conditioner or wanting to maximize your current one, getting it level is important.
Air conditioners are often placed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause malfunctions and even premature replacement. Let’s go over some of the problems that can happen and how to fix an air conditioner that isn’t level.
1. The Compressor Is Damaged
Your air conditioner’s compressor is an important part. As its name implies, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it absorbs heat from your house. 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 unequally.
This can create:
- Compressor damage because of grinding parts.
- An overheated compressor.
- More expensive utility bills due to less efficient cooling.
The compressor is one of the costliest parts to replace on your air conditioner. If it stops working, you’re better off doing air conditioning installation due to 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 house. This moisture flows into a pan and then out through a line.
If your air conditioner isn’t level, water could end up accumulating in the pan instead of flowing away. This can cause:
- Water pooling around the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Damaged coils, which won’t be able to exhaust 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 create obnoxious sounds when on and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration can:
- Place more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
- Shake loose refrigerant lines and cause a costly refrigerant leak.
- Make your air conditioner sink even more.
- 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 try on your own, since 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 Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. a call at 973-270-9244. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.