Whether you’re installing a new air conditioner or looking to maximize your current one, having it level is important.
Air conditioners are often installed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad could crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature replacement. Let’s discuss some of the issues that can happen and how to repair an air conditioner that isn’t level.
1. Damaged Compressor
Your air conditioner’s compressor is a critical component. As its name suggests, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it takes on heat from your house. Once the compressor exhausts heat under pressure, the refrigerant turns into liquid again.
The compressor relies on oil to run 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 utility bills due to less efficient cooling.
The compressor is one of the costliest components to replace on your air conditioner. If it goes out, 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 flows into a pan and then out through a line.
If your air conditioner isn’t level, water might end up pooling in the pan instead of draining 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.
- More expensive energy costs due to less efficient cooling.
3. Increased Wear and Tear
If your air conditioner isn’t level, it might vibrate excessively. This can cause annoying sounds when on and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration can:
- Put extra strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
- Loosen refrigerant lines and cause an expensive 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 tackle by yourself, since your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the help of a certified HVAC tech.
If you’re worried your air conditioner is sinking and causing problems, give Clean Air HVAC a call at 925-233-6238. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.