Whether you’re installing a new air conditioner or wanting to maximize your current one, having it level is important.
Air conditioners are usually placed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad could crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature failure. Let’s go over some of the problems that can happen and how to repair 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 takes on heat from your home. Once the compressor releases 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.
- 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 breaks, 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 gets rid of moisture from the air as it cools your house. This moisture flows 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 flowing away. This can lead to:
- Water accumulating near the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Damaged coils, which won’t be able to get rid of heat as well.
- Higher energy bills due to less efficient cooling.
3. Increased Wear and Tear
If your air conditioner isn’t level, it may vibrate excessively. This can cause annoying noises when on and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration can:
- Put more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
- Shake loose refrigerant lines and create an expensive refrigerant leak.
- Make your air conditioner sink further.
- Eventually wear out your air conditioner much sooner.
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 on your own, since your air conditioner might need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the assistance of a certified HVAC tech.
If you think your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call at 804-302-6657. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.