Whether you’re getting a new air conditioner or looking to maximize your current one, having it level is important.
Air conditioners are typically placed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can result in breakdowns and even premature replacement. Let’s discuss 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 absorbs heat from your house. Once the compressor exhausts heat under pressure, the refrigerant turns into liquid again.
The compressor relies on oil to work properly. If your air conditioner isn’t level, its oil could be distributed unevenly.
This can create:
- Compressor damage because of grinding parts.
- A compressor that’s too hot.
- Higher utility 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 because of this part’s cost.
2. Rust and Mold
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 accumulating near the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Rusty coils, which won’t be able to exhaust 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 more than normal. This can create obnoxious sounds when on and even require air conditioning repair.
Excessive vibration can:
- Place more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
- Shake loose refrigerant lines and cause 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 usually not a job you’ll want to try on your own, since your air conditioner may 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 ACS Heating and Air Conditioning a call at 770-450-1539. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.