Whether you’re getting a new air conditioner or looking to maximize your current one, getting it level is important.
Air conditioners are often placed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature failure. Let’s review 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 an important part. 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 becomes 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 cause:
- Compressor damage due to grinding parts.
- An overheated compressor.
- More expensive electricity bills due to less efficient cooling.
The compressor is one of the costliest components 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 cause:
- Water pooling around the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Rusty coils, which won’t be able to get rid of heat as well.
- Higher energy costs due to less efficient cooling.
3. More 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.
Excessive vibration could:
- Put more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
- Loosen 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 expertise. It’s typically not a job you’ll want to try on your own, since your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the help of a certified HVAC technician.
If you think your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give Premium Air Services LLC a call at 713-364-9957. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.