Whether you’re getting a new air conditioner or wanting to maximize your current one, getting it level is important.

Air conditioners are usually placed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad could crack, shift or sink. This can cause malfunctions and even premature failure. Let’s go over 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 an important component. As its name implies, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it absorbs heat from your home. 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.
  • A compressor that’s too hot.
  • Higher utility bills due to less efficient cooling.

The compressor is one of the most expensive parts to replace on your air conditioner. If it stops working, 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 drains into a pan and then out via a line.

If your air conditioner isn’t level, water might end up pooling in the pan instead of flowing away. This can lead to:

  • 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 noises when on and even require air conditioning repair.

Too much vibration can:

  • Put extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
  • Loosen refrigerant lines and create an expensive refrigerant leak.
  • Make your air conditioner sink even more.
  • 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 try by yourself, because 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 Farnell Mechanical, Inc. a call at 334-524-2458. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.