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

Air conditioners are typically placed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature replacement. Let’s go over some of the problems 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 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 electricity bills due to less efficient cooling.

The compressor is one of the costliest parts to replace on your air conditioner. If it fails, you’re better off doing air conditioning installation due to 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 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 draining 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 efficiently.
• 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 annoying noises when on and even require air conditioning repair.

Excessive vibration could:

• Place more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
• Loosen refrigerant lines and create a costly 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 by yourself, because your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the help of a certified HVAC tech.

If you think your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give Fairfield Heating & Cooling a call at 740-331-4331. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.