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 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 a critical component. As its name implies, 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 unequally.
This can create:
- Compressor damage because of 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 breaks, you’re better off doing air conditioning installation due to 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 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 draining away. This can lead to:
- Water pooling around the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Damaged coils, which won’t be able to exhaust heat as well.
- Higher energy costs 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 sounds when on and even require air conditioning repair.
Excessive vibration can:
- Place more strain on parts and wear them out faster.
- Loosen refrigerant lines and cause 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 expertise. It’s typically not a job you’ll want to tackle on your own, 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 Tokay Heating and Air Conditioning a call at 209-257-3156. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.