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. Over time, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature replacement. Let’s go over some of the malfunctions that can happen and how to repair an air conditioner that isn’t level.
1. Your Air Conditioner’s Compressor Could Be Damaged
Your air conditioner’s compressor is a critical component. As its name suggests, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it absorbs 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.
- A compressor that’s too hot.
- More expensive energy bills due to less efficient cooling.
The compressor is one of the costliest components 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 naturally occurs during 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 pooling around the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Rusty coils, which won’t be able to exhaust heat as well.
- More expensive energy bills due to less efficient cooling.
3. Increased Wear and Tear
If your air conditioner isn’t level, it might vibrate excessively. This can cause annoying sounds when running and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration can:
- Place extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
- 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 takes expertise. It’s usually not a job you’ll want to tackle on your own, since your air conditioner might need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the help of a certified HVAC technician.
If you think your air conditioner is sinking and causing problems, give Parker County Cooling & Heating a call at 817-380-5213. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.