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

Air conditioners are typically installed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can result in breakdowns and even premature failure. Let’s go over some of the malfunctions 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 takes on heat from your house. Once the compressor exhausts heat under pressure, the refrigerant turns into liquid again.

The compressor needs oil to work properly. If your air conditioner isn’t level, its oil could be distributed unequally.

This can create:

  • 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 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 cause:

  • Water pooling around the air conditioner.
  • Rust and mold.
  • Damaged 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 may vibrate excessively. This can create obnoxious noises when running and even require air conditioning repair.

Excessive vibration could:

  • Put more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
  • Loosen refrigerant lines and cause 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 expertise. It’s typically not a job you’ll want to tackle by yourself, since 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 Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating a call at (818) 727-9993. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.