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

Air conditioners are typically installed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause malfunctions and even premature failure. Let’s review some of the malfunctions that can happen and how to fix an air conditioner that isn’t level.

1. Damaged Compressor

Your air conditioner’s compressor is a critical part. As its name suggests, 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 becomes liquid again.

The compressor relies on 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.
• 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 because of this part’s cost.

2. Rust and Mold

Water is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Your air conditioner gets rid of 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 might end up accumulating in the pan instead of draining away. This can lead to:

• 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. More Wear and Tear

If your air conditioner isn’t level, it may vibrate excessively. This can cause obnoxious noises when on and even require air conditioning repair.

Excessive vibration can:

• Place extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
• Loosen refrigerant lines and cause an expensive refrigerant leak.
• Make your air conditioner sink further.
• Eventually wear out your air conditioner much faster.

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 by yourself, since your air conditioner might 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 Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating a call at (818) 727-9993. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.