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

Air conditioners are often installed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can result in malfunctions and even premature replacement. Let’s review some of the issues that can happen and how to repair an air conditioner that isn’t level.

1. The Compressor Is Damaged

Your air conditioner’s compressor is an important component. As its name suggests, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it takes on heat from your home. 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 unevenly.

This can cause:

  • Compressor damage because of grinding parts.
  • An overheated compressor.
  • 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. Mold and Rust May Accumulate

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 via a line.

If your air conditioner isn’t level, water might end up accumulating in the pan instead of draining away. This can cause:

  • Water pooling around the air conditioner.
  • Rust and mold.
  • Rusty coils, which won’t be able to get rid of heat as efficiently.
  • Higher energy costs due to less efficient cooling.

3. More Wear and Tear

If your air conditioner isn’t level, it might vibrate more than normal. This can create annoying sounds when running and even require air conditioning repair.

Excessive vibration can:

  • Put 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 expertise. It’s usually not a job you’ll want to try by yourself, because your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the assistance of a certified HVAC tech.

If you think your air conditioner is sinking and causing problems, give H&C Heating and Cooling a call at 301-960-3247. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.