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

Air conditioners are typically placed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature failure. Let’s review 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 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 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 due to grinding parts.
  • A compressor that’s too hot.
  • Higher electricity bills due to less efficient cooling.

The compressor is one of the most expensive components to replace on your air conditioner. If it stops working, 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 house. This moisture drains 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 flowing away. This can lead to:

  • Water accumulating near the air conditioner.
  • Rust and mold.
  • Damaged 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 may vibrate excessively. This can create obnoxious sounds when on and even require air conditioning repair.

Excessive vibration could:

  • Place extra strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
  • Loosen refrigerant lines and create a costly refrigerant leak.
  • Make your air conditioner sink even more.
  • Eventually wear out your air conditioner much faster.

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 may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the assistance of a certified HVAC tech.

If you’re worried your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give TopTec a call at 847-362-0262. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.