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

Air conditioners are typically installed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause 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. The Compressor Is 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 takes on heat from your house. Once the compressor releases 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 cause:

  • Compressor damage due to grinding parts.
  • An overheated compressor.
  • Higher energy bills due to less efficient cooling.

The compressor is one of the costliest components to replace on your air conditioner. If it fails, 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 home. This moisture flows into a pan and then out via a line.

If your air conditioner isn’t level, water could end up pooling 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 efficiently.
  • Higher energy bills due to less efficient cooling.

3. Accelerated Wear and Tear

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

Excessive vibration could:

  • Place extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
  • Shake loose refrigerant lines and cause 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 experience. It’s usually not a job you’ll want to try by yourself, because 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 creating problems, give All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning Inc a call at 256-801-4701. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.