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

Air conditioners are often installed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns 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. Damaged Compressor

Your air conditioner’s compressor is a critical component. As its name implies, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it absorbs heat from your home. Once the compressor releases heat under pressure, the refrigerant turns into liquid again.

The compressor relies on oil to run properly. If your air conditioner isn’t level, its oil could be distributed unevenly.

This can cause:

  • Compressor damage because of grinding parts.
  • A compressor that’s too hot.
  • Higher electricity 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. Rust and Mold

Water is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your home. This moisture drains into a pan and then out through a line.

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

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

3. Increased Wear and Tear

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

Too much vibration could:

  • Put extra 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 usually not a job you’ll want to try on your own, because your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the help of a certified HVAC technician.

If you’re worried your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give Stanford Heating & Cooling a call at 812-825-8695. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.