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

Air conditioners are usually placed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause malfunctions and even premature failure. Let’s go over some of the issues that can happen and how to fix an air conditioner that isn’t level.

1. Your Air Conditioner’s Compressor Could Be Damaged

Your air conditioner’s compressor is a critical component. As its name implies, 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 turns into 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.
  • 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 stops working, 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 removes 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 could end up accumulating 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 well.
  • More expensive energy costs due to less efficient cooling.

3. Accelerated Wear and Tear

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

Too much vibration can:

  • Put more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
  • Loosen refrigerant lines and create an expensive 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 tackle by yourself, since your air conditioner might 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 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 949-204-0859. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.