Whether you’re getting a new air conditioner or wanting to maximize your current one, getting it level is important.
Air conditioners are usually installed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature replacement. Let’s go over 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 component. As its name implies, 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 relies on oil to work properly. If your air conditioner isn’t level, its oil could be distributed unequally.
This can create:
- Compressor damage because of grinding parts.
- An overheated compressor.
- 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 because of this part’s cost.
2. Rust and Mold
Water naturally occurs during the cooling process. Your air conditioner gets rid of moisture from the air as it cools your home. 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 cause:
- Water pooling around the air conditioner.
- Rust and mold.
- Damaged coils, which won’t be able to exhaust heat as efficiently.
- More expensive energy bills due to less efficient cooling.
3. Increased Wear and Tear
If your air conditioner isn’t level, it might vibrate excessively. This can create annoying sounds when running and even require air conditioning repair.
Too much vibration could:
- Place extra strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
- Shake loose 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 experience. It’s usually not a job you’ll want to tackle on your own, since your air conditioner might need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the help of a certified HVAC tech.
If you think your air conditioner is sinking and causing problems, give Franklin's Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc a call at 662-281-1231. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.