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

Air conditioners are often placed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad could crack, shift or sink. This can cause breakdowns and even premature failure. Let’s go over some of the problems 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 home. Once the compressor exhausts heat under pressure, the refrigerant becomes liquid again.

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

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 parts to replace on your air conditioner. If it breaks, 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 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 might end up accumulating in the pan instead of draining away. This can lead to:

  • Water accumulating near the air conditioner.
  • Rust and mold.
  • Rusty coils, which won’t be able to get rid of heat as well.
  • More expensive energy bills due to less efficient cooling.

3. More Severe Wear and Tear

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

Excessive vibration could:

  • Place more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
  • Shake loose refrigerant lines and cause a costly refrigerant leak.
  • Make your air conditioner sink further.
  • Eventually wear out your air conditioner much faster.

How You Can Level Out Your Air Conditioner Pad

Leveling an air conditioner pad requires experience. It’s typically not a job you’ll want to try by yourself, 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 causing problems, give Done Right Air a call at 414-208-9000. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.