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

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

Your air conditioner’s compressor is a critical component. As its name suggests, 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 becomes liquid again.

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

This can create:

  • Compressor damage because of grinding parts.
  • A compressor that’s too hot.
  • Higher energy bills due to less efficient cooling.

The compressor is one of the costliest parts 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 home. This moisture flows into a pan and then out through 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 costs due to less efficient cooling.

3. More Wear and Tear

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

Too much vibration could:

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

How to Level an Air Conditioner Pad

Leveling an air conditioner pad requires expertise. It’s typically not a job you’ll want to try by yourself, since your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the assistance of a certified HVAC technician.

If you think your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give Smyth Air Conditioning a call at 561-533-6066. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.