3 Things That Can Go Wrong If Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Level

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

Air conditioners are often placed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad could crack, shift or sink. This can result in breakdowns 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 part. As its name implies, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it absorbs heat from your home. 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.
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 fails, you’re better off doing air conditioning installation due to this part’s cost.

2. Rust and Mold

Water naturally occurs during 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 could end up accumulating in the pan instead of draining away. This can cause:

Water accumulating near 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. More Wear and Tear

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

Too much vibration can:

Put extra strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
Shake loose refrigerant lines and create an expensive 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 takes experience. It’s typically 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 creating problems, give Abilene Air-Tech Inc a call at (325) 692-5850. We’ll inspect your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.