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 can crack, shift or sink. This can cause malfunctions and even premature replacement. Let’s review some of the problems 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 suggests, it compresses liquid refrigerant that has turned into gas as it takes on 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 unequally.

This can create:

  • Compressor damage because of grinding parts.
  • An overheated compressor.
  • More expensive electricity bills due to less efficient cooling.

The compressor is one of the costliest components to replace on your air conditioner. If it goes out, 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 could end up pooling in the pan instead of draining away. This can cause:

  • Water pooling around the air conditioner.
  • Rust and mold.
  • Rusty coils, which won’t be able to exhaust heat as well.
  • More expensive energy costs due to less efficient cooling.

3. More Wear and Tear

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

Excessive vibration could:

  • Place extra strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
  • Shake loose refrigerant lines and cause 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 takes expertise. It’s usually not a job you’ll want to tackle on your own, because your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the assistance of a certified HVAC tech.

If you’re worried your air conditioner is sinking and causing problems, give Paniccia Heating & Cooling a call at 219-872-2198. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.