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

Air conditioners are often installed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad could crack, shift or sink. This can cause malfunctions and even premature failure. Let’s review 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 takes on heat from your home. Once the compressor exhausts heat under pressure, the refrigerant becomes liquid again.

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

This can cause:

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

The compressor is one of the most expensive 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 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 via 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 pooling around the air conditioner.
  • Rust and mold.
  • Rusty coils, which won’t be able to get rid of heat as well.
  • Higher energy costs due to less efficient cooling.

3. More 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 can:

  • Put extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
  • Loosen 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 expertise. It’s typically not a job you’ll want to tackle by yourself, since your air conditioner may need to be temporarily disconnected. This requires the assistance of a certified HVAC tech.

If you think your air conditioner is sinking and creating problems, give Childress Heating & AC a call at 540-675-4306. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to get it level again.