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

Air conditioners are often installed 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 problems that can happen and how to repair an air conditioner that isn’t level.

1. The Compressor Is Damaged

Your air conditioner’s compressor is a critical part. 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 run 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.
  • More expensive energy 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 due to this part’s cost.

2. Mold and Rust May Accumulate

Water naturally occurs during the cooling process. Your air conditioner gets rid of moisture from the air as it cools your house. 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 flowing 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. Increased Wear and Tear

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

Too much vibration can:

  • Put extra strain on parts and wear them out faster.
  • Shake loose refrigerant lines and create an expensive refrigerant leak.
  • Make your air conditioner sink further.
  • Eventually wear out your air conditioner much faster.

How to Level an Air Conditioner Pad

Leveling an air conditioner pad requires experience. It’s usually not a job you’ll want to try by yourself, 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 Fletcher Plumbing, Heating & AC a call at 302-653-0503. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.