These Three Things May Happen If Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Level

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

Air conditioners are usually installed on concrete pads. Over time, the pad could crack, shift or sink. This can result in malfunctions and even premature failure. Let’s review some of the issues that can happen and how to fix an air conditioner that isn’t level.

1. The Compressor Is Damaged

Your air conditioner’s compressor is an important 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 releases 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 cause:

• Compressor damage due to grinding parts.
• An overheated compressor.
• Higher energy 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. Mold and Rust May Accumulate

Water is a natural byproduct of 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 might 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 well.
• More expensive energy bills due to less efficient cooling.

3. Accelerated Wear and Tear

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

Excessive vibration can:

• Put more strain on parts and wear them out quicker.
• Loosen refrigerant lines and create an expensive refrigerant leak.
• Make your air conditioner sink even more.
• Eventually wear out your air conditioner much faster.

Steps for Leveling Your Air Conditioner Pad

Leveling an air conditioner pad requires experience. It’s typically not a job you’ll want to tackle on your own, because your air conditioner might 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 Three Rivers Heating and Cooling a call at (503) 739-5400. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.