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

Air conditioners are often placed on concrete pads. As time passes, the pad can crack, shift or sink. This can result in breakdowns and even premature failure. Let’s review some of the issues 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 absorbs heat from your home. Once the compressor exhausts heat under pressure, the refrigerant turns into liquid again.

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

This can create:

  • 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. Rust and Mold

Water is a natural byproduct of the cooling process. Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your house. This moisture flows into a pan and then out via 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 pooling around the air conditioner.
  • Rust and mold.
  • Rusty coils, which won’t be able to get rid of 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 may vibrate more than normal. This can cause obnoxious sounds when on and even require air conditioning repair.

Excessive vibration could:

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

How to Level an Air Conditioner Pad

Leveling an air conditioner pad requires expertise. It’s usually not a job you’ll want to try on your own, 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 Select Comfort Systems a call at 801-305-4777. We’ll check your air conditioner for any damage and then determine the best way to level it.