How to Level an Air Conditioner
- Turn off the circuit breakers to both the indoor and outdoor air conditioning units. ...
- Dig a small trench around the outside circumference of the air conditioner slab with a shovel, opposite the side that is too low.
- Position a 4-inch-by-4-inch block of wood on the ground next to the low side of the platform. ...
How do you level a concrete air conditioner pad?
Try working a long board under one end of the concrete air conditioning pad, lifting it up, then packing sand under it. Do the same on the other end of the concrete air conditioning pad, making the pad as level as possible. Lift the concrete air conditioning pad slowly to avoid cracking it.
How do you level an outdoor air conditioner?
Get a half-inch thick outdoor rubber mat and cut it into 6"x6" squares. Put single pieces on the high side and stack several pieces under the low side to bring the unit closer to level.
Why does an air conditioner condenser need to be level?
Why does an air conditioner condenser unit need to be level? Refrigerant travels with the lubricating oil through an a/c system. When the condenser is out-of-level, the oil can separate and the compressor may operate without adequate lubrication. Most manufacturer installation manuals specify that the unit be mounted on a level surface.
What to do if your air conditioning pad is sinking?
But if the concrete air conditioning pad continues to sink and pulls the lines tight, or if water puddles around the unit, you’ll need to take action. Try working a long board under one end of the concrete air conditioning pad, lifting it up, then packing sand under it.
How do you level an AC concrete pad?
Try working a long board under one end of the concrete air conditioning pad, lifting it up, then packing sand under it. Do the same on the other end of the concrete air conditioning pad, making the pad as level as possible. Lift the concrete air conditioning pad slowly to avoid cracking it.
Does AC pad need to be level?
To function at their best, air conditioners and heat pumps must be positioned on level ground. AC equipment can malfunction or wear out prematurely if the ground beneath them shifts or tilts more than a few degrees.
What do you put under an air conditioner pad?
You Need a Concrete Slab Under Your Outdoor AC Unit Because:It keeps your air conditioner from sinking: For an air conditioning system to function at peak efficiency, it is essential that it has room to breathe. ... It keeps oil from spreading: The compressor in your AC unit runs on oil.More items...•
Should AC unit be raised?
The simplest way to keep your AC unit away from little critters is to raise it up off the ground and reduce the chance that they'll think it's a good place to hang around.
Should AC condenser be on a concrete pad?
Having a slab of concrete under the condenser ensures that everything remains level and upright, which helps the appliance function properly over the years. There are a few reasons that you will want to keep the condenser elevated, and the slab of concrete will help you do it.
What happens if air conditioner is not level?
However, if the unit isn't level, then the oil may separate from the refrigerant and end up pooling in the lines and coils. Over time, this can lead to a shortage of oil in the compressor, causing damage and overheating.
What type of concrete is used for AC pads?
If your garbage cans or condenser unit need a home, pouring a pad for them is quick and easy. You'll need these materials: Quikrete All-Purpose Gravel. Quikrete High-Strength Concrete Mix (or Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix)
How thick should an AC condenser pad be?
Typically, a condenser pad should be at least three inches off the ground, but you might want to make it a little taller if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain. If you're worried about the weather or your property has drainage issues, you may want to just bump that up to as high as six inches.
What do AC units sit on?
An air conditioner condenser pad is a thick pad designed to provide a flat, stable surface for the unit to be installed on. Condenser pads can be manufactured with concrete or a composite material – both have their pros and cons.
How do I raise my AC condenser?
0:002:36It's real easy with a motorcycle jack this jacks rated for 800 pounds. It's got a rubber side whichMoreIt's real easy with a motorcycle jack this jacks rated for 800 pounds. It's got a rubber side which I put down on the bottom side of the pad. Put the unit on the top turn the screw the unit goes up.
How high should my AC unit be off the ground?
In a 10 feet high room, a split type AC should be installed at 7 -8 feet for the best cooling performance. For a window type AC, the best height is 3-4 feet from the floor. If you are fixing the AC very close to the wall or in an airtight room it will trip due to high head pressure, as heat dissipation can't happen.
Can AC unit sit on pavers?
0:008:34And enter your air conditioning unit which we do not want to do so by having the air conditionerMoreAnd enter your air conditioning unit which we do not want to do so by having the air conditioner pulled out before we come in we could do our paving stones.
How do I level a slab?
I would try getting a crow bar or 2x4 under the slab and seeing if you could lift it up enough to get some gravel underneath it to level it off. Although this could be difficult if the ground around the slab is soft.
How to mount a refrigerator to the wall?
If possible, buy two metal brackets and mounting hardware from a DIY store (they can help you pick the items) so that you can mount it to the wall a foot or two off the ground. You will need a friend or neighbor to help you lift it; but you will get better air flow, less bottom rusting, and never worry about settling again. (Make sure that the refrigerant lines and power cable are long enough to reach the raised mounting position).
Why do AC condensers need to be installed outside?
The condenser is where much of the action takes place in an air conditioning unit, and it needs to be outside because it releases heat into the environment. It cannot simply sit on the ground, however. Not only would there be a wide variety of risks to the equipment, such as pooling water during rainstorms or corrosion from contact with the soil, but it would cause other issues, too. A condenser must be kept level and steady to ensure proper operation throughout the cooling cycle. To achieve the safety and stability necessary, contractors install AC condenser pads to provide a slightly elevated and level platform for placing the unit.
Where is a concrete pad placed?
Traditionally a small concrete pad poured in place or produced off-site and then installed; the pad is usually placed at a location where the condenser will not be a noise nuisance for the occupants. With the right installation, your pad is usually a one-time concern. In other words, once you’ve had a pad placed on your property, it will probably be suitable for most similarly sized units you may choose to upgrade to in the future.
How thick should a pad be for a house?
Generally, it would help if you aimed for a pad that is at least 3 inches thick, which will keep your unit well-elevated from the ground. However, you might choose to go even higher, up to six inches, based on the rainfall in your area and the drainage on your property. The other dimensions of the pad should correspond to the size of your exterior unit, up to 3 feet by 3 feet or larger. Aim to leave some clearance around the edges of the pad as well.
Do you need a condenser pad for an AC unit?
When progressing through the steps required to purchase and install a brand-new air-conditioning unit, AC condenser pads are one of the most important things you will need to consider. However, despite their importance, they’re easy to overlook. In normal operation, you may never need to think much about your pad. However, that’s only true when you make smart choices at the start of the process.
Can you move a condenser pad on your own?
In these scenarios, do not try to move the condenser unit or repair the pad on your own. Avoid the safety risks that would accompany such an effort. Instead, call a trusted professional team to assess the problem and provide you with a solution.
Is it safe to put pads on an air conditioner?
A safe place for the outdoor unit of your air conditioner to sit, these pads provide stability and other benefits for your unit to ensure it can operate correctly for many years to come. However, not all pads are the same, and there is some confusion out there about why you need to invest in a high-quality pad installation. Here are the most important things to know about these.
How to fix a sinking AC pad?
To fix it, work a shovel or longboard under the sinking end of the pad, and place a small rock under it to act as a pivot. Then, lift it slowly without cracking it and pack sand under it.
Why do you need a condenser pad?
Choosing the best one will ensure that your condenser remains safe and functional for many years to come . Any of the products we've reviewed in this guide would be an excellent choice for your AC unit.
How to get rid of algae on condenser pad?
If there are stubborn stains, spray two cups of white vinegar on the surface of the condenser pad and then sprinkle half a cup of baking soda. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes and then scrub it off with a soft-bristled brush.
What is the best cement pad for HVAC?
When it comes to strength and durability, it doesn't get any better than the DiversiTech UC3636-3 pad. This fiber-reinforced cement pad is surprisingly lightweight and perfect for mounting a wide range of HVAC equipment, including condensers.
What is a drillable condenser made of?
We like the fact that it is made from injection-molded polypropylene, which is one of the most durable, hard-wearing substances known to man. For all the DIY-ers in the house, you'll love its drillable design, which comes in handy if you need to firmly secure your condenser and prevent it from slipping.
How long do AC pads last?
It's also a good idea to buy a new pad if your current one is sinking into the ground or virtually non-existent. The lifespan for most pads is roughly 10 years, at which point you'll need to replace them. Have a qualified AC maintenance professional inspect it every five years to check that it is still in good working condition.
Why is an AC condenser used?
An AC condenser is quite a heavy product. It is used as a heat exchanger in central air conditioning systems to cool and "condense" the incoming refrigerant vapor into liquid before sending it back out again to continue the cooling cycle. As it does this, the unit is prone to vibration, which may cause it to sink into the ground over time.
What happens when a condenser is out of level?
When the condenser is out-of-level, the oil can separate and the compressor may operate without adequate lubrication. Most manufacturer installation manuals specify that the unit be mounted on a level surface.
How far should a condenser be clear?
Typically, a minimum of one foot clear around the sides and five feet above it is specified. Also, installing a condenser at an inside corner is not recommended because of the reduced natural air circulation.
How high should a pad be above ground?
A mounting pad elevates the base of the unit a minimum of three inches above the ground at installation and, unfortunately, the settlement is often accompanied by the pad sinking into the dirt. The minor vibration generated by a condenser, combined with its weight, creates a low-energy, but repetitive tamping action that can slowly ease the condenser pad into the soil a little over time.
