Once considered a luxury, air conditioning is now a staple in our everyday lives. Did you know that the concrete pad under the air conditioning unit plays a vital role? Probably not. And you may not realize the problems it will cause if it becomes uneven. Let’s take a closer look at how this all works.

The refrigerant travels along with the lubricating oil in an air conditioning unit. When the condenser is off-kilter or not positioned on a level air conditioner pad (the concrete pad under an air conditioner unit), the oil can separate, and the compressor may operate without the required amount of lubrication. This will cause compressor damage due to the grinding of the motor’s moving parts.
Many homeowners may not be aware that this can cause their air conditioner to fail prematurely. You may face a substantial repair bill or replacement cost for the damaged components. Not to mention that you’ll be without air conditioning!
HVAC experts advise that, according to the installation manual for your unit, all manufacturers specify that the unit must be mounted on a level surface. Even after a perfect installation, soil subsidence from roof rainwater runoff will cause the ground to shift over time.
An air conditioner pad elevates the unit’s base about three inches above the ground. Unfortunately, the settlement causes it to sink into the dirt. The minor vibration generated by the condenser running, combined with its weight, creates a slow but repetitive tamping action that will cause the pad to drop into the soil over time.
Also, if the uneven surface affects the drain pan, water can pool in it instead of draining properly. This can cause increased humidity inside the unit, leading to premature rusting, mold growth, and coil damage.
When the pad does not support the unit correctly, it will vibrate more and cause the refrigerant lines to come loose. Not to mention, it makes it sink into the ground more, further exacerbating the issue.
Ensure the outside unit sits level to ensure your equipment runs efficiently and effectively, and has a long lifespan. There are many reasons why your concrete pad under the air conditioning unit should be level. Still, the most important thing to remember is that it can be easily fixed with PolyPier’s concrete lifting and leveling foam.
Our foam is a cost-effective polyurethane product that’s strong, waterproof, causes minimal disturbance, and is environmentally responsible. There is almost no downside, so don’t wait to fix your home’s uneven concrete!
If you are a homeowner who needs to level an air conditioner pad, contact us today to find a concrete leveling contractor in your area. If you are a contractor interested in adding PolyPier to your offerings, please contact us for more information or complete the form on our Become a Partner page.