Common Causes Of Unlevel AC Units – Can Air Conditioning Service Help? | Earlville, IL
An unlevel air conditioning unit can cause many problems. It can lead to improper drainage, poor cooling performance, and even structural damage over time. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, the first step to solving them is learning why your AC unit is unlevel in the first place. Let’s examine some common causes and how an air conditioning service professional can help.
Poor Installation
Some people underestimate the importance of proper installation when it comes to AC units, but this oversight can lead to major issues down the line. In fact, incorrect installation is one of the most common reasons AC units become unlevel. Some of the installation issues that can cause this problem include:
Inadequate preparation of the foundation – One of the most common and potentially problematic errors while installing an air conditioning unit is inadequate foundation preparation. If the foundation isn’t level or sturdy enough, it can cause the AC unit to become unlevel over time. Taking all the required measures when performing this important preparatory step will ensure that your ac unit’s foundation is stable and secure enough to provide many years of proper function. When you hire a professional air conditioning service for installation, this step will be performed correctly.
Incorrect or incomplete anchoring – If the AC unit is not anchored properly, it can become unlevel. Proper anchoring is essential to keep the AC unit in place, and it’s especially important for units installed in windy areas. An experienced air conditioning service technician will know how and where to secure your AC unit to ensure the best possible performance.
Settling Foundation
The foundation that supports your AC unit can settle over time, leading to an unlevel unit. This is especially true if the foundation wasn’t properly prepared during installation. The settling might be caused by inadequate structural support or drainage issues in the soil beneath the foundation. Fortunately, a professional air conditioning service technician can help you resolve this issue. They can assess the condition of your foundation and take the necessary steps to restore structural integrity, such as adding support or replacing the soil beneath it.
Damage from Weather
Extreme weather conditions can cause damage to an AC unit, leading to a tilted or unleveled unit. High winds, heavy rain, and other severe weather can cause the unit to shift in its foundation or sink over time. If your AC unit is in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, it’s important to have a professional air conditioning service technician assess the integrity of your unit regularly. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late and your AC unit suffers major damage.
Erosion Around Outdoor Units
When an outdoor AC unit is installed in a location that experiences soil erosion, it can become unlevel over time. This is especially true if soil erosion occurs on one side of the unit, leading to an imbalance in weight distribution. To prevent this issue, it’s important to install your outdoor AC unit on a solid surface and take any necessary steps to prevent erosion around it. A professional air conditioning service technician can provide further advice and guidance on how to do this.
Neglect and Wear
Just like any other appliance, an AC unit can suffer from neglect and wear. Over time, small issues such as faulty components or clogged filters can lead to a tilted unit that needs repair. An experienced air conditioning service technician will be able to identify the root cause of any problems and make the necessary repairs or replacements. When you schedule regular maintenance for your AC unit, you can help prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of your unit.
If your AC unit is unlevel, don’t panic. There are a variety of potential causes for the problem, and an experienced air conditioning service technician can easily solve most. Contact your local air conditioning experts today to get help restoring your AC unit’s level.
Economic Impacts of an Unlevel AC Unit
Higher Energy Bills
An unlevel air conditioner will use more energy than a level one, resulting in higher energy bills. Running an unlevel AC unit can add up to 25% or more to your monthly energy bill. This is why ensuring your AC is properly leveled before use is important.
Increased Maintenance Costs
An unlevel AC unit also puts extra strain on its components, leading to wear and tear and increasing maintenance costs. An improperly installed unit could also lead to water leakage if the drain pan is incorrectly positioned, resulting in additional repair costs.
Reduced Airflow
An unlevel air conditioner will not be able to provide adequate airflow throughout your space due to uneven distribution of coolant in the system. This can lead to hot spots in certain areas and reduced comfort levels on your premises.
Reduced Lifespan
As mentioned above, an unlevel AC unit will experience more wear and tear over time due to inefficient operation, leading to a reduced lifespan compared to properly leveled units. This means you may need to hire an air conditioning service professional to replace your unit sooner than expected if it isn’t properly leveled.
Poor Efficiency Ratings
Lastly, an unlevel air conditioner will have lower efficiency ratings than properly leveled units due to inefficient operation and reduced airflow capabilities. Therefore, when you operate the unit when it is not level, you may still suffer from higher energy bills due to its poor efficiency rating.
Contact Us to Level Your AC Unit Today
If you suspect your AC unit is unlevel, don’t hesitate to contact a professional AC service technician for help. At Just In Time, we specialize in installing and repairing AC units of all shapes and sizes, so you can trust us to get the job done right. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. You can enjoy a free estimate if you call us now!
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