And just an additional tip: Use 3″ risers on air conditioners and 6″ or more risers on heat pumps. Several companies manufacture refrigerant such as DuPont (Freon), Mil-Spec Industries, MexiChem, and others. The outside air conditioner unit sits on top of slab to help keep it level. It also keeps heavy ice from bending or cracking the fan blades. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! I’ve lifted many of these units by my self and made them quite level. Also, if the condenser is not level, then the air conditioner will not work correctly. There is however a limit to how much a unit can run out of level, but all the unlevel air conditioner and heat pump units I come across are just aesthetically unlevel. No longer does the problem exist that the motor will become dislodged. What to do if environment for in person interview is distracting? That thing thrashes about a bit on motor start and stop. The following testing process will help you to identify why outside ac unit not turning on. Imagine if your car was unable to go up and down hills because of the oil in the engine. The concrete pads under air conditioner and heat exchanger units tend to settle over the years. I think that maybe the ground settled due to the droughts we've had for the past couple of years in our area. Your neighbors will love you or if that’s not what you want then think about the quiet peaceful operation in your own yard. Doing that is kind of unfair, but it will give you an idea if it’s what you want to tackle. Get a half-inch thick outdoor rubber mat and cut it into 6"x6" squares. Perhaps you are ready to sell your home or you just like things to look good. If there is a voltage problem in the house, your ac compressor won’t work smoothly. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. My outdoor a/c fan, condensing unit was making a metal sound when going on and off, that I thought was too loud. Can Tentacle of the Deeps be cast on the surface of water? I wouldn’t think it should cost more than $100. But when it happens to the one powering your outdoor AC unit, it's super inconvenient. I’ve linked to those that I prefer for your convenience. As long as there’s no strain on the copper coolant tubes and electrical lines, and the unit stays dry and level, it’s … Funny how they are still working when all the other comments on the internet are saying they have to be level because of the oil in the bottom of the compressor. New technology has given us a much more efficient and longer lasting scroll type compressor. As would the oil sump at the bottom of the compressor. Flip it back into place and see if your outdoor unit turns on! Just in case your a big DIY’er. It could be a fence. Risers or pump-ups have a sticky substance where they come in contact with the unit and the pad. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Putting a level on the unit and being so critical as to making sure the bubble is between the lines is kind of OCD. You can identify the problem of your outer unit is from the fan motor, Capacitor or Contactor. The old indoor air handler, which was an electric furnace, was clear out of kilter. The reason for the weak or faulty capacitors will be the voltage fluctuation. Refrigerant needs to flow through the coils evenly without too much interference from the slope of the unit. Try pushing this reset button; it may possibly start your outdoor unit. True a cars engine has an oil pump, but compressors have a certain amount of oil in the bottom and that oil is moved through the refrigeration line and back to the compressor at the top, relubricating the compressor regardless of whether the outdoor ac units not level. Just use some common sense. The silver lining: Your new A/C will probably work a whole lot better than your old one. Why do my mobile phone images have a ghostly glow? Everything in this article applies to either air conditioners or heat pumps. But not for me, oh no. Over time it will cause the compressor to burn out costing you lots of $ in the long run. Outdoor unit won't come on, Outdoor unit not running: This is a very common problem, whether it's an air conditioner or a heat pump. Now are you asking yourself “do heat pumps need to be level?”. Take a look at the installation guide for this Lennox condenser unit. Failing to level the outside unit doesn’t just cause problems with oil. The previous posts make good mention of rubber mat 6x6" squares and careful approach to only tip the unit as little as possible not to kink any lines. Is it correct to say you are talking “to Skype”? This tar like stuff helps keep the unit sturdy and actually helps eliminate some vibration and noise. That pooled water increases the humidity inside of the unit. And, if your sneaky enough he may even spill out some unfiltered tips on how it can be done. The fan blades seemed OK. Outside A/C compressors are typically supported on a concrete pad, concrete blocks, or a vinyl pad such as the one shown in the photo at page top. Not an AC guy, but when I had one installed at my house, my AC guy was very careful to level the slab. A sore spot with outdoor units for many years. Be careful not to kink or damage the refrigerant piping to the unit when you do that. Page 8 mentions, "PLACING UNIT ON SLAB When installing unit at grade level, the top of the slab A good technician will tell you if it’s even feasible to do. Great for areas with lots of trees where falling branches can damage the unit. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. If there’s not enough refrigerant running through the condenser unit, the air can’t be cooled. But it’s not a bad thing. detail B", https://resources.lennox.com/FileUploads/31c2ac16-919c-41a1-ad0c-515f8351eccbLennox_14ACX_IOM.pdf. What happens if air conditioner is not level? The critical part of lifting an AC unit off the ground is the refrigeration lines that connect the condenser to the air handler or furnace. I've read somewhere that the outdoor AC unit needs to be leveled. This switch is usually close to the outdoor unit. Leveling the unit will terminate any ambiguity. Tipping and moving compressors can also cause can cause leaks in refrigerant lines, leading to costly air conditioning service calls to evacuate and recharge the system after repairing the refrigerant leak. ", Your email address will not be published. New pads and risers are available on Amazon. An additional concern not previously adressed is the compressor and/or fan bearings. Water can damage the compressor or condenser by contributing to corrosion. Here is some way to identify and fix your outside ac unit not turning on: 1. In fact the reason you’re reading this is because you are concerned about what to do if anything. In fact the reason you’re reading this is because you are concerned about what to do if anything. Your split-system cooling system can’t operate unless both units – the indoor evaporator and the outdoor condenser/compressor – are operating. Not being level can cause the oil for the compressor to not lubricate correctly. If you don't hire a professional and aren't confident by yourself to address the issue, having a second person watch the lines while you tip can save much potential trouble. First of all, when we talk about AC size, it’s about cooling capacity, not the physical size of the unit. 4. AC Units can leak when they have been installed incorrectly. When the unit is off kilter, the oil and refrigerant can become trapped in the tubing, which prevents it from being properly lubricated. Service ports are where technicians attach their gauges that measure the pressures in an air conditioner or heat pump. A simple way to test this theory is by resetting your air conditioner. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'homeheatproblems_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])); You didn’t know why or that they did? Air conditioner noise levels would probably be a very highly contentious topic with neighbours, council and air conditioning contractors. Is this a sign of my roof trusses sagging? The generic name for the brand name Freon is refrigerant. My outdoor unit is a bit slanted due to the floor not being completely flat (pic below). When installing the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, there could be many constructional obstructions to account for. If the tilt affects the drain pan, then water can pool in the pan instead of draining out properly through the drain line. I’ve had several customers ask how much does it cost to level an AC unit pad along with what happens if your AC is not level? It is common to find outdoor units for central air conditioning systems resting on a ground-level platform. Our unit was off level quite a bit which caused damage that first caused it to perform badly before it quit completely and had to be replaced prematurely. This video will demonstrate how to clean the Air Conditioner outdoor unit at home easily. If your home or office has a split-system cooling system, it won’t operate properly and cool the space unless both units – the inside evaporator and outside compressor – are functioning. Chad Peterson is near 40 year veteran of the HVAC industry. Putting a little concrete under an AC unit will help decrease erosion and helps makes a great base. Not to get confusing and repeat myself, but heat pumps are only acting as a condenser in the summer. These AC units have been operating in a very unlevel condition for many years. Planning the location of the outdoor unit is very important so as not to impact on your neighbours and yourself. Leveling an air conditioner that has sunken on one side requires an assistant. If your 2X4’s are long enough it gives you a lot of leverage to lift slowly and safely. Perhaps by sticking a small piece of wood on one side? The short answer is that tilting puts stress on the compressor. It might. By the way, did your AC guy explain to you why it had to be leveled? Everybody’s got a little bit different soil and maybe your soil is the reason for your unit has become out of kilter. Caution, this is for air conditioners only, not … Put single pieces on the high side and stack several pieces under the low side to bring the unit closer to level. Non-plastic cutting board that can be cleaned in a dishwasher. What if you and a restaurant can't agree on who is at fault for a credit card issue? If the Capacitor will be weak or open, the outside ac unit will not turn on. Is it safe to install the outdoor unit of an inverter AC indoors? It only takes a minute to sign up. I have a few HVAC troubleshooting questions, A/C unit cycles on and off during cooling phase, Nest thermostat causing condenser unit contactor to chatter when NOT calling for cooling. Despite hearing the sound of the AC turning on, your house is not cooling down as it used to. We just recently moved in and a few of the neighbors have givens us advice, almost all of which is different. link to Does Freon Leak If My AC Is Turned Off. Early model compressors had the motors inside the compressor mounted on brackets that were simply sitting on the bracket, not tied or bolted down. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'homeheatproblems_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',111,'0','0'])); I get a couple of 2X4’s (whatever works) and some bricks or blocks. He probably did, but I'm afraid I've since forgotten... maybe someone will pipe up with a worthy answer. But prices vary and so does skill. What does multiple key combinations over a paragraph in the manual mean? It does not sit level and is noticeably tilted. This idea can work pretty good for some soils, just get a couple bags of ready mix and throw under the pad, dampen it down and set the pad. Remember the old warnings on the side of refrigerator boxes that said something to the effect of keeping the unit upright? Wait five minutes, and then turn it … Get the picture? Well, this unit came with the house when I bougt it, and is 17 years old. But get some help, or if you hate asking for help I’ve added some tips down below. In the winter a heat pump systems outdoor unit is an evaporator. As the moisture hits it and drys later it will harden. In some air conditioners, there is a “reset” switch. Our air conditioning unit sits outside on a cement platform. Is it more helpful in any way to worship multiple deities? The thought that an AC unit must be absolutely level or its wont work or work well is based on absorption type systems RV's used in the old days that used ammonia and a flame rather than a compressor. The unit can then tip or rip free from the coolant line that feeds into your home. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'homeheatproblems_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',106,'0','0'])); When the refrigerator was laid on it’s side, the motor would fall off the bracket and become inoperable unless it just coincidentally fell back onto the bracket. Check the installation specs for your unit to see if it is supposed to be level (most likely) or slightly pitched. Routine maintenance on an AC is much cheaper than having to replace one. 16-year old Trane central AC one package unit is not cooling well? An off level unit will put additional unintended mechanical stress/strain on these rotating components long-term. For a professional appearance it should not appear to be set without a thought to anything but function as if a war time situation where getting online asap is the priority. Is your outside AC unit not running? The wood or plastic would be fine, the bottom of the outdoor unit is a pressed metal frame that the shock mounts attach to. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. So the early warnings about keeping a unit level had something to do with the motor staying on the brackets or mounts inside the compressor not necessarily anything about oil. Perhaps the fan inside the furnace unit runs, but you aren’t feeling cool air coming out of your vents? It is not difficult to identify and repair many air-conditioning malfunctions. Therefore for best performance and longevity of your unit, level it and take special precautions in the process. Over time, it has started to tilt as the land has settled. Not a threat to the operation of the system. When the air conditioning unit is level, oil and refrigerant travel smoothly through the tubing, delivering lubrication throughout the entire unit. It is only 2 years old so I absolutely want to keep it in the best shape possible. Cover the top of the outdoor unit in the fall and winter when the air conditioner is not in use. Your home's AC system is... Chad Peterson is a licensed HVAC contractor for the state of Oregon. I think I found an error in an electronics book. The air conditioner on the side of my house is on a small slab of concrete. You Have a Refrigerant Leak. Should my ground-level package unit have a condensate drain trap? READ ALSO: Most Useful Air Conditioner Repair & Maintenance Tips You Can DIY Recommended Out Door Unit Stands available online:- AlexVyan Split AC Outdoor Unit Wall Mounting Bracket Stand for 1 Ton, 1.1 Ton, 1.2 Ton, 1.5 Ton, 2 Ton Outdoor Units (Pack of 2) Now that you don’t have to loose any sleep over the immediate collapse of your HVAC system you can sit back and find some ways to correct the situation, or not. The most likely reason for your outside ac unit not turning on is due to a faulty Starting capacitor. Raisers also help the unit drain when defrosting in the winter. I built a nice transition on the job and then I could step back and say “well done”. How do you Describe a Geometry where the Christoffel Symbols Vanish? I tell people till I’m blue in the face, change your air conditioner return air filters every 30 days. Over time, one side of the slab might sink into the soil deeper than the other side. It was installed in 2000. It actually specifically points out that the slab should either be leveled or maintain a slope of 2 degrees. Shims should fix it; you might even go for plastic ones for rot avoidance. New compressors using R-410A refrigerant will not be compatible with indoor units paired with outdoor coils using R-22. If the system turns back on but the breaker trips again, don't flip the switch a second time. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Again, it’s being said on the internet (where everything is true of course) that the ac unit must be kept level. Is this something I need to correct? If the unit is not level, then this uneven weight can cause the unit to sink into the ground. site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. Lift it up a corner at a time with the bricks under the two by fours. Here are six of the most common issues with central HVAC systems that can keep the outside ac unit not working correctly. The slab The units are easy to lift a corner at a time. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Outdoor units need to be level so that water does not accumulate in the bottom of the unit. link to Will Freon Leak Without A Schrader Cap? The air conditioner compressor support pad should be level and secure against movement. It’s not hard to tell when a heat pump pad or ac unit pad is out of level. I wrote another article, imagine that. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. If you have to replace one, you have to replace both. It should be level, not mostly because of the oil but because the condenser (the outside unit your talking about) is designed to be level for it to run … "Mostly level" is probably okay for a residential unit. Back when, compressors were of a reciprocating type, like a car engine, a piston moving up and down. I had some work done outside my house that required moving the central air conditioner unit. How well does a single A\C unit provide 2 zone cooling? It’s straight and plumb and any of his friends that see it that have a more critical eye will want to know who did that job. Plastic is a good idea. Be careful not to kink or damage the refrigerant piping to the unit when you do that. Aesthetics or appearance have a great deal to do with other people’s perception of ourselves and how good of shape the rest of our home is when they are looking to buy. This usually happens on the side that is closest to the house and the dripping water from the roof when it rains. You don’t need a level here. Five Disadvantages Of Leaving Your Central Air Conditioning Outdoor Unit On A Ground-Level Pad . You can even replace a pad this way. In some cases we may recommend getting a replacement air conditioner instead, particularly if your air conditioner is over 10 years old and requires major work. That can cause premature rusting and encourage the growth of mold. There are some ACs (large Rheem units for example) that are supposed to be installed with a slight pitch towards the condensate drain. Most homeowners, business owners or property managers may have experienced a situation where the outside AC unit not running but inside is. Leveling a sinking concrete air conditioner pad. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'homeheatproblems_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])); I’d suggest right off the bat, that you call an HVAC company (or two) and get a quote to raise and level your outdoor unit. Do not try to move your A/C compressor yourself as you might cause a refrigerant leak or may otherwise damage the equipment. Push the button and determine if the power is restored. Does Elemental Adept ignore Absorb Elements. Now that you don’t have to loose any sleep over the immediate collapse of your HVAC system you can sit back and find some ways to correct the situation, or not. However, I don't see any obvious structural issues. If you're worried about contact area, just use a wider wedge. It should be as level as possible. This is a quick easy way to facilitate an air conditioner pad installation. Leveling the base is all that's necessary. No AC. higher ground will not collect around the unit. In the industry we refer to the outdoor air conditioners as condensers or if it’s a heat pump we call it an outdoor unit because it’s not a condenser when in the heating mode. My customer indicated that it wasn’t any big deal. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. I leveled it, and now it is very quiet. The unit can then tip or rip free from the coolant line that feeds into your home.