Why Your Air Conditioner Unit Needs To Be Level (and How To Tell If It’s Not)

Air conditioners provide much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, but maintaining their optimal performance is crucial. One often-overlooked aspect is ensuring that the air conditioner unit is level. This seemingly minor detail can significantly impact the unit’s efficiency, longevity, and overall cooling capabilities.

Why Leveling Matters

When an air conditioner unit is not level, it can cause several issues:

• Uneven cooling: An unlevel unit distributes cool air unevenly throughout the room, leaving some areas warmer than others.
• Increased noise: Unbalanced units create vibrations that lead to excessive noise, which can be a nuisance to occupants.
• Premature wear and tear: The compressor, a vital component of the unit, operates under stress when the unit is not level. This can lead to premature wear and tear, reducing the lifespan of the air conditioner.
• Reduced efficiency: An unlevel unit consumes more energy to compensate for uneven cooling, resulting in higher electricity bills.

How to Check Levelness

Determining if your air conditioner unit is level is a simple process:

1. Place a level on top of the unit: Use a spirit level or a laser level to check the unit’s levelness from front to back and side to side.
2. Adjust the leveling legs: Most air conditioner units have adjustable leveling legs. Use a wrench or screwdriver to adjust the legs until the level reads even.

Leveling Your Unit

Leveling an air conditioner unit requires a few basic tools:

• Spirit level or laser level
• Wrench or screwdriver
• Shims (optional)

Follow these steps to level your unit:

1. Turn off the power: Before performing any work, turn off the power supply to the unit.
2. Check the levelness: Place the level on top of the unit and adjust the leveling legs as needed.
3. Use shims (optional): If the unit is slightly unlevel and cannot be adjusted with the leveling legs, place shims under the unit to provide additional support.

Other Considerations

In addition to leveling, consider the following factors to optimize your air conditioner‘s performance:

• Clearance: Ensure there is adequate clearance around the unit, at least 12 inches from all sides.
• Slope: The unit should be placed on a slightly sloped surface to allow for proper drainage.
• Ground cover: Place the unit on a stable surface, such as a concrete pad or a gravel base.

Leveling for Different Types of Units

The leveling procedure varies slightly depending on the type of air conditioner unit:

• Window units: Level the unit by adjusting the leveling legs or shims placed under the front or back of the unit.
• Central air conditioners: Level the condensing unit outside by adjusting the leveling legs or using a concrete pad to provide a level surface.
• Portable air conditioners: Level the unit by placing it on a flat surface and adjusting the leveling feet.

When to Call a Professional

While leveling an air conditioner unit is a relatively simple task, there are certain situations where it’s advisable to call a professional:

• Uneven ground: If the ground where the unit will be placed is uneven or sloped, a professional can assess the situation and recommend the best approach.
• Complex leveling: Some units may require more advanced leveling techniques or special equipment.
• Safety concerns: If you are not comfortable working with electrical equipment or heavy machinery, it’s best to leave the task to a qualified technician.

The Bottom Line: Level Up for Optimal Cooling

Leveling your air conditioner unit is an often-neglected but crucial step for ensuring its efficient and effective operation. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your unit is operating at its peak performance, providing you with comfortable cooling all summer long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I check the levelness of my air conditioner unit?
A: It’s a good practice to check the levelness of your unit annually, especially before the start of the cooling season.

Q: What are the signs of an unlevel air conditioner unit?
A: Uneven cooling, increased noise, and premature wear and tear are all potential indicators of an unlevel unit.

Q: Can I level my air conditioner unit without using shims?
A: Yes, most units can be leveled using only the adjustable leveling legs. However, shims can provide additional support if needed.

Q: Is it necessary to level both the indoor and outdoor units of a central air conditioner?
A: Yes, both the indoor and outdoor units should be level for optimal performance.

Q: How do I level a portable air conditioner unit?
A: Place the unit on a flat surface and adjust the leveling feet until the unit is level.