The next time you’re doing yard work, take a moment to inspect your air conditioning system’s condenser unit. It’s a large box-shaped unit that contains a condenser coil, compressor and fan. Regardless of where it’s installed, it needs to be level. If the condenser unit is tilted or otherwise unlevel, it can lead to several problems with your air conditioning system.
Keeps the Compressor Lubricated
Whether reciprocating or scroll, all compressors contain moving parts. To protect these moving parts from damage, they require lubrication in the form of oil. Your air conditioning system’s condenser unit needs to be level so that the compressor stays lubricated.
When the condenser unit is level, the compressor will be evenly lubricated. The oil inside of the compressor will be level – just like the condenser unit. The oil will lubricate both sides of the compressor. If the condenser unit is unlevel, the oil may only lubricate one side of the compressor.
Protects the Compressor From Premature Failure
Your air conditioning system’s compressor may fail prematurely if the condenser unit is unlevel. When unlevel, it won’t be properly lubricated. Therefore, the compressor will be exposed to increased wear and tear as your air conditioning system runs.
Promotes Condensation Drainage
A level condenser unit promotes condensation drainage. Your air conditioning system will produce condensation at the evaporator coil. While the condenser coil is located outdoors in the condenser unit, the evaporator coil is located indoors.
As water condenses on the evaporator coil, it will drip down into a pan below. Known as a condensate pan, it will run to your home’s exterior via a drainage pipe. The drainage pipe is often connected to the condenser unit. If the condenser unit is unlevel, the drainage pipe may become unlevel as well. As a result, water may pool up inside of the drainage pipe.
Facilitates the Release of Heat
A level condenser unit facilitates the release of heat. Heat, of course, is released at the condenser coil, which is found inside of the condenser unit. Hot refrigerant will travel through the condenser coil, and as the fan blows over it, the refrigerant will release its heat.
Oil from the compressor, though, may escape the crankcase. Rather than staying inside of the compressor’s crankcase, it will enter the refrigerant lines that run to the coils. Normally, the oil will find its way back to the compressor. But if the condenser unit is unlevel, it may accumulate inside of the condenser coil – or other parts of your air conditioning system – where it hinders the release of heat.