If you've noticed your AC condenser has been sinking over the years because the concrete pad is disappearing into the soil, you may need to call an AC service and have the problem corrected before damage is done to your condenser. Here's a look at why a sinking condenser pad can be a problem and how you can elevate the condenser.

Why A Sinking Pad Is A Potential Problem

If the pad is still level, the problem isn't as bad as if one side of the pad is sinking faster than the opposite side. The condenser needs to be level all the time, and if it isn't, the AC won't run as efficiently if there is a strain on the compressor. Your AC might even be damaged and need to have expensive parts replaced.

A sunken pad can also be a problem if your condenser gets so low that water pools around it when it rains. It's best to keep the condenser elevated so the parts don't stay submerged and rust. The condenser can tolerate being in the water for a short time, but if the water is too deep or if the condenser is in water for too long, the cage or parts might suffer from water damage.

It's also possible for the sinking condenser to pull lines tight as it moves. This could cause damage to electrical connections or even the refrigerant lines. It's best to fix the sinking pad before damage is done to your AC.

How An AC Service Can Fix The Problem

An AC technician might be able to fix the problem by putting legs under the condenser. To do this, they might tilt the unit enough to slip a jack under it so they can slip legs under the four corners of the condenser. This won't raise the slab, but it will elevate the condenser. For this to work, the slab still has to be level.

If the slab is not level, or if it is cracked and needs to be replaced, the technician might decide to disconnect the condenser and set it aside so the pad can be pulled out and replaced. The technician might suggest using a plastic slab, but the ground may need to be stabilized using gravel first so the new slab doesn't start sinking right away. Once the new slab is in place and the condenser is returned, the technician ensures the condenser is level, and then it is hooked back up to the system.

If you've been having trouble with flooding around the condenser that's causing the soil to shift, the technician may want to elevate the condenser higher than it was originally by building up the ground under the pad. They might also suggest adding adjustable legs so the unit can be elevated easier in the future, or suspending the condenser on a bracket attached to the side of your house.

Consider reaching out to a technician, like ASAP Air A/C and Heating, if you are having issues with your AC condenser.