Today we’re going to be talking about one of the most neglected parts of outdoor AC maintenance: taking care of the unit’s concrete slab. While you may not think about this as essential to your AC’s performance, if you are considering installing a new air conditioning system, it is essential to make sure there is a strong, level, concrete slab in place before putting in the outdoor unit. Keep reading to learn why you need a concrete slab under your outdoor AC unit, and make sure to contact our Sterling HVAC experts at Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for all your heating and AC needs.
You Need a Concrete Slab Under Your Outdoor AC Unit Because:
- It keeps your air conditioner from sinking: For an air conditioning system to function at peak efficiency, it is essential that it has room to breathe. When your outdoor unit’s air flow is restricted, or it starts to sink into the ground, this limits your AC’s capabilities. This means your system’s performance will suffer, resulting in less cooling and higher energy bills for you. This is why that concrete slab is more than just a means of propping your AC unit up—it actually keeps the system from being compromised by the ground around it.
- It keeps oil from spreading: The compressor in your AC unit runs on oil. It is not uncommon for the oil in your system to leak a little from the unit’s condenser through the refrigerant lines. This is not a problem, usually, as the oil tends to just drip back down to the compressor without causing any issue. However, if your outdoor unit is not mounted on a level, concrete slab, it can start to pool as it drips down, spreading to the unit’s lines and coils. This can result in a shortage of oil in the compressor, which may cause the unit to overheat, forcing you to pay a huge repair fee to fix any ensuing damage. Thankfully, with a level concrete slab installed, your unit will remain securely in place and you won’t have to worry about any oil-related issues.
- It prevents wear and tear: Outdoor AC units are supposed to vibrate. However, when you are running your AC on high, and the vibrations begin to sound like a washing machine filled with a heavy load, there’s a chance your equipment can become damaged. Part of the solution to this is to limit excessive cooling, but it is also important that you have a strong concrete slab in place to prevent wear and tear. When your outdoor AC unit vibrates out of control, without anything to balance it, the refrigerant lines inside the unit and the ones leading to your property can come loose, and the system may start to sink into the ground. Once again, we see how having a concrete slab to hold everything in place can save you from spending money on costly repairs.
To hire a Sterling HVAC technician to inspect your concrete slab, call (703) 457-8676 now, or contact Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing online for more information.