Air conditioners keep your home comfortable during hot and humid summers, but if you don’t take time to install your AC correctly, you could end up needing to make a large investment to fix your mistakes. One of the most important parts of your air conditioning system is the air conditioner condenser pad. What is an air conditioner pad? Do you really need one for your AC unit? Here is what you need to know.
What Is an Air Conditioner Pad?
An air conditioner condenser pad is a large piece of material, like concrete or composite, that will sit underneath your AC unit. The pad sits on the ground outside of your home, and it is installed before your unit is so that it will have a place to rest. Many homeowners don’t know the importance of a pad that is in good condition because, unless they moved into a new home or one without AC, they didn’t realize it was something that needed to be installed and maintained.
An AC condenser pad supports the AC unit by providing a smooth, firm, stable surface for it to sit on. By elevating the unit, you can reduce the likelihood of moisture, insects, or wildlife entering. The pad underneath your AC also helps provide a buffer between the vibrations of your unit and the ground. Having the AC condenser in direct contact with the ground causes damage and unpleasant vibrating and buzzing noises.
Why Do You Need an AC Condenser Pad?
An air conditioning unit is a significant investment, so keeping it in good condition is a high priority for many homeowners. One of the best ways to protect the money you have spent on an energy-efficient, high-quality unit is with an air conditioner pad. An AC condenser pad serves many purposes.
A condenser pad keeps your AC unit from sinking into the ground as dirt settles. In order for the AC condenser to work properly, it needs space for air to circulate. A unit that is sitting directly on the ground and sinking into the soil prevents this from happening. Condensers that can’t get adequate airflow will work harder to perform, which increases the wear and tear on your system and dramatically lowers energy efficiency.
The AC condenser relies on oil to stay lubricated and work correctly inside your air conditioning unit. Over time, oil can slowly leak out of the condenser into coolant lines. In most cases, this is not a major issue and is something that can be taken care of during your annual preventative maintenance appointment. However, if you do not have an air conditioner condenser pad, the oil could start to pool and get on the coils and lines.
When the condenser pad is not present and oil leaks elsewhere instead of dripping back into the compressor, it can cause an oil shortage. Inadequate oil levels prevent the condenser from working properly and can lead to overheating and poor performance. On top of paying for repairs for the condenser, you will also need to install a new air conditioner pad.
Finally, one of the other important roles of an air conditioner condenser pad is preventing excess wear and tear on the unit. Over the years, your AC condenser and AC system will work hard to supply you with cold air. This can lead to buzzing and vibrating noises. The condenser pad plays an essential role in absorbing these vibrations as systems get older.
The AC condenser pad also ensures that your unit is not out of balance, which can also cause vibrations that lead to units wearing out long before they should. Units that vibrate with nothing to absorb the impact or balance them can even loosen things like refrigerant lines or coils. If this occurs, you will need to take care of pricey repairs to the refrigerant lines and the re-installation of an air conditioner pad.
If you have a ductless air conditioning unit that sits on the ground and is not wall-mounted, you should also consider using an AC condenser pad. These will ensure the longevity of the unit and prevent damage.
How Can You Choose a Quality Condenser Pad?
There are many options for your ac condenser pad on the market, so you should think carefully about what is suitable for your yard, your budget, and your air conditioning unit. Make sure that your condenser pad is designed to be weatherproof and waterproof. Because it elevates the air conditioner from moisture on the ground, you want to ensure that your pad won’t absorb water and bring it into contact with the unit.
You should measure your AC unit before choosing the condenser pad’s size. They are available in a broad range of sizes to accommodate everything from residential units to large commercial units. Check with your local regulations or HOA guidelines, as some have set sizes of condenser pads that are required. Most pads are between three and six inches thick.
If you have a large-capacity unit or a very heavy one, you should choose concrete as your pad material. Recycled plastic can also be used to create a composite pad that your unit can rest on. These are eco-friendly and designed for long-term performance. Because they are not made from natural materials, they are very durable, non-porous, and resistant to fading from UV rays.
Can You Repair a Pad That Is Sunken or Damaged?
Some homeowners have noticed problems with the pad over the years. This is natural, as the ground can shift and settle underneath the concrete. Sometimes moisture can do damage that leads to degradation and cracking or other types of damage. An HVAC professional can carefully examine your pad to see if repair is possible or if the pad will need to be re-poured. Damaged ones can lead to severe problems with your air conditioner, so you should never wait to have them repaired.
If you are in need of air conditioner service in Miami, you should never wait to contact the professionals. Air conditioners are complex machines that have many different parts, so issues with one part can rapidly snowball and lead to problems with others that require even more repairs to remedy.
Ensure the Longevity of Your Air Conditioner With Chills Air Conditioning Company
If the hot Miami summers are hard on your air conditioning system, you are not alone. At Chills Air Conditioning Company, we specialize in helping homeowners like you keep their air conditioners in fantastic shape. Whether your pad is damaged and in need of replacement or installing your first AC unit, we can help you make the right choices about what pad to use. We offer a comprehensive range of air conditioning services to homeowners throughout Miami.
We offer free estimates for all of our installation, maintenance, and repair services. We use high-quality products that are built to last at the most competitive prices. We care about your family staying safe and comfortable, so we respond as quickly as possible every day, from the hottest day of the year to a warm fall afternoon. To schedule your appointment now, click the Book Appointment button or call us at (866) 937-5614.
