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Old 09-25-2019, 11:49 AM
 
Location: Boston, MA
5,324 posts, read 3,206,496 times
Reputation: 6983

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Might be a random question but I purchased a new-build house. My HVAC condenser unit outside does not sit on perfectly level ground. It is not a serious incline but enough that someone can see it's not perfectly level.

I just didn't know if this has the potential to cause an out of balance or avoidable wear and tear type of issue. As the house is still under warranty, I will file a notice with the builder if this is an issue.

Thanks in advance!
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Old 09-25-2019, 02:37 PM
 
Location: Johns Creek, GA
17,473 posts, read 66,010,995 times
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It could become an issue- especially if this was caused by erosion.

An extremely out of level condenser unit can effect the performance of the compressor. The fix is usually lifting up the pad and packing some dirt under it.
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Old 09-25-2019, 04:31 PM
 
Location: Boston, MA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr View Post
It could become an issue- especially if this was caused by erosion.
No, it was crooked from the get-go. I never really gave it much thought but one day I guess it kind of just hit me that with spinning parts it might be putting a load on some components.

I'd say it's about 5-6 degrees off kilter.
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Old 09-25-2019, 05:35 PM
 
6,357 posts, read 4,175,527 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BoSox 15 View Post
No, it was crooked from the get-go. I never really gave it much thought but one day I guess it kind of just hit me that with spinning parts it might be putting a load on some components.

I'd say it's about 5-6 degrees off kilter.
I know of neighbors units that have been way out of level ( 6 inches in 2 feet ) for many years with the original unit, however, I would make sure any unit on my property is dead level. It is simple enough to correct.
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Old 09-25-2019, 07:43 PM
 
Location: Kansas City North
6,815 posts, read 11,534,335 times
Reputation: 17135
Or you can put it on brackets like this:

https://www.diversitech.com/en-US/item/id/7950

Our side yard slopes down to a walkout basement and mounting this way eliminates the whole leveling/erosion problem.
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Old 09-28-2019, 01:22 PM
 
Location: Knoxville
4,705 posts, read 25,291,381 times
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6 Degrees out of level is where problems can start. Easy enough to level, but you do have to be careful not to move it a lot, because you can crack the refrigerant line.
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Old 09-28-2019, 08:59 PM
 
Location: Columbus, OH
1,058 posts, read 1,249,317 times
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Mine was like that. I just put some shims directly underneath the unit, correcting it to be level again.
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Old 10-22-2019, 06:44 AM
 
572 posts, read 325,001 times
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6 to 7 inches is too much because it off balances the fan in the compressor and it might affect its performance and later it can also damage the fan. It can also make the machinery to work harder and consume more electricity, so be on the safer side and get it fixed. If the ground under is not level then try to place a plank under it. But you have to do it carefully so you do not disturb the other function of the compressor.
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Old 10-23-2019, 09:52 AM
 
Location: Johns Creek, GA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Coolair View Post
...do it carefully so you do not disturb the other function of the compressor.
Other function?
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Old 10-23-2019, 12:21 PM
 
11,230 posts, read 9,310,989 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr View Post
Other function?
Well, they're kind of round; I suppose a compressor could stand-in for a bowling ball in a pinch.


Tie the end of your trot line to the compressor and throw it in the lake.


It's a contactor-tester!
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