5 Ways to Level an AC Unit Pad
As summer heats up, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to struggle because of an uneven pad.
An uneven AC pad can lead to many issues, from reducing the efficiency of your cooling unit just when you need it most to causing potential damage over time.
If you’ve noticed that your AC unit isn’t quite level, several methods exist to fix it. While some of these can be tackled as DIY projects, they may have their own drawbacks.
Ultimately, you want a solution that provides long-term stability and keeps you cool all season long.
Ways To Level an Air Conditioning Pad
1. Shimming the AC Pad
One of the quickest DIY options is to use plastic or composite shims to level the pad. Shims are small, wedge-shaped pieces that you can insert under the pad to adjust height and create a level surface.
- Pros: Inexpensive and easy to install; ideal for slight adjustments.
- Cons: Shims shift easily. This method is temporary and requires frequent adjustments.
2. Adding Gravel or Sand Under the Pad
Another common DIY method involves adding gravel or sand beneath the AC pad to level it. You can create a more stable base by lifting the pad slightly and filling in the gaps with gravel or sand.
- Pros: Relatively inexpensive and provides moderate stability.
- Cons: Gravel or sand settles easily, leading to further imbalance. Moisture washes away the material, requiring additional leveling efforts in the future.
3. Repositioning the AC Pad
If the pad is severely uneven or has shifted significantly, you may need to temporarily remove the AC unit, reposition the pad, and place it back. This involves digging around the pad, lifting it, and adjusting its position on a more even surface.
- Pros: Can correct significant misalignments.
- Cons: Labor-intensive and may require specialized tools or equipment. This method can also disrupt the AC unit, leading to potential damage.
4. Using Concrete Slurry or Mortar
Another option is to apply a concrete slurry or mortar under the pad. You can raise the mixture to the desired level and fill any voids underneath by injecting the mixture under the pad.
- Pros: It is a longer-lasting solution compared to shims or sand.
- Cons: Requires experience to handle properly and may not address underlying soil issues. The mixture can also take time to cure and may still settle unevenly over time.
5. PolyRenewal™ Polyurethane Injections
PolyRenewal™ Polyurethane Injections offers a long-lasting, professional solution to level an AC unit pad. This method involves injecting a polyurethane foam under the pad, which expands to fill voids and lift the pad back to a level position.
- Pros: Quick installation, minimal disruption, and highly effective. The expanding foam creates a stable base that resists moisture and soil movement, ensuring the pad remains level for years.
- Cons: Requires professional service, which may have a higher upfront cost than DIY options, but offers long-term savings due to its durability.
Is a Professional Assessment Needed?
If you have an uneven AC unit pad, you might wonder whether you need a professional assessment.
While DIY methods can offer temporary solutions, they may not address the underlying causes, such as soil erosion, poor drainage, or shifting ground. These issues can lead to ongoing problems or even affect your home’s foundation.
A professional assessment helps identify the root cause of the unevenness. By consulting with an expert, you can be confident that your AC unit will remain level, saving you from potential headaches.
Why Choose Groundworks?
Groundworks has decades of experience in solving both large and small concrete problems, including uneven AC pads.
With our expertise, you can trust that we’ll provide a durable solution using PolyRenewal™ Polyurethane Injections, ensuring your AC unit remains level and secure for years.
Schedule a free inspection today and let our team confidently handle your concrete leveling needs.
FAQs
The effectiveness of concrete lifting in repairing cracks varies based on the severity of the damage. For minor cracks, the lifting process can significantly diminish their visibility. In some cases, the elevation of the concrete may be sufficient to completely close small cracks.
However, when dealing with extensive or severe cracks, lifting alone may not be adequate. In such instances, complete replacement of the concrete section might be the only viable solution to fully address the problem.
Protect your home’s concrete surfaces through sealing techniques, ensuring proper drainage to avoid erosion, evenly distributing weight, and regular inspection and maintenance.
It depends on the method selected. Polyurethane foam injection addresses the soil instability or voids under the slab by stabilizing the soil beneath it.
Leah Leitow
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.