How do I level the outdoor A/C compressor?

[jeffw_00]

Hi - I had a new Evolution A/C system put in last January. The outside compressor is a 598B unit on a plastic pedestal. I recently noticed that the back of the unit (where the connectors are), is about 1" lower than the front. Should I care?

If I should, what's the best way to level it? I don't think it can be tipped very far without disconnecting it. I could take a 2x4 (or 2x6) and shave it to the right width and slip it under the pedestal (or perhaps better, between the unit and the pedestal), or (how would I do this?) tip it up far enough to push enough dirt under it to level it?

I know a concrete slab would be better, but my old unit was on a plastic pedestal for almost 20 years without incident, so I cheaped out (also, I've seen small slabs shift as well).

I'm actually having my new A/C guys out to do the leveling, I'm just curious what they –should- and –should not- be doing. Just trying to learn.

Thanks!
/j

[Steve Wiggins]

squirt a little water under the high side and it should level out right before your very eyes.

[jeffw_00]

huh?

[amickracing]

The water will wash away some dirt, and also help compact the stuff that stays there... you lower the high side, it'll (eventually) become even with the low side... that would make it level

[low pressure guy]

IF YOU WATCH IT LONG ENOUGH IT WILL GROW .

[jeffw_00]

I don't know - we just had a week of torrential rain, and the low side is under an overhang, but the high side gets a lot of rain - you mean just take a hose and force it under until it's level? I could try....

beats raising the low side.

I thought you guys were kidding, but this actually works? (or are you just pulling a HO's leg?)
/j

[hvaclover]

C'mon.

Use some paving stones or other stone material to bring up the ass end. That'll do temporary.

We push six by sixes under the pad to elevate the cond and
build up the area for a permanent fix.

[Steve Wiggins]

Not kidding Jeff. It works very very well. Just squirt water hose back and forth just under the edge of the pad where it meets the dirt and it will start sinking right away.

By the way your house will do the same thing if you don't divert the gutter down spouts at least 4 ft. away from the footing.

[stonefly]

be sure its not a heatpump, in which case you want it tilted an inch or so to better drain defrost water. since its the same compressor either way & to answer your question...no you shouldn't care.

[jeffw_00]

It's for A/C only - so i shouldn't care if it's off-level by an inch?

[amickracing]

An inch really won't matter much at all

[t527ed]

1" will not matter much but it would be better if low end was away from house.

[smokin68]

Originally posted by jeffw_00
).

I'm actually having my new A/C guys out to do the leveling, I'm just curious what they –should- and –should not- be doing. Just trying to learn.

Thanks!
/j


you mean just take a hose and force it under until it's level? I could try....

beats raising the low side.

I thought you guys were kidding, but this actually works? (or are you just pulling a HO's leg?)

Who's doing the work again Jeff???