Why You Should Put A Slab Of Concrete Under Your New Air Conditioner's Condenser
Are you getting a brand-new ac replacement at your home? If so, you will have to decide where to install the outside condenser. If you plan on installing the condenser in a place where there is currently a dirt surface, know that it will be best to have a slab of concrete installed underneath it. Here are some reasons why it is a good idea to have the concrete slab ready to go prior to the installation.
Concrete Slabs Help Condensers Stay Level
Your new condenser unit will be heavy, which is why it is best that it is secured to a solid surface. With condenser units being a couple hundred pounds, you can understand how the weight of the unit would cause the unit to sink as it settles into the ground. Since there are copper tubes attached to the air conditioner for the refrigerant, it can cause a big problem if these tubes bend along with the condenser as it sinks.
The consequence of a sinking condenser with bent copper tubing is that the refrigerant won't flow correctly through the system. In a worst-case scenario, heat can build up and the motor could fail. Having a slab of concrete under the condenser ensures that everything remains level and upright, which helps the appliance function properly over the years.
Concrete Slabs Help The Condenser Remain Elevated
There are a few reasons that you will want to keep the condenser elevated, and the slab of concrete will help you do it. The main reason is because you want the condenser to have plenty of airflow, and being close to the ground can prevent that from happening. Debris, such as leaves that have fallen off of trees, is more likely to collect against the condenser when it is low Having debris stuck in the condenser fins will lead to overheating, which can cause damage and reduce the condenser's lifespan.
The other reason to keep the condenser elevated is due to water. If you have water collecting around your home due to a heavy rainstorm, it is possible that the condenser will be submerged in water if it is not elevated on concrete. While condensers are designed to run in the rain without issues, preventing it from becoming submerged will help protect it from becoming damaged.
For more tips about what you need done to successfully install an HVAC condenser, speak to a local HVAC technician in your area.
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