How Much Does It Cost to Level Your AC Unit?
By Shelley Frost
May 18, 2025
Is the AC unit outside your home looking a little slanted? Your air conditioning condenser unit can become tilted, slanted or sunken for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's because the equipment doesn't start with a stable base, which can happen if you don't compact the gravel or install the concrete pad correctly. Soft or unstable soil can also allow heavy equipment to sink gradually. The weight and vibrations of the unit could add to the change in position.
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Why Do You Need a Level AC Unit?
A tilted or uneven position could cause strain on your air conditioning unit. As the AC unit moves, all the wiring, refrigerant lines and other components that connect to it could be strained, bent or compressed. That may cause leaks or otherwise interfere with how the unit operates.
Being level is also important for proper lubrication of the parts. When the AC is at a slant, the refrigerant and oil that help the equipment run properly might be distributed unevenly. This issue can cause the unit to work improperly or cause damage down the line. Other parts, like the condenser pump and fan motor, might also have to work harder or malfunction.
Your AC condenser might vibrate more when it's at an angle. This vibration can be loud and annoying and cause damage over time. It can stress the moving parts and cause different components and connections to loosen. All these issues together could mean you need repairs sooner, and they could shorten the life of your unit.
What Are the Steps Involved in AC Unit Leveling?
The specific process may vary depending on the condition of your AC unit and the surrounding area. A severely tipping unit often needs more work than one with just a slight lean. The typical steps and solution options include:
1. Assessing the slope of the unit with a level to determine the severity of the issue
2. Inspecting the pad to determine if it's damaged, cracked or weak
3. Shimming the unit with small shims or pads if the tilting is minor
4. Lifting the AC unit if necessary to complete repairs underneath
5. Resolving soil issues by addressing compaction or stabilizing soil
6. Repairing or replacing the pad to create a stable foundation
7. Lowering the unit back in place
It's usually best to allow a professional to level an AC unit for you. They're experienced in the common causes of tilting and have multiple methods of repairing the issue. If the unit has to be raised, damage can occur to the connections, pipes or wiring if it's not done correctly. This could result in more expensive repairs being required.
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How Much Does It Cost to Have This Professionally Done?
You can expect to pay between $100 and $200 (CAD 137 and CAD 274) to have your AC professionally leveled if the pad is already there and in good condition. If you need to replace the existing pad or install a new one, the cost may increase to $200 to $300 (CAD 274 to CAD 410).
However, you could see a wide range of prices for the process. You may pay more if your AC unit is severely tilted. If the unit has been tilted for a long time, there could be internal damage that needs to be repaired, which increases your total cost. It's also common to see a wide range of labor costs, which affects the overall price. Getting quotes from multiple companies helps you get a sense of the average cost in your area. Make sure you compare quotes for the same services to get an accurate look at which one is the best.
All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.
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