When moving an air conditioner, it is always a good idea to keep it in an upright position and to transport it in a way that keeps everything fairly level. Safety is always the priority, but you may be wondering what happens if you turn the air conditioner on its side.
At Ambient Edge, we feel it may be better to contact our technicians for the help you need moving or installing a new air conditioner, but we are happy to provide some insight into proper air conditioner maintenance and AC replacement in Las Vegas.
Why You Should Not Tilt Your Portable Air Conditioner
A portable air conditioner should always be kept in the upright position and not inclined or tilted in any other way including putting it on its side or back.
If you do that, it may cause damage to the system and could make it inoperable as a result. That is because it can lead to oil depletion and an inability to retain condensate, and that could lead to a performance failure and, in some situations, a full system failure.
The internal fixtures within the air conditioner are designed to function when the system is sitting in an upright position. When it is in any other position, it may not be able to function.
These systems go through a vapor compression cycle, which requires the use of a compressor. When you lay the air conditioner on its side, the compressor is not able to get the lubricating oil it needs, and that causes the compressor components to collide, creating significant wear and tear on those components.
Even if this ongoing goes on for a short time, it can make it impossible for the system to run since permanent damage occurs to each of those components.
This depends in part on the type of system you have. However, there are other reasons why this can be problematic and you can find more information in our FAQs.
Consider What Condensate Water Can Do
If your system is not in the upright position, condensate water will flow downward, and depending on if you have a partially or completely evaporative system, that moisture cannot be removed properly through the exhaust hose when it is not in the right position. This can create damage to those components.
Transporting Your Portable Air Conditioner
It is also important to transport the portable air conditioner in a vertical position without putting it on its side for the same reasons.
Even if it is brand new and you just want to bring it home, you should keep it in the upright position. If you lay it down, it may not have the compressor oil it needs to function properly, and you could end up damaging the system.
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Storing an Air Conditioner When You Are Not Using It
Another common situation occurs when owners need to remove their air conditioner for the offseason, and while this is not something you have to do, there are a few key things to keep in mind when it does need to happen.
First off, know that you can winterize your air conditioner without removing it, and that is ideal. If you cannot do so, keep the following tips in mind:
- Make sure you store it in an upright position wherever you put it and keep it in the upright position throughout transporting it as well.
- If, for any reason, the system is on its side for any length of time, it is a good idea to put it in the upright position for a day before you turn it on. This may help to minimize damage to the compressor and give the system time to settle.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to setting up your system, including how to store it throughout the process.
Whenever possible, keep your air conditioner in an upright position to avoid any risk to it. If you do have a problem with it, give our team a call to allow our technicians to provide you with guidance on getting it back into properly working order. It may not seem like a big deal, especially for a short trip, but that can quickly become a problem even if you do not turn it off.
How Ambient Edge Can Help You with Your Air Conditioner Needs
At Ambient Edge, we take pride in providing our clients with exceptional support for all of their needs, whether that is to install a new home air conditioner so you do not have to worry about portable models or to help you with your portable AC unit.
That includes providing you with support for all of your needs. Consider a few ways that our team can help you with this process.
- Removing an old unit: If you have an air conditioner that needs to be removed from your home for any reason, give us a call. Our team has the equipment and resources to get the job done properly, so you do not have to worry about damaging the frame or tilting it in any way.
- Repairing your unit: If your current air conditioner is not working properly for any reason or you are not sure if it is functioning properly after a long period in storage, let us come out to offer an inspection. That way, you can be sure it is safe to use.
- Replacing your system: There may come a time when you need to replace your system with a new one, and we can help.
If you turn your air conditioner on its side for any reason, let it sit for as long as possible before turning it on. If it is not working properly now that it is on, give us a call. Let our technicians take a closer look at our satisfaction guarantee.
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When you avoid putting your air conditioner on its side, you protect the lifespan of the system. At Ambient Edge, we would be happy to help you get your system set up and working properly so you do not have to worry.
Call us today for a consultation.
