Raise your outside AC unit.

I created this video with the KZbin Video Editor ( / editor )

[@armadillotoe]

I am considering doing something similar. I am buying a new a/c unit this summer. I plan on raising the a/c up, digging out enough dirt to get a 2x4 frame under it, and using quick-drying concrete( like used for post holes) to make a new pad that won't be unstable for the new AC. The A-frame is a good option.

[@rkvons]

I've thought about that, but I worry that the whole pad will sink over time.

[@brunorosales7387]

Great idea im having a similar problem and im thinking to build a concrete slab and just meef some ideas of how to lift the ac by myself thank you for that idea

[@EluderRacing]

nice video you did a lot of work. I'm sorry to say its not going to last you have a erosion problem in that area the area under the pad needed to be built up with something like paver base that won't wash away it will pack down and stay in place top soil is going to just keep washing away. even with the wood chips. also replace the missing pavers they will help contain the chips and keep them from washing away over time

[@aircooledtx]

Need pea gravel for base then set pad ,level condenser. Yes, need to put ground soil around your house. Good job, sir.. Texas Hvac Man -retired

[@freeman3320]

Pea gravel would have been a very poor solution. It will shift endlessly. Better solution would have been crushed limestone which will compact nicely.

[@michaelmace924]

But pea gravel is more fun to say

[@tbarbuto2345]

Lot of negative comments from the keyboard warriors here. Thanks for sharing, gave me some ideas for how to lift mine so I can regrade.

[@Gee-xx3oi]

Anyone who knows what they are doing knows this will not last, he basically just re-did it exactly how it was originally installed (which failed)...if it didn't hold up the first time why would it not sag again this time? This is a temp fix and just creates more work later. It needs to be dug out, put gravel under the pads etc...do it properly. The gantry is a great idea but all that effort it should be done correctly

[@rkvons]

No problems at all. It was much happier back where it was before all the stress from sinking.

[@JohnPoissant]

Thanks for the video - I need to do something similar. This gave me some good ideas.

[@scarface667]

Hey, I have a somewhat similar problem. Major flooding when it rains, I will raise it kinda like you did , but my question is Does that retaining wall/block keep the water out? . Just wonder why you have that?

[@rkvons]

The wall was put in for looks, and to give me an edge to run my lawn mower around. Originally, my downspouts emptied inside the wall, which I didn't think about and later changed to empty outside of the wall. Thanks for your question.

[@davidavi8554]

I darn near laughed out loud at ya when you thought your AC was out of whack.. The reason I am here is to figure out how to level mine out, and it is wayyyyy more out of whack than yours.

[@davidu8688]

Yeah...mine is setting on a rotted deck and falling through...not good, hopefully this can give me ideas.

[@rkvons]

Wow, thanks for a positive comment!

[@jimdavidson5208]

Check for leaks.......

[@rkvons]

It has not leaked for 25 years. Thanks.

[@jimdavidson5208]

Really, so this video you made, back on 9 August 2015, called raise your outside AC unit, is 25 years old now?

[@rkvons]

No, it is not 25 years old. It was made in 2015. The air conditioner has been in use for 25 years and has not leaked. Why would I check for leaks? The air conditioner is either going to work, or it isn't. It does work. Sorry about your confusion.

[@andrewmeyer2401]

That's not true. A small pin sized hole in your refrigerant line can take awhile to notice. You just moved your unit and could have easily broken open one of the joints. It can work, sure...but just because it's working doesn't mean it's working to capacity. I'm guessing you're an engineer type by how over thought this was when a simple shovel under a corner, lift, place a brick appropriately, and repeat until level would have taken about 5 minutes. (hvac tech +20 yrs)

[@Tommy_boy007]

Andrew Meyer Yeah, like your average homeowner knows how to check for leaks. Stop being a dumb ass. If he needs it fixed, he won't be calling you. (Commercial service tech 3 years)

[@jakev1972]

Would have been better replacing it and starting fresh

[@rkvons]

Oh sure... in fact, I should just get a new house! Thanks for the brilliant idea.

[@michaelmace924]

Damn, you really struck a nerve with that one. I'm guessing he has heard that a bunch but I could be wrong. 🤔

[@EVATVDirect]

Lol. Love how people like to tell others to spend thousands to replace something that isn't broken simply because it needed simple attention.

[@jimpie231]

Wow! You did a great job! Crushed stone underneath might help it from eroding. Make a trail away from the condenser so the water would have a path away.......Jim

[@shuvel77]

Thank you so much... This helped me big time! It wasn't an easy project... But not hard either. 5" lift... Successful! Saved me a ton of money. Appreciate it

[@gv9528]

The soil will erode again. I would dig a square hole 4 inches deep and fill it with crushed rock and then place the base on top.

[@rkvons]

Good idea. I'm just not sure how to dig the hole with the AC unit over it.

[@OGDKNY]

@@rkvons recently watched some pros do this at neighbors house. They did same as you but had metal scaffold (same shape as what you made w/2x4). It allowed them to lift the units higher. Had just enough clearance to do proper Base with 3/4” gravel. I enjoyed your vid, thx.

[@pamelas9]

@@OGDKNY omg. We have a scaffold, but I would have never made the leap to use it without your comment. That is going to save so much time!

[@LBizKid04]

@@OGDKNY I take it they removed the refrigerant lines?

[@alliedcompleterepair]

That was a very clever lifting mechanism you built. I'm just wondering though. Why not just use a shovel to lift up the left side and put some crushed rock under the slab to relevel it again. I'm sure that would have taken a lot less time.

[@davidu8688]

He was board it looks like :)

[@rkvons]

You have to imagine that the AC lines are not rubber hoses, and that lifting it has to be done systematically so that they don't crack. If I'm going to do that, I want to do it right.

[@michaelmace924]

You could lift the unit with a shovel like that as long as you keep an eye on your lines and the wiring. You should have enough play in the lines to do what needs to be done. But I would just leave it go till I replace that unit in about 5 years, looks like it's about 10 years old when this was filmed.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

James Colver That’s what I’m gonna try

[@thehappytexan]

Nicely done! Most people have no idea how bad it is for any type of refrigerant compressor to run while not being level. Most campers actually have a warning sticker for refrigerator saying not run it until after the camper has been leveled.

[@starshipgus8578]

Are you sure you didn’t work building the pyramids in Egypt? Lol,very ingenious way to lift the unit,I have the same brand but I just lifted the low side and added wedges between the condenser and the concrete pad to level it ,most of the concrete companies can do this by pumping mud or foam under the pad to level it.They use this method all the time for driveways and sidewalks.

[@rkvons]

There is no reason to disconnect anything except the AC power. And there should be disconnect right near the unit. The only issue with lifting it is the more it moves around, the more likely a refrigerant line will crack. But, yeah, that would be easier and quicker.

[@casperf3486]

My unit is on the ground and not level. I may use a car jack and place 4 corner walkway bricks under it as level as possible until I replace the unit and install a concrete pad.

[@alexchandra7880]

Get foam vibration pad, they have different thickness. That pad use by AC company to levels

[@Tyler-cf8jl]

Usually what I do is take a shovel and wedge it under a corner of the pad, then push down on it and put rocks underneath. Then do other corners until unit is properly level. Being unlevel puts strain on the fan motor and causes premature failure

[@sinbin_36]

See that is what i was envisioning trying . Building this apparatus is way beyond what I can do😂

[@jeffd5091]

I need to do this, but plan to use an engine hoist on a sheet of plywood.

[@rkvons]

Hmmm, wish I had an engine hoist.

[@mb3775]

I might have used builders sand instead of top soil. The sand would be more stable over time.

[@K1DTC]

Nice idea. I will try the same but perhaps will throw pea-stone under the slab to help prevent the soil from doing the same thing. I love the rig and I’m going to use the exact same thing you made.

[@rkvons]

Thank you for a positive comment. I think the pea-stone is a better idea. Good luck.

[@postskeetclarity]

Yeah I thought the same thing this would be like the same process as if you were to lay a patio paver down you need to make sure that you have compact aggregate and sand base and not only just underneath but also at least 12 in outside of the PAD as well.

[@rkvons]

The Black on the foundation is actually a coating put on by the builder to seal it from the outside.

[@jacksp8452]

Make sure u just be careful with the Freon lines but this is a great idea I work in HVAC and I’m gonna do this at my moms house hers I really bad!

[@billr4283]

Brilliant idea!! Just finished cleaning the coils when I noticed it had sunk due to erosion and MOLES. Before building the A FRAME (which I like), i will place ladders beside the unit and span a 3x4 or a section of 2” black pipe (all leftovers from projects) and lift away. Brilliant!!!!

[@Geektownusa]

How difficult was it to lower the unit back down? Don't those ratchet straps just release, or do they slowly loosen?

[@rkvons]

The unit is actually not very heavy. It is just cumbersome. They do release, but it lowered without difficulty. Thanks for an intelligent question.

[@hiseminencetheholymacdiarmada]

I have nearly the exact same issue, and it bothers me just the same. My condenser is leaning away from the house. It seems I have the same pad as well. My idea is to wait til the weather cools (I’m in Savannah GA) so I can pull all the refrigerant out of the system, completely remove the condenser, and pour a proper concrete pad (or just put down some pavers?). It’s still warm here so I’ve got a little time to plan out what I want to do. But I searched the subject on YT and found this video, well done!

[@LBizKid04]

How did it go?

[@MrLutzyboy]

This is now on my list of-things-to-do...Thanks RICK!

[@pauleohl]

You got some exercise, but the job was unnecessary for the amount of lean you had. If the lean really bothered you, you could have dug out under the pad, from the front, with a little hand shovel until the condenser leaned forward and then rammed gravel into your little excavation.

[@rkvons]

The entire AC unit was lower. I would have gotten much more exercise trying to jam something under the pad all the way around and in the middle.

[@kcampbell4098]

"20 years on this A/C", that ain;t gonna happen, they are fix 2 times and buy a new one, these days.....I know. my condenser fan failed a few months out of warranty....Start saving now for a whole new system, what's it use R22? Fed is Phasing out R22 for 410a.....

[@rkvons]

The AC unit was installed in 1992. It may not last another 20 years. Okay.

[@codythompson9035]

K Compbelli Lol well I’d be willing to bet 410-A will start phasing out here soon in the next 5 years, idk maybe I’m wrong. Equipment isn’t built the same anymore. I’m tired of fixing new equipment that failed from poor engineering and cheap components. Hell just like the new/er ECM motors. They are built like a tank but the modules on the back fail constantly in my experience. They were mostly in residential style splits systems but they are making their way into commercial now. Wouldn’t be too big of an issue if the modules weren’t the biggest expense of the motor. The module is essentially the brain that allows it to ramp up and down similar to a VFD. It’s a great idea, essentially eliminates in-rush current which is a big cost on your energy bill and has other operational advantages too. The way that legislation is changing I wouldn’t be surprised if VRF systems become standard at some point.

[@kcampbell4098]

your are spot on my friend, my best friend is an A/C engineer and the EPA and cheap Chinese components are making Home A/C like throw away razors...oB

[@pik4chu]

Thanks for the video. Need to do the same thing for the same reason and this is exactly the kind of plan I had in mind. Good to see it worked out great for someone else first :)

[@jbroheretoday]

Nice job. Great ideas here.

[@na2305]

Going to do the same. But mine needs raised a good 10" it sunk so bad. Sadly, I'm going to have to have the hard copper line unhooked and discharged (i have no give or "flex" in my copper line). Plys they used indoor romrx wire. Going to run new wire in plastic tubing. You not only did a nice job but you did it right

[@Joseph-eh4rs]

Thanks for doing this. I need do this with the base pad falling apart. I guess it's not really a concrete base.

[@daveshangar6820]

Great idea. I just bought a home and mine doesn't even have a pad under it. It's sitting on the ground. I need to do something. Why somebody would install mine so poorly is beyond me.

[@michaelmace924]

Is it on dirt or concrete? If it's on dirt you should put a pad upder it. As long as the copper lines are at least 10" long you can get a few friends to help you lift the unit and slide the pad under. Start with the side of the unit opposite of the side thecopper lines connect to the unit. Once that one side is sitting on the pad put a man on either side & have them lift the unit while you slide the pad under.

[@stueyg5954]

At 1:52 in your video it looks like you had standing water with that black line on the wall probably was leaking in the basement window wells and putting the unit under water at the back. I would suggest putting small 3ft boxing overhang with a gutter along that side of your house just for extra water collection and on the ground maybe 3-4ft wide 2inch concrete slab at a slight angle away from the house under the new overhang will solve any future leaking plus the unit can sit on the new 2 inch slab.

[@hansen370]

That's a great idea but as you will see there is too much organic matter in that dirt, it could break down faster than expected.

[@ahwayzcool4630]

I need to lift mine up also. Its sinking worse than yours.

[@scott2455ify]

Does this cause any issues with the pipe coming from the house to the AC unit? I belive it's copper no? Would this cause a crack or kink?

[@rkvons]

If your AC unit is sinking and you don't correct it, yes. Will correcting it cause it? Hopefully, not if you are careful.

[@fire67bird]

Nice work there. I suspect your problem was caused by settling of the back fill dirt from original construction of the house.

[@rkvons]

Yes, exactly.

[@rkvons]

Yes, exactly.

[@michaelmace924]

Damn dude, did you ever think about becoming a CSI officer? Because that was some top notch detective work right there. You would impress the shit out of Columbo or Matlock, or hell even Sledge Hammer.

[@Yellowpuma01]

DIWhy

[@jmiraval]

Looking at the same issue. Will likely have an AC buddy come vacuum it down and pull the unit. I have a concrete pad so plan on just building a form around it and pouring and filling it to level. Annoys the hell out of me.

[@hjc4604]

Not everyone has an AC buddy to recover the refrigerant, move the unit then check for leaks after cutting and rebrazing the lines, check for leaks and refill the unit with refrigerant. That would cost most people around $600.

[@homayounshirazi9550]

I am glad you are no longer bothered by your leaning tower of AC! So, what else is bothering You?

[@andrewmeyer2401]

Jokes on him. His a/c was level and his house was actually leaning!

[@michaelmace924]

🤣🤣🤣 That was priceless

[@michaelmace924]

🤣🤣🤣

[@hungdang1312]

So it was not the AC that leaning but the house was learning :D

[@zurdsh]

I assume you meant the wood is 2x3's and 2x4's?

[@richh9904]

Old rusty R-22 system. Time to replace it guy.

[@rkvons]

Thanks for that great suggestion. It's gonna be about 100 degrees out today, and it is currently working just fine. I fail to understand what reasoning you use to conclude that I should replace it. The whole video was based on my attempt to avoid the cost of replacing it. I must be missing something.

[@michaelmace924]

I wouldn't replace it till it's dead, but I wouldn't put much money into it either. R22 is up to $50-100/lb right now and an average system holds about 8 lbs.

[@purpelanimating]

we have stable condenser pads

[@supercodyhaha]

Good Job. . Although I assume you work for the Government or Work in Management. Ac Systems last 15 Years on Average. I would Have put Rubber Shims (Isolation Pads) under it until its time to change out the System.

[@rlopez2626]

I would poured a concrete slab under it and brought it up about 6" above ground to keep outside elements away from coils.

[@rkvons]

I thought about that, but when the concrete slab sinks, then I have a bigger problem.

[@rlopez2626]

+Rick von Schwedler I don't think it would sink if you drill holes into that concrete block that I see, use epoxy and place at least three #4 rebars into the holes. The concrete won't go anywhere. However, it sounds like you have a huge soil issue. If so, that's not good for your structure. Not sure where you are at, I live in Southern California.

[@1995dresser]

I Did The Same Thing those Plastic A/C Slabs on my old Unit Settle After a Few Years and Lean. so when I Put my New Unit in I Dug Down Put some stone in and Poured a Slab its been there for 10yrs and has not Moved and I Live in the Northeast Part of The Country Frost Heave Etc still Level Its Funny when you drive by some Peoples Homes it looks like their A/C Unit is Ready to Fall over its Leaning over so bad

[@michaelmace924]

Cement pad wouldn't sink if you do it right

[@peterdehaven]

Annoying background noise

[@РасимАзымов-х2о]

I can't believe it can be this good

[@batbawls]

Like a tour in Iraq. Looks good though

[@mike48084]

Another 20 years? yeah right. lol Nice Video though. Goes to show the AC unit height and location is not set in stone.

[@sealinks]

Great Job!

[@MS-ti8ub]

A question: is it dangerous if the ac unit rocks back and forth?

[@rkvons]

If your AC unit moves, it is bending your hard AC lines. Over time, I would imagine that being a problem because it will weaken the lines, and possibly cause a leak.

[@ramperkashsoebhag2375]

good info

[@genecoppedge5972]

Good job friend. Any idea if that pad is necessary or a concrete pad would be better?

[@rkvons]

Concrete pad would be great if it didn't sink over time. That would be a problem, and all of my dirt was sinking. Look into a shelf that bolts into the foundation and allows you to sit your AC unit on it.

[@alexchandra7880]

Better to have best dense foam pad (not cheap styrofoam with plastic cover) with sturdy base like concrete. The pad will do 2 things: elevate from standing water or snow (in heavy snow area they sell additional legs to elevate more) and to reduce vibrations (both ways) you can add rubber pad to reduce more or to shim to level

[@bshavon8271]

Bothers him

[@tevman69]

Good luck.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Mines leaning the same way

[@ravindrasharma6037]

where should i place outdoor unit of air conditioner which is the right place

[@rkvons]

Only you can decide. Make sure it is not too far away from furnace. Also try to keep it away from area outside where you might be entertaining guests, so it does not make noise for you.

[@andrewmeyer2401]

Don't take advice from anyone who says "only you can decide." There are certain restrictions that must be met. Contact a certified HVAC company.

[@yolandarivera6872]

Just away from the clothes dryer vent, we are just finished cleaning all the lint that got blown on the condensing unit ugh!

[@rkvons]

A certified HVAC company can only make recommendations. Only the buyer can decide on where it ultimately goes. That's not advice, that's a fact.

[@ericcholo562]

Thank you for skipping some steps.....

[@MS-ti8ub]

After raising the ac unit some more, I would level the soil underneath , make a square wood box and fill it up with cement. There you would have a base made of concrete, leveled, higher, and away from water. Another idea, on the concrete base, add bricks around it and set the unit on it. Just some thoughts. I am a woman, 60 y.o. and having the same problem with unit. I welcome any doable idea.

[@rkvons]

I appreciate your suggestion. The problem with it though, is that the entire concrete slab will then sink.

[@MS-ti8ub]

@@rkvons Thank you for answering. I am trying to figure it out what is a good solution. My slab is not sinking. I need to erase it bcse a neighbor is directing her roof spouts to my side of the fence and towards the ac unit. I have already done a french drain, but when it rains cats and dogs PLUS her "delivery" you can imagine... Thank you for you answer. I was also afraid to damage the AC lines. And I will be VERY careful then. Thanks again....

[@andiegilson4666]

Skip to 3:15 for the start of the build💪

[@deseremere]

Man, you could just stick a shovel and a 2x4 under the concrete pad and lift one side a bit... then just place some concrete mix underneath to keep it that way... While you did it nicely it is so much overdone

[@andrewmeyer2401]

He has to be an engineer. Engineers ALWAYS over think the simple.

[@randygary3607]

I feel dumb just watching this bullshit. You did all that work on a old ass system that broken right now or has already been replaced. Just say you were bored and needed to stay busy.

[@PsiFire1]

Did you have any problems with flexing the copper pipe feeding the condenser? Mine is old and moving it too much makes me nervous that I'd pop a leak.

[@andrewmeyer2401]

He didn't want to check after he did it based on his comments he made to others. Always check for leaks after doing this.

[@michaelmace924]

I'm sure someone else has said something already, but that condenser leaning that tiny bit isn't hurting anything. The unit needs to be leaning a whole lot more than that to do any damage. But if you what you're interested in is wasting time, money, or your back go right ahead. That unit looks like it will need replacing in the next 5 years anyway. If you want to do something right, pour a concrete pad when you put a new unit it.

[@rkvons]

I didn't waste any time. I spent very little money. If I poured a concrete slab and it sank, it would be much more difficult to fix later. My house is cool right now with that AC unit. If your AC unit is sinking or leaning, just leave it alone.

[@reapermanslayer]

You're free to come over and do it, dickhead. And since it so easy and quick you can do it for free.