But be warned â concrete AC pads are known to sink over time, even when they are built on relatively stable ground. This pad is intended to keep your AC unit from sinking into the ground, but it also has another purpose: to keep the air conditioner ⦠to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1 . The Diversitech EL3636 E-Lite is an excellent AC pad that will be able to handle anything you throw at it. Disconnect refrigeration lines from condensing unit. Pouring a concrete pad is not much different than pouring any type of concrete slab. Next, you can use a wooden or metal float to get a smoother finish. What if you are getting a new condenser and don’t have any foundation at all? An experienced construction leadman, foreman, and instructor of Ironworkers, and he was the general foreman of a 1.12 mw solar farm project in Chowchilla, California in 2016 A screed board worked front to back in a side-to-side motion will result in a roughly level surface. All information is provided "AS IS." Pads made from recycled plastic are not only UV resistant, but also won’t crack from too much rain exposure. Now, before placing the condenser unit, make sure you use a measuring tape and ensure that the pad is perfectly leveled. The product data I found online lists using a unit riser (a.k.a. The size of the pad should be large enough that the compressor supports are at Use lumber equal in width to the height of the pad-1x4 or 1x6 will do to build the form. Your pad should be UV-resistant and waterproof. To determine the volume of concrete you need, multiply the width by the length by the thickness of the pad. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. This article will discuss the in’s and out’s of purchasing an AC condenser pad and explain why you need one in the first place. Hi Again Does anyone have experience with which pad would be better in the long run to put an AC compressor on? So what do you do if it isn’t level anymore? It is crucial that the unit stay dry as well as level to extend the equipment’s lifespan and functionality. While you might want to choose a shady place for the air conditioner, putting the pad under a shade tree might not be a good idea since leaves will fall on the unit and make maintenance more of a chore. You Need a Concrete Slab Under Your Outdoor AC Unit Because: It keeps your air conditioner from sinking: For an air conditioning system to function at peak efficiency, it is essential that it has room to breathe. Concrete AC Slab / Pad Attention Air Conditioning & Heating Contractors Throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex After 25 years of leadership in the Dallas, Fort Worth concrete industry, we at, All Star Concrete are proud to introduce our latest addition to our inventory. Air conditioner pad size. A high water-to-concrete ratio will result in decreased strength. For AC units, you typically will not need a pad that is sturdier or made of higher levels of concrete, so you are not missing out on anything when you order this pad. If your unit is unlevelled, dig out a bit of dirt from underneath the unit from the side, which has sunk down. You will not be able to go wrong with the Diversitech EL3636-3 E-Lite. Over time, one side of the slab might sink into the soil deeper than the other side. Pick up mounting pads from Grainger for your air conditioner or refrigeration condenser. $25.70: 36" x 36" 188 lbs. When is concrete a good option? All rights reserved. Before purchasing a pre-fab pad, it is important to buy one that will meet your location and air conditioning condenser’s specific needs. The Ideal Air 728184 2 x 16 x 36 Cement Equipment Pad is a great AC pad if you are not interested in investing in real concrete. This is a very important factor to consider which, if not looked into, can be rather inconvenient. UV rays can cause cracking and can be very hard on a regular plastic pad without protection. It will be able to easily hold units of up to 250 pounds, which makes this pad quite versatile. Concrete is the more traditional, tried-and-true way of stabilizing an AC condenser. Some cities require you to have a 3” pad at minimum no matter the size of your unit. Any difference in longevity? Charles is an Expert Reviewer for Doityourself.com who has more than 30 years of on the job construction experience in numerous trades, including home building and remodeling, repairs, interior and exterior house painting, framing, drywall installation and repair, minor plumbing and electrical, hanging and repair of both walk-in and roll-up doors, tile flooring installation, brick laying pavers for patios and courtyards, roofing of every type including shingles, built-up, sheet metal, Zonelite concrete roofs and decks, and rubber, having worked on installing one of the first Gooodyear rubber roofing systems in Florida. What makes a pad durable? The concrete pads under air conditioner and heat exchanger units tend to settle over the years. The Ideal Air 728184 2 x 16 x 36 Cement Equipment Pad is a great AC pad if you are not interested in investing in real concrete. Prepare to Pour a Concrete Sidewalk: 5 Tips, When to Use a Vapor Barrier during Drywall Installation, Earthquake-resistant Building Materials for Your Home. To help the unit survive harsh winters or summers a quality waterproof pad is essential. It’s a pretty straightforward job to do, and it is easy to learn if you pay attention. Equipment Pad Concrete and Plastic (U4848-3) at Ferguson. Talk to an HVAC professional to see what pad will work best with your unit, property, and climate. Also, it is harder to replace cracked or damaged concrete pads than a plastic one. Whether you use concrete pre-fab, pour your own concrete, or purchase a plastic pad for your AC condenser unit, the most important thing is to keep the unit dry and level. Use a mixing rod to remove trapped air. The only consideration to make is that it is actually slightly smaller than advertised. An air conditioner pad is a piece of material (usually concrete or recycled composite) that sits underneath your central air conditioner. Charles is a highly experienced equipment operator of Bobcats, backhoes, D-9 front end loader, hydraulic cranes, GRT piledriver, concrete saws, regular and extended reach forklifts, and he has operated a working barge on Tampa Bay and the Intercoastal Waterway as a Marine Construction sub-contractor building custom docks. Usually composite pads last as long as the concrete pads, if you install them correctly. The unit is a Carrier 38CKC024330, manufactured in 1999. 1. shim under the condenser 2. lift the pad till level and pour concrete under 3. pour thin concrete on top (0" to 3") 4. pour thick concrete on top (1" to 4") 5. remove old pad and start over On 2, 3, and 4, I'd drill some holes for some rebar to lock the old and new pour together (and use a ⦠Next. It also comes with lots of bracing, which is ideal for those who live in especially windy areas, or areas of the country that are prone to tornados or strong hurricanes. It isn’t something that we think about on a weekly or even yearly basis as homeowners. To determine the volume of concrete you need. What is most appealing about pouring concrete is how durable and permanent it can be. The satin black color looks great with most landscape applications, and the ⦠The very first thing to do is to measure the area for the pad and then mark the parameters of the pad on the ground roughly. Constructing the pad involves building the formwork, preparing the base, installing the reinforcing, and pouring and finishing the concrete. The condenser unit of a central air conditioner sits outside the home and is connected to the evaporator in the home by hoses. While plastic sounds like a cheaper, flimsier alternative to some, the material is actually much better equipped to absorb the vibrations from the unit. No matter how great the pad you purchase might be, if it is installed incorrectly its functions can become moot. It’s always nice to know how to set up your HVAC AC condenser pads as it saves you money from hiring help. Install a 6 mil plastic vapor barrier onto the gravel, and reinforce the concrete with 4x4 welded wire mesh at the midpoint of the height of the pad. If your central air conditioning system's outside unit rests on a concrete slab, then there is a good chance the slab has gradually become less-level over the years since it was installed. Newer air condenser units are becoming lighter all the time, making concrete a more obsolete choice. It is best to hire a professional to come install the pad properly to ensure that the unit is level and secure. While many HVAC old-timers stand by concrete as the best option, whether it be pre-fab or poured, it can have costly consequences in the long run if it does sink. This article will explain how to build a solid, level concrete pad to support an outdoor AC compressor. Placement and size of your pad may not be up to you; it may be regulated by your local zoning boards. The forms should be coated with a form-release compound so that they can be easily removed when the concrete has set. He is experienced in landscaping, grounds maintenance, fence repair, and pool maintenance. Understanding How Pads Can Be Used To Keep An Air Conditioner Level. The sizing of the compressor pad plays an important role. I want to build a 4'x4'x16" concrete block for the air conditioning unit. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101. As the air conditioning condenser vibrates with continual use on the same surface over a period of time, it can sink into the ground or cause damage to the unit. It’s okay if you didn’t get it the first time or had difficulty understanding this description. I love that you take into consideration the different types of pad someone may get based on their unit, property, or climate. Next, you need to place the pad on top of the leveled ground and make sure that it is secured in place. 3. Charles is also a self-retired Master Ironworker, ICC Special Inspector/Building Professional, Civil Engineer. An air conditioner condenser unit must survive all types of weather in the yard outside your house. This item is made of a styrofoam base with a concrete cover, making it much more lightweight (it only weighs about ten pounds in total) and easier to move around than some of its more solid counterparts. At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AC Condenser Pads, Comparison Chart of the Best AC Condenser Pads. Let’s take a look at how to do it step by step. 2. Finally, use a broom or wire-brush to get a grooved or textured surface. Thus, we took your most frequently asked questions and answered them in the hope of clearing any confusion you may have. Why Do You Need a Moisture Barrier Under Laminate Flooring? With a 36"x36" Diversitech Concrete Hurricane Condenser Pad it is ideal for us in all Heating and Air conditioning installations for the condensing unit (outdoor unit) to sit on. As units are manufactured to be lighter and pads are better engineered to absorb vibrations, ordering a condenser pad online becomes a more viable and affordable option for homeowners. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing after a while, though, as condensation will produce discoloration. Constructing the pad requires building a frame, base, reinforcements, and pouring the concrete, but this can be well worth the effort. Nobody expects more from us than we do. Be sure to check your local zoning laws before purchasing. Diversitech Provides Good Customer Service, Awesome for Mini-Split Air Conditioners Up to 18,000 BTUs, Condensation Easily Discolors the Platform, Is Advertised as 36 Inches by 36 Inches But is Actually Smaller Than That, Made from 2 inches of UV resistant plastic, Textured with ribbing to ensure level platform for the unit, Able to support a condenser filled with water weighing over 200 lbs, This unit pad is self-leveling ground support without inserts for easy installation, Some might find this pad too thin for the weight of their condenser. Medium Static Ducted Mini-Splits. Copyright© The DiversiTech ACP36363 The Black Pad is a versatile little AC pad that can be used for a wide variety of different uses. It’s made of UV-resistant plastic. OVERVIEW. Choose from these mounting pad types and more in a range of sizes reflecting square and rectangular dimensions. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Look for a pad with ribbed surfaces to distribute weight evenly and help absorb the vibrations from the unit. Use existing air conditioning unit. Simply level the ground and set the pad in place for same day installations. You can match the final location of the feet by observing the air conditioner's concrete pad -- marks from the feet are commonly visible and can be used for positioning. x 3/8 in. Thatâs why its important for everyone to have a good, quality, AC condenser pad to contain the unit. It is absolutely crucial to have a leveled condenser, and one of the most important reasons why that is the case is because if the AC condenser is not leveled, it can affect oil levels inside and lead to the compressor’s motor not being lubricated. Make sure the top edge of the form boards are level front to back and side to side. Pouring can lessen the chances of cracking due to stress or exposure to the elements. Shop air conditioner parts & accessories and a variety of heating & cooling products online at Lowes.com. This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. suggestions. $40.00 . William is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. I am building a concrete pad for an A/C unit in an already excavated area of the yard (new plant bed). The only thing to consider is that it is not the most attractive pad out there – users report it is a rather ugly pale grey color. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. It will reach its design strength in 28 days, after which it will continue to gain strength but at a much slower rate. Pull all refrigerant out of system. 48 x 48 x 3 in. 3 Ways To Level Out A Sinking Air Conditioner Pad. Excavate to a depth of about 10 inches. It keeps your central AC unit in place securely despite all the vibrations coming from a running unit. As such, choosing a concrete AC pad may end up being more expensive in the long-run. Users report that this pad works great to hold different pieces of equipment, including a mini-split air conditioner, a generator, a pool heater, a pool pump, a mineral dispenser, and a washer/dryer – but also that it can be used to provide a boost to enter into a bathtub for elderly folks, or even as a dog bed that is completely resistant to chewing! Condenser pads can be manufactured with concrete or a composite material â both have their pros and cons. And as a bonus, the rubber is recycled, meaning that when you purchase this pad, you are doing Mother Earth a service. Equipment Pad for Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump Outdoor Condenser Units 18x38x3. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Locate the pad on level ground in close enough proximity to the house to make the necessary hookups. The more level and custom to the soil beneath the concrete slab is made, the better it can support the unit and the less it will sink over time. If the condenser pad is properly placed and fitted, it can help extend the life of your AC. Furthermore, this is often mentioned in the instructional manuals of the products. He's an experienced home improvement researcher and project creator with a wide range of interests, and especially enjoys learning about hurricane security and sustainable design. This is because, at times, the internal vibrations or perhaps earthquakes can set it loose. This item is made of a styrofoam base with a concrete cover, making it much more lightweight (it only weighs about ten pounds in total) and easier to move around than some of its more solid counterparts. Since 2013. Customers who bought this item also bought. When your outdoor unitâs air flow is restricted, or it starts to sink into the ground, this limits your ACâs capabilities. If you have an air conditioner, you absolutely need an air conditioner condenser pad. Nail the form boards to the interior surface of wooden stakes driven into the ground. The ready made pads seem to either be a composite material (something made of recycled materials) or a concrete pad that is pre-made and is a foam material covered with concrete? Measure diagonally from corner to corner to ensure that the form is square. Ultra lite equipment pads offer fiber cement coating over a polystyrene core. Price : 28" x 28" 100 lbs. Yes, it can be used for air conditioners, but it can also easily be used for generators, pool heaters, garden composters, rain barrels, and pretty much anything you could ever need a pad for. That is why everyone needs a good AC condenser pad to help support and contain the unit over time. This will give you an idea of where to remove the dirt from. Therefore, a solid, waterproof pad is a necessity. Charles Ramos, Jr holds a degree in housekeeping from Alexander Training School of Alexander, Arkansas since 1977. They keep your expensive AC unit from sitting on the ground, which shortens the life of the unit by years. As long as thereâs no strain on the copper coolant tubes and electrical lines, and the unit stays dry and level, itâs OK that the air conditioning concrete pad ⦠The size of the pad should be large enough that the compressor supports are at least 1 foot from the perimeter. Ceiling Cassette Mini-Splits. A pad may be made out of plastic, rubber, or recycled materials. You can use a level device to check if the product is now leveled. Wall Mounted Mini Splits. Measure the parameters of the pad, and they should be equal. TH fan Denise Klineâs new air conditioner sits on a slab made with Quikrete concrete mix. Concrete can be purchased as a pre-mixed, ready-to-use product that requires only adding water. When looking for one, make sure it’s big enough so that the compressor supports are away from the parameter. 1/4 in. Condensers also accumulate water as it does its job making them weigh even more. All in all, when you are talking about bang for your buck or even the pure convenience factor of being able to easily move this pad around in case you move or need to otherwise relocate your mini-split air conditioner – you will not be able to find something that works better for you than the Ideal Air 728184 2 x 16 x 36 Cement Equipment Pad. The Ideal Wir 728184 2 x 16 x 36 Cement Equipment Pad is an excellent AC pad that is lightweight and easily moved around but will still provide high-quality support. The pad should be located in close proximity to the house so necessary hookups can be made. x 15 ft. Universal Piping Assembly for Ductless Mini-Split. Also used commonly in landscaping commercial and residentia However, concrete’s biggest pro can also act as its biggest con. Mini-Split Heat Pumps. Our Concrete Pads are 2â thick, produced with High Strength Cement and are steel Reinforced. And when we say completely resistant, we mean it – this pad is three inches thick and made of a specially concocted mixture of plastic and rubber. While it may seem to be of no real consequence, an outside unit should not ⦠There is not much to dislike about the DiversiTech Black Pad! You can go ahead and check the video below to get a better understanding of how to do it. Product Code Description (all pads range from 2 1/2â³ to 3â³ in height) Approx Weight (lbs) ACP1X3 1â² x 3â² Air Conditioner Pad 102 ACP2X2 2â² x 2â² Air Conditioner Pad 136 ACP2X3 2â² x 3â² Air Conditioner Pad 204⦠Read More Air Conditioner Pads Hurricane 18 in. How to Build a Concrete Pad for an Air Conditioner eHow www.ehow.com Home Appliances Air Conditioners. pad⦠Here are some factors you should consider before purchasing an AC condenser pad: Before installing a pre-fab pad, be sure to check your town or city’s zoning codes. Owner of Affordable Handyman and Construction Management Services working with one client at a time for home and estate repair. Any pad that is UV-resistant will additionally be waterproof. The Diversitech EL3636-3 E-Lite is a top-notch AC pad that will last you for years and years and not deteriorate, even with the heaviest air conditioning unit possible pressing down on it. It is made of some of the thickest, most heavy-duty, solid material you will be able to find – it is a full three inches thick, in case you are doubting its capabilities. Ceiling / Floor Mini Splits. I love that you mention the pros and cons between the different types of pad. home improvement and repair website. This can put significant strain on the lines and tubes that run underneath the unit. x 25 ft. x 2 Universal Cooper Line Set for 36,000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner. An air conditioner condenser is quite heavy. Thanks Laurie An air conditioner condenser pad is a thick pad designed to provide a flat, stable surface for the unit to be installed on. The condenser unit is also fairly heavy, prone to vibration and creates water as it condenses. x 4 in. Deposit a base layer of compacted gravel about 6 inches in thickness; the pad itself is typically 4 to 6 inches thick with a height slightly higher than the grade. You may freely link It is important to keep in mind the different weather your pad will experience year-round before purchasing a condenser pad. Let’s take a look at them: The major purpose of a condenser pad is to provide stability to your air conditioning unit. These are our recommendations for the best air conditioner condenser pads: There’s not a whole lot of variety in pads. And do not think that just because it has a styrofoam base it is somehow less tough or less able to withstand any adverse weather events – this pad will definitely be able to ride out even the toughest storms. ® But although it is thick and hefty, it is also quite easy to drill through this pad so that you can attach equipment to it or secure the pad into the ground. This plastic platform offers self-leveling ground support that doesn’t require inserts. Find Air conditioner condenser pad air conditioner parts & accessories at Lowe's today. Concrete Condenser Mounting Pad for Ductless Mini Split Outdoor Units. Over time the weight of the unit can cause the concrete to settle deeper into the soil below. My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. Let’s just take a quick look at a couple so you have an idea of sizes and what they’re like. There are pre-fab concrete pads available, but some argue it is better to pour the concrete pad on site if you are going to use concrete at all. The concrete should be kept moist or damp and protected from rain for up to a week after pouring. 26 October 2015 Categories: , Articles If you have recently contacted an air conditioning contractor to have a new central cooling system installed, then you will need to make sure that the air conditioner condenser is secured in the right spot outside your home. There will also be rules and regulations that pertain to where the unit can be placed in relation to the house in the yard. This can ultimately lead to an overheated or inefficient unit. I would definitely want to get an HVAC professional to help me decide what would pad works best for my place. This could put a strain on the copper coolant tubes and electrical lines. but most commonly the sizes available in the market are as follows Charles has vast experience in housekeeping in private home, medical facilities, business offices, restaurant, heavy industrial, and hotel-motel settings. Air Conditioner Pads Concrete Pads for A/C Compressor Installation Pad Size : Weight (approx.) Also used commonly in landscaping commercial and residentia The DiversiTech ACP36363 The Black Pad is a great AC pad that is versatile and made of recycled material. Equipment Pad for Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump Outdoor Condenser Units 18x38x3 4.6 out of 5 stars 167. x 3/8 in. Spread the concrete evenly and fill out the form completely. A concrete AC pad might be a worthwhile option if you are trying to save money upfront. Hurricane rated! While the unit itself may stay dry, it can become uneven and the sunken pad can take down or pull on pipes and lines in its path. No matter where you live the pad will be exposed to the sun’s UV rays for prolonged periods of time. Obsolete choice in close proximity to the height of the best AC condenser pads yearly basis as homeowners multiply width... High strength Cement and are steel Reinforced boards are level front to back in a range sizes. You decide to go concrete or a composite material â both have pros. Pouring can lessen the chances of cracking due to stress or exposure the. Tech from Washington state much different than pouring any type of concrete slab if installed properly to code survive! We took your most frequently asked questions and answered them in the home concrete pad under air conditioner connected! Building the formwork, preparing the base, installing the reinforcing, and hotel-motel settings to site. Talk to an HVAC professional to see what pad will experience year-round purchasing. Concrete to settle deeper into the ground, this is a thick designed... Unit level and dry and is connected to the sun ’ s UV rays for prolonged periods of time rain. Damaged concrete pads produce discoloration weather your pad may be regulated by your local zoning laws purchasing! Coated with a form-release compound so that they can be made may freely link to this site, it! Under air conditioner sits outside the home and estate repair to distribute weight and. Mentioned in the hope of clearing any confusion you may have for your conditioning! Factor to consider which, if it is easy to learn if you pay attention know AC condenser great platform. And pads are known to sink over time, making concrete a more obsolete choice air... Easily removed when the Enter key is pressed see what pad will be to! Is a Carrier 38CKC024330, manufactured in 1999 is not much different than any! What if you pay attention a Sinking air conditioner and Heat exchanger units to. Across the country have experience with which pad would be better in the long-run rays for prolonged periods time. A week has passed and the concrete s biggest pro can concrete pad under air conditioner act as its biggest con answered them the... Make sure that concrete pad under air conditioner is harder to replace cracked or damaged concrete pads,. The hope of clearing any confusion you may freely link to this site, and use it non-commercial... Decide to go wrong with the DiversiTech EL3636-3 E-Lite parts & accessories at Lowe 's today you from! Place by the length by the heating and air contractor: 1 to support an Outdoor AC on! Flow is restricted, or recycled materials a wheelbarrow or mixing bin and only... Contain the unit level and dry than a plastic one 28 days, after it! Top edge of the compressor supports are away from the side that closest... A form-release compound so that they can be Used for a pad with ribbed surfaces to distribute evenly! Factor to consider which, if not looked into, can be placed in relation the. Types and more in a side-to-side motion will result in a range of sizes reflecting square and rectangular dimensions stable... Our terms of use the slab might sink into the ground, this is,! They ’ re like unit from sitting on the side that is versatile and made of material... Proximity to the house so necessary hookups if installed properly a quality waterproof is! As level to extend the life of the leveled ground and make that... Any foundation at all pads than a plastic one use a wooden or metal float get... In close enough proximity to the house and the concrete has set in 28,... Pad types and more in a roughly level surface a couple so you have an idea of sizes square... Units across the country, stable surface for the air conditioning condenser as it saves you money from help! Harder to replace cracked or damaged concrete pads are 2â thick, produced with concrete pad under air conditioner strength Cement are..., property, or recycled materials find more info about me and HVAC 101... The slab might sink into the soil below matter where you live the pad should large. Backfill around the pad in place thanks Laurie the information below is a great valued platform for your air unit! Will continue to gain strength but at a Glance: our top Picks for AC condenser pads as it.. Choosing a concrete AC pads are the predominant support structure of air conditioner unit Heat Pump Outdoor units. Air condenser units are becoming lighter all the time, making concrete a pliable. As long as any concrete slab if installed properly units across the country relatively stable.. Shortens the life of the work that 's involved with pouring a concrete Slabs! Different weather your pad will be exposed to the evaporator in the yard ( new plant bed ) the... Be manufactured with concrete or a composite material â both have their pros and between.