Hello, and welcome to the Anderson Air blog. Here’s a fun way to start this article off: What do air conditioners and frogs have in common? They both sit on a pad!
Now, you might be wondering what an air conditioner pad is. While an air conditioner pad can be green like a lily pad, they’re much sturdier and typically made of concrete. These are used to protect your system from damage due to weather or moisture.
At Anderson Air, our goal is to help give you the right information to make sure you have what you need for the best comfort in your home. So, let’s look further into what an air conditioner pad is and whether or not it’s worth installing one.
What is an air conditioner condenser pad?
Air conditioner pads are flat, solid surfaces that support outdoor HVAC units, functioning as a base. They are typically made of concrete plastic or composite materials and should be placed directly on the ground in order to support the unit’s weight and provide stability.
These pads serve two main purposes. One, they protect your unit from water damage or leaning over due to uneven ground. Secondly, they also help reduce vibration and noise generated from the unit itself – they’re perfect for those seeking peace and quiet! For regions with extreme weather, pads keep outdoor AC units from blowing away in the high winds.
It’s a handy component that can help prolong the working life of your air conditioner by protecting it from things like erosion and clogs to hurricanes.
Do I need a hurricane pad for my AC system?
If you live in a region prone to hurricanes and other intense storms, then yes, we advise you to invest in special protection for your entire home, including your outdoor HVAC components.
Even though hurricanes aren’t as common here in Arkansas as in other coastal states, we do experience our fair share of heavy rains, high wind storms, and tornadoes.
Strong winds from tornadoes and storms are capable of blowing an unprotected unit off its base. This can result in them blowing over and becoming damaged, requiring costly repairs or replacements. Hurricane pads function as an additional layer of protection that can prevent this from happening.
While we’re fortunate not to have to worry about hurricanes, the state of Arkansas experiences heavy rainfall and flooding that can pose a danger to outdoor AC units. Hurricane pads elevate units off of the ground to safeguard against water damage and ensure their functionality.
A sturdy AC pad can help ensure your system doesn’t go flying like in the Wizard of Oz!
We recommend every home and property owner with an air conditioner invest in a condenser pad for their AC unit. Even if you aren’t prone to extreme weather in your region, it can help prevent damage and prolong your system’s lifespan.
If you’re unsure if your AC unit has a suitable support system, give us a call, and one of our technicians can come take a look. We’ll let you know if everything meets state safety regulations and requirements.
The types of condenser pads available
Here is a list of some of the different types of condenser pads on the market:
- Solid concrete pads are among the most popular air conditioning pads, providing incredible stability and protection from uneven surfaces and weather changes. They are slabs of solid concrete that your unit can easily sit on.
- Plastic pads: Crafted from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other types of plastic, these offer easy yet straightforward installation. They protect against moisture and condensation, but since they are much lighter in weight, they may not be the greatest option for storm regions.
- Rubber pads: Rubber pads absorb unit vibrations and minimize noise generated by air conditioners, making them an excellent solution for closely built houses and areas with strict noise regulations.
- Composite pads: Constructed of several different materials, including concrete and plastic, composite pads offer both stability and weatherproofing protection.
- Hurricane pads: These are built to last and withstand high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding conditions. These pads are best suited for regions with extreme weather.
Many of these products are available at your local hardware or home improvement store.
However, if you’re not sure which type of AC pad will best suit the needs of your property, contact a professional HVAC technician like Anderson Air to help you with your decision. Our technicians will take a look at your system for you and give you a professional opinion.
Pros and cons of getting an air conditioner pad
There are benefits and drawbacks to almost everything. Here are some of the pros and cons of an AC unit base.
Advantages:
- Better stability and protection: With a flat, firm surface for your unit to rest on, pads reduce the risk of your unit sinking into the ground or blowing over in harsh weather.
- Increased protection in severe weather: Hurricane pads help to safeguard your outdoor unit against high winds and flooding from hurricanes and other severe storms.
- Extended lifespan of your unit: AC pads can prolong your unit’s lifespan by providing extra protection against moisture (from rain and melted snow) and other damage. With extra protection, you can keep your system in operation much longer, saving you money on replacement costs.
- Simple installation: Installation is fairly straightforward, and – depending on your ability – it can be a DIY project without much HVAC knowledge needed.
- Cost-effective: They can prevent repairs and replacements due to damage.
Disadvantages:
- Extra costs: Air conditioner pads aren’t as pricey as other HVAC necessities, but they do have a cost, which will increase the price of your overall system.
- Limited effectiveness: Depending on your region’s climate, an air conditioner pad may not provide adequate protection from weather events.
- Size and type constraints: Your AC unit’s size and type may dictate what kind of pad will work best, potentially limiting your options and increasing costs.
For installation, maintenance and protection of your HVAC unit, call us.
If you still don’t know whether or not investing in an AC pad will be beneficial to you and your unit, consult with a professional like our team at Anderson Air. We know the ins and outs of heating and air conditioning systems and building codes – we’ll assess your needs and provide a solution tailored to you.
While it may not seem like much, a hurricane pad can save time and money by protecting your AC system from damage during extreme weather.
So don’t wait until it’s too late; get in touch with us today to prepare your air conditioner in the best way possible.
