Can you break the compressor on a window unit air conditioning by attempting to use it vertically?

Question

Basically we had a window that was too narrow to fit the air conditioner. We put it in vertically and turned it on. It worked by made a strange noise for awhile and then only the fan would work. We then found out that the compressor was broken.

Now we are trying to figure out if this air conditioner broke before we put it in the window vertically or if it was already broken.

It was a Panasonic 10,000 BTU window unit air condiontioner.

Answer 1

Yes you can ruin the compressor that way. The oil will not circulate.

Answer 2

the compressor is likely broken and your "putting a square peg in a round hole" likely contributed to this malady. Simply place it back in the carton it came in and take it back to Walmart or Target or wherever you bought it and tell the store clerk that it was broken when you opened it. Then take your refund and buy a new unit and place it in a different, appropriately-sized window.