Why does AC catch fire?: Here are 5 mistakes to avoid amid rising temperature

New Delhi: Using air conditioner is common during summer, but most people take its safety lightly. Even a small carelessness can increase the risks associated with AC. On Sunday, a massive fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Delhi's Vivek Vihar due to an AC explosion. Nine people lost their lives and 2 others were injured in this accident.

What is the reason of accident?

The mercury is crossing 40-45 degrees and in such a situation, the air conditioner seems to be the only option for a peaceful sleep. Therefore, it is important to understand the main causes of AC blasts and how to prevent them. 

What is the reason of AC blast?

Compressor overheating:

The most important part of an AC is its compressor. When we use the AC for hours during the summer, it puts a lot of pressure on the compressor. If it gets too old, faulty and is not serviced on time, then it can overheat. Excessive overheating increases the risk of an explosion. Therefore, it's important to get it serviced by an expert technician from time to time.

Voltage fluctuations:

Voltage fluctuations are frequent during the summer season. Sudden high or low voltage can damage AC components, increasing the risk of a short circuit or explosion. Therefore, it's best to install a good stabilizer to keep the AC safe.

Poor wiring: 

Old or loose wiring, as well as running multiple heavy appliances on the same circuit, can be dangerous for the AC. This increases the risk of sparking and fire. Always turn off the AC at the main switch, not just by the remote.

Regular servicing is important:

Failure to service your AC regularly can lead to dust and dirt accumulating inside. This increases the load on the machine and can increase the risk of overheating and explosion. It is best to get AC serviced regularly, such as cleaning the filters, checking for gas leaks, and thoroughly inspecting all other parts to prevent any untoward incidents.

Maintaining outdoor unit:

Most people install their AC's outdoor unit on the roof or in a location that receives direct, intense sunlight throughout the day. Direct sunlight combined with the machine's own heat can damage the unit. Try to keep the outdoor unit shaded to protect it from direct sunlight.