ACs catching fire in summer heat: Here’s how to prevent them from overheating

Many parts of India are currently facing a heatwave, and as a result, cooling appliances like air conditioners are being used more than ever.

However, several cases of AC overheating and even fires caused due to an overheating AC have popped up in the past few weeks. Fortunately, preventing an AC from overheating is not as difficult as you think. Let’s understand why air conditioners overheat, and what you can do to keep your AC cool and running safely.

Why do ACs overheat?

ACs, like most other electronic appliances, generate heat while doing their job – cooling down your room. If this heat is not managed, it can build up within the AC’s components and cause melting of internal components sooner or later. If the AC is in an area that frequently sees high temperatures, matters could get even worse, as overheating can even cause an AC to possibly catch fire.

To avoid this, it is crucial to keep your AC cool. Here are five tips to help you avoid AC overheating and promote safer cooling in these hot summer months.

1. Don’t use the AC all day

2. Invest in voltage surge protectors

3. Use certified wiring and sockets

4. Keep the AC clean

5. Regularly service your AC

1. Don’t use the AC all day

The primary cause for an overheating AC, whether you have a window AC or a split AC is over-usage.

While the scorching heat of summers may tempt you into turning your AC on and leaving it that way for hours on end, this may eventually cause overloading and melting of internal wiring over time, which can cause overheating and fires. Most ACs come with timers that can help cool your room and shut down the AC periodically.

2. Invest in voltage surge protectors

Many areas in India are prone to voltage fluctuation, which is a problem for all kinds of appliances, from TVs to air conditioners. The worst part about damage caused by sudden spikes in voltage, is that the effects may not always be seen immediately.

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Instead, these spikes can damage your AC gradually over time, leading to a sudden breakdown when you least expect it. This is why it is a good idea to invest in a voltage surge protector like the V-GUARD 15A stabiliser. This essentially acts like a middleman between your power socket and AC and keep spikes from reaching the appliance.

3. Use certified wiring and sockets

Whether you’re installing a new AC, reinstalling an old one, or simply making some modifications to its positioning, always use ISI-marked sockets and wiring. Cheaper unmarked wiring may not be rated to handle the large amounts of electricity that appliances like an AC or refrigerator can pull, and hence, are a recipe for disaster. Also make it a point to never run larger appliances like ACs through extension boards.

4. Keep the AC clean

Keeping any appliance dirty is bound to cause some problems, but this is especially true for air conditioners. If the external end of your window AC or the external unit of your split AC is covered in dust, the layers of dust can eventually become thick enough to act as insulation, preventing unwanted heat from escaping the machine. This can quickly become a reason for overheating if left unattended.

5. Regularly service your AC

Regular servicing of ACs is crucial to avoid all kinds of problems, including cases of overheating. Having a professional look into your AC every now and then for any potential issues (including ones that may become a problem months later) is a good way to save money on repairs and also ensure peace of mind.

You can also consider annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) like the Croma ZipCare Maintain plan for your AC, which will ensure that your appliance is periodically checked and serviced.

Watch out for other warning signs

Even after you take all the above-mentioned precautions, it is a good idea to know and watch out for the warning signs of a malfunctioning AC. Think of this as the check-engine light on your car, which can help you prevent bigger issues in the future. Signs to watch out include hissing or bubbling sounds from your AC, and very high electricity bills.

Keeping your AC safe is not really a difficult task, even if you live in an area with very hot climate if you keep the above-mentioned pointers in mind. Remember, a clean, well-maintained AC that is used with regular intervals is unlikely to overheat.