An aircon fire is rare and hazardous, but what causes it? Aircon has become essential in our homes in Singapore because it provides much-needed relief from the heat. However, like any electrical appliance, they can malfunction at times. If you do not maintain them well, it can pose far more serious risks. One of the most severe dangers is the risk of fire. Understanding the common causes of aircon fires and how to prevent them can help ensure your cooling system remains safe and functional. This article explores seven common causes of aircon fires and offers simple steps to avoid them.
Common Causes of Aircon Fire
As temperatures rise, aircon works harder to keep our homes cool. This comfort can be prolonged at the cost of proper maintenance to prevent potential hazards, including fires. If you do not maintain the aircon regularly, you are asking for any severe issues like fires down the line.
Understanding the common causes of air conditioner fires can help you take preventive measures and keep your home safe. Therefore, LS Aircon Servicing Singapore provides this guide to help us identify the potential causes of AC fire.
1. Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are the common cause of aircon fires. A faulty or overloaded circuit can result in electrical fires in the aircon. Aged aircon units, or those installed unprofessionally, are at a high risk of these electrical fires. The connections and wiring are the most crucial part of the aircon installation.
How to Avoid Aircon from Fire?
A professional installer like LS Aircon Servicing Singapore, which offers A to Z aircon services, including aircon installation, aircon gas top-up, aircon relocation, and general services, can install and repair the aircon properly. You should hire such a professional to install your aircon and prevent these issues.
2. Lack of Maintenance
If you do not maintain your aircon regularly, it can build up several kinds of debris and cause the unit to overheat. An aircon running continuously in overheated conditions can result in a potential fire. You need to clean the air filters regularly, at least once a month, to keep the aircon clean and help it maintain a healthy indoor temperature.
3. Flammable Materials Near the Unit
Sometimes, we leave the flammable materials around the aircon unit and do not care about the implications. A flammable material like cloth, paper, or any other such supply can greatly increase the fire risk. To reduce the fire risk, you should keep flammable materials away from the aircon marabouts.
4. Overheating
Overheating can cause a potential risk of aircon fire, especially in the hot and humid weather of Singapore. There are several reasons for an aircon overheating, but overloading or overworking is the most common.
To help avoid overheating, schedule resting hours for the aircon when you are away. Moreover, setting the temperature at around 24-26°C (75-78°F) is usually enough. Conclusively, manage your aircon workload to keep it up and running.
5. Poor Installation
Improper installation can have several implications, and an aircon fire is one of them. Unprofessional installers can overlook the wrong connections, ignore the airflow issue, and increase the fire risk. The solution to avoid this issue is always to hire a professional and certified installer to install your aircon unit.
6. Faulty Components
Several aircon components can wear over time and overheat to potentially contribute to an aircon fire. The components include the capacitor, motor, and compressor of the aircon unit. If you have any replacement or you need to do it, check the component rating carefully and check the manufacturer’s instructions about the component specification. Only use the suitable components with the allowable specifications to prolong the lifespan of your aircon.
7. Improper Use
Using the air conditioner in a manner not intended by the manufacturer, such as blocking vents or using an inappropriate power source, can lead to overheating and fire.
Improper use of the aircon can also result in an air conditioner fire. Blockage of the vents or an inappropriate electrical power source plugged into the aircon can cause it to fire. Run the aircon per the manufacturer’s instructions, and do not run it improperly. Ensure your aircon is connected to the right electrical power source and that any obstacle does not block the vents.
Conclusion
An aircon fire is a rare but dangerous event in the lives of homeowners. There can be several reasons for aircon catching fire, but the most common are electrical connection issues, overloading vent blockage, and components failure. If you regularly maintain an aircon and frequently clean the filters, the fire risk is almost eliminated. Therefore, keep your aircon in good condition and help the unit spread cool and fresh air in your room.