Air conditioning units have become an insuperable part of modern society, particularly in homes in tropical countries – where at least one air conditioner unit can be found in the bedrooms. However, these seemingly essential home appliances can also pose fire hazards if not maintained properly.
Thus, exercising caution while using this household machine is a must. Understanding the common factors that cause damage to your air conditioner and potentially turn it into a disaster is crucial to safeguarding your home.
Want to know what are the most common things that can cause damage to your air conditioner and turn it into a disaster? Keep on reading below to discover and mitigate the risks that could compromise your air conditioning system’s safety and functionality.
1. Improper Installation
Installation errors are the main problem that can make air conditioner performance not optimal, more than that it can even lead to fire accidents! One example of an installation mistake is having insufficient space between the air conditioner and the ceiling.
This condition can make the engine components in the air conditioner to easily heat up. The heat source that comes from inside the air conditioner engine coupled with the heat source from the ceiling can make the machine quickly damaged and affect the performance of the aircon.
A malfunctioning unit due to improper installation can also disrupt the proper flow of electricity to the air conditioner, potentially leading to a short circuit.
2. Improper Positioning of Air Conditioner Outdoor Unit
Improperly positioning an outdoor air conditioning unit can also pose risks that are often overlooked. Placing the outdoor unit without any protection can be dangerous, as it will expose the unit to rainwater. This can lead to water seeping into the aircon’s internal components, potentially causing damage or even a short circuit.
To mitigate these risks, it’s important to shield the outdoor air conditioner unit from the elements, like rain, by providing a protective roof. Additionally, position the unit in an accessible area for easy cleaning and maintenance, despite its outdoor placement. This ensures the air conditioner remains safeguarded and operational.
3. Air Conditioner Constantly Being Turn On
Just like humans, air conditioners need rest after a long day of usage. Ideally, an air conditioner unit should run for a maximum of 12 hours continuously. If you want your space to be continuously cooled by an air conditioner for 24 hours, it’s recommended to have two AC units, allowing them to alternate operation.
If you only use one unit, you should provide at least a 2-hour rest after 12 hours of operation. Avoid frequently turning the AC on and off, as this can strain its components and potentially lead to damage or short circuits due to sudden power surges.
Do keep in mind also that allowing yourself to be exposed to air-conditioned rooms constantly can cause health issues that affect your well-being. Thus, being mindful of your air conditioner usage is not only good for your aircon unit, but also for your overall health.
4. Purchasing Low-Quality Air Conditioner
An air conditioner’s quality often corresponds to its safety features. That is why it is better if you opt for a high-quality air conditioner unit that can ensure better safety measures. Additionally, you should also choose an air conditioner unit that suits the cooling capacity of your room size. This alignment ensures that your air conditioner unit can operate optimally without overloading, preventing the unit’s components from overheating too quickly.
5. Air Conditioner Water Discharge Blockage
Dripping water from the indoor air conditioner unit can indicate a blockage in the drainage of the air conditioner fluid. This blockage can occur due to two primary reasons. Firstly, improper positioning or unevenness in the drainage pipe can obstruct the smooth flow of water. Secondly, the accumulation of mucus-like debris, caused by infrequent duct cleaning, can hinder the drainage system. Both of these cause the water that should be wasted outside to re-enter the unit, and in the end, it makes an electric short circuit.
6. Not Providing Air Conditioner with Regular Maintenance
One common oversight issue within air conditioners is neglected in air conditioner maintenance. Typically, people only service their air conditioner units when an issue arises. However, it’s recommended to schedule air conditioner maintenance at the very least every six months. You should not wait until there’s a problem with your air conditioner, even when the unit appears to be functioning properly – maintenance is still needed to ensure the air conditioner unit can operate efficiently and prevent any potential problems.
7. Not Turning Off the Air Conditioner While Being Serviced
During servicing, it’s crucial to completely power off the air conditioner. Merely using the remote control to turn off the air conditioner doesn’t cut off the electricity supply entirely. By unplugging the switch from the outlet, you ensure a complete power cutoff.
This precaution is vital, especially if water inadvertently enters the PCB box, which acts as the air conditioner’s electronic brain. If water encounters electricity that’s still active within the air conditioner due to incomplete shutdown, it can lead to electrical reactions, posing risks of electrocution. Moreover, water contact with the air conditioner’s engine components, prompted by splash incidents, can also result in a short circuit. Ensuring the unit is completely unplugged minimizes these risks during servicing or maintenance.
Thus to prevent the issues above, you need to seek professional Singapore aircon servicing that is trusted and reliable to properly handle everything during the maintenance process. This will reduce any risks associated with electrical components and water contact in the air conditioner.
