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Journalism of Courage
A harrowing incident in Noida has once again brought to the fore the potential dangers of neglecting routine maintenance for household appliances. A massive fire erupted in a high-rise residential flat, engulfing it in thick plumes of smoke, after a blast in an air conditioning (AC) unit.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of May 30 at Lotus Boulevard Society in Sector 100. Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Choubey told PTI that locals and society residents alerted the fire service unit about the incident in the flat on the 10th floor of the building at 10.10 am.
He added, “The fire was triggered by a blast in the AC. Since the firefighting systems like sprinklers, extinguishers, and hoses were working fine, the fire did not spread out much and was contained in one room (of the flat).”
No death or injury was reported after the fire was put out.
Overheating, a common issue exacerbated by factors such as poor ventilation, clogged filters, and aging units, can have catastrophic consequences if left unchecked. In the wake of this incident, it becomes imperative to equip ourselves with the necessary preventive measures to ensure the safe operation of our air conditioning systems.
Razi Ahmed, sales director, Premium Cooling, Bengaluru, says, “It is important to ensure proper maintenance and integration of safety features to avoid AC-related fires, especially in regions with extreme temperatures like India. By taking proper care, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of AC-related fires.”
AC units can overheat due to various issues, Ahmed says, some of them are:
Dirty Filters: Filters clogged with dust and debris restrict airflow, causing the unit to overwork. Regularly inspecting and cleaning filters is crucial.
Refrigerant Leaks: Low refrigerant levels force the AC to work harder to cool, leading to overheating. Regularly checking for leaks and maintaining proper refrigerant levels can prevent this.
Faulty Wiring: Poor electrical connections or damaged wiring can cause short circuits and overheating. It’s essential to inspect and maintain the wiring regularly.
Blocked Vents: Obstructions in the vents hinder proper airflow, causing the AC to overheat. Ensuring vents are clear of obstructions is vital for efficient operation.
Ahmed stresses that one should be vigilant and identify potential issues that can include:
*Unusual noises or vibrations that can indicate mechanical issues.
*Reduced cooling efficiency that may signal airflow problems.
*Frequent cycling on and off can indicate a malfunctioning thermostat or other control issues.
*Unusual odours or smoke are immediate red flags for overheating or electrical issues.
Regular maintenance is key to safe and efficient AC operation, says Ahmed. Keep these factors in mind:
*Clean or replace filters: Filters should be checked monthly and cleaned or replaced as needed to maintain airflow and efficiency.
*Inspect refrigerant levels: Regularly checking and maintaining proper refrigerant levels is crucial to prevent the unit from overworking.
*Check electrical components: Inspecting wiring and electrical connections for signs of wear or damage can prevent electrical fires.
*Clear vents and ducts: Ensuring that vents and ducts are free from obstructions allows for proper airflow and reduces the risk of overheating.
In hot climates like India, additional measures are needed apart from maintenance of AC units, agrees Ahmed. Some that are worth keeping in mind are:
Shade the Outdoor Unit: Using awnings or shade structures can help keep the outdoor unit cooler and more efficient.
Reduce Indoor Heat Sources: Minimising the use of heat-generating appliances during peak heat can reduce the overall load on the AC.
Optimise Thermostat Settings: Setting the thermostat to a reasonable temperature can prevent the unit from overloading and overheating.
