Why Air Conditioners Catch Fire? 5 Tips To Prevent AC Fires Amidst Rising Temperature

With temperatures soaring to over 50 degrees Celsius in Delhi-NCR, the use of air conditioners (ACs) has surged. But it's important to ensure our AC units are safe during this heatwave. Recently, there was a fire in a flat at the upscale Lotus Boulevard Society in Sector 100, Noida, on May 30. The fire was caused by an explosion in the air conditioner, as reported by Times of India.

On May 30, 2024, multiple fire incidents were reported in Uttar Pradesh, India. In Noida, a fire broke out at Lotus Boulevard Society in Sector 100, caused by an explosion in a split AC. The fire was contained by the building's fire fighting systems before the arrival of fire… pic.twitter.com/Mo6uvlJCPo

— Insane Clips (@clip_insane) May 30, 2024

Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Choubey explained to ANI that the fire was contained in one room because of effective firefighting systems like sprinklers, extinguishers, and hoses. "Fire tenders reached the spot quickly. The firefighting systems in the society were functional, and the fire was put out before we arrived. The blast occurred in a split AC unit. Luckily, there were no injuries or casualties," he added.

#WATCH | Noida, UP: Pradeep Kumar, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of Noida says, "5 fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The fire fighting systems in the society were working and the fire was doused off before we reached. The fire was caused by an explosion in a Split AC. No injuries… https://t.co/y5d3Ucp6fwpic.twitter.com/mfh0U7fXvz

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2024

We spoke to Ramesh Sharma, an experienced HVAC engineer with expertise in air conditioning systems, who explained, 'While relatively rare, AC fires can occur due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance, or faulty installation. Taking preventive measures is crucial.”

"An explosion or fire involving an air conditioning (AC) unit is often called an 'AC blast.' Such incidents can occur due to various reasons, most commonly mechanical or electrical malfunctions."

Tips to Prevent AC Blast

Regular Air Filter Changes

According to Ramesh Sharma, clogged filters can lead to overheating. He advises following manufacturer recommendations for regular filter changes to maintain proper airflow.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance

Sharma emphasises the importance of keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris to prevent efficiency loss and overheating. Regularly clearing leaves and twigs from the condenser coils is essential for optimal performance.

Proper Ventilation Practises

"Give your AC space to breathe.” He recommends maintaining at least two feet of clearance around the outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow. Additionally, storing flammable materials away from the unit can reduce fire risks.

Dedicated Circuits for Safety

To avoid circuit overloads and potential fire hazards, experts advise against using extension cords with AC units. Instead, plug the unit directly into a dedicated outlet.

Professional Servicing Recommendation

Regular inspections by qualified technicians, as recommended by Mr. Sharma, can help identify and address potential issues before they become hazardous.

Check Warning Signs

Engineer Ramesh Sharma emphasises the importance of paying attention to any unusual noises or odours coming from the AC unit. If anything seems out of the ordinary, he advises shutting off the unit immediately and seeking professional assistance.

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