Worried about AC blasts? Here are 5 simple tips to avoid it

As years pass, every summer season gets worse since the climate around us is getting much hotter than before. And amidst this, reports of AC blasts have increased across India, sending people into full panic mode. While a full-blown AC blast is a bit of an extreme scenario, it’s rare; given the climate, the risk is real. These risks are mainly caused by improper installation or cutting corners on maintenance. But did you know, with just a few simple steps, most incidents like this can be avoided altogether? So without wasting much time, here are five tips that can help you protect your AC this summer.

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Get your AC serviced beforehand

First and foremost, the most important advice anyone could give you with regard to your AC would be to get it serviced beforehand. If you haven’t turned it on in months, the chances of dust and debris clogging up the filters are extremely high. Most people avoid it, thinking it wouldn’t do much; however, in reality, it makes the compressor work harder, leading to excessive heat. 

You’d be surprised to know that heat buildup, which is left unchecked over months, is one of the leading causes of AC-related fires. Ideally, it’s best to get a professional service done once before the season begins. Not only would the AC run much better, but it would be safer too.

Never skip professional installation

In case you’re getting a new or a second-hand AC installed in your home, one of the most important things to look after is the quality of installation. Any kind of poor installation work is almost like a ticking time bomb. Issues like incorrect wiring and loose connections can cause short circuits that can eventually lead to a fire. 

It’s best not to cheap out on installation, so always insist on a certified brand technician or an authorised service partner when installing a new AC. Even for second-hand ACs, make sure the installation is done properly.  

Give your AC room to breathe

Just like every other appliance, like a refrigerator, your AC also requires room to breathe. In the case of a split AC, both your indoor and outdoor units would require adequate clearance around them. It’s important to look at the outdoor unit, especially, as it needs open space to dissipate heat.

Installing it in a cramped place or blocking the airflow with furniture or curtains creates a heat trap. It’s best to check that nothing is obstructing the vents on either the indoor or the outdoor unit.

Invest in a good-quality stabiliser 

In case your AC does not come with a stabiliser built in, it also becomes extremely important to invest in a high-quality stabiliser. Voltage fluctuations are common across many Indian cities, and they can have an effect on AC compressors. Repeated spikes can degrade the motor and capacitors over time, increasing the risk of a short.

So it’s essential to pick up a stabiliser that is suited to your AC’s capacity. Also, ensure that the wall socket and wiring in your home can handle the load; in many cases, outdated wiring on old houses is particularly vulnerable to such issues.

Pay attention to warning signs

Last but not least, one of the most important things is to pay attention to any warning signs. If there’s something wrong with your AC, it will often tell you before it becomes dangerous. Unusual smells, like burning or chemical odours, and strange sounds, like buzzing or clicking, are the biggest giveaways that there’s something wrong. 

If any of these things are happening, it’s best that you don’t ignore such signs. Rather, it’s better to switch off the unit immediately, remove the plug from the socket and call a professional. 

Wrapping up

In the end, it’s safe to say that AC safety largely comes down to regular maintenance and not ignoring the basic signs. If you treat your AC well and give it attention before problems escalate, it will have no issues running reliably through the summer. 

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