AC blast at Noida’s Lotus Boulevard Society: Tips to prevent the incident from repeating
Fire broke out early Thursday morning inside a flat in a posh high-rise society in Noida, northern India, apparently due to an explosion in an air conditioner in the house. No injuries have been reported but the incident remains in the limelight.
The fire broke out at Lotus Boulevard Society in Sector 100. Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar Choubey said: “Since the firefighting systems like sprinklers, extinguishers, hoses, were working fine, the fire did not spread out much and was contained in one room.”
As summer temperatures increase across North India, touching unprecedented levels in several parts, air conditioners have become life savers. Climate change and El Nino, together, are elevating global average temperatures and intensifying natural disasters globally.
Tips to prevent your AC from overheating
Videos of heavy smoke coming out of the apartment have been getting viral on social media. Such incidents generally occur due to electrical or mechanical failures. AC blasts are rare but they still occur. Here are some tips to prevent your AC from catching fire.
1. Change air filters regularly
A clogged air filter can force your air conditioner to operate harder and eventually overheat. Regular changing of filters during peak usage times is recommended.
2. Give your AC space to function
Clean the area around the outdoor unit. Maintain at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit on all sides and avoid storing flammable materials like paint or gasoline near it.
3. Avoid using extension cords
Air conditioner units demand dedicated circuits. It is, therefore, not recommended to use an extension cord as it can overload the circuit and cause overheating.
4. Listen to your AC
Has your AC unit been making unusual noises or producing odours? If your AC unit vibrates excessively, makes grinding noises or emits burning smells, contact a technician.
5. Clean the outdoor unit
Leaves and other forms of debris can block the condenser coils, reducing efficiency and increasing the chances of overheating. Clean the outdoor unit meticulously.
