Recently, “Good Morning America” did a piece on the fire risks associated with window AC units. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, these units were the cause of more than 2,800 home fires each year.
Getting to know the dangers of these units can help you find ways to prevent them and reduce the risk of injuries to you and your family, as well as damage to your home and property.
The Increased Risk of Fire
Perhaps the biggest risk associated with window air conditioner units is fire. In fact, it has been proven that room AC units have a higher fire risk than central AC systems. In fact, a window unit is thought to be 1.8 times more likely to cause a fire than a traditional unit.
What Has Caused this Increased Risk?
Many of the fires caused by window air conditioning units are directly traced back to the electrical wire, or the insulation covering these wires. Some of the main culprits to be aware of include:
- The electrical cables of the window unit
- Extension cords that are used for powering the window units
- The home electrical wiring that is overtaxed because of the window unit being plugged into a plug splitter or a power strip
It is crucial that a homeowner using this type of unit know the dangers and how to prevent them; otherwise their home and family may become victim to this serious issue.
Falling Units Due to Improper Installation
Another common danger related to window air conditioner units is if they are not improperly installed and they fall from their installation point. While this issue is rare, it is one that can cause serious injuries – especially to young children.
Also, if an AC unit falls from where it is mounted in a window, it can cause serious damage to a house and other property. If the issue happens while no one is home, it may lead to leaking refrigerant, fire or even other electrical hazards.
In most cases, being aware of the issues is half the battle. However, if you use one or more window AC units in your home, it is absolutely imperative that you take action to ensure they don’t cause a fire, injury or damage to your property. One of the best ways you can do this is by hiring the professionals.
How the Pros Can Help
The professionals can ensure your window air conditioner is installed properly and that there are no hazards present. If you insist on installing the unit on your own, it is still a good idea to have your installation inspected by the pros. They will be able to tell if there are any issues and make fixes and repairs, if needed. In the long run, this can help you save money, and ensure no serious issues, damages or injuries occur due to your window air conditioning unit.