Buzz
Many households have the habit: the hotter the weather, the lower they set the air conditioner, sometimes even running it 24/7. They are unaware that this habit can lead to the risk of air conditioner explosions due to overload.
1. Air Conditioner Sudden Explosion: Fatal Danger
In the summer, the air conditioner seems to become an indispensable item in most households. To combat the scorching heat, many families have the habit of keeping the air conditioner running 24/7, without turning it off for rest. Not only that, families also often set the air conditioner to too low a temperature.
According to Mr. Hoang Van Bach - a person with many years of experience in repairing and installing air conditioners in Khuat Duy Tien (Thanh Xuan, Hanoi), air conditioners are like light bulbs, electric fans, electric rice cookers, ... all have a certain lifespan, but if overloaded, their lifespan will be shorter, and there is even a risk of explosion while in use.
Do not set the air conditioner to too low a temperature for long periods of time
Specifically regarding air conditioners, during moderately warm days, it's advisable to set the air conditioner at 25-28 degrees Celsius. This temperature ensures comfort while also saving on electricity costs.
However, on scorching hot days reaching 38-40 degrees Celsius, many households tend to use the air conditioner continuously, running it 24/7, sometimes for several consecutive days, and always keeping the temperature below 20 degrees Celsius. This practice strains the air conditioner, leading to overloading. In such cases, not only does electricity consumption increase, but there's also a risk of the air conditioner's compressor overheating, posing danger to users.
Mr. Bách explains that the air conditioner operates at full capacity to reach the set temperature. Its relay automatically shuts off the compressor when this temperature is reached. This cycle repeats as the room temperature increases due to heat exchange with the outside environment. Consequently, the air conditioner has to restart to cool and maintain the preset temperature. The higher the outdoor temperature, the harder the air conditioner's compressor has to work.
It's worth noting that setting the air conditioner to excessively low temperatures, especially during temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius, essentially forces the compressor to work continuously without breaks. The air conditioner's outdoor unit contains electronic components that generate a certain amount of heat during operation. Therefore, continuous operation for prolonged periods causes the outdoor unit to heat up significantly, increasing the risk of fire or explosion.
The outdoor unit of an air conditioner is at risk of explosion if the air conditioner is used improperly.
According to Mr. Bách, the safest and most durable way to use an air conditioner is to avoid running it 24/7 and to set it at 25-28 degrees Celsius. This temperature range ensures user health, helps conserve electricity, and extends the lifespan of the air conditioner.
Besides the risk of explosion, running the air conditioner continuously at excessively low temperatures (below 22 degrees Celsius) also has adverse effects on health. For instance, users may experience dry skin, respiratory issues (sore throat), and thermal shock when transitioning between cold indoor environments and the outdoors.
However, during intense heatwaves, like the recent historic heatwave in Hanoi, setting the air conditioner to 25-28 degrees Celsius may not provide sufficient cooling. In such cases, users should supplement with electric fans or evaporative coolers in the room. This way, there will be airflow, pushing the cool air throughout the room, relieving the air conditioner from overloading.
Furthermore, Mr. Bách also advises to pay attention to choosing the appropriate capacity when purchasing an air conditioner. If the air conditioner's capacity is too small for the room size, it will have to run continuously to cool the entire room, resulting in higher electricity bills. Moreover, running the air conditioner under overload conditions can lead to premature breakdowns. This issue is typically addressed by well-informed sales staff when purchasing an air conditioner.
