Is My Air Conditioner Unit a Potential Fire Hazard?

3/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey offers fire damage cleanup and restoration in Forked River, NJ from an air conditioner unit fire.

Over the summer, a Forked River
resident's air conditioning (AC) unit caught fire. The unit had an electrical fire and burned within itself, filling the house with a haze. According to National Fire Protection Agency, 7,400 fires were reported across the United Sates resulting from faulty air conditioning systems. A large amount of Air conditioner fires happened from overheating or some type of electrical issue.

CBS has some helpful tips on preventing an air conditioner fire from occurring in your home:

• Maintenance Once or Twice a Year:
  Not having the proper maintenance done on your unit is a potential fire hazard. Overtime the pieces in your system will start failing, making your air conditioner overwork. Dirt can also obstruct the airflow which can lead to a fire. It is recommended to have at least one visit a year, but if you want to be on the safer side, two is plenty.
• Professional Installation:
  A professional knows where to place all the wiring and can make sure in the event of a fire, that it won’t ignite inside your home.
• Be Cautious of Outside Elements and Wiring:
  A professional will be able to assess the space prior to installation to make sure there is nonflammable objects surrounding the area. Never use an extension cord to power the unit. In the event your unit over heats, sparks can produce from the cord. Also, make sure your unit is in a safe place.
• Always Make Sure the Unit Is Clean:
  If you have a dirty filter, the waste can restrict Airflow. If you want to clean it yourself, just make sure the system is unplugged.
• Don’t Leave It On All Day:
  If you leave your unit on throughout the day, it could cause overheating.
• Know When to Replace Your Unit:You need to keep track of how old your air conditioner is ask a professional who can give you a complete evaluation of your air conditioner state.

If your property experiences smoke or fire damage from your air conditioning unit, SERVPRO of Jackson/Lacey is here to help. We have the top professionals in the industry and we are ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today 732-523-4986.