Many studies have proven that when an air conditioning system is not maintained regularly, it is more prone to faults and the risks increase when it comes to catching fire. This is often results from filters that are worn out that collect dust particles and dirt, that can result in a malfunction in the system, storage of materials that are flammable close to the system, fault equipment and parts, using the wrong refrigerant and more.
All these factors can cause damages to the system along with resulting in indoor air quality that is poor. Here is a list of the more common causes related to air conditioning fires.
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Storage Of Materials That Are Flammable Close To The System
Allowing materials that are combustible like paper, or a build-up of dry leaves along with other types of debris or even gasoline near the AC system increases the risks of causing or potentially resulting in a fire. You should always keep the area around the AC unit clear and free from any debris or materials.
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Failing To Keep The AC Unit Clean
If you are not keeping your air conditioner clean, over time dust particles and dirt start to accumulate in the fins, coils, filters and air vent. This will obstruct the air flow and can result in malfunctions in the unit which could cause the unit to catch on fire.
- Faulty Equipment And Parts
If you have neglected your AC system, you will also probably not notice when the equipment or parts have become faulty. An example of this may include the fan in the system has started to gradually degrade when it eventually stops working altogether. Significant heat will start to build up in the AC which will cause the temperature to rise.
This will usually result in igniting combustibles close to the heating-pipes. For this reason, it is always in your best interests to always have the system serviced on a regular basis a professional HVAC company which will ensure that any faulty equipment or parts can be detected and replaced, with original ones which will ultimately extend the life-span of your system.
- Recharging An Air Conditioner With The Wrong Refrigerant
Any air-recharge that was not done correctly can become extremely dangerous. In a recent announcement the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) put out a warning to consumers about the various safety hazards that are involved in the use of propane in car and home AC systems.
What Is The Problem?
Many experienced HVAC companies know what the problems of using propane-based refrigerants in the AC units which were not made for propane use. It not only poses a threat to a technician that is working with an AC repair, but it can also result in serious dangers for either the owner of a vehicle or the home.
The primary issue about recharging a system with a refrigerant known as 22a, which is classified as a non-approved, yet commonly used alternative is that it can explode or catch fire. This can obviously result in serious injuries, damages to properties and could even result in fatal and tragic accidents.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is investigating into these instances where the propane-based 22a refrigerants are marked illegally in the form of a substitute for HCFC-22, which is the original refrigerant that is supposed to be used. The agency has gone onto state that they will take the necessary actions, which can include criminal and legal.
What You Need To Know About 22a
Advertised as either R-22a or 22a, this refrigerant type is classified as highly-flammable which includes a hydrocarbon such as propane. It is currently sold to contractors and individuals and marketers of this product have been making claims that it works for recharging both home and car air-conditioning systems. Yet the truth of the matter is that these particular systems were not manufactured or designed in order to handle and operate any form of a refrigerant that is classified as flammable.
Examples Of EPA Enforcement
In the month of March 2016, an arrest was made in Louisiana for a product that was sold known as “Super-Freeze 22A”. It was discovered that this product was made up of mainly propane. The man who was arrested was selling the product to equipment owners and air-conditioner repair contractors, with most totally unaware that this product was highly flammable.
Other cases include a business in Kansas which made an agreement to stop selling and marketing their propane-based substitute, along with sending out letters to the customers that were already sold this substitute. They were also forced to pay a penalty of $100,000. Another case included a business based in Illinois who also had to agree to stop marketing and selling a product that was non-approved. This company had to pay out $300,000 in penalties.
Regular Maintenance Of Air Conditioning Units To Prevent Fires
Air conditioning servicing along with maintenance conducted professional air-conditioner repair technicians will prevent or drastically lower the risks of the system catching on fire. It is recommended that you have the company that originally installed your AC unit inspect the system every 6 months.
In addition, AC experts have the experience and equipment to clean your system thoroughly, and to check that all the parts are in working order. They will also be able to detect if any repairs are required and any potential issues that may cause an issue or danger into the future. They will also repair damages using only original parts. Most importantly, if your AC unit has a refrigerant leak, the AC technician will only use a refrigerant that is compatible with your system and never the type of refrigerant that is classified as flammable.
When you are looking for a reliable air-conditioning professional avoid falling into a trap of clever sales gimmicks. Rather choose a professional company that is backed a good reputation, that falls within your available budget and has emergency services available when you need it the most.