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With the monsoon season now in full swing for most regions of India, the rise of humidity and heat means an air conditioner is a daily necessity. From homes to offices, ACs are a basic need due to the great relief they provide. However, there have been growing reports of the wrong usage of air conditioning units during this time. From angering your air conditioner to ignoring its warning signs, this can cause it to transform into a potential threat. Reports of Air Conditioners catching fire or even exploding during peak usage times, like the monsoons or summers, are something on the rise these days.

Air conditioners must be monitored closely to protect the users from serious malfunctions. Most importantly, protecting households from fire safety hazards is critical too. Here are some of the signs that your air conditioner might dangerously malfunction:

1. Strange Sounds (Rattling, Knocking, or Buzzing)

If your AC begins making unusual noises, such as rattling, knocking, or loud buzzing, this could indicate:

  • A loose component inside the unit
  • Worn-out fan blades or motor bearings
  • Internal electrical faults

Why it matters: These noises have the potential to cause (but not limited to) damage internally, increase repair costs, short-circuits or the most dangerous of them all, sparks a fire.

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2. AC Turns On and Off Automatically

If your air conditioner starts switching on and off by itself, it may be due to:

  • Fluctuating voltage or power supply
  • A faulty thermostat or PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
  • Overheating or internal shorting

Why it matters: Automatically triggered restarts can result in attempting to overload the unit, burning electrical sparks or circuits, or hacking them resulting in the system severely damaging itself in the process.

3. Uneven Cooling in the Room

If a section of the room is chilly and another section feels warm, there could be the following reasons such as:

  • Dust buildup on the air filter
  • Faulty compressor
  • Insufficient quantities of refrigerant

Why it matters: Insufficient cooling is not only uncomforting, but it can also signal some system inefficiencies which compromise the functioning of the AC unit later on and could futilely strain the compressor.

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4. Smell of Burning or Foul Odour

Shut the unit down immediately if it emits an odour of plastic burning or wire, along with musty odours. The possible culprit could be:

  • Burning wires or insulation
  • Melted circuit components
  • Electrical overload

Why it matters: Smell of burning could be an outbreak of major issues electrical fires, and should not be switched back untill clinically assessed by the technician of the unit.

Final Tip: Get Your AC Serviced Regularly

Scheduled servicing, voltage stabilisers, and filter cleaning every 15-30 days can minimize risk significantly. Use only ISI-approved surge protectors, and steer clear from overloading power points.

Conclusion

Your AC is lifeline during the sticky and humid monsoons in India. If you actively look out for symptoms, your AC will serve you better. Taking preemptive measures can vastly improve the system's efficiency. Timely servicing is crucial in order to reap the best results.