Hyderabad: Air-Conditioners Could Turn Out to Be Tinder Boxes

Hyderabad: Many Hyderabadis run their poorly maintained air conditioners non-stop, without being aware that these most essential equipment could become a cause of a fire hazard. The situation is worse in the older houses which have few or no windows at all. The issue came to notice following the death of 17 persons of a family in a fire that is believed to have been sparked by a short circuit in an old AC set.

AC technicians said that regular servicing once every six months, or at least annually, is essential. “If we don’t service the AC, the cooling reduces and gas consumption increases. The machine has to work harder and may overheat,” said an electrician. “In some older homes, voltage fluctuations can also damage the compressor if there is no stabiliser.”

Many customers are not aware that using the AC for long hours without giving it a break could lead to a short circuit. In most cases, the issue begins with dust build-up inside the machine, which blocks airflow and forces the compressor to overwork. If the compressor overheats, or if the electrical trip fails due to power surges, fires can break out.

An AC shop vendor in Secunderabad, Ganesh R., explained how middle-class buyers often opt for budget options without understanding the importance of room size and power supply setup.

“If it’s a 10-by-10 room, they go for a one-tonne AC. If it’s 10-by-15, then 1.5 tonnes. It depends on the square footage,” Ganesh explained. “Two-phase current is enough, but in some areas where three-phase is used, it provides more stability. However, if there’s no stabiliser and the power goes out, the compressor can be affected.”

When asked about branded vs non-branded ACs, the vendor said budget is usually the deciding factor. “Some people prefer well-known brands, but others just go for what fits their pocket. Older homes may also not support heavier models,” he added.

The cause of a fire accident, which was reported last week at Manikonda, was the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. The incident took place in a G+4 apartment building, where the driver was staying in one of the rooms.

This is not a one-off case. The fire department says such AC-related fire accidents increase during the summer. “We often receive complaints where fires start from AC units. This mostly happens due to lack of regular servicing and poor electrical wiring,” said Officer Karimullah.

He explained that when AC filters are dirty and not cleaned regularly, the outdoor unit becomes blocked and overheats. “Over time, this leads to smoke, sparks, and eventually fire. Electrical short circuits are also a major cause,” he added.

He advised people to take preventive steps. “Get your ACs serviced regularly, especially before summer. Use only good-quality wiring and sockets. Not everyone may be able to conduct a full electrical audit, but basic maintenance and safe wiring can prevent many of these accidents,” said Karimullah.