Spring is here! Today marks the turning of the seasons, and with it we’re seeing changes in weather and temperature. As such, many people may be looking for ways to help cool their homes and buildings, and a common solution is with portable or window mounted air conditioners. These can help control the temperature of your home quite well, though some units pose often unseen dangers if not installed or utilized correctly. Here are 5 Safety Tips when it comes to installing and using a portable or window mounted air conditioning unit:
Avoid Using Extension Cords
Air conditioners can pull a lot of power, and extension cords are a common point of failure in these high-power circuits. Extension cords that are not meant for heavy duty draw can heat up unexpectedly, sometimes melting the insulation and exposing the wires inside, and in extreme cases catching the surrounding area on fire. Heavier duty cords can be safer, but it is still wise to avoid using extension cords all together when powering your air conditioner. Plug the unit directly into the wall, if at all possible, to best avoid unnecessary fire risk.
Be Cautious of Placement
Be cautious when deciding where to place your air conditioning unit. Portable air conditioners, such as ones that can roll around or be set on various surfaces, can pose tripping hazards if their cords are stretched along walkways. In business settings especially, this can be dangerous, not only due to the increased risk of a person falling and getting injured, but also because tripping over a cord can damage the outlet it is plugged into, which may create a fire risk. In addition, many of these portable units require a ventilation tube to be run to a window, and not doing so not only negates the effectiveness of the air conditioner, but can also cause pollutants and hot air to be expelled out of the unit. The exhaust from these units can cause issues for those with allergies or breathing difficulties, so making sure the exhaust tube is setup properly is essential.
Secure Window Mounted Units
If you’re using a window mounted air conditioner, take steps to ensure it doesn’t fall from the window it’s mounted in. Even on first story windows a falling air conditioner can be dangerous, but an air conditioner falling from higher levels can be lethal. Many apartments have rules against using window mounted air conditioners on non-ground floors because of this. Regardless of the height your air conditioner is mounted at, it is best to secure it with either a simple bracket or supporting shelf outside the window, and never open the window that the air conditioner is in unless you intend to remove it.
Beware of Increased Burglary Risk
Both window mounted and portable air conditioners can increase the risk of burglary in your home, as you have a fairly-permanent entrance into your home while they are installed. Portable units often let you keep the screen of your window in place, though usually still require the window to be open. In these cases, it is best to remove the vent tube from your window and close it when you are leaving your home, and install it again when you return. If this isn’t an option, try to vent your air conditioner out of a hard-to-reach window, ideally one that is elevated or has vegetation outsite of it.
In the case of window mounted units, the security risk is higher, as they almost always require the screen to be removed and the window permanently open. In these cases, it is best to try and secure the window so that it can’t be opened further from the outside. One good way to do this is to measure the gap from the top or side of the sliding part of the window (depending on if it’s a vertically or horizontally opening window) to the inside of the window frame on the opposite side while the air conditioner is in place. Then, cut a piece of wood (such as a 2×4) to this length and prop it in between the sliding portion of the window and the frame while installing the air conditioner. This prevents the window from being opened further while the bar is in place, and also reduces the risk of the window sliding open passively and dropping the air conditioner. You can also purchase security bars for this purpose online, just search for “window air conditioner security bar”.
Avoid Running the Air Conditioner Unsupervised
While air conditioners pose less fire risk than heating units, they still have the chance to cause electrical hazards if pulling too much power or if the electrical circuit is compromised. Leaving your air conditioner running when leaving the home risks a fire starting while you’re away, so if at all possible, turn off all air conditioners prior to leaving the house. In addition, running high-power consuming air conditioners while sleeping (especially multiple off of the same power circuit) can cause a fire that you may not notice, which can because dangerous very quickly. Check that your smoke detectors are working and placed properly in case a fire does start.