When warmer temperatures move in, there’s a good chance you want to retreat to the indoors, where the air conditioner keeps things cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a central air conditioner in your home, which is common for older residences, you will have to find another solution. For most, this includes the use of ceiling fans or a window AC unit. Both of these offer effective ways for you to remain cool and comfortable all summer long. However, when using this electrical component in your home, you need to make sure you follow certain safety tips. Keep reading to learn what those tips are.
Don’t Connect the Unit with an Extension Cord
An extension cord is unable to handle the large amount of electricity that is often required by a window AC unit. It’s also not as capable of providing the right amount of power as permanent wiring is. If you choose to use an extension cord for plugging in your window unit, it may overheat, which could cause a fire.
Plug the Unit into a Dedicated Circuit
A window AC unit is designed to run most effectively on a dedicated circuit. What this means is that there should not be anything else (any other appliance or electrical equipment) plugged into the same outlet or the same circuit as your AC unit. If you overload the circuit, it may trip the breaker, which can be dangerous.
Check the Outlet and the Cord
Be sure to check the unit’s cord and the outlet it is plugged into. Make sure neither of these feel warm. If they do get hot, it means you are overloading the circuit, and the unit should be unplugged right away.
Pay Attention to Your Lights
Have you noticed that your lights dim when your window unit comes on? If so, this is an indication that the circuit may be overloaded. At this point, it is time to consider updating your electrical system so it can support this load.
Don’t Use a Window AC Unit with Knob and Tube Wiring
If you still have knob and tube wiring in your home, do not use a window unit. These systems are not designed to handle high demand appliance loads. If you do, it could result in overheating and the possibility of an electric fire.
Don’t Try to Cheat!
When you are plugging your window air conditioning unit in, make sure you are using a three-prong, grounded outlet. Don’t use a two-prong plug adaptor for plugging it in, as this is going to create a seriously dangerous situation in your home.
When it comes to your home and the use of a window AC unit, you need to play it safe. If you need more tips or information about how to operate these units safely, contact Tann Electric. We can answer any other questions you may have about how to safely operate these units.