With the arrival of hot months, many families resort to appliances to keep the house fresh and comfortable. However, there is a significant risk that many ignore and can turn a common gesture into a real danger. According to magazine.hd, this is the main appliance associated with household fires during the summer.
Statistics and alerts are clear: not all dangers are away from home. Between forest fires and heat waves, there are silent threats that arise inside the doors.
The dangers associated with air conditioning
Despite its reputation for comfort and utility, air conditioning is the most often associated with domestic fires in heat months. Most cases are related to technical failures, prolonged use without maintenance or poor electrical installations.
According to data from Consumer Reports, in the United States alone, air systems and fans cause about 7,400 household fires per year. These result in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injured.
Poor maintenance and excessive use
One of the main causes is the neglect. Many devices are unused months and are reactivated on warmer days without any prior verification. Accumulated dust, dirty filters and worn cables substantially increase the risk of short circuits and fires.
London Fire Brigade recently warned of this problem, highlighting the importance of checking equipment before intensive use. The institution registered several fires from air conditioners during the summer.
Risk in older dwellings
In Portugal, the aging of the housing park is a factor of concern. Many homes do not have electrical systems prepared to support prolonged and simultaneous use of various high power appliances, such as air conditioning.
The danger increases when using electrical extensions, multiple adapters or overloaded sockets. Incorrect or makeshift installation of heavy devices can also contribute to serious accidents.
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Recommended precaution measures
During the National Energy Savings Plan, launched in 2022, the Portuguese government called for the responsible use of these devices. They were advised that they were used only with temperatures below 25 degrees and were turned off when they were not being used.
These guidelines are aimed at not only energy efficiency, but also the safety of users. Reducing continuous operating time and ensuring that filters are clean are important steps to avoid risks.
The importance of preventive maintenance
An air conditioning that is not cleaning regularly can accumulate dust and impurities, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of overheating. It is recommended to make a technical review before summer.
In addition, it is essential to verify that the wires and calls are in good condition. Cracked cable devices or loose connections should be repaired or replaced before they are used again.
Awareness and future campaigns
Some municipalities and civil protection entities have been reinforcing awareness campaigns to the risk of domestic fires in summer. The goal is to alert to the safe use of electrical equipment.
According to, “this is the main appliance associated with domestic fires during the summer”, reinforcing the need for greater attention from consumers. In extreme heat contexts, small gestures can avoid large tragedies.
With increasing average temperatures and the frequency of heat waves, experts argue that this message should be taken further. The conscious and responsible use of this equipment will be increasingly important in the coming years.
Prevention remains the best way to protect lives and goods. Ensuring regular maintenance of devices, avoiding electrical improvisations and using it in moderation are essential practices.
Finally, you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek qualified technical assistance whenever necessary. Safety must be above immediate comfort.
Authorities also recommend that, if in doubt, consumers contact certified technicians to evaluate the safety of household facilities. In a particularly hot summer, this care can make all the difference.
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