We rely on our air conditioners to keep us cool and comfortable in the hot, humid summers of Eastern North Carolina. But, like many appliances, safety is key to their operation. Keep these common A/C dangers in mind to ensure your family’s comfort and their safety.

1. Fire Risk

When HVAC systems are not properly maintained, they will place an additional strain on your home’s electrical system. This, in turn, can increase the risk of an electrical fire. You may also face a fire risk if the system has an accumulation of dirt and debris in it, which can cause a short circuit resulting in an electrical fire. Scheduling regular professional HVAC maintenance tune ups will reduce this type of risk.

2. Refrigerant Leaks

Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to cool the air in your home. Sometimes systems can develop a leak that allows the refrigerant into the environment. If you notice that your outdoor unit freezes up when in use, it’s likely low on refrigerant, and you should contact an HVAC professonal for a service call to address this issue.

3. Dry Air

Your air conditioner will dehumidify your home, and sometimes this can cause problems with dry air. Dry air can cause your skin to get dry if you spend a lot of time indoors. The best solution to this problem is testing your home’s humidity levels, and keeping them at a comfortable level. Talk to your home comfort specialist about your home’s specific indoor environment needs.

4. Indoor Air Quality Dangers

Another of the A/C dangers you need to avoid is the problem of poor indoor air quality. Your indoor air circulates through your HVAC system and your ductwork. If the ductwork has a lot of dust and grime, and if the A/C is not properly maintained, then your air will pick up contaminants, imparing your indoor air quality and your overall health.

Are you at risk of these common A/C dangers in your Eastern North Carolina home? If so, reach out to Jackson & Sons for help today.