WITH temperatures set to rise to 35C in Mount Gambier today, the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) have urged the public to ensure their air cooling equipment is serviced and in good working order before use.
The message comes in the wake of an estimated $540,000 damage bill from fires attributed to faulty cooling equipment in South Australia since December last year.
The MFS have attended 30 fires across the state which have been caused by air conditioners, evaporative coolers and fans, resulting in the significant property damage bill.
Summer is only a month away and with the region heating up, MFS station officer Mat Williamson said it is a good time to remind people to check their cooling equipment.
“Basically you just need to make sure your cooling equipment is maintained, serviced and safe to use,” he said.
“There is maintenance an owner can complete without service technicians, such as removing and cleaning filters, which may have built up with dust and lint so refer to the units owners manual on how to perform these tasks”
Mr Williamson said by removing all that dust and lint, you are reducing the risk of the equipment overheating and starting a fire.
“In addition to reducing risk, the equipment will also be much more efficient,” he said.
“It is also important to ensure outside units are clear of cobwebs, dirt, dust and dry matter such as leaves in close proximity and by doing that you’ll have a safer unit, reducing the likelihood of overheating and possible fire.”
Health is paramount and Mr Williamson said the MFS does not want to discourage people from using their equipment as the weather gets warmer.
“Your health is quite important and air cooling equipment can be necessary health requirement for the elderly, or families with young children, so we’re not discouraging the use of them, we just want you to make sure they are safe to use,” he said.
“I have seen quite a few times throughout my career with the fire service, air conditioners that have been left on without the owner home and there’s been an issue which has caused it to ignite in the roof space.
“Obviously the damage from that can be significant and quite expensive, so its recommended that cooling equipment be left off, unless someone is home to monitor use.
If an air cooling unit is making unusual sounds, keeps shutting down, or is not operating as it should, please stop using it until checked by a qualified tradesperson.
The fire service urges householders to combine the above tips with working, interconnected smoke alarms that are less than 10 years old and have a Home Fire Escape Plan.
