Why are heat strokes more likely to occur due to air-conditioning nowadays?
According to the National Scientific Report on Climate Change, if global warming continues to worsen, Taiwan's future summers may last up to seven months, and the number of days with high temperatures exceeding 36°C will increase by 75 days. what does that mean? Your air conditioner will face an unprecedented severe test.
In the past, summer in Taiwan was hot from May to September, but now the air conditioning is turned on in April, and October is still unbearably hot. As the air conditioner runs for longer periods of time and the outdoor temperature reaches record highs, many residents begin to experience situations where the air conditioner suddenly stops running halfway through, or even causes power outages in their homes.
Air-conditioning overload protection: Is it a fault or a normal mechanism?
Many people’s first reaction when the air conditioner suddenly stops running is that it is broken. But in fact, this is probably because the overload protection mechanism built into the air conditioner is operating.
What is overload protection?
The air-conditioning compressor will generate a large amount of heat energy when it is running. When the outdoor temperature is too high, the heat dissipation is poor, or the amount of refrigerant is abnormal, the compressor temperature will rise sharply. In order to prevent the compressor from burning out, the system will activate the overload protector and automatically cut off the power supply to allow the compressor to rest.
To put it simply, this is the "self-protection" mechanism of the air conditioner, not a malfunction. But if it triggers frequently, it means your air conditioner is experiencing excessive pressure.
How does extreme high temperature trigger overload protection?
Generally, the working environment temperature of air conditioners is about below 43°C. However, in recent years, high temperatures of 38°C or even 40°C have frequently occurred in Taiwan. Coupled with the urban heat island effect, the temperature around the outdoor unit may be even higher.
When the heat sink of the outdoor unit is exposed to direct sunlight, the surroundings are poorly ventilated, or the condenser is dirty and blocked, the heat dissipation efficiency will drop significantly. In order to maintain the indoor temperature, the compressor must continue to operate at high load, and the temperature will get higher and higher, eventually triggering the protection mechanism.
Three major reasons for air conditioner power outages
In addition to the overload protection of the air conditioner itself, power outages at home are also common problems. According to the experience of plumbers, there are three main reasons for air conditioner power outages:
Reason 1: The air conditioner does not have an independent circuit
This is the most common problem. When renovating many old houses or suites, the air conditioner and other sockets share the same circuit. When the air conditioner is started, the current is relatively large. If other electrical appliances are used at the same time, it will easily exceed the load of the non-fuse switch and cause a trip.
It is recommended that the air conditioner should use a dedicated circuit. Generally, it is recommended to use a dedicated circuit of 2P 20A or above for separate air conditioners. If it is an old fixed-frequency air conditioner, the starting current will be larger and an independent circuit will be needed.
Reason 2: Insufficient or aging wire capacity
In order to save costs, some builders or plumbers use wires with insufficient wire diameter. When the air conditioner is running for a long time, the wire will generate heat due to excessive load. In severe cases, it may even melt the insulation layer and cause a short circuit.
In addition, after more than ten years of use, the insulation layer of the wires in the old house may have deteriorated and cannot withstand the power demand of modern air conditioners. In this case, even if the air conditioner is replaced with a new one, the power may still trip.
Reason 3: Poor insulation of the compressor or motor
If the air conditioner has been used for a long time, the insulation of the compressor or the motor of the indoor and outdoor units may have deteriorated. When the insulation resistance decreases and the leakage current increases, the leakage circuit breaker will be triggered to trip.
In this case, you need to ask a professional to check it. If it is a compressor problem, the repair cost is usually higher, and you may need to consider whether it is worth repairing.
Air-conditioning maintenance and preventive measures under extreme high temperatures
In the face of increasingly hot summers, instead of waiting for air-conditioning problems to be repaired by someone, it is better to prepare in advance. The following are several practical preventive measures:
Clean the filter and heat sink regularly
This is the basic of basics. A clogged filter will lead to a reduction in air volume, a decrease in air conditioning efficiency, and the compressor must work harder. It is recommended to clean the filter every two weeks and have the heat sink cleaned by a professional at least once a year.
Pay special attention to the heat sink of the outdoor unit. If it is blocked by cotton wool, leaves or dust, the heat dissipation effect will be greatly reduced. You can clean it gently with a soft-bristled brush or vacuum cleaner, but be careful not to bend the aluminum fins.
Improve the cooling environment of the outdoor unit
The outdoor unit should be installed in a well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. If you cannot avoid western exposure, you can install a sunshade, but be careful not to block the wind.
In addition, do not pile up debris around the outdoor unit, and maintain a clearance distance of at least 30 centimeters. Some residents wrap the outdoor unit in a grid for the sake of appearance, which causes poor heat dissipation.
Set a reasonable temperature
Many people think that the colder the air conditioner is, the more comfortable it will be. However, in fact, the difference between the set temperature and the outdoor temperature is too large, and the compressor must continue to run, which not only consumes power, but also easily overloads.
It is recommended to set it at 26-28°C and use it with an electric fan to make the temperature feel cooler. If it's really hot, you can first turn on 24°C to cool down the room, and then adjust it back to 26°C to maintain it.
Check the circuit capacity
If your air conditioner frequently trips, it is recommended that you ask a qualified electrician to check the circuit. Confirm whether the air conditioner has an independent circuit, whether the wire diameter is sufficient, and whether the specifications of the fuseless switch are correct.
If it is an old house, you may need to rewire or upgrade the distribution box. This money cannot be saved, otherwise not only will the air conditioner not be used well, but there will also be a fire risk.
Emergency treatment when the air conditioner suddenly stops running
If the air conditioner still fails during the hottest time, the following steps can help you quickly determine the problem:
Step 1: Confirm whether it is an air conditioner problem or a power outage
First check the distribution box to see if there is a fuse switch that has tripped. If the dedicated air-conditioning circuit trips, it means the problem is with the air conditioner itself; if the main switch trips, it may be due to electrical overload.
Step 2: Let the air conditioner rest
If the overload protection is activated, the compressor needs time to cool down. It is recommended to turn off the air conditioner for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the system to cool down before restarting it.
Remember not to keep pressing the remote control to force start, as this will only cause the protector to operate more frequently and may even cause damage.
Step 3: Check the basic settings
Confirm whether the remote control settings are correct and whether you accidentally switched to the air supply mode. Check whether the filter is severely clogged. If so, clean it first and try again.
Step 4: Seek professional assistance
If it still cannot operate normally after a break, or the power is tripped frequently, it is recommended to contact a professional air-conditioning repairman. Do not disassemble and repair the machine yourself. Not only is it dangerous, it may also make the problem worse.
New thinking on air conditioning in the era of climate change
Faced with increasingly extreme temperatures, we need to rethink the way we use air conditioners. In the past, Taiwan's climate was mild and air-conditioning was only a "luxury", but now it has become a "necessity".
In addition to good maintenance, you can also consider the following directions:
- Replacement of inverter air conditioners: Inverter air conditioners have small starting current, high operating efficiency, and are less likely to cause power outage problems. Although the price is higher, the electricity bill saved can pay for itself in the long run.
- Enhancing thermal insulation: Improving the thermal insulation of windows and adding curtains or insulation paper can reduce the indoor heat load and make air conditioning less laborious.
- With circulation fan: Circulation fan can promote indoor air flow and improve the efficiency of air conditioning. The set temperature can be increased by 1-2°C and it will still be cool.
Climate change is already underway, and our home equipment must also keep pace with the times. Instead of complaining that the weather is getting hotter and hotter, it is better to take good care of the air conditioner at home from now on so that it can accompany you through the scorching heat one after another.
New knowledge on air-conditioning power consumption and Taiwan climate maintenance regulations in recent years (2025-2026 current situation)
With the high temperatures in summer breaking historical records and the adjustment of electricity price structure in recent years, the latest statistics from the Energy Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs show that air-conditioning equipment accounts for more than 47% of residential electricity consumption in summer. Many people mistakenly believe that if the air conditioner is not cold, they only need to "replenish the refrigerant." However, in fact, refrigerant is not naturally consumed during normal operation in a closed circuit. If the refrigerant is insufficient, it means that there are micro leaks in the copper pipes or joints. Simply replenishing the air conditioner will only treat the symptoms but not the root cause. Refrigerant leakage will aggravate the high temperature overload of the compressor and shorten its service life.
According to Taiwan's standard operating specifications for air-conditioning projects, it is recommended that professional technicians with a refrigeration and air-conditioning decoration technician license perform "full machine high-pressure water washing and evaporator deep sterilization" every 1 to 2 years for detached air-conditioning indoor units. Especially in the humid summer in the Shuangbei Basin, the air drum and water collection tray are easy to breed black mold and jelly-like biofilm. This is also the main reason for the sour smell in the air-conditioning outlet and the backflow of the drainage pipe. Regular maintenance can maintain CSPF (Air Conditioning Seasonal Performance Factor) level one energy efficiency level, which can save an average household 15% to 20% of air conditioning electricity bills every year.
Autonomous simple maintenance vs professional maintenance safety red line
- Homeowners can do by themselves: Remove and clean the nylon filter regularly every 2 to 3 weeks (rinse with clean water and dry in a cool place, do not expose it to the sun to avoid deformation and embrittlement); clean the air outlet blades of the indoor unit with a dry cloth; check whether there is any accumulation of debris within 50 cm around the outdoor unit that hinders heat dissipation.
- Professional technicians must be entrusted according to regulations: Refrigerant pressure testing and leakage repair welding, high-pressure cleaning of indoor unit air drums and aluminum fins with liquid chemicals, reset of the drainage slope of hidden cold water pipes in the ceiling, and 220V dedicated power circuit configuration and leakage circuit breaker replacement.
