Safe Selection and Use of Air Conditioners in Summer: Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark and Energy Efficiency Label

As the hot summer season arrives, air conditioners become essential cooling appliances in homes, offices, and commercial premises. Although air conditioners are common household appliances, purchasing products from unknown sources, incomplete labeling, improper installation, or prolonged lack of maintenance may still result in increased electricity consumption, inadequate cooling performance, or even electrical safety risks.

Action Technology reminds consumers to pay attention to the Commodity Inspection Mark, Chinese-language labeling, energy efficiency ratings, installation methods, and routine maintenance when purchasing and using air conditioners to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Assess the Installation Environment and Model Requirements before Purchasing an Air Conditioner

Before purchasing an air conditioner, consumers are advised to assess the size of the space, exposure to afternoon sunlight, ceiling height, interior partitions, installation location, and frequency of use. A professional service provider may also be consulted to determine the appropriate cooling capacity and model.

If the cooling capacity is insufficient, the air conditioner may provide inadequate cooling, require the compressor to operate continuously, and consume more electricity. If the cooling capacity is excessive, it may result in wasted energy or reduced comfort. Consumers should therefore select an appropriate product based on the actual conditions of the space rather than considering only price or appearance.

Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark

Air conditioners are commodities subject to mandatory inspection. When purchasing one, consumers should confirm that the Commodity Inspection Mark is displayed on the product itself. The Commodity Inspection Mark is an important indication that the product has undergone the applicable standard inspection procedures and is the first point of reference for consumers determining whether a product meets basic safety requirements.

When purchasing an air conditioner through an online platform, social-media group-buying arrangement, or unofficial retail channel, consumers should pay particular attention to whether the product has clear labeling, a complete model number, a legitimate source, and the Commodity Inspection Mark. This helps avoid products from unknown sources, products with incomplete labeling, or products that have not been inspected as required.

Review Chinese-Language Labeling and Product Information

When purchasing an air conditioner, consumers should check whether the product bears clear Chinese-language labeling, including the company name and address, model number, rated voltage, rated power consumption, rated cooling capacity, month and year of manufacture, and other required information.

Complete labeling not only enables consumers to identify product specifications but is also relevant to subsequent installation, warranty service, repairs, and safe use. Consumers are advised not to purchase products with unclear labeling, incomplete information, or information that is inconsistent with the actual product.

Pay Attention to the Energy Efficiency Rating Label

Prolonged use of an air conditioner directly affects the electricity consumption of a household or commercial premises. When purchasing an air conditioner, consumers are advised to review the energy efficiency rating label and select an energy-efficient product that meets their needs to help reduce long-term electricity costs.

During use, an electric fan or air circulator may also be used to improve indoor air circulation, and the temperature should not be set excessively low. Good operating habits can improve comfort while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Air Conditioners Should Be Installed by Qualified Professionals

Air conditioner installation involves securing the indoor and outdoor units, refrigerant piping, drainage pipes, electrical wiring, and grounding. Improper installation may result in water leakage, abnormal noise, inadequate cooling, overheated wiring, or other safety risks.

Air conditioners should therefore be installed by qualified professionals in accordance with the product instructions and conditions at the installation site. After installation, consumers should confirm that the indoor and outdoor units are securely fixed, drainage is unobstructed, and power cords are properly arranged. Warranty and installation records should also be retained.

Clean Filters and Inspect the Condition of the Equipment Regularly

After prolonged use, dust can accumulate in air conditioner filters, reducing cooling efficiency, increasing electricity consumption, and potentially affecting indoor air quality. Filters should be cleaned regularly according to the frequency of use. Consumers should also monitor whether the airflow, odor, noise, and cooling performance remain normal.

If an air conditioner remains exposed to outdoor conditions for extended periods, dust, debris, moisture, sunlight, and rain may also affect the operation of the outdoor unit. Consumers are advised to arrange regular inspections and maintenance by qualified professionals to maintain equipment safety and operating efficiency.

Stop Using the Air Conditioner Immediately If an Abnormality Occurs

If abnormal sounds, a burning smell, unusual odors, water leakage, circuit breaker trips, overheated power cords, abnormal signals on the display panel, inadequate cooling, or equipment failure occurs while using an air conditioner, use should be stopped immediately, and the manufacturer or a qualified service technician should be contacted for inspection.

Consumers should not disassemble or modify a faulty air conditioner themselves or continue using it despite a malfunction, as doing so may worsen the damage or create risks of electric shock, short circuits, or fire.

Product Safety Recommendations

Action Technology recommends that consumers consider the following points when purchasing and using air conditioners:

• Assess the Space before Purchasing: Select an appropriate model based on the floor area, sunlight exposure, installation location, and intended use.
• Look for the Commodity Inspection Mark: Confirm that the Commodity Inspection Mark is displayed on the air conditioner itself before purchasing.
• Review Chinese-Language Labeling: Confirm that the company information, model number, rated voltage, power consumption, cooling capacity, and month and year of manufacture are clearly displayed.
• Review the Energy Efficiency Rating: Select an energy-efficient product that meets the required needs and develop proper operating habits.
• Use Qualified Professionals for Installation: Avoid self-installation or unauthorized modifications to the power supply to reduce the risks of water leakage, short circuits, or improper installation.
• Clean and Maintain the Equipment Regularly: Clean the filters, inspect the area around the outdoor unit, and arrange professional maintenance when necessary.
• Stop Use Immediately If an Abnormality Occurs: If unusual odors, abnormal noise, circuit breaker trips, overheating, or abnormal cooling occurs, stop using the air conditioner and arrange an inspection and repair.

Safe Purchasing and Proper Use Are Equally Important

Air conditioner safety depends not only on whether the product has passed inspection but also on whether consumers select legitimate products, arrange proper installation, perform regular maintenance, and promptly address abnormal conditions. Electricity consumption is particularly high during summer. If multiple high-power appliances are used simultaneously, additional attention should be given to electrical configuration and household electrical safety.

Action Technology Co., Ltd. will continue to monitor product safety information published by BSMI and assist consumers and businesses in understanding the Commodity Inspection Mark, product safety requirements, and proper-use practices to improve safety throughout product selection, installation, and everyday use.

Source: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, Ministry of Economic Affairs｜Summer Solstice Is Here! Choose the Right Air Conditioner to Stay Cool and Save Energy!