Vietnamese experts urge durable AC models and dedicated circuits amid heat wave

Technician Anh T. H. Minh, with ten years of experience in Hanoi, explains that reliable air‑conditioners depend on more than just capacity. He notes, “Large capacity does not always guarantee better performance. When outdoor temperatures rise, the outdoor coil must continuously dissipate heat; if the heat‑exchange system or compressor is not optimal, efficiency drops or the unit may trigger protection mode.” He highlights Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ use of dual‑rotor DC compressors, optimized fan blades and an improved heat‑exchange design that can raise energy efficiency by about 5 % and boost heat‑transfer performance by up to 33 % compared with previous generations, making the units better suited to Vietnam’s 40‑46 °C climate.

The Vietnam Electricity Corporation (EVN) warns that plugging high‑power air‑conditioners directly into ordinary wall sockets poses serious fire risks. Loose contacts can cause arcing, melting of socket plastic and overheating. EVN recommends installing a dedicated circuit breaker (aptomat/MCB) that provides a larger, secure contact area and automatically cuts power during overloads. It advises users to watch for signs such as discoloration, a burnt smell, audible sparks or a hot socket, and to replace wall plugs with high‑capacity ones only as a temporary measure.