"The More You Use It, The Hotter It Gets"... Article on Installing an 'Air Conditioner Outdoor Unit' Inside the Room

Installed Inside Outdoor Unit Emitting Hot Air
Netizens Outraged by Unbelievable Story

Amidst the ongoing sweltering heatwave, a story about an air conditioner installation technician who installed the outdoor unit inside a room due to limited outdoor installation space has sparked public outrage online.

On the 7th, a post titled "The air conditioner technician installed the outdoor unit inside the room" was uploaded on the online community 'Bobaedream.' The author, A, who identified themselves as a licensed real estate agent, wrote, "Last August, a tenant contacted me saying that the air conditioner was not blowing cold air," and added, "After informing the owner, it was decided to replace the unit since it was old."

Looking at the photos uploaded by Mr. A, an outdoor unit is installed indoors, with towels and plastic bowls placed underneath it. Normally, water droplets fall when the outdoor unit operates, and it is presumed that the tenant placed these items to prevent the floor from getting wet.
[Photo by online community 'BobaeDream']

According to A, the homeowner personally visited a nearby electronics direct store to order the air conditioner, and when the installation technician arrived, both the homeowner and tenant were absent, so the technician was given the house address and password.

However, even after the new air conditioner was installed, the tenant complained to A, saying, "The house is too hot to live in," and "It’s blowing hot air, what should I do?" In response, A asked the tenant to send photos of the air conditioner, saying, "It hasn’t been long since the air conditioner was replaced, what do you mean? Please send some pictures."

After checking the photos, A was shocked. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner had been installed inside the room. A expressed anger, saying, "The technician said the outdoor unit room was too small for the unit, so they made a stand inside the room and placed it right there. Are they out of their mind?"

A continued, "I understand it’s busy during the peak summer season, but this is unacceptable. If it can’t be installed, shouldn’t they cancel and reorder?"

Later, A added in a follow-up post, "The direct store where the air conditioner was purchased has already closed, so the homeowner visited the ○○ Electronics branch on the 5th to complain. After showing the photos, they were also shocked and promised to arrange a technician who installs properly. On the 9th, the air conditioner was correctly installed inside the outdoor unit room."

At the end of the post, A stated firmly, "I think the technician contacted me to ask for the post to be taken down, but since I posted this for the public good to ensure proper installation for other customers, I will not remove it."

Many netizens sympathized with A, commenting, "Would they have installed it like this if it were their own home?" and "It must be blowing more heat than cold air." One user commented, "My husband installs air conditioners and said he was speechless about this."

Beware of Excessive Air Conditioner Installation Fees and Refusal to Repair Defects

Meanwhile, on the 3rd, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that as summer approaches, there is a high possibility of increased complaints related to excessive air conditioner and cooling equipment installation fees and refusal to repair defects. Therefore, they will issue a 'Cooling Equipment Consumer Damage Advisory' throughout July.

Seoul analyzes big data from approximately 570,000 damage consultations received by the Korea Consumer Agency over the past four years to inform consumers in advance about items and types of damage that consistently increase during specific periods or months, implementing a ‘Consumer Damage Item and Type Forecast System’ to prevent harm.

Meanwhile, on the 3rd, Seoul City announced that with the arrival of the full summer season, there is a high possibility of an increase in related damages such as excessive installation fees for air conditioners and refusal of defect repairs. Therefore, a "Consumer Damage Advisory for Cooling Devices" will be issued throughout July. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by Yonhap News]

The forecasted item for July is 'air conditioners and other cooling equipment.' From 2018 to 2022, there were a total of 4,838 summer cooling equipment-related consultations received by the Consumer Agency, with installation-related issues accounting for 1,662 cases (34%), the highest number, followed by complaints about defect handling at 1,255 cases (26%).

The reported damages included water leakage due to poor installation, excessive installation fees, additional fees demanded on-site, and refusal to compensate for defects.

Typically, summer cooling equipment is not installed directly by large manufacturers but by contracted service providers or requested by consumers at local stores. Therefore, even if defects occur, it can be difficult or time-consuming to receive compensation.

Additionally, to prepare for potential damages, consumers should keep transaction-related proof such as order details, payment records, and installation fee receipts. When purchasing used equipment, it is essential to obtain a warranty certificate specifying the quality guarantee period.