May 4, 1997
Don't let your air-conditioner become a nuisance to your neighbour as this will cost you a fine of $10,000.
This is the message of a publicity campaign launched by the Health Education Unit of the Department of Health.
The campaign is organised under the sponsorship of the Urban and Regional Councils.
As part of the campaign, a 24-hour hotline 2723 0013 carrying a pre-recorded message has been set up to advise the public on methods of preventing nuisances caused by air-conditioners.
"The aim is to remind the public to effect due repair and maintenance to their air-conditioning systems with the approach of the summer," a spokesman for the Department said on 4.5.97.
"Unwanted drippings, hot air and excessive noise are common nuisances emitted from defective air-conditioners," he said.
He pointed out that if a freshwater cooling tower was improperly maintained, it might cause Legionnaires' disease and affect health.
"Owners of freshwater cooling towers are advised to drain the towers regularly, and the towers should be cleansed and sterilised every six months to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria.
"The heat release part of the air-conditioning system, such as water cooling tower or air-cooled condenser, should be installed at a suitable position such as roof, podium, etc. to avoid causing hot air nuisance to the neighbourhood," he said.
The spokesman advised the public to choose a type of air-conditioner that does not drip.
"If an air-conditioner drips, affix a metal tray fitted with a hose underneath the air-conditioner to drain away the water drippings properly. For water cooling tower of large air-conditioning system, install an anti-splashing guard to eliminate the dripping nuisance," the spokesman added.
He stressed that proper maintenance and regular inspection were important to ensure that the machine functioned properly.
Under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, if an air-conditioning unit drips or emits excessive heat in such a manner as to be a nuisance, the authority may issue a notice to the user for rectification within a specified period. Non-compliance of which will constitute an offence.
"Offenders may be fined up to $10,000," the spokesman said.
Publicity letters, posters and leaflets giving advice on the proper use of air-conditioners will be widely distributed to the management of housing estates, large shopping arcades, industrial buildings, owners' corporations, mutual aid committees, suppliers of air-conditioners and the public.
Publicity through the mass media will be arranged to arouse public concerns.