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Campaign to prevent air-conditioner nuisances
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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 members of the public on methods of preventing nuisances caused by air-conditioners.
"The aim is to remind the general public to effect due repair and maintenance to their air-conditioning systems with the approach of the summer season," a spokesman for the Department said today (Sunday).
"Unwanted drippings, hot air and excessive noise are the common nuisances emitted from defective air-conditioners," he said.
He pointed out that if a fresh water cooling tower was improperly maintained, it might cause Legionnaires' disease and affect health.
"Owners of fresh water 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 also advised the general 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 climinate the dripping nuisance," the spokesman added.