Dripping air conditioners a problem in HK

HONG KONG: Despite being illegal, condensate dripping from air conditioning units is reported to be an increasing hazard in Hong Kong.

With its abundance of high-rise apartments and window/wall air conditioners, the problem of dripping air conditioners across Hong Kong has become a scourge that is going mostly unchecked, according to reports in the South China Morning Post.

In 1999, authorities in Hong Kong promised a fine of up to HK$10,000 (€1,200) and a daily fine of $200 (€25) on those “whose air conditioners cause nuisances to neighbours”. This includes dripping air conditioners.

Residents annoyed by constantly leaking air conditioners are said to have filed 170,407 complaints with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department between 2004 and 2014. During that time only 5,256 people were issued warning notices, and just 12 cases were prosecuted.

The leaking air conditioners are accused of creating a public nuisance and posing a danger to pedestrians.