FEHD summarises efforts to combat dripping air conditioners this year
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (December 15) that the department has been adopting a multipronged approach to tackle dripping air conditioner issues. The FEHD stepped up inspections and enforcement across districts in Hong Kong this summer. By combining publicity and education, the application of innovative technology and adjustments to operational strategies, the measures have achieved notable results.
The spokesman said, "As of November 30, the FEHD had handled accumulatively about 8 500 dripping air conditioners this year, a number that had risen by approximately three times compared to 2023, and recorded an increase of more than 30 per cent compared with the same period last year. The problem of dripping air conditioners has shown considerable improvement at locations identified as black spots.
"Given the vast number of air conditioners across Hong Kong, dripping air conditioners remain common and pose considerable challenges to the department's enforcement efforts. The FEHD will build on this year's experience to formulate more effective strategies and measures. These include the additional use of AI image recognition technology to automatically detect dripping sources, as well as strengthening collaboration with the property management sector to tackle the problem of dripping air conditioners and improve the living environment for the public," the spokesman added.
The FEHD adopted a new operational strategy this year. In addition to sustaining the effort in handling public complaints, FEHD officers proactively conducted door-to-door inspections and took enforcement action at about 300 key follow-up locations with dripping air conditioners across districts. Thirty dripping blackspots causing significant nuisance to the public, including bus stops, minibus stops and pedestrian passages, were also targeted, with enforcement actions conducted at least once a week. To address the prevalence of dripping issues during night-time and early morning hours, the department reallocated manpower for investigations, shifting from the previous 70 per cent daytime and 30 per cent night-time distribution to 30 per cent daytime and 70 per cent night-time.
By leveraging innovative technology, the FEHD also collaborated with the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre under the Innovation and Technology Commission to develop the Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System, which has achieved remarkable results while being used in all districts. Equipped with infrared night-vision recording, the system can quickly identify the source of dripping at night or in low-light conditions. With a detection range of up to 120 meters, it can cover buildings of around 40 stories high, significantly reducing the time required for investigation and evidence collection. Building on the existing Dripping Air Conditioner Investigation System, the FEHD plans to develop AI recognition technology to automatically detect dripping locations and accurately pinpoint sources, thereby significantly improving investigation accuracy and enhancing the work efficiency. The department aims to begin implementing the new technology in the summer next year.
The FEHD also strengthened publicity and education in collaboration with District Council members, members of the local community and property management companies. Leaflets and posters were distributed, promotional materials were displayed at bus stops, and feature videos were released through social media, radio and television, reminding the public to check their air conditioners regularly and promptly address any dripping issues to avoid creating a nuisance.
In addition, the FEHD recently collaborated with the Property Management Services Authority to develop the Best Practice Guide on Handling Dripping Air Conditioners, providing guidance for licensed property management companies and property management personnel. In parallel, the FEHD continues to promote the Scheme of Participation by Property Management Agents in Tackling Dripping Air-conditioners, inviting property management agents of private housing estates to assist in handling related complaints. Currently, about 290 private housing estates participate in the Scheme, handling an average of over 4 000 cases annually.
The FEHD calls on all sectors to work together. Property management companies should repair and maintain building drainage systems regularly and remind residents to check and repair their air conditioners. Members of the public should check and maintain their air conditioners regularly and take immediate action if water dripping happens in order to prevent causing a nuisance. For more information, please refer to the leaflet on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/library/aircon/Pamphlet_water_dripping_from_air_conditioner.pdf).
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)
