Past Event
2026-05-13
[Beat the Heat in Tiny Homes] Air Conditioner Maintenance Workshop
This activity is a collaboration between CarbonCare InnoLab (CCIL), the Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association, and the Deco Academy. We began by introducing the climate challenges currently facing Hong Kong and the world—the rising number of "hot nights" and temperatures driven by the El Niño phenomenon. Climate change is closely linked to everyone's life: from the risk of heat stress for outdoor workers to rising electricity bills caused by global energy crises, as well as prolonged rainy seasons and more frequent typhoons. All of these factors impact the lives of grassroots communities.
Under extreme heat, air conditioners are one of the most power-consuming appliances at home. Improving their efficiency can not only lighten the financial burden of electricity bills but also reduce carbon emissions. Many residents mistakenly believe their air conditioners are failing due to old age, but in fact, proper maintenance and cleaning are the keys:
- Routine Maintenance: We recommend cleaning the filters every two to four weeks and ensuring no obstacles block the airflow between indoors and outdoors. This prevents the compressor from overworking and is the simplest way to save energy.
- Deep Cleaning: Dust accumulation on the cooling fins, fan blades, or drainage outlets needs to be cleaned regularly.
We understand that deep cleaning an air conditioner can be extremely challenging for the average resident. Therefore, we have launched this hands-on workshop to let residents try deep cleaning for themselves. Working together with a clear division of labor, some participants tried using the high-pressure water gun firsthand, while others who excelled at cleaning washed the outer casings and filters.
Through the workshop, residents learned what specific tools are required for thorough cleaning, and some are even considering pooling their resources to co-purchase the equipment for shared use. They also understood that even if deep cleaning at home is difficult due to cramped spaces or insufficient tools, regular filter cleaning remains essential. It not only enhances cooling performance and saves on utility expenses but also reduces the accumulation of allergens, ultimately safeguarding the family's health.