Posts by HK Decoman
Stop Washing Machine Damage: Use Laundry Bags Correctly
Using laundry bags incorrectly can damage washing machines by causing imbalance during spin cycles, leading to excessive wear. To protect both clothes and the machine, avoid overstuffing bags, use them only for delicate items, and mix bagged with loose clothes for balanced loads.
Ceiling Condensation: Causes and DIY Fixes
Ceiling condensation is often mistaken for water seepage, but it's actually a physical phenomenon caused by warm, humid air meeting a cold ceiling surface. This article explains the causes and provides a five-step self-help guide, including identifying the source, coordinating with neighbors, controlling humidity, and using insulation.
AC Cooling Tips: Faster Cool, Less Power
Setting the air conditioner to the lowest temperature is inefficient and power-hungry, while using maximum fan speed cools faster and saves electricity. Japanese experts recommend starting with high fan speed, switching to auto mode, using fans to circulate air, and setting the temperature between 26-28°C for optimal efficiency.
No AC? Ex-Observatory Head Shares 3 Cooling Tips
Former Hong Kong Observatory director Lam Chiu-ying shares practical tips for staying cool without air conditioning, emphasizing the use of fans to create airflow and simple lifestyle changes. He advocates for energy-saving methods like using USB fans, taking room-temperature showers, and using breathable mattresses to combat extreme heat.
Public Housing CCTV Ban: Risk of Eviction
Public housing residents in Hong Kong are prohibited from installing CCTV outside their unit doors, as the Housing Department considers it a violation of tenancy terms, with penalties including unit repossession. The department has no plans to legalize such installations, citing privacy concerns and potential harm to neighborly relations, and instead encourages residents to report issues to estate offices.
Man Nearly Dies from Legionnaires' Disease After Restarting AC
A man in China nearly died from Legionnaires' disease after restarting an air conditioner that had been idle for six months, highlighting the danger of bacteria buildup inside units. The article emphasizes that cleaning only the filter is insufficient and provides a DIY guide for thorough cleaning to prevent health risks.
Flying Ants vs Termites: Prevention and Control Tips
Flying ants, which are reproductive termites, swarm into homes during humid seasons and can establish wood-eating colonies if not prevented. To protect your home, use physical barriers like screens, control light exposure, keep areas dry, and avoid spraying insecticides; instead, use a vacuum or water traps, and seek professional help if an infestation is suspected.
Correct Wall Mold Removal: Avoid Bleach & Alcohol
This blog post debunks common mold removal myths, warning that bleach and alcohol only treat surface stains and can damage walls, while recommending professional anti-mold products for effective treatment. It also provides steps for deep repair when mold has penetrated the wall and offers daily prevention tips such as proper air conditioning use and humidity management.
Beat Humidity with Breathing Brick Wall Art
This blog post discusses the challenges of indoor humidity in humid areas like Hong Kong and introduces INAX Ecocarat+ SELF Breathing Brick Wall Art as an electricity-free, aesthetic solution. It highlights the benefits of moisture regulation, air purification, and easy DIY installation, offering a flexible alternative to traditional dehumidifiers.
Father-Son Renovation Scam: How to Avoid Being Duped
This blog post details a renovation scam in Hong Kong where a father-son contractor duo exploited a homeowner's urgency, collecting over $170,000 before disappearing. It offers expert advice on avoiding such traps, including conducting land searches on contractors, insisting on payments to company accounts, and using platform screening and educational courses for protection.