Question: Developers installed large air conditioning units on balconies in our new seven storey building. The balconies do not have any drainage. When operating, water pours out of the air conditioners and cascades down the outside of the building. What can we do?
I live in a new seven level unit complex in Tweed Heads with 13 units. Outside air conditioner units were to be installed on the roof, but the substantial units were instead installed on individual balconies.
The balconies have no drainage. When the air conditioners are on heat mode, water pours out of the units and over the balcony edge down onto units below.
The air conditioner installer has been to the site and states this is normal and nothing can be done as there are no drains for the water to flow into. If all residents run their air conditioners, water cascades down the outside of the building and enters lower level balconies.
Is there any legislation stating that air conditioners must have drainage to remove excess water? What can we do about this?
Answer: Obtain advice from a suitably qualified and experienced expert Mechanical (HVAC) Engineer to provide you with project specific advice in relation to any potential requirements for drainage.
Our recommendation is to obtain advice from a suitably qualified and experienced expert Mechanical (HVAC) Engineer to provide you with project specific advice in relation to any potential requirements for drainage. Following, you need to consider whether any proposed alterations to the existing air conditioning units and their associated services trigger any requirements under the Local Planning Authority Rules and Regulations and the NSW Design & Building Practitioners Act 2020.
This post appears in the September 2023 edition of The NSW Strata Magazine.
Michael Hopwood
Valen Projects
E: m.hopwood@valenprojects.com.au
P: 0488 666 682
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