Conrad Centennial Singapore - Wedding Roadshow 5th September 2010

Looks really cool...

Inverter Air-Con Does not Necessarily Save Electrical Bills

Shopping around for an aircon now. :)

Read this interesting article replicated here from MyPaper.

Tue, Apr 22, 2008

my paper

Why no savings from inverter air-conditioner?

HOPING to save on energy bills, Mr D Tan, forked out $700 more for a popular brand's multi-split inverter air-conditioner in November last year.

The 33-year-old, who recruits workers for the construction industry, reasoned that long term savings would defray the initial expense. He was thus blase about turning on the air-conditioner in every room, whenever he was home.

But five months later, his electricity bills are still similar to his pre-inverter days - $150 a month.

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Mr Tan lamented: "What's the point of installing the inverter then?"

When all units are operating simultaneously every day, energy consumption sky-rockets.

Perhaps, Mr Tan was under the impression he could save on power bills even if he uses the multi-tick, energy efficient labels, for long periods.

That may not be the case.

It all boils down how to long on the air-con is used. If it is on 24/7, savings could be minimal or nothing.

Sales staff at two electronics shops my paper visited recommended inverter air-conditioners.

Considered more energy efficient, inverters vary the compressor speed to achieve the desired temperature.

Traditional systems, or non-inverters, start and stop the compressor to maintain temperature.

Since an inverter cuts the number of stop-start repetitions, less power is consumed, lowering electricity bills.

According to Mr Sonny Chuah, the General Manager of LG's Air-Conditioning Division, heavy users could "end up paying more compared to using a non-inverter". He pointed out that inverters are energy efficient when they operate at partial load.

So using only two out of four air-con units for a few hours daily trims monthly bills.

While this is the case for all air-cons, people tend to buy multi-system inverters to enjoy cool comfort in different rooms most of the time.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) estimated that homeowners may save up to $730 annually by switching from a conventional air-conditioner (with no ticks) to an inverter (with four ticks), provided only some units are turned on for eight hours or less a day.

The picture changes drastically at full load, when all units operate at the same time.

However, Mr Victor Yu, marketing manager of Toshiba's Air-con Division, points out that inverter air-conditioners seldom operate at full load.

He said: "That only happens when owners install a smaller-sized equipment, which requires the compressor to keep running to maintain the set temperature."

Economics aside, inverters appear to be winning fans.

Electronics retailer Harvey Norman did not disclose exact numbers, but revealed that inverter sales doubled in

March this year compared to last year. Non-inverter sales rose by 30 per cent.

Of the 48 air-con related complaints filed with the Consumers Association of Singapore since January this year, none groused about inverter efficiency.

So, whether you plump for an inverter or stick with a non-inverter, Mr Chuah cautions to "always consider your lifestyle" to make smart technology work for you.

Documents needed for Catholic Wedding

A good resource for Catholic Wedding Preparations


http://www.weddingsday.co.uk/catholic-marriage-ceremony/


Contacted Fr Fred, our celebrant, over the weekend. Was told on somethings to prepare and bring before we meet him.

1. Engaged Encounter/ Marriage Preparation course Certificate
2. Extract from Baptism Church for both guy and girl
3. Confirmation certificates
4. Wedding booklet - readings and songs
5. Both guy and girl IC/passport
6. Both set of Parents IC/passport Witness's IC/passport if parents are not witness


waa... lots to prepare

Chinese Wedding Customs

Image by CW Ye via Flickr

Today the 2 families met to talk about the wedding. More of the Chinese customs aspects. I knew that there was a lot to it and that it would be complex (hence wanting to keep it simple). However, I really didn't know really how complex it is.

Yes indeed that both sides do want to keep it simple too but it's not as simple as I thought. And there's so much expectations embedded in it.  I think people make it complex. And I wonder if the people asking the couple to follow such customs know how much stress this can cause for them.

Anyway, I have an altered impression and re-shifted the place of importance this will have.

Did a superficial search on the subject. The following links are quite good and it will take sometime to digest.

• http://www.chinese-wedding-guide.com/index.html
• http://www.minah.com.sg/
• http://sgweddingfavors.com/blog/9/chinese-wedding-traditions/ (overview)

 Do note that the different customs to be followed really depends on the dialect you and your spouse-to-be belong to.

Collection of HDB Keys - 2nd HDB Appointment

Image via Wikipedia

We collected our HDB keys on the 29th June 2010, Tuesday.

Coincidentally, it was also the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul. A nice start to it all with religious significance.

The collection of keys happens on the 2nd appointment. Mine was at 3.45pm but apparently, you can even come earlier.

The whole process was a breeze and significantly faster than the 1st appointment where the HDB officer has to explain all the details to you. The officer tending to us was very fast and zipped through everything. He assumes we have read through everything and just asked us if we have any queries. Only important stuff are emphasized like bill payments, what to bring esp the documents etc.

The 2nd appointment took only 5 mins with all the keys handed over to us.

The sellers just proceeded upstairs to collect their cheque.

Just one note on the utilities (which was a breeze in admin too).

If the sellers have not terminated their services, you can do direct transfer at the SP Services section in HDB Hub located at the 2nd level near the Resale section. I believe this will cost you less because you don't have to reinstate the power, gas and water. However, you do need the readings from the flat and the signature of the sellers so this definitely has to be done beforehand. (I wonder why our housing agents did not advise us this).

The way we did was to reapply as the services were terminate. I cannot emphasize how easy it is.

1. Just take a queue number, 
2. to go to the counter when called, 
3. fill in a simple document and let them know your address. 
4. GIRO application can be done on the spot (with just your ATM card, you don't have to even remember your bank a/c number).
5. Arrange a time for the SP Services pple to go to the flat to activate the utilities (mine will take a week)
6. Reinstatement payment of $70 will be deducted upon activation.

Easy!