Selecting Air Conditioners

24 July 2018

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1) Update: 15 December 2021: Straight payback for Added Cost

Air conditioners are common household items nowadays in Singapore.  There are many different types and brands in the market and selecting the right type can be a headache for some,  particularly those new apartment owners. This article will help these users understand the various type and main differences between them so that they could select the correct type.

Types of Air Conditioners

Generally,  air conditioners for the resident units can be divided into window air conditioning units and split air conditioning units.   

Among the window units,  there are the window-mounted,  wall-mounted window unit, or casement window units. 

Among the split air conditioning unit,  there are single split or multi-split air conditioning units.  Then,  there is also a ceiling-mounted type which will not be covered here.

  Differences Between Window Unit or Split Unit Air Conditioning 

Detail Descriptions	Window Units	Split Units	Multi Split Units
1.  Type	The cooling and compressor or condenser units are integrated	The cooling and compressor or condenser units are separated and linked by copper pipes	It is the same as Split Units except up to 5 Indoor units can be connected to one outdoor unit
2.  Installation	Usually installed under or next to the windows,  at arm’s or lower than arm’s level.	Usually installed above the window or at the ceiling with outdoor units on a ledge or stainless steel support just outside the windows	The indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit via copper pipes through a control valve integrated with the outdoor unit
3.  Pipings	Not required	Insulated pipings are usually hidden inside PVC trunking running along the walls	Same as Split Units
4.  Power point	Required	Required with additional wiring for outdoor units running together with pipings in trunkings	Same as Split Units
5.  Noise control	Can be quite noisy	Only the outdoor unit runs a bit noisy.   Indoor units are rather quiet.	Same as Split Units
6.  Cost	About 30% cheaper than split units	Total cost would be cheaper than multi-split	Total cost would be more expensive
7.  Energy Consumption	For the same type of compressor i.e. inverter vs inverter,  cheaper to operate	Higher consumption because of piping thermal and pump head losses.  Losses in pipe around 10 watts per metre run.	Energy consumption can be high if long pipings are required;  also,  the control valve may not control refrigeration flow properly if the valves are faulty.
8.  Verdict	Cheap and efficient for the same type except the operation is noisy	Good only when one has adequate space for separate outdoor units	Can save space of the outdoor unit

 

 What to look for When Selecting  Efficiency Air Conditioner?

One of the most important factors in selecting an air conditioner is based on energy consumption or how much electricity the air conditioners will consume.  In Singapore,  it is mandatory in some countries that each air conditioner unit must have the following energy label so that the consumers can choose the right air conditioners.  Naturally,  the more the “Ticks”,  the more efficient will be the unit but for the higher the cost.  The consumers can also compare the annual energy cost which is specified in the label before they buy the right type of air conditioner. 

 Inverter vs Non-inverter

Air conditioners with "Inverter" are generally able to save more energy than the "Non-inverter air conditioners.  This is because the inverter air conditioner has load capacity controls that can control the speed of the motor to respond to the air conditioning load.  If the load is high,  the motor will run at full speed;  otherwise,  it will reduce the speed to save energy.   The non-inverter control can only start and stop the motor between high and low and low air conditioning load.  

The word "inverter"  is a jargon often used in electronic engineering to describe an electronic device that can convert AC supply to DC supply in order to control the speed of DC motors that are used in air conditioners.  There are also other kinds of energy-saving air conditioners using other kinds of technologies that might not have found footings in the market.

Basic Consideration

 1.  Whether to install split air conditioners or window unit air conditioners for energy-saving depend much on the design.   Basically,  if both air conditioning units of the same power and type (inverter vs inverter)  should consume the same amount of energy with split units consuming slightly higher power because of the heat losses through the longer refrigeration piping.  On the other hand,  if the window unit is badly designed without proper segregation between cooling and air intakes, it can consume higher energy.  Window units generally are noisier.

2.  Whether to install a multi-system or several single split systems will depend much on the air conditioning usage and the heat load of the cooling space.  Multi-system usually have control valves distributing refrigerants to various rooms; it will consume more energy in empty rooms as these control valves do not always work efficiently to cut off refrigeration flow completely especially after some years of operation.  For example,  if one installed a  system-3 to always cool only 1 bedroom most of the time,  it will not only cost more but also consume more electricity than 3 individual split units.  

Cooling Power Selection Guide 

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 Update 16 December 2021

Straight payback for Additional Cost

Newer air conditioners will be more energy efficient for reasons that there might be some innovative improvements made to the design of the air conditioners.   There might also be better material being used to improve efficiency.  If one has been using the air conditioners for quite some years,  it may be time to consider replacing the air conditioner.  Also,  if one decides which brand to use,   one should examine if it is worth the while to spend the additional sum to get a better and more energy-efficient air conditioner.

For those who are interested to find out more,   here is an example to use.   The attached table works out the cost-effectiveness between 2 popular brands using inverter technology and one other brand using conventional technology.   The table uses the power consumption and the coefficient of Performance given by the manufacturers.   One could use the table as an example to work out a similar table for other types and sizes of air conditioners.

Notes:

1.  The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a SI unit measurement of energy efficiency used widely in many countries.  It is equivalent to the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) in use in the US.  COP is defined in terms of cooling power in watts per watt of electricity input and EER is in Btu/hr per watt of electricity input.  A COP of 1.0 equals EER of 3.4.    This is because  1 W is equal to 3.412 BTU/h or 1 KW is equal to 3,412 BTU/h.

For the convenience of the readers,   the attached Google sheet will help to calculate the payback of the additional cost of selecting a more efficient air conditioner which will be more expensive.  Please place selected air conditioner in column D

Reference:

1)  Mitsubishi Technical Data for MSY-GN10VA

2)  Panasonic Technical Data for CU-PS9UKZ

 

 

Keep Router in Tip Top Condition

19 July 2018
tinyurl :  https://tinyurl.com/y767jldo

Routers are now a common household item in every household.   No one will pay much attention to them until one day,  the internet access started to slow down and the handphones started to experience lines dropping out of service.   This article will describe a simple way how to safely keep router working in tip top condition.   

Why?

Every router has a CPU and the CPU needs computer memory to store the various set ups and procedures for easy access.  Over sometime,  the memory will get clogged up with all the “rubbish information",  making CPU running slower and slower until it stops to work completely.   Usually,  when one make a complain to the Internet Service Provider (ISP),  they will ask everyone to switch off for a minute and switch on the router to restore the service.  This is one quick way to clear and refresh the memory.

How to Clear the memory Automatically?

There are 2 ways to clear the memory.

1.  Set up the router so that the router will perform this task i.e. if one is lucky to own a router that has this function.  If not,  one would have to install software and/or modify the router’s firmware;

2.  Simply install an electronic timer that could switch on and off the router on a regular schedule

This article will describe method 2

What Timer to Use?

1.  7 days Digital  type as 24 hours mechanical type does not have weekly and minute controls.

2.  Mains operated.   Most mains operated digital timers such as the followings are suitable.

How to Set?

 After setting the clock,  set the timer to cut off the router supply for about 1 minute,  preferably in early hours once in a week.

World Cup Video

Sample example of the video player







*Schedule,Scoreboard and other Information

* schedule local time

* CBS Sport World Cup Commentary 

* World Cup Scores and Match Reviews 


* Preview Matches
Computer simulated Preview 


* Last Game Highlights

11:00 PM-  France vs Croatia     Google

How To Seal the water leaking Bath Tubs?

10 July 2018
 
Bath Tubs are one common item found in Condominium and many apartments in Singapore. Very often, they will leak due to bad workmanship in the installation work. Seepage water will often find its way to the neighbor living downstairs, causing damages to their ceiling and ceiling works. This article will describe how one could seal this water leak.
 

Why Water Leaks? 

1. Bath tub has only one outlet at the bottom, the drain outlet. Usually, this drain outlet will not leak unless the water seals are not installed properly or the rubber seal or gasket is old and damaged.

2. Water can also seep through silicone seal or gap between the brick wall and the bath tub.  The traditional way of just using silicone glue to seal the leak would work for a few years;  after which,  it would have to be changed or renewed. 

 

What’s Needed for the Repair? 

 One will need

1. A tube of silicone sealant that cost about SGD$ 3/= and a silicone application gun from any local hardware store as shown

2. Some industrial cleaning fluid like paint thinner  & some duct tapes

3. One length of 20mm x 20mm PVC or aluminum angle trimming also available from the stores

How to Repair? 

1. Water leakage from the drain outlet 

a) First remove the centre screw that hold down the tub basket and remove the basket.

b) Clean up all the debris as much as possible using soap and water. Let to dry or dry it up using tissue or clean cloth.

c) Apply as much silicone sealant to the underside of the tube basket and the rubber gasket, filling up any void if possible.

d) Fit the tub basket into position and tighten the nut. Wipe off any leftover silicone sealant.

 2. Water leakage from the edge of the bath tube 

a) Remove all existing silicone or glue from the wall and the bath tube and clean up using industrial thinner

b) Cut the trimming using a cutter or saw so that it will fit properly all around the bath tub

c) Apply as much silicone sealant to the gap between the wall and bath tube shown and also the underside of the 20mm x 20 mm angle trimmer

 d) Press fit the trimming onto the wall and bath tub using duct tape

The alternative to using PVC or aluminum angle trimming bar is to use 50mm or 65 mm self-adhesive heavy-duty waterproof duct tape.  For this job to be done successfully,   one would need the help of epoxy glue such as Araldite Multipurpose 5 minute Glue and some industrial thinner in the following manner

1.  Clean the edge of the bath tube and the adjacent wall thoroughly,  scraping off any debris from the surface where the duct tape would be, and finally,  cleaning it up the surface using the industrial thinner;

2.  After allowing the surface to dry,  stick the duct tape onto the surface to seal up the gap between the wall and the bathtub;

3.  Prepare enough Araldite glue  by mixing the glue with some industrial thinner together in a small cup until the glue can be made thinner just to allow the glue to flow down the stirring stick or cotton bud;

4.  Slowing using a blade to open a small gap at the upper edge of the duct tape and then use the stirring stick to pick up some glue to "slide" the glue into the gap;  This light glue will make a good and permanent seal,  preventing the water sipping into the duct tap and destroying the original adhesive of the duct tape over time.  

video

World Cup Predictions - Switzerland vs Sweden

17 September 2019

FIFA World Cup

The Fifa World Cup is organized by Federation International Football Association (FIFA) which oversees the football games in the different continents and regions of the world.  It has 6 Federations and 211 National Associations.  The 6 Federations are

Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

ConfederationAfrican  Football (CAF)

The Oceania Football Confederation(OFC)

Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)

Confederation of North,Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF)

Confederacion Sudamericana de Futbol (CONMEBOL)

The 211 Associations come from various National Football Associations in various countries.

World Cup 2022

The next Fifa World Cup will be held in Qatar in 2022  between 21 November to 18 December.     The qualification matches have already started from 6 June 2019.  211 teams  from various Fifa member countries will compete to qualify for the final match.   The qualification matches will be divided into 6 zones.  It will  end on March 2022 after which the World Cup competition will begin.  The rough schedule  for the qualification matches is as follows

 (Doubleclick to enlarge picture)

 

So far,  only Qatar is qualified as it is the host country.  The AFC  qualifying matches are played  by 40 countries divided into 8 groups (Group A to Group H) with their present standing as shown  in the following webpage

Asian Qualifiers

The next qualifying matches will be played on 10 October 2019 in AFC.  The details are as follows:  

10 October 2019

Matching Group	Match Between	SG Time	Venue
Group A	Syria vs. Maldives	22:00	Maktoum Bin Rashid Stadium (Dubai)
	China PR vs. Guam	20:00	Tianhe Stadium (Guangzhou)
Group B	Jordan vs. Kuwait	00:00	International Stadium (Amman)
	Australia vs. Nepal	16:30	GIO Stadium Canberra (Canberra)
Group C	IR Iran  vs. Cambodia	21:30	Azadi Stadium (Tehran)
	Iraq vs. Hong Kong	00:00	Basrah Sports City Stadium (Basrah)
Group D	Saudi Arabia vs. Singapore	23:25	King Abdullah Sports City Stadium (Buraydah)
	Uzbekistan vs. Yemen	22:30	Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium (Tashkent)
Group E	Oman Afghanistan	22:30	Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex (Muscat)
	Bangladesh vs. Qatar	21:00	Bangabandhu National Stadium (Dhaka)
Group F	Japan vs. Mongolia	18:35	Saitama Stadium 2002 (Saitama)
	Kyrgyz Republic vs. Myanmar	22:30	Dolen Omurzakov Stadium (Bishkek)
Group G	Vietnam vs. Malaysia	19:00	My Dinh National Stadium (Hanoi)
	United Arab Emirates vs. Indonesia	00:00	Indonesia Al Maktoum Stadium (Dubai)
Group H	Lebanon vs. Turkmenistan	00:00	Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium (Beirut)
	Korea Republic vs. Sri Lanka	19:00	Hwaseong Stadium (Hwaseong)

What is Cloud TV?

24 June 2018

What is Cloud TV ?

Cloud TV is  simply a cloud based live television streaming program or app where one can watch HD TV channels or movies or TV shows.  It is available in 8 different languages;  namely,  Mandarin,Indian,Arabic,French,English,Cantonese and Japanese.  It is a free to use program that can be used in mobile phones,  TV etc

How Many Channels?

There are more than 800 over TV channels from all over the World.  One can watch all these channels without the needs of having TV box or aerial as long as one has a stable internet connection.  Some are restricted due to geographical location or sluggish due to poor connectivity but most are free to watch.  For Singapore  viewers,  there is a Toggle APK that  one can download and install to watch live TV channels – Channel 5, 8, U, Suria, Vasantham, okto and Channel NewsAsia (Does not work for Xiaomi as it requires Google Services).

What needed ?

1.  An apk for Cloud TV that can be downloaded free from here (For Xiaomi TV)

2.  An android device,  such as handphone and smart TV  with Android OS version 2.2 and above

3.  A good and steady Internet connection that can support speed up to 2 Mbps.

Is the Streaming Free?

There are many free TV channels but some are premium channels that will have a fee to watch them.  New users can try the premium channels free for about 3 days and thereafter,  they will need to pay fees based on 3 months to 1 year period. The longer the subscription, the more the discount.

The premium service provider accepts Alipay,  PayPal or credit card payment.

Can Record?

Users can record streaming videos in the premium or paid channels using special built-in players.  However,  most TVs or TV boxes do not have this built-in player.  Free streaming videos or TV channels are not record-able.

Are the TV Streaming Stable?

Not all TV channels are viewable but the local channels like Channel 5, 8, Okto etc are good for viewing.  Usually,  the channels are sorted according to  viewing quality;  the better one are always located at the front.   There are “favourite” folder for viewers to store those frequently viewed channels.

It was said that the Premium or paid channels are usually better in play back quality.  Viewers can always test it out free before buying

Are there other Alternatives for Smart TV?

There is one equivalent to Cloud TV called Kodi which is also free.  It is formerly called XBMC and is open source software.  It allows users to play and view most videos, music, podcasts, and other digital media files from local and network storage media and the Internet.

Not all smart TV can use Kodi which is basically designed for use in PC and not Android devices.  Nonetheless,  Kodi is playable in Xiaomi TV and there is an App downloadable from google play and other websites or here for xiaomi TV.

Other relevant articles about Xiaomi TV 

tinyurl : https://tinyurl.com/ybcsy6qv

Simulated Preview World Cup 2018

Simulated Preview Between Uruguay vs France