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Energy-Efficiency Technology Trends for 2010  

The 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.

Technology

At times, it may seem that achieving energy efficiency in the electronics arena may be out of reach: Remembering to shut down equipment and unplug cords is a drag, and it has been unrealistic to purchase expensive measurement tools and energy savers such as LED lights.

However, 2010 may be the year that some of these energy-efficiency methods get easier and cheaper to implement, according to Steven Castle, who writes for the Electronic House magazine Web site. Here are his predictions for technology-related energy efficiency for this year:

• LEDs will get cheaper. That’s good news because these light bulbs are 80-90 percent more energy efficient than incandescents and last years longer. His prediction: While good quality LEDs may not hit the $20 range this year, they may come close to that price point.
• TVs will be more energy efficient. Stricter Energy Star standards for TVs go into effect in May. Fewer models will be labeled Energy Star, but those that are will be more efficient.
• Companies producing electronics will either voluntarily make changes or there may be more mandates on energy efficiency. For example, the California Energy Commission has approved sales restrictions on TVs up to 58 inches that don’t meet energy-efficiency standards. He predicts that climate-change legislation and/or the EPA may influence the products we buy.
• Energy monitoring is going to be “big, big, big.” Castle says that studies show that real-time energy use data helps consumers figure out how to reduce their energy use by 10-15 percent. These monitoring devices include Google’s PowerMeter, TED (The Energy Detective), and Control4’s home control system. Read about a new product featured in USA Today that is in testing that may save 25 percent on your utility bill. 
• Charging will change. Power suppliers or AC/DC adaptors are big energy wasters … and your home likely has dozens of them. Whenever they are plugged in, they suck up power, even if they aren’t charging anything. Fixes for this include surge suppressors that can be programmed to shut off at certain times, smart charging stations, universal adaptors that can cut power when necessary, and more.
• Computer networks will become more efficient. Computers and connections waste a lot of energy when left on when not in use. Castle predicts alternatives such as whole house audio amplifiers that shut down unused channels and energy-efficient Ethernets that allow sleep mode.

 

And, finally, information on new gadgets from the Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas in January. Solve Climate states that the top toys include green components. Their picks include a low-power computer, an LED light bulb that doubles as a speaker, and an ultra-thin TV. Read about the products.