A company called Digital Lumens has introduced product that networks LED lights together to form an “intelligent” lighting system. The system can turn on lights if people are present in a room, and adjust brightness levels over the course of a day. Overall, the system can cut lighting costs by 90% for commercial sites like warehouses. A real world example is the installation at Interstate Warehousing, which reports that they are now savings of more than $30,000 per year to operate the new section of the warehouse, and around 771,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) have been reduced annually. Each light engine in a Digital Lumens system contains three independently LED light bars, onboard controls, occupancy sensor, and a wireless antenna.

The system also collects performance data – how much energy each luminaire has used, run time hours, occupancy rates – and shares that in web-based reports on energy use.

Before and After The Installation Of Digital Lumens LEDs

The Highbay version produces spotlight effects for storage racks. The Midbay version produces dispersed light for open environments and is available in two color temperatures. Both versions are intended to replace 400W HID, HPS, and T5 or T8 fluorescent lighting.

Currently, the Digital Lumens system is aimed at commercial sites only. The company claims the system will realize cost savings within as little as two years.

Link: Digital Lumens

Charging USB Devices With AA Batteries

In this article, we will share with you some devices that use AA batteries to charge USB-powered small electronics. These devices provide a convenient way to stretch the time between wall outlet recharges.

Some are advertised to work with any type of AA battery, giving you lots of options if you are in a pinch as well as permitting you to use resource-saving rechargeables. Here are some we found:

• QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box
• Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight
• Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All
• Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB
• Voxred Turbo Charge

QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box

QuickerTek claims its Apple Juicz Little Black Box is the first charger of its kind that will accept any type of AA battery, including alkaline, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and carbon. As long as each of the four batteries installed is of the same type and brand, this unit’s internal circuitry will adjust voltage appropriately. QuickerTek advertises compatibility with most any USB-powered device, including iPod, iPhone, and iPad. The Apple Juicz Little Black Box measures 3.16” L x 2.46” W x 0.76” D and weighs 1.6 ounces without batteries. There is an on/off switch and a single female USB port. Batteries are not included, and the manufacturer recommends NiZn batteries for best performance.

The QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box sells for around $23 on Amazon.

Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight

Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight

The Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight draws a surprising number of reviews on Amazon; over 40 customers weigh in to give the black-colored model an average of 3½ out of 5 stars, and about 10 people give the white-colored version an average of 4 stars. This charger accepts two AA batteries; though the manufacturer does not specify which types are appropriate, customers seem to have success with both rechargeables and non-rechargeables. On the edge of this unit you’ll find an on/off/flashlight switch, on its face there is an LED charge indicator, and on the end is the female USB port and LED flashlight. Most reviewers like this charger, citing its high value, slim profile, and wide charging compatibility. But this charger also draws negative feedback for running hot and inefficiently. Neewer claims compatibility with just about all USB-powered devices, including iPhones. Batteries are not included.

Amazon sells the Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight in black or white, both for around $5.

Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All

Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All

The Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All accepts (and includes) four AA batteries. Eight Amazon reviewers give it an average rating of 4 stars. Customers like the flexibility of this device—it accepts alkaline and rechargeable batteries, includes a USB cable with adapters for different mobile phones, and it can be plugged into a wall outlet to recharge the batteries it holds. It has a four-light LED battery-life indicator and comes with a carrying case. The biggest complaint is about the included rechargeable batteries; customers find they aren’t nearly as good as most rechargeables on the market today. Though the manufacturer claims wide compatibility, some customers report the RX-4 Recharge-It-All will not charge their devices.

Purchase the Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All for about $18 on Amazon.

Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB

Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB

Energizer’s Energi To Go CEL2MUSB charger operates on two AA batteries. This charger includes two Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAs, but customers say rechargeables also work. Customers also say the Energi To Go CEL2MUSB performs as advertised, working with a wide range of USB-powered devices and remaining reliable long after their purchase. There are some complaints about the battery door being difficult to work with and some reviewers found this charger was not compatible with their phones after they bought it, but overall the feedback is positive. The Energi To Go CEL2MUSB comes with adapter for mini- and micro-USB connections. The company states this charger is not compatible with iPhone or HTC Android.

You’ll find the Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB available for around $17 on Amazon.

Voxred Turbo Charge

Voxred Turbo Charge

The Voxred Turbo Charge comes in a variety of packages, all with different sets of charging cables. We recommend the TBB850 or TBM1050 packages; each comes with a mini-USB adapter and the TBB850 also includes a micro-USB adapter. You can order additional adapters through the manufacturer. The Turbo Charge accepts two AA batteries (rechargeable or non-rechargeable), and two AAs are included. It measures 3” L x 1.5” W x 0.75”D and weighs 2.5 ounces with batteries installed. There is a three-level LED battery-life indicator and an on/off/flashlight switch (the flashlight is two white LEDs on the end). CNET gave the Turbo Charge 4 out of 5 stars in 2007. Customers have been a little less enthusiastic; their chief complaint is that the batteries are depleted well before the advertised two to three full charges for portable electronic devices.

Both the Voxred Turbo Charge TBB850 and TBM1050 are for sale on Amazon for around $18.

LED Lamps With Warm White Illumination:

• Koncept Z-Bar ($165) and i-Tower ($195)
• Pablo Designs LIM L Floor ($350)
• Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern ($25)

The color temperature of light is measured in degrees Kelvin. Lower-temperature white LEDs (around 2,000-4,000 K) are warm (yellowish white) like incandescent bulbs. White LEDs with higher color temperatures (above 5,000 K) are cool (blueish white). Whether warm or cool light is desirable is a matter of preference, but many people find warmer tints of white easier on the eyes and more relaxing.

Engineers are able to finely tune the color temperature of LEDs, so LEDs that closely resemble the warm color of incandescent bulbs are widely available. The character of the light isn’t exactly the same—LEDs appear more direct and pure—but LEDs cost less to operate, last longer, and run cooler than traditional bulbs. Remember also, that you can now also purchase warm LED bulbs that replace standard incandescent bulbs.

If you haven’t tried warm white LED light, check out the products below. We’ve found a handful of warm white LED lamps of different shapes and sizes. All of our picks are a great way to explore this energy-efficient, highly-useful technology:

Koncept Z-Bar

Koncept Z-Bar ($165) and i-Tower ($195)

Koncept manufactures a line of LED floor and desk lamps with highly-rated performance and elegant designs. The Z-Bar is a desk lamp housing six warm white (3,200-3,700 K) LEDs with four-step dimming. It casts an even, oval-shaped light pattern that can be directed with great flexibility thanks to this lamp’s three-joint construction. Each section pivots independently, permitting a maximum reach of over 40 inches. The Z-Bar can be mounted on its included 9”-diameter stand or clamped onto the edge of a desk or table. Its aluminum and plastic body is well-built and contemporary. Amazon reviewers give Z-Bars mostly four- and five-star reviews, praising the space-maximizing design and light quality. There are a few complaints about the price and the level of brightness (too low for some). Other comments we found in forums and on blogs are overwhelming positive, with authors such as Landis Carey of Re-Nest stating, “…after using the light on a daily basis over the past (almost) three years, the lamp has been tested, stressed and has proven to be long-lasting and durable.”

Koncept i-Tower

The i-Tower, one of Koncept’s floor-standing lamps, receives similar praise. Amazon customers rate it 4½ out of 5 stars, as do over 15 reviewers on LightingUniverse.com. And over 75 people weigh in on YLighting, where the i-Tower averages 5 of 5 stars. Much of the approbation given to the Z-Bar is given to the i-Tower: elegant design, wonderful light color, and a super-flexible adjustment system. The i-Tower employs the same six-LED design as the Z-Bar, with four-step dimming, aluminum and plastic construction, and oval light pattern. The i-Tower stands on a 9”-diameter base and its vertical arm extends 43.25”. The head will adjust anywhere from three to five feet above the floor. Both the i-Tower and Z-Bar are rated at 9.5 watts and 40,000 hours of operation before dimming to 70% of original brightness. Each carries a one-year warranty.

On Amazon, you’ll find the Koncept Z-Bar ($165) in black, silver, red, and white, as well as the i-Tower ($195) in black and silver.

Pablo Designs LIM L Floor

Pablo Designs LIM L Floor ($350)

The LIM L Floor by Pablo Designs has a slim profile and a 3,300 K LED light array. Its aluminum body and light arm connect via a magnetic attachment system. This system allows for precise adjustments as well as the option of adding another light arm for increased illumination. Each attached arm moves vertically between 42 and 51 inches above the floor. The LIM L Floor has an on/off switch and two selectable levels of brightness. It won 2009 Best of Neocon Silver and an iF 2010 Product Design Award. Customers on YLighting give the LIM L Floor 4½ out of 5 stars, and two LightingUniverse.com customers give it an average of 5 stars. The strong points of this floor lamp are its sleek design and diffuse, warm light pattern. Its main drawback is its high cost. Pablo Designs also offers the LIM L Table ($300) for tabletop placement, as well as the LIM C Undersurface ($250), which mounts under a table to clear working space.

The LIM L Floor ($350) is available in black, white, and brushed silver through Amazon. The LIM L Table ($300) is for sale in black, white, brushed silver, and polished silver. The LIM C Undersurface ($250) is available in white and brushed silver.

Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern

Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern ($25)

The Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern has over 20 customer reviews on Amazon, averaging 4½ out of 5 stars. There is also a lively discussion on CandlePowerForums (Favourlight Mini Lantern Disambiguation Guide) that points out the many positive attributes of this little lamp, which is sold under several different names by several different merchants. At the core of this lantern is a high-quality Cree XLamp XR-E warm white LED. This is a top-notch diode that exhibits high brightness (up to 110 lumens), high efficiency, and long lifespan. It is packaged within a compact (5″ H x 2″ W x 2.5″ D) and durable aluminum body with rubber end caps. It weighs just over seven ounces with the included three AA batteries. It is rated to run up to 24 hours in High output mode, 48 hours in Low mode, and 55 hours in Flash mode. Remove the top cap for flashlight functionality. This lantern comes with a carabiner.

You’ll find the Cree XLamp XR-E Warm White LED Lantern for sale on Amazon.

There has been much discussion in the media lately (including a fair amount of misinformation) regarding the phase-out of traditional incandescent light bulbs in the United States.  Read on to separate the reality from the hype, and to learn more about efficient lighting technologies that will save energy and cut your power bills.

What Exactly Are These New Guidelines For Light Bulbs?
Well, first of all, they’re not really new – they’re provisions of 2007′s Energy Independence and Security Act, but they’re just now beginning to take effect.  They aren’t requiring any overnight changes either – the regulations call for a gradual phase-out of the most inefficient bulbs between 2012 and 2014.  The 2012 restrictions will begin by phasing out old-style 100-watt incandescent bulbs, and by 2014 they will limit 40-watt bulbs.

It’s worth noting that the guidelines will NOT actually ban incandescent bulbs – they simply require that any bulb (incandescent, fluorescent, or any other type) meet an improved level of energy efficiency.  Also, specialty bulbs like those for appliances and floodlights will generally be exempt from the restrictions.

Out With Watts, In With Lumens
Wattage used to be the simplest standard for judging a light bulb’s brightness, but no more.  Alternative lighting sources like LEDs and fluorescent bulbs produce light while using far less power, and even incandescent bulbs have improved in their efficiency.  So it’s time to stop comparing apples and oranges, and instead focus on a consistent measure of how much light is being produced:  lumens.

Lumens offer a standardized measure of light output, and as manufacturers begin to list lumens instead of wattages on bulb packaging, consumers will be able to more accurately compare the performance of different products regardless of their energy usage.

New Labels Will Make It Easier To Compare Lighting Products (image: FTC)

New Federal Trade Commission guidelines for light bulb packaging will further assist buyers:  by mid-2011 other information in addition to lumen output will also be clearly labeled, including annual energy costs and a bulb’s typical lifespan.

What Will Replace Old Incandescents?
There are a number of technologies on the market that will let consumers meet the new EISA guidelines, and save money as well:

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) offer substantial energy savings, and they are fairly inexpensive.  The quality of light they provide has improved markedly in recent years as well.  Their biggest drawback is their mercury content, which means that broken bulbs must be carefully cleaned up and CFLs must be properly disposed of when they burn out.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  Check out GE’s Energy Smart compact fluorescent bulbs, available in a range of models including Bright Daylight ($8.20 for two) and Soft White ($19.16 for six).

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Zetalux LED Light Bulb

Bulbs that use solid-state light emitting diodes (LEDs) are continuing to evolve and improve.  Although they are still relatively expensive, they are the longest lasting and most energy-efficient bulbs available, and they contain no toxic materials.  For more details, check out this recent MetaEfficient post about LED lighting.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  The EarthLED Zetalux LED Light Bulb was recently profiled in this article.  It’s available for $30.60 at Amazon.

Electron Stimulated Luminescence (ESLs)

Electron Stimulated Luminescence (ESL) Bulb By Vu1

Electron Stimulated Luminescence is the new kid on the lighting block.  Phosphors within a glass bulb are electrified to emit visible light, and the result is a light source that’s up to 70% more efficient that incandescent bulbs while using no toxic chemicals like mercury.  This recent MetaEfficient article about ESL bulbs takes a closer look at the new technology.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  Right now, the only ESL bulbs on the market are produced by Vu1 Corporation.  You can learn more or place an order at the Vu1 website.

Better Incandescent Bulbs

Halogena Light Bulb From Philips

Although they still can’t match the performance of some other technologies, some next-generation incandescent bulbs are far more energy efficient than those of a few years ago (thanks largely to redesigned filament components).  For example, the Halogena line from Philips claims 30% better efficiency and three times longer life compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  The Philips Halogena Light Bulb is available from Amazon ($16.99 for a 2-pack).

Which new types of energy efficient lighting are you using in your home?  Leave a comment below and let us know.

Efficient Summertime Room-Cooling Products

When the summer sun starts beating down, homeowners need to use all the tools available to stay cool. We’ve put together the following list of products to help keep your favorite room cool and comfortable this season, while cutting your energy consumption and saving some money in the process.

Frigidaire FAA055P7A Window Air Conditioner

Frigidaire FAA055P7A Window Air Conditioner

Whether or not your home has central air conditioning, a window AC unit can be a good option for keeping an area like a bedroom cool when you need it. Smaller units are energy-efficient, and work well in combination with other approaches to room cooling. They are also great for evening use with just the fan setting, to bring cooler outside air into the room.

Why It Was Chosen:
The Frigidaire FAA055P7A Window Air Conditioner is Energy Star rated, and has an EER (energy efficiency ratio) of 11.0. The compact 5,200 BTU design works well for rooms up to 165 square feet. It features a variable-speed fan, an auto-cool option, and a timer/sleep function, as well as a remote control. “Ionizer/Electrostatic Clean Air Filtration” helps remove allergens, and Low Voltage Compensation helps ensure smooth operation despite power fluctuations.

You can find the Frigidaire FAA055P7A Window Air Conditioner at Amazon for $134.79.

Unistar 4-in-1 Swamp Cooler

Unistar 4-in-1 Swamp Cooler

Portable evaporative coolers use much less electricity than air conditioners, yet they can substantially reduce the temperature in a room. Important note: certain parts of the country are better suited for evaporative coolers since the coolers work best in dry climates, and their effectiveness is reduced when ambient humidity is high.

Why It Was Chosen:
According to the manufacturer, the Unistar can reduce a room’s temperature by up to 12 degrees under optimal conditions. It features three fan speed settings and a shut-off timer, as well as a built-in ionizer to improve air quality. The Unistar is a fairly compact design (13”x 10”x 28”) with caster wheels to move it from room to room, and the unit also includes two ice packs for the water reservoir to increase cooling.

The Unistar 4-In-1 Swamp Cooler is available from Amazon for $89.99.

Hunter Bayview 5-Blade Ceiling Fan

Hunter Bayview 5-Blade Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan improves air circulation, which makes a warmer room feel much more comfortable. In fact, “wind chill” from a ceiling fan can make an 82-degree room feel like a much-more-reasonable 76 degrees. It will also help distribute cool air if used in conjunction with an air conditioner, allowing the AC to be set at a reduced level while achieving the same results.

Why It Was Chosen:
The Hunter Bayview 54-inch, 5-blade ceiling fan features a quiet, durable motor, and the wide palm-style blades move more air than narrower straight blades. The wobble-free mounting can be attached on level or angled ceilings. It’s also UL damp-rated for settings where moisture can be a problem.

The Hunter Bayview 5-blade ceiling fan is available from Amazon for $159.99.

Seabreeze Turbo-Aire Room Fan

Seabreeze Turbo-Aire Room Fan

Even in settings where a ceiling fan isn’t practical, a room fan will still help circulate air within a room, or it can be positioned to bring cooler fresh air in through an open window.

Why It Was Chosen:
The Seabreeze Turbo-Aire Room Fan has gotten excellent marks from a MetaEfficient editor, as well as Amazon customers. It’s quiet, and it offers three speed settings capable of moving up to 11,000 cubic feet of air per minute. The fan head rotates 90 degrees, and the 15-inch diameter design is compact enough for floor or tabletop usage.

The Seabreeze Turbo-Aire Room Fan is available for $79.95 at Amazon.

Hunter Douglas Duette Architella Honeycomb Window Shades

Hunter Douglas Duette Architella Honeycomb Window Shades

Keeping hot sunlight from streaming through the windows means you can reduce (or maybe even eliminate) AC usage. Plus, window shades with a honeycomb cross-section provide insulation as well as light-blocking.

Why It Was Chosen:
Hunter Douglas Duette Architella shades are some of the most energy-efficient blinds on the market. For summertime cooling, the 1.25” opaque style with a light-blocking metalized core offers maximum efficiency, and blocks 87% of solar heat (a shading coefficient of 0.13). Extra bonus: when the weather cools off again next winter, these blinds provide an insulating R-value of over 7, which is a huge improvement over a double-paned window alone. Finally, these blinds are Greenguard-certified for indoor air quality, and they can qualify homeowners for a federal tax credit of up to $1,500.

Learn more at the Hunter Douglas website.

You might also be interested in our tips for helping your entire home stay efficiently cool in the hot weather.

Here’s a short presentation at TED 2010 by inventor John La Grou, where he unveils an invention that would make electrical outlets much smarter. The invention, Safeplug, promises to prevent deadly accidents like house fires — and to conserve energy.

TED 5000 Household Power Meter (photo: The Energy Detective)

It’s no secret that cutting your household energy consumption is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. It’s also a great way to save money on your utility bills. But to pinpoint the best places to reduce power use, you need to know exactly where your power is going – no small task considering the number of devices, appliances, and fixtures in an average home. Enter the TED 5000 energy meter, a nifty tool to precisely track your home energy use.

The TED 5000 is the latest model from the folks at The Energy Detective, and it allows wireless real-time monitoring of energy usage. The system is compatible with Google’s PowerMeter as well as TED’s own Footprints software. Data is presented in simple graph formats, and users can track energy spikes at certain times of day or when using particular appliances.

Google PowerMeter Display (photo: The Energy Detective)

The TED 5000 can display energy usage in terms of kilowatts, dollars, or CO2 output. The system can also be programmed to factor in varying energy costs (for example, if your local power company charges different rates based on season or time of day). It can even calculate net energy use if a user supplements municipal power from the grid with their own household solar or wind power setup.

The TED 5000 is available with or without the wireless display, and the system can track data from multiple electrical panels. Prices start at $199.95 for the basic system.

For more information, visit the TED website.

I’ve been testing a surging-protecting power strip called the Smart Strip by BITS. The Smart Strip works like this: it has a “Control Outlet” which controls six other outlets on the power strip. If you plug a computer into the Control Outlet, and it turns off or goes into sleep mode, the other “switched” outlets on the strip will be turned off. There are also three other outlets that are “always on”. Most people use this power strip to turn off all their computer peripherals, or to shut down their home theater system, when they turn off their television.

If you use a notebook computer with an external monitor (as I do) you’ll have to set things up a bit differently, because laptops don’t cause a large enough power dip for the power strip to detect. To solve this problem, you can use your monitor as the Control Outlet (see more details here).

Smart Strips are available from Amazon.

Solar powered 12 volt battery chargers are small solar panels that trickle charge your car’s battery while the sun is shining.

Basically, the solar charger provides a small amount of power to the battery, so that if you leave your car’s door open you won’t be left with a dead battery.

This reminds me: I’ve always wondered why cars don’t incorporate a small switch to turn off interior lights and headlights if they’ve been on for say a hour or two.

The best 12V solar charger I’ve found is the Sunforce 50012 1.8 Watt Solar Battery Maintainer. You can plug this 1.8-watt solar charger into your vehicle’s 12-volt lighter socket and position the panel to pick up the most daylight possible. Or, if you prefer, use the alligator clips to connect it directly to the battery, so you can keep your lighter socket open for cell phone chargers or other accessories.

The Sunforce solar car charger is available from Amazon for $34.95.

This piece of electrical cordage is called a PowerSquid. It lets you connect multiple devices, even with big power converters, to a single outlet. It even has its own home page. They also have version that incorporate surge protection and other electrical interference. Available from Amazon for $11.99