Energy efficient TV may sound like an oxymoron and with ever increasing TV sizes and the current 3D TV trend,it’s enough to make energy efficiency watchers cringe. But no need to pull the plug just yet, because the other major trend for 2011 is increased energy efficiency in TVs. With new efficiency standards going into effect this year, you’ll also begin to see the energy guide labels on TVs.

While this is a good place to start in finding an energy efficient TV, there are some HDTVs that are going beyond the energy guide standards. There are also things you can do yourself, such as have a professional calibration which reduces the light output and increases performance, or you can optimize your picture settings yourself. You can also check your TV for a power saving mode and turn off the quick start option which uses power by keeping the TV in standby. Read on to learn about the most energy efficient TVs available today as well as what’s on the horizon.

OLED TVs

LG's OLED TV

OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs have some advantages over LCD displays. Though the technology has been slow going in the television market, OLED has made its’ way to laptops, smartphones, and tablets. OLED TVs don’t need a backlight like the LCDs do, which makes for better contrast, a higher refresh rate, and a thinner design. Most importantly they draw on 60-80% of the power as that of an LCD TV.

LG recently displayed their 31-inch 3D OLED TV at the CES 2011. With a depth of 3.2 mm, full HD 1080p, 200 HZ Trumotion, and a contrast ratio of 10,000,000:1, the LG EL9500 shined at CES. The LG OLED TV uses less power than standard LCD TVs and does not contain lead or mercury, making for a more environmentally-friendly product. A 15-inch model is currently for sale in Europe with plans to release in the U.S. later this year. Samsung  has plans of releasing an OLED TV in 2012.

LED LCD TVs

The most basic rule of energy efficiency and TVs is the bigger the screen, the bigger the energy drain, and while this is still the case, owning a larger screen TV while still keeping energy consumption down is quickly becoming a reality. The next general rule is that LED TVs are the most energy efficient TVs currently available. The following LED TVs feature a large screen while keeping energy costs down.

Samsung UN55D8000 3D LED HDTV

Samsung UN55D8000 3D LED HDTV

Samsung has released their new line of energy efficient LED TVs for 2011 featuring the uber-sleek, ultra-thin bezel of 0.2 inches to produce a virtually edgeless TV. This model series is edge-lit with LEDs, using what Samsung calls the most innovative LED picture contrast technology. For the 55 inch TV, depending upon setting, wattage power ranges from 105.41 watts down to an impressive 86 watts using the calibrated movie mode for an annual average energy cost of $17-$23, depending upon personal energy rates and usage. The Samsung UND8000 series features 3D capability and built-in Wi-Fi with Samsung’s Smart TV technology and apps access. However, expect to pay for the full array of features and beautiful design. The Samsung UN55D800 retails for $3,600. A 46 inch model is available. And a 60 inch and 65 inch version is yet to be released.

The Samsung UN55D8000 is currently on sale at Amazon for $2,400.

LG Infinia 55LV5500 LED HDTV

LG Infinia 55LV5500 LED HDTV

The LG Infinia LV5500 series features smart energy saving in addition to the energy star seal, which means that the user has greater brightness control through local dimming of the LEDs. When you can reduce the light output on your TV, the power consumption reduces by as much as 50%. The series is recommended by Consumer Reports with an average energy cost of $31 per year for the 47-inch model based on 8 hours a day of use in the default setting.

The LG Infinia 55LV5500 sells for around $1,399 on Amazon.

Sharp LC-46LE835U LED HDTV

Sharp LC-46LE835U LED HDTV

Sharp has shown a commitment to manufacturing TVs that are both eco-friendly and consume less power than competitors by receiving the 2011 Energy Star award for excellence in energy efficient product design and continually making some of the most efficient TV models available. The latest LED model series is available with or without 3D and features edge-lit LEDs. The estimated energy cost based on 5 hours of use per day in default setting is $15 per year.

The current sale price for the 46-inch, 3D version is 1,370 on Amazon. The no-3D model is available for $1,080 on Amazon.

Lighting Science Group 40 Watt Equivalent LED Light

LED light bulbs have long had incandescent and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs beat in terms of energy efficiency, yet they’ve taken a back seat to the CFLs due to the much higher price tag of an LED bulb. That is until now. As incandescent bulbs are being phased out, lighting companies are scrambling to get their LED bulbs on the shelves and in the homes of America. Which means prices are dropping.

Lighting Science Group recently announced its’ new 40 watt equivalent LED bulb for sale on Amazon for $21.98, quite a bit cheaper than the competition, such as the $38 GE LED bulb. The A19 type bulb lasts 23 years and contains no mercury, unlike the CFL bulbs that have recently received a lot of press due to a study about potential cancer causing chemicals. Lighting Science Group plans to release a variety of LEDs for sale on Amazon including the more popular 60 watt equivalent bulb. Home Depot also carries a line of LED bulbs from Lighting Science Group, called the Ecosmart LED bulbs.

Switch LED Bulb

Vying for a slice of the LED pie, is Switch lighting who have developed 60 watt and 75 watt equivalent LED bulbs. With plans to begin production in the U.S. later this year, the Switch LED bulbs are expected to cost less than $15.

Metaefficient is also a fan of the Pharox 300 LED bulb which, at $27, is slightly more expensive than these new LEDs about to hit the market, but it does offer dimming capability, while the Lighting Science Group bulb is non-dimmable. For more on the Pharox 300 LED bulb see here. Though it’s been a long time coming, we may be finally able to see the LED light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to replacing the beloved incandescent with affordable, uber-efficient, non-toxic lighting.

For more on LEDs see our recent articles on light bulb efficiency guidelines and LED bulbs for the home.

Best LED Flashlights

What makes the “best” flashlight?  There are specialty lights available for a wide range of applications, but the perfect all-purpose flashlight combines compact size, durability, and above all, a bright beam of light.  All four of our favorites utilize LEDs (light emitting diodes) which are energy efficient for maximum battery life as well as extremely durable.

Here is our round-up of the best led flashlights of 2011:

EagleTac P100C2 LED Flashlight

EagleTac P100C2 LED Flashlight

The Eagletac P10 C2 is a perfect everyday light for everything from household use to outdoor adventure.  Measuring just 5″ long, the P100′s anodized aircraft-aluminum case is completely weatherproof and dunk-proof, and features a shock mounted lens and battery housing.  The EagleTac’s pair of CR123 batteries deliver 55 lumens of light from the Cree XP-E diode for up to 8 hours, or 220 lumens in “turbo” mode with a simple twist of the head.

I own the P100, and I’ve been extremely happy with its performance.  The EagleTac’s only shortcoming, according to Amazon reviewers, is its shortened batterly life when used with rechargeable cells.  Overall, reviewers praise the construction and brightness of the EagleTac light, awarding it 4.5 stars.

You can find the EagleTac P100C2 for $39.95 at Amazon. Update: this flashlight is sold out, however a similar flashlight by Fenix is available.

Pelican 2360 LED Flashlight

Pelican 2360 LED Flashlight

Lithium batteries deliver great performance, but some users like the convenience of good old fashioned AA’s, so we’ve included the Pelican 2360 in our list.  Its bright 95-lumen output is more than enough light for most applications, and a machined aluminum body provides dunk-proof water resistance and solid durability.  Runtime is limited to around 2 hours, but the AA format means that rechargeable batteries like Sanyo’s Eneloop are easily swappable.

Simply put, reviewers love the Pelican 2360, which earned a 4.7 out of 5 stars at Optics Planet and a perfect 5 out of 5 at Amazon.  Users praised its high performance and affordable price tag, as well as the LED’s superior life compared to similar xenon lights.

The Pelican 2360 LED flashlight is available at Amazon for $35.92.

SureFire 6PX Pro LED Flashlight

SureFire 6PX Pro LED Flashlight

Simply put, SureFire is a legend in the flashlight world.  And although their lights aren’t a bargain, they offer serious performance and high-end quality construction.  An anodized aluminum body and impact-resistant polycarbonate lens help the 6PX stand up to the bumps and bruises of heavy use, and gasket seals keep the weather out.  Clicking the tail switch cycles through low (15 lumen) and high (200 lumen) settings, and the pair of CR123 batteries keeps the SureFire blazing for up to 45 hours on its low beam.

Reviewers from REI give the SureFire 6PX Pro an excellent 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The only drawbacks cited are the lack of a lanyard ring and adjustable beam focus, but users love the light’s durability and low/high settings.

The SureFire 6PX Pro flashlight is available for $79 from REI.

Fenix TK35 LED Flashlight

Fenix TK35 LED Flashlight

The Fenix TK35 is the biggest light in our list, both in size and power.  It offers six brightness options, which is a good thing: on the highest mode, its Cree XM-L LED throws a whopping 820 lumens of light (serious overkill for anything but technical outdoor usage).  It has other handy features besides blazing brightness though, including two flash modes, a signal function, and a waterproof anodized casing that houses its four CR123A batteries.

GearJunkie.com, a popular outdoor equipment blog, listed the Fenix in its “Best in Show” awards from the 2011 Outdoor Retailers convention.  And Amazon.com flashlight reviews give the TK35 a perfect 5 star rating for its power and compact size compared to full size competitors like the “D-cell” Maglite.

The Fenix TK35 LED flashlight is available for $109.95 from 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.

The MetaEfficient Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of a home – it’s one of the most-used rooms in a household for both working and socializing, so shouldn’t it be as functional and energy-efficient as possible?  Here is a collection of design ideas and products, both big and small, to help you create a beautiful and efficient kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinets – Refinishing vs. Replacing
Choosing the right kitchen cabinets depends on a huge variety of factors.  But if you’re considering remodeling an existing kitchen, refinishing the cabinets instead of replacing them can be an extremely efficient approach.  Even simply swapping hardware like handles and hinges can have a big aesthetic impact.

Refinish Cabinets Or Replace Hardware & Doors For A New Look

If your kitchen needs a more serious upgrade, replacing the cabinet doors while leaving the existing cabinet structure will minimize the waste (and expense) of the renovation.  And the finished product can give you the look of an entirely new kitchen.

But if you’re building a new home, or if you really need to replace your current cabinets, consider visiting a “reuse-it-yourself” home improvement store.  A growing number of these stores offer new surplus items as well as gently-used supplies from other renovation projects, which can provide huge cost savings.  Some of the most popular R.I.Y. stores are Habitat For Humanity’s nationwide network of ReStore locations.  Visit the Habitat For Humanity website to learn more or find a location near you.

EnviroGLAS Recycled Glass Countertop

EnviroGLAS Recycled Glass Countertop

An ideal kitchen countertop will be functional, and it will be environmentally sensible (which means non-toxic materials and minimizing the environmental impact of its production).  Some of our favorite countertop designs are the beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance terrazzo surfaces from EnviroGLAS.  They require no waxes or special cleaning products, and best of all, they’re created from 100% recycled glass and porcelain bound together with resins that emit no toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

EnviroGLAS countertops are available in a huge variety of colors and styles.  Learn more at the EnviroGLAS website.

The Faucet:  Add An Aerator…

Danco Perfect Match Faucet Aerator

An aerator attached to your existing kitchen faucet is a quick, cheap, and simple way to reduce water use without compromising performance.  The Danco Perfect Match aerator ($2.66 at Amazon) is a basic model that reduces water flow to 1.5 gallons per minute – still plenty of volume for most kitchen use.

… And Consider A Faucet Pedal Control

Pedal Works HandsFree Faucet Controller

Adding a pedal control to your kitchen faucet is more involved (and yes, more expensive) than simply adding an aerator – but it’s a great way to reduce water usage and add convenience in the kitchen.  A pedal controller can be fitted onto an existing hand faucet, and helps avoid letting the water run for tasks like rinsing dishes.  Plus, as a bonus, users can wash their hands without dirtying the faucet handles.

One of our favorite models is the Pedal Works HandsFree Faucet Controller, available at Amazon for $349).

Pick The Right Dishwasher – And Enjoy It
In our recent post about reducing your household water use, we discussed how using a dishwasher is actually quite efficient – as long as it’s an energy-efficient model and you use it properly.  A fully loaded, modern dishwasher typically uses less water and energy than hand-washing the same number of dishes in the sink.

Bosch SHX68E Evolution 800 Plus dishwasher

There are myriad options depending on your size requirements and price range, but you should definitely look for an Energy-Star rated model.  And remember that for major appliances like dishwashers, paying a bit more now may save you money down the road in energy savings and durability.  For example, the Bosch SHX68E Evolution 800 Plus dishwasher ($1,732.56 at Amazon) is a serious investment, but it’s one of the most energy-efficient models available and uses just 1.56 gallons of water per wash cycle.

Microwave Cooking – Fast & Efficient
We haven’t included a range/stovetop in this list because there are so many different owner preferences and needs, and even the most basic choice of gas versus electric often depends on where users live.  But for day-to-day cooking and reheating, a microwave is often far more convenient and energy efficient than a full-size oven, and Panasonic’s NN-SD688S is a solid all-around performer.  The mid-size design offers a 1.2 cubic foot capacity without taking up too much counter space, and the 13.5″ rotating turntable works with “inverter” technology to heat food evenly.  Various preset modes simplify the settings for different uses like defrosting or reheating, and the 1,300-watt power is plenty for most household use.

Panasonic NN-SD688S Prestige Microwave Oven

You can find the Panasonic NN-SD688S Prestige Microwave Oven at Amazon for $140.99.

LED Under-Cabinet Lighting
LEDs are perfect for task lighting applications like under-cabinet fixtures in a kitchen.  They’re extraordinarily energy efficient, they produce clean white light, they’re durable, and they produce minimal heat.  They can be installed in tight spots with less clearance, and they avoid adding more even more heat to a workspace like a kitchen.

Juno Lighting Pro Series Under-Cabinet LED Light

LED fixtures have a higher purchase price than comparable fluorescent or halogen/xenon fixtures, but they pay for themselves over time.  The 30-inch Juno Lighting Pro Series Under-Cabinet LED fixture ($204.56 at Amazon) contains 8 LED modules in a slim aluminum casing that produce warm 3000K light, and the LEDs use just 1/8 the energy of incandescent lamps.  Best of all, the lifespan of the LEDs is 50,000 hours, meaning zero maintenance.

Last But Not Least – The Fridge
We’ve saved the best for last – a refrigerator is usually one of the biggest electricity consumers in a home, so finding a model that combines functionality with energy-efficiency is key.  If you’re still using an older model, an upgrade to a modern refrigerator will offer huge energy savings.  And don’t move that old energy hog into the garage for extra storage – make sure the new one is the right size for your household.

You can get the most out of your fridge by using it as efficiently as possible.  Make sure all door seals are in good shape by closing a dollar bill in the door – a good seal will hold it tight.  Keep your condenser coils free of dust and debris, and make sure the refrigerator isn’t located in direct sunlight.  Try to keep it well stocked, since a full fridge tends to stay cold once the contents are chilled (just leave a little space for cold air to circulate).  And keep the temperature in the right range (35-38F for the fridge, 0F for the freezer) since going colder just wastes power.

Sun Frost Energy Efficient Refrigerator

When shopping for a new fridge, look for a model with the freezer on the top or bottom, since side-by-side designs use more electricity.  Through-door icemakers/water dispensers also reduce energy efficiency, so skip those features.  Although they’re not widely distributed, Sun Frost produces some extraordinarily energy-efficient refrigerators, including a 16 cubic foot model that consumes just 372 kWh annually.

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency offers a comprehensive list of Energy Star rated refrigerators, as well as the even more efficient CEE Tier 3-rated models.

For more information on other kitchen gadgets and appliances, you might also be interested in MetaEfficient’s posts on chef’s knives, blenders, slow cookers, and juice extractors.

A triumph of careful thought, detailing and thorough testing, the Neofab Legion II is a new single LED flashlight that is said to produce a whopping 742 lumens. If accurate, this light will be the brightest single-LED in the world.

Reading through the details that its creator used in describing his R&D process, it’s clear that this was his baby. Much time was spent perfecting the multi-level control ring over the previous Spartanian II to make it smoother and cleaner. Teflon bearings were employed to ensure maximum smoothness. Left or right handed models allow you to control both on/off switching and leveling with your dominant thumb. A user-replaceable spring was also added. The circuit board is a a four-layer PCB and it’s paired with a 27 mm driver and .0007 ohm Vishay/Dale resistors.

The five-level flashlight offers an output of 98 lumens on its lowest setting and works up to the full 742 on #5. Using 3 18650 cells, the flashlight also offers an impressive run time of just over two hours.

Full Specs:

- Powerful, Precise, Reliable Driver. (0.007 ohm resistors from Vishay/Dale. )
-Current Up to 3000mA.
-Longer Runtime Than Any Competitor In The Class.
-Best Current Regulation At Any Level, Without Audible Noise.
-Reverse Voltage Protection
-5 Exponential Levels.
-Thumb Control Without Strain On The Wrist.
-Revolutionary UI, The Easiest Way To Level Up/Down.
-Quick Access to Any 2 Default Levels.
-Built-in Battery Gauge.
-Over-discharge protection.
-Built-in Battery Holder.
-Ultimate Thermal Management.
-Custom Hi-End Parts.

-B270 Multi-layer AR Coated Lens With 99.5% Transparence
-ALCOA 7075-T651
-CNC Machining
-TYPE III Hard Anodizing

Output:
2.9A(full distance)

Runtime with 3*Ultrafire unprotected 18650 cells:
2hours and 4 minutes.

Here’s some efficiency data from lab testing:

The Alcoa and stainless steel first edition was released earlier this week in a very limited 30-piece batch. The $295 may seem high, but purchase also comes with a VIP discount (90% off of future Neofab purchase). The second generation Legion II, a more machined aluminum version, will be a bit cheaper at $179. First batch is already over half gone. Legion II flashlights at CPF Marketplace.

Looks good! It’s a large-scale installation of Solar LED bricks. I couldn’t identify the location, but the bricks are Meteor Solar LED pavers. Solar bricks are self-contained — during they day they charge via the sun, and turn on automatically at night.

We just wrote about the new LED streelights in Ann Arbor. Now we find these self-contained streetlights that generate 100% of their power from the sun and the wind. During the day, solar power is stored in a battery at the base of the light pole. At night, they illuminate while continuing to generate power via a small vertical-axis wind turbine. The streetlights, dubbed “seagulls”, were spotted in Tokyo outside the Panasonic Center by Hyperexperience. Here’s a video clip of the wind turbine in action:

The streetlights are similar to the wind- and solar-powered streelights I wrote about on TreeHugger.

Via Keetsa, Ecofriend and Hyperexperience

Here are some lanterns that can be charged via the sun or via human power. Freeplay’s Indigo is a well-designed, rugged lantern. It’s one of those products that, when you hold it, feels extremely solid. This lantern shines with a cluster of seven bright LED bulbs. It won’t brighten a room, but at full power, it provides good illumination. It has a built-in Ni-MH rechargeable battery. The battery can be charged via two power sources — AC  power, and by hand cranking it. A 60 second wind will provide up to 2 hours of light in the lowest setting or 5 minutes at maximum brightness.

The lantern has a dimmer, which reduces the output to that of nightlight. It also has a task light, which is a thin beam that’s angled downward, making it more convenient to use for reading. It won’t replace a good flashlight, but can be used in a pinch. Weighing just under one pound, the Indigo is easy to transport and provides up to 70 hours of light on the lowest setting with a fully charged battery. Freeplay’s Indigo is available from Amazon for about $35.

Here are two lanterns by Global Marketing Technologies that can be charged via built-in solar power, AC power or DC power. The yellow lantern is a “motion activated” solar lantern, and the silver one incorporates an AM/FM radio with weather channels. They both use 9W fluorescent bulbs for illumination, and have a built-in rechargeable 6V seal lead acid battery. But note, because the solar panels are so compact, it takes about 8 hours of charging in bright sunlight to get 3 hours of power.

The Solar Rechargeable Lantern With Motion Activation is also available from Amazon for about $80.

Another solar lantern is the Wagan — it’s less powerful but less expensive than the lantern above, and it is available from Amazon for $30.

Check out this smaller Wind-Up Tent Lantern for camping.

This lantern is said to have a very efficient wind-up mechanism. Apparently, you can get thirty minutes of ambient light from a minute’s worth of winding. The light can be placed on a flat surface, or hung up using the recessed loop. You can also charge it via a 12V car socket. Available from I Want One Of Those (£19.95). Found via: TreeHugger