How Energy-Saving Electronics Function

The average American household spends approximately $1,400 annually on energy expenses [source: Forbes]. Heating and cooling systems account for around 45 percent of this energy usage. Lighting also consumes a significant portion, particularly if you're slow to switch to energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. Yet, some of the most energy-demanding devices that make your electricity bill climb every month are your electronic gadgets.

Take a look at your TV for example. Maybe you recently splurged on a 40-inch (102-centimeter) plasma TV, which requires 350 watts of power to operate. Attached to the TV is an Xbox 360 (187 watts), a PlayStation 3 (197 watts), and a digital video recorder (DVR) (33 watts) [source: CNET]. Wondering where all your money is going every month? Directly into that energy-sucking vortex in your living room. Fortunately, electronics manufacturers are creating more energy-efficient devices, appliances, and gadgets.

Energy-efficient electronics not only help save money but are also better for the environment. Over half of the electricity in the United States is generated from coal-fired power plants [source: American Society of Mechanical Engineers]. Even a newly constructed coal-fired power plant emits 6 million tons (5.4 million metric tons) of carbon dioxide annually, along with 1,200 tons (1,089 metric tons) of sulfur dioxide and 1,600 tons (1,452 metric tons) of nitrogen oxide [source: Las Vegas Sun]. These emissions not only deplete the ozone layer but also contribute to acid rain and respiratory illnesses in children and the elderly.

What steps can you take to reduce your electricity costs and improve air quality? Are there governmental and industry sources that can guide you on which products are the most energy-efficient? And which types of TVs, computers, and portable devices provide the best energy efficiency for the cost? Keep reading to discover more.

Energy Star and Other Energy-Saving Programs

In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the Energy Star program to educate consumers about the energy consumption of the products they purchase. Since its launch, 12,000 manufacturers of electronics and appliances have voluntarily met the progressively stricter Energy Star criteria. As a result, over 40,000 distinct products now carry the highly recognizable Energy Star logo [source: Energy Star].

Energy Star initially focused on computers and computer monitors. Over time, the range of certified products and the standards for each category have broadened to include home heating and cooling systems, household appliances, lighting systems, and every kind of office and home electronics equipment.

In 2007, Americans using Energy Star products helped prevent the release of 40 million metric tons (44.1 tons) of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere [source: Energy Star]. This is equivalent to removing 27 million cars from the road for a full year. The EPA also reports that Americans who used Energy Star products saved $16 billion on their electricity bills in 2007 [source: Energy Star].

Energy Star is the most well-known initiative for energy-efficient consumer electronics, but it's not the only one. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) is a newer rating system that evaluates the environmental impact of various electronics products. Among its criteria are the recyclability of materials, the presence of any toxic components, and whether the product meets existing or upcoming Energy Star standards.

Products that fulfill all of EPEAT's mandatory criteria receive a bronze label. If they meet all the required criteria and 50 percent of the optional standards, they earn a silver label. Products that meet all required criteria and 75 percent or more of the optional standards are awarded a gold rating.

All computers require a power supply, a small unit that converts AC power from the wall to the DC power needed by the device. In the past, much energy was wasted during this conversion. In 2004, a new initiative called 80 Plus was introduced with funding from American utility companies to encourage manufacturers to create more efficient power supplies for desktops, laptops, and servers. To earn an 80 Plus rating, a power supply must be at least 80 percent efficient.

Over the years, U.S. utility companies have invested more than $5 million in incentives for computer manufacturers and power supply companies to enhance the efficiency of their products. As a result, more than 600 power supplies have earned the 80 Plus rating [source: 80 Plus]. Furthermore, the latest Energy Star standards for new computers require internal power supplies to carry the 80 Plus certification seal.

Televisions are among the largest consumers of energy in many households. Let's take a look at the most and least efficient TV types and explore what the future holds for making the small screen more eco-friendly.

Energy-efficient TVs

Every year, television screens continue to grow larger, sharper, and thinner. While the picture quality improves, the impact on your electricity bill can be alarming. On average, an American spends around $24 per year to power their TV, but this figure is skewed by older CRT (cathode ray tube) models, which are gradually being replaced by energy-draining high-definition (HDTV) sets [source: American Council for an Energy-efficient Economy].

According to tests conducted by CNET labs, the most energy-efficient HDTV costs roughly $30 annually to operate, whereas the most energy-guzzling model adds nearly $230 to your yearly electric bill [source: CNET]. One of the major factors driving up these costs is the size of the screen. A study by the Natural Resource Defense Council reveals that a 40-inch (102-centimeter) or larger HDTV consumes more energy each year than any other appliance in the home, including a 22.5 cubic foot (0.6 cubic meter) refrigerator [source: Energy Star].

Different types of television technologies consume varying amounts of electricity. On average, Plasma TVs are the least energy-efficient, followed by LCDs, projection TVs, and traditional CRTs [source: CNET]. However, even within these broad categories, numerous factors can influence whether a TV is a low or high energy consumer. Interestingly, both the most energy-efficient and the least efficient models on CNET's list are LCDs.

Besides the power they draw while in use, many large-screen TVs don't fully power down when you turn them off. Manufacturers believed that consumers would prefer not to wait for the TV to warm up when they press the power button, so these models enter a standby mode instead of shutting down completely. In some cases, you need to press a separate button or unplug the TV entirely to fully power it down.

As more consumers become aware of energy consumption, TV manufacturers are introducing new, energy-efficient designs. One example is the Philips 42PFL5603D, also known as the Eco TV. When the Eco TV's power saver mode is activated, it uses three sensors to adjust the intensity of the LCD backlight. The backlight's brightness increases when the room is brighter and decreases when the room is darker. Additionally, the Eco TV features a sensor that adjusts the backlight based on the scene's brightness being displayed. For night scenes, the backlight dims slightly to conserve energy, while the backlight brightens for daytime scenes.

A newer technology, organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), offers an even more energy-efficient way to illuminate large TV screens. Unlike traditional backlight methods, OLED uses individual molecules to light each pixel on the screen. The first small (30-inch, 76-cm) OLED TVs were released in November 2007, and a group of Japanese electronics manufacturers is working to release larger screen versions within the year [source: Reuters].

Now, let's explore some of the best new energy-saving computer technologies.

Eco-Friendly Computer Tips

Even the most power-hungry home computer doesn't significantly affect your monthly energy bill. If you kept a desktop computer and monitor running at full capacity for eight hours every day, it would only increase your yearly electricity bill by $30 [source: myGreenElectronics].

Now, picture owning a company with hundreds of employees. Imagine all those desktop computers squeezed into an office, along with servers and storage units packed into IT rooms. Unsurprisingly, these computers consume a large amount of energy, contributing up to 70% of a company's total energy expenses [source: Cranberry]. Additionally, these computers generate heat, which forces the air conditioning systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable office temperature.

Recently, a number of computer manufacturers have launched products designed to reduce energy costs for both small and large businesses. One such product is the Earth PC and Earth Server from Tech Networks of Boston. These new computers are equipped with a patented power management system that keeps them running with minimal energy consumption in standby mode. Additionally, they feature 80 Plus-certified power supplies, which help to maintain a cool temperature and reduce air conditioning costs by up to 33% [source: Tech Networks of Boston].

The Cranberry SC20 is another energy-efficient computer aimed at business users. However, the Cranberry isn't your typical PC. It's a hybrid, positioned between a full desktop computer and what's known as a thin client. Thin clients are simplified terminals that rely on a central server to run all their applications. These devices lack hard drives and are incapable of running software independently. The Cranberry is classified as a "Smart Client" because, although it's compact (about the size of a paperback), it can run its own applications, be managed locally, and includes standard ports for connecting digital cameras, speakers, and other peripherals. Since the applications are hosted on the Internet, this system exemplifies cloud computing.

What sets the Cranberry apart is its remarkable energy efficiency—using only 10% of the power consumed by a conventional PC. This is due to its lack of moving parts (no fans or hard drives) and the use of an ultra-efficient microprocessor. The Cranberry draws a mere 9 watts, in stark contrast to a standard PC, which consumes around 175 watts [source: Cranberry].

The Mac Mini is another desktop computer that prides itself on energy efficiency. This compact 6.5-inch (16.5-cm)-square, white device comes with a built-in CD/DVD drive and the usual input/output jacks for USB and Firewire connections. Packed with the efficient components typically found in notebook computers, and featuring an external power supply, it operates quietly and remains cool, consuming only 25 watts. The latest Mac Mini complies with Energy Star 4.0 standards and has earned an EPEAT Silver rating for environmental performance.

When it comes to computer monitors, smaller LCD screens are far more energy-efficient than their CRT counterparts of the same size. Some studies suggest that LCD monitors are up to 66% more efficient [source: flatpaneltv.org]. LCD monitors also produce less heat compared to CRTs, which can help lower air conditioning costs.

Now, let's take a look at some exciting new handheld devices that continue running long after the batteries of other gadgets have drained.

Energy-saving Handhelds

Handheld devices like cell phones, iPods, and BlackBerrys all rely on batteries, and we often forget that recharging them contributes to our electricity bills. Fortunately, some innovative companies are coming up with creative solutions to power the devices that have become essential to our daily lives.

The Eco Media Player is a portable device similar to an iPod that lets you store music and videos on a standard SD memory card. What makes it stand out is its hand crank on the back that charges the battery. Just one minute of cranking provides 40 minutes of audio playback [source: TreeHugger]. This design draws inspiration from the hand-crank emergency radios created by inventor Trevor Baylis for aid workers and villagers in rural Africa.

Alternative fuels offer another way to reduce dependence on the power grid. At the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show, Angstrom Power unveiled a prototype cell phone powered by a compact hydrogen fuel cell. This innovative Micro Hydrogen fuel cell platform fits seamlessly into existing cell phones without any modifications, offering twice the talk time of a lithium-ion battery. Additionally, it can be fully charged in under 10 minutes.

A more straightforward method to recharge your cell phone involves using a small, wearable solar panel. Several companies now offer portable solar panel kits that can be plugged directly into cell phones or other mobile devices. A Japanese company, Strapyanext, has developed a 12-cm (5-inch) solar cell phone charger that can generate and store enough energy to provide about 40 minutes of talk time after 6 to 10 hours of sun exposure [source: CrunchGear].

Solar power is not limited to just cell phones. The Nokia Eco Sensor Concept is a futuristic personal digital assistant (PDA) prototype equipped with a separate wrist sensor unit. This wrist sensor, made from solar cells, charges the PDA and can also generate electricity through kinetic energy harvested from natural arm movements, similar to how some watches operate today. The Nokia PDA’s screen uses a highly efficient technology called electrowetting, which replaces pixels with tiny oil droplets that expand and contract based on electrical charges [source: Nokia].