Eco Tech
It seems like there’s a new high-tech, energy-saving gadget introduced every day. There’s no doubt that energy-efficient technology is developing at a rapid pace, and many of the latest and greatest products are geared to offer practical applications or luxurious amenities for homeowners.
By TOM KERR and NANCY E. BERRY
Touch Screen Tech
InfinityEdge Touch Screen by Control4 combines all your home automation controls into one touch pad. It retrofits with components that talk to your home’s electronics, including the thermostat, alarm, lighting and television. This means you’re able to turn off appliances and heating when not in use, making your home more energy efficient. You can also add an intercom to communicate with family members in other rooms. www.control4.com
Tap Time
Reduce your carbon footprint with the Bedol Water Clock. This water-powered alarm clock keeps time without batteries or electricity. Filled with tap water, the clock runs by converting ions in the water into clean energy. www.bedolwhatsnext.com
Solar Light Tubes
Groovy name, groovy concept: Solatube’s tubular day-lighting devices are highly reflective pipes that redirect sunlight into the dimly lit corners of your house. A small dome sits on your roof and absorbs sunlight, which is then piped into the home and evenly disbursed into whatever interior spaces you select—including those without direct access to natural light such as closets, hallways or bathrooms. www.solatube.com
LED Lighting
It’s hard to believe that a light bulb can last several decades, but there are several LEDs on the market that have long life spans—even up to 46 years—and cast that incandescent glow we have all come accustomed to over the past 100 years. Philips 806-lumen EndureLED is highly energy efficient; the 12-watt bulb can take the place of a traditional 60-watt version. www.lighting.philips.com
Line Dry
There’s nothing quite like putting on a blouse that has been dried in the open air. You can get that same clothesline freshness with the BreezeDry system. A gentle alternative to traditional dryers, the system dries clothes using natural outdoor air, ambient air or warmed indoor air with low powered fans and humidity. This alternative dryer does not shrink or fray clothes. The system is also made of 35 percent natural materials. www.breezedry.com
Energy-Efficient Composter
What could be greener than composting at home? The XE Series Composter by NatureMill has a carbon odor filter, an automated grinder and produces garden fertilizer in just two weeks. It also has a new feature that reduces energy consumption by 75 percent by reducing the heating, mixing and airflow rates. The indoor/outdoor bin slips inside any standard 15-inch-wide base cabinet for easy access. www.naturemill.com
The Bloom Box
It sounds like a window planter full of daffodils, but the Bloom Box is actually a solid oxide fuel cell that can potentially slash commercial electricity costs in half. Fuel cells are battery-like devices that convert fuel (such as clean-burning natural gas) into electricity through an electro-chemical process rather than dirty combustion. The Bloom Box doesn’t just store “juice,” it also generates it at an affordable price. With these capabilities, the Bloom Box is sure to become the future of green energy technology.
The Bloom Energy Company estimates that customers who hook up to the device can cut their CO2 emissions by 40 to 100 percent, compared to the output of a standard electrical grid, and virtually eliminate other harmful smog-forming particulates. Bloom Energy is looking into making cheaper units (currently the units are available for commercial buildings only) for individual residences that will retail for around $3,000. www.bloomenergy.com
The Body Dryer
It sounds too indulgent to be green: being embraced by a cloud of warm air upon exiting the shower. But because the Tornado body dryer eliminates the need for towels, it reduces the energy costs associated with laundry, using only a tiny fraction of the energy needed to run those washers and driers. These gadgets work like large-scale public restroom hand driers, gently blowing warm air across your skin, and are powerful enough to dry your whole body. www.tornadobodydryer.com
Silent Fan
Keeping your bathroom fresh has just been made easier with the WhisperGreen-Lite Bath Exhaust by Panasonic. This 80-cubic-foot-per-minute bath fan has a motion sensor that activates it automatically when you enter the room. The energy-efficient motor is super silent (under 20 dB), making your bath experience a serene one. www.panasonic.com
When shopping for energy-efficient gadgets, keep in mind that they may be eligible for various rebates. Always ask retailers if the items you’re considering qualify for ENERGY STAR tax rebates and other incentives.
