Gizmodo: energy saver

Black and Decker Thermal Leak Detector Can Cut Your Energy Costs By 20 Percent

Sean Fallon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:40:00 EST

Now that winter weather is upon us, it is time to shore up those cold air leaks. That's where Black and Decker's Thermal Leak Detector comes in handy.

Instead of your current method of waking around the house licking your finger and sticking it the air, the leak detector takes a more high tech approach by seeking out temperature changes as small as a single degree. When a trouble area is spotted, a blue spotlight points you towards the problem. Not bad for $40 considering that it should pay for itself in no time. You can pick one up starting in January. [Black and Decker via OhGizmo via DVICE]

Question of the Day: Have You Made the Switch to CFLs?

Sean Fallon — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Given the focus on "greenness" and energy efficiency these days, you have probably been bombarded with messages about tossing out your old incandescent bulbs for CFLs. It is definitely an easy way to save a few bucks on your electric bill, but in many cases there can be a trade-off in light quality. This has become less of an issue in recent years, but I'm sure it still keeps people on the fence about switching. But what about you? Have you made the switch?

[Ecosaber Shirt]

Saverclip Offers Unique New Way of Measuring Energy Consumption

Sean Fallon — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:50:14 EST

Pissing away electricity —just about everyone does it. That is why this "Saverclip" concept from designer Lee Young Don could prove useful to anyone looking to save a few bucks on their electricity bill. The clothespin-like device latches onto any power cable and determines energy usage by measuring the electromagnetic fields emitted by specific electronics (it also recharges using the same fields).

Thanks to the easy-to-read LCD layout, users could get a clear idea of what devices are responsible for the most wasted energy. It is a simple and user-friendly design which could prove very practical should it ever emerge from a concept into reality. Although I doubt that a finished product would look this slick. [Yanko Design]

Lenovo Cranking Out Energy Star 4.0 Qualified Laptops Early

kevinhall2 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EDT

The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star 4.0 revision hits July 20th, but Lenovo isn't worried about making the cut. Three days before the revision, Lenovo plans to have the T61p, its first Energy Star 4.0 configured machine, out on shelves. The T61p won't skimp on power to save energy, either. It has a suite of features seen across the Lenovo lines before, but never in the same machine: Santa Rosa platform, NVIDIA Quatro FX 570M, a 15.4-inch screen, and ultra-wideband, all for under $2,000. Those specs are an easy way to get us excited about saving energy.

The revision will cut the number of currently Energy Star eligible machines from around 90% to 25%, so performers will be distinguished. The company plans for all of its X-, T-, and R-series machines to get the new Energy Star sticker, as well as any Santa Rosa machine Lenovo makes. Any of its Santa Rosa systems can qualify after a free, simple download, Lenovo says. It looks like Lenovo is taking the revision seriously, which other companies would do well to imitate. [Crave]