Looking for a way to make your world and your wallet a little greener? Saving energy accomplishes both, and Emerging Technologies is finding and assessing the next generation of energy efficiency solutions for the home.
Energy is the lifeblood of a safe, comfortable home, providing well-lit kitchens buzzing with appliances, cozy living rooms filled with electronic devices, and high-tech security systems for peace of mind. Adopting well-tested energy efficiency solutions allows Californians to keep these amenities, yet save money and reduce harmful impacts on the environment.
Get involved by hosting or participating in one of Emerging Technologies' pilot studies, by investing in energy efficiency, or by adopting the latest technology.
California's Power-Filled Homes
An air-conditioned home office, automatic outdoor path lights, and a warm bath to wind down at the end of the day: the comforts we take for granted in California's residential sector use 31 percent of the state's electricity and 38 percent of its natural gas. During peak demand times in the heat of summer, electricity use in the residential sector is a full 37 percent of the state's electricity draw. And with the population of California expected to grow from 37 million to over 50 million by 2040, the need to find, test, and bring new energy efficiency technologies to the residential market becomes all the more pressing. Emerging Technologies is zeroing in on solutions that lessen power demands of residential air conditioners , water heaters , and lighting systems .
Cooling the Energy Demands of Air Coolers
California's hot, dry summers require powerful cooling systems. In fact, the greatest amount of energy consumed in California homes is from air conditioners which use about 30 percent of all electricity in the state during summertime and which represent the largest demand savings opportunities for California residents. Many technologies currently being tested can reduce the heavy electrical draw caused by air coolers, including advanced refrigerant hot/dry air cooling technologies, evaporative cooling condensers, and night ventilation cooling systems. Already, indirect-direct evaporative cooler pilot tests have been completed and the technology is ready for deployment. Lab and field monitoring have indicated that this technology can significantly reduce energy needs for air conditioning units.
Keeping Californians in Hot Water
Heating and storing water uses a significant gas load. In addition, considerable amounts of electricity are needed to move water around our cities and neighborhoods to accommodate our "on demand" need for water. Emerging Technologies is conducting side-by-side tests of new water heaters to determine their relative energy efficiency. In addition, tankless water heaters are being studied to determine their cost effectiveness for both new construction and retrofits. An added bonus to heating water with less energy is that it often results in using less water, thereby saving another of California's precious resources.
Lights Out on Inefficient Light Bulbs
The home of the future will likely be filled with bright, efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights for a variety of tasks, include cove, track, and under-shelf applications. LED lights are one of the most promising energy efficient technologies currently being studied. Tests have shown that LED lights can save more than 40 percent of the energy used by fluorescent bulbs and up to 60 percent of incandescent bulbs. Further benefits include increased durability, longevity, and compactness.
Emerging Technologies is also studying Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) because today's green builders often recommend CFLs for downlighting systems. Inexpensive and unobtrusive, recessed downlights are one of the most popular choices for residential lighting. Emerging Technologies has recommended implementing codes, standards, and utility incentives that encourage CFL manufacturers to redesign their products to avoid heat build-up and premature failure.