consumer electronics

A big priority to emerge from NEEP’s Business and Consumer Electronics Strategy is capturing the significant energy efficiency gains from “smarter” energy use in the home. New all-in-one home energy management software is becoming increasingly available to those willing to change their energy consuming behaviors. So how do we change deeply entrenched behavioral patterns to align with more energy efficient usage?

The Northeast Mid-Atlantic region is a leader in energy efficiency and has achieved substantial energy savings over the last several decades. Innovations in lighting, HVAC, and air sealing have meant homes continue to become more efficient.

How many of you have heard claims that sounded something like these: “Appliance efficiency standards stand in the way of product innovation. Energy efficient appliances simply don’t work as well.  Standards drive up the prices for appliances.” Each claim above, and many more, has been voiced repeatedly by challengers of appliance efficiency standards.

Market transformation, with respect to energy efficiency in products or buildings, involves continually advancing product baselines as new, more efficient products and technologies become available.

The world of consumer electronics is vast and complex.  There are devices that we think about every day, such as our computers, televisions, or (for some) game consoles.  Then there are the electronics that we tend to forget, such as that cable box that’s always on, or the router providing password-protected wi-fi to our homes 24/7.  Or what about that desktop that’s been gathering dust at your home or office?  When was the last time you checked to make sure that the monitor was actually turned off?

With the growth of home entertainment systems, home computer systems and battery-powered devices, the number of consumer electronic products we own has mushroomed in a matter of just a few years.