Energy Saving Devices

We talked previously about the proposals outlined in the Energy Bill, which was published in draft form on the 29th of November. While it's pretty much what we expected, there were a couple of new elements in there. Through a liveblog, the Guardian provided some real-time analysis from correspondents and Twitter commentators. It makes for interesting reading.Renewed Dedication to Energy Efficiency  The 2012 Energy Bill represents a commitment to financial incentives that encourage energy efficiency. Energy-intensive industries like steel and cement factories will be exempted from new low-carbon costs, the bill for which will be picked up by the taxpayer. The Financial Times estimates that the measures will add around £95 a year to household bills by 2020, representing an increase of 7%. While it's not entirely clear at this point what effect the bill will have on household bills, these projected figures aren't quite the promised 5-9% decrease. No Decarbonisation Targets Until 2016 Although nuclear and renewable energy companies are welcoming the bill, environmental groups are crying out for a redraft that includes a decarbonization target. It was previously reported that decarbonization talks would be set back until 2016 - after the next election. Green investors in particular are annoyed; the lack of any such targets in this bill strikes a blow to the sort of long-term investments that are needed for growth in that sector. It seems that there's still some confusion and this could be an issue that runs on for a long time. We'd like to hear from our readers in the comments - is the Energy Bill a good thing for the economy overall, or is the impact on householders too much? Photo by Wendell on Flickr (Creative Commons)Energy Management Solutions at Sparks

At the time of year when we are often coming home in the pitch darkness, it's nice to be greeted by a warm light right at the door. This classically styled lantern is a wall light intended for installation outdoors - it is IP-rated against dust and bad weather. With its good looks and 60W lamp, we think it's perfect for mounting next to the front door. It Senses When You Come Home... What's more, the 9011PIRW Outdoor Wall Light is fitted with a PIR motion sensor, which switches on the light when it detects a person's presence. No more fumbling with keys in the dark! The motion sensor's detection zone is sufficiently large and wide: with a 10-meter radius and a 110° angle of detection, there should be no problems with detecting you when you approach your home. The period during which the light is switched ON can be set between 10 seconds and 4 minutes, so it can be on for just as long as it needs to be. ...and it Lights the Entryway! This is an uplight, which is a tragically underused light fitting. These bounce the light off the ceiling, providing indirect light. At eye level, this reduces the amount of glare, so the light that automatically comes on isn't blinding. This indirect lighting is great for ambient light, providing a uniform distribution. So this fitting is also great in the garden or other outdoor areas. The PIR60WH is available in the Sparks Direct online store at a competitive price. But if the white finish is not for you, or if it simply doesn't fit in with the decor of your home, this light fitting is also available in black.This fitting is not the only motion-sensing outdoor lamp in our store - maybe something else will suit your needs, take a look and see. We are mostly certain that this light fitting will combat one of the worst parts of winter - coming home after dark. But there are many others we haven't considered (check out more Outdoor Lamps with PIR). Vent your wintertime annoyances in the comments and perhaps we can even help! At the very least, we can offer our sympathies.PIR Sensors at Sparks

All of us would like to be energy-conscious, but changing our appliances to be more efficient can be a hassle.Note: the Green-I range from CP Electronics is no longer available; see the existing time delay switches in the Energy Saving section on our website. What if there would be not-so-expensive switching or dimming devices out there which can successfully replace the existing devices, preferably with more energy-saving ones? The Green-I range from CP Electronics is made up of movement sensors, control systems, switches and timers.Note: the Green-I range from CP Electronics is no longer available; see the existing time delay switches in the Energy Saving section on our website. All of these are compatible with every lamp type, and they can be wired to activate all sorts of systems from the lighting to the ventilation. The movement sensors are the focus: they will turn ON the connected systems in an area when it is occupied, and turn them off again when nobody is around. This saves a great deal of energy, and all you need to do is replace the switches - not the appliances. Occupancy Detectors The Green-I occupancy detectors use PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensors, which measure IR light radiating from an object that emits heat, such as a person. They're known as "passive" because these sensors don't actually emit anything themselves - they only detect radiated heat energy. The ceiling-mounted PIR occupancy detector also has an integrated light sensor, which prevents the lighting system from being switched on during the daytime when it isn't needed. The Green-I Switches For a little more control, a range of switches is also available. Flexible and user-friendly, there is a solution for every user in the Green-I range. And with the subtle green ring, they're very stylish, too. The time delay switches are fully programmable from 15 seconds to 2 hours, and the user interface is simple but comprehensive. A number of the dimmer switches come with a built-in occupancy detector to be used instead of, or in conjunction with, the ceiling detector. If you need to control more than one circuit, double-dimming models are available for two-circuit operation. The Remote ControlThe optional remote control connects with the switches to control functions like the security mode and dimming speed. You can select one of four fully programmable "scenes" from one very user-friendly device. The Green-I range can help you save energy, which in turn helps you save money. See how much you can save using the online calculator, and to purchase these innovative products, visit the Time Delay Switches section on our website.Energy Saving Systems at Sparks

The Green-I range of switches from CP Electronics uses advanced switch technology, and they can be used not only for controlling lighting but also the heating and the ventilation!Note: some or all of these items are no longer available at Sparks; see the latest energy saving devices at Sparks. All these cool-looking devices are designed in such a way that they would replace the existing switches and would help you save energy! Energy Saving Switches Besides the user-friendly technology and the great design built into these devices, the green-i range of switches and dimmers are also energy-saving. When the press of a switch determines the lights/ventilation / heating to come on, the energy saving is up to us. If we forget to turn off the switch, we waste energy (and this happens habitually, unfortunately). When there is a dimmer or a movement sensor installed in the switch to control the lighting in your home, there is a great deal of energy saving - and money saving at the same time. On the one hand, it is good to use energy-saving light bulbs, but on the other hand is is even more helpful when you can install the green-i switches to control the existing lighting, heating, and ventilation systems. Slick design for switches Why use the classical ON/OFF switches or rotary dimmers when you can use the green-i devices with a slick design - to fit your taste!Thank goodness everyone has a different taste or else life would be very boring. Each switch/dimmer in the Green-I range from CP Electronics comes with three fascias/faceplates: one in white, one in brushed bronze, and another in stainless steel effect. The different effects and colors fascias for the green-i switches allow you not only to hide the fixing screws but also to change the cover whenever you want to match the design of the switch with the decor of the room. Another cool touch is the green LED ring in the centre of the switch - at night it helps you locate the switch "without turning on the light" by guiding you to it with its soft green glow. The Green-I advanced technology The great features and properties included in this simple switch or dimmer are useful around the home. The advanced technology incorporated allows you to use a remote control via which you can program features such as Scene Selections in the dimmer switch (to create the desired mood lighting). We have extensively covered the amazing features and technologies in the green-i switches and dimmers via, CP Electronics Green-I dimmer switches, energy saving controls! Introducing the Green-I energy saving switches technology; New: energy saving light switches replacement like-for-like! Don’t just switch on the light – save the energy! The Green-i switches in white, bronze, and steel.Buy Energy Saving Devices