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ge. with an energy factor of 2.3, the geospring heat-pump water heater exceeds current energy star requirements and consumes 62% less energy than standard electric water heaters, the maker says. the unit features a backlit lcd display that allows homeowners to choose from four different modes to adjust to changing hot water needs. a vacation setting drops the systems temperature set point to 50 degrees f to save energy, while also preventing the water from freezing. 800.626.2005. www.geappliances.com.

Product Review

Although tankless water heaters have gotten a lot of attention the last few years, tank-style units offer plenty of efficient options, and in some cases, are actually more efficient.

Although tankless water heaters have gotten a lot of attention the last few years, tank-style units offer plenty of efficient options, and in some cases, are actually more efficient.

 

New Products

  • Solid Surfacing

    DuPont. The Corian Terra collection of solid surfaces, made with recycled materials, now includes 33 colors; five colors have at least 20% pre-consumer recycled resin content as certified by SCS.

     
  • GeoStar. The Cypress Series geothermal system provides forced-air heating and cooling and hydronic heating for radiant floors and features a desuperheater option for supplemental hot water. Available in 3-ton to 6-ton capacities, the Energy Star-rated models use EPA-approved R-410A refrigerant. www.geostar-geo.com.

    Cypress Series Geothermal System

    GeoStar. The Cypress Series geothermal system provides forced-air heating and cooling and hydronic heating for radiant floors and features a desuperheater option for supplemental hot water.

     
  • A.O. Smith. The companys new 180,000-BTU condensing tankless water heaters offer continuous flow rates of up to 8 gallons per minute and use highly efficient condensing technology, which allows the units to operate with an Energy Factor of 0.91. The manufacturer says an easy-to-read built-in display shows temperature, diagnostics, and error messages. The Energy Starrated units are available in natural gas or propane as well as indoor and outdoor configurations. 800.527.1953. www.hotwater.com.

    Tankless Water Heater

     
 

Alternative Energy

Home Automation and Lighting

 

Residential Photovoltaic Systems Continue to Improve

Today’s photovoltaics are smaller, more efficient, less expensive, and better looking than ever.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are a viable alternative to traditional HVAC

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are earning their reputations as a viable alternative to traditional HVAC.

 

HVAC

  • Health In the Green Economy

    New study by the World Health Organization (WHO) evaluates the health impacts of climate mitigation strategies in the housing sector.

     
  • EPA Report Targets IEQ and Remodeling

    November 2010 study unveils voluntary protocols for reducing risks from indoor air contaminants due to energy-efficiency upgrades to residential buildings.

     
  • Energy Star Revised

    New Version 3 rules went into effect January 1st and include new checklists for thermal enclosures and HVAC installation quality.

     
  • Tracking the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code

    Whole-house pressure testing, increased insulation requirements, and hot water plumbing efficiency measures among new code requirements.

     
  • A Conversation With Sam Rashkin

    As the head of Energy Star for Homes, Rashkin has been driving the performance criteria found in green building rating systems since 1993, and discusses new levels of performance requirements that will shape the future of our industry.

     
 
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