Delta. The Addison and Lahara (shown) lavatory faucets are now available with the company's Touch2O Technology, which allows users to turn the faucet on or off with just a touch to the spout, or with Touch2O XT, which includes the touch technology as well as proximity-sensing technology for two options for handle-free operation. The proximity sensor is located on the bottom of the spout, so it remains streamlined without affecting styling; an LED light flashes when the unit is in hands-free mode and remains steady when it's in touch mode. The faucets are WaterSense labeled and come in Brilliance stainless, chrome, or Venetian bronze finishes. www.deltafaucet.com. --K.T.
iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. The company's new Insulated Series of structural framing members combines engineered lumber with foam to increase R-values and reduce thermal bridging. R-17 Insulated Headers feature 1 1/2-inch foam between 3 1/2-inch-thick TimberStrand LSL and a 7/16-inch OSB face; unlike traditional insulated headers, load is carried through the LSL into the wall framing, the company says. Insulated Rim Board combines 1 1/4-inch-thick TimberStrand LSL rim board with 1 inch of foam for an R-value of 10. Insulated Corners bring an insulation value of R-30, allowing exterior corners to be framed to meet 2011 Energy Star for Homes requirements. www.ilevel.com. --K.T.
Velux. For times when the typical acrylic dome may be unappealing or violate local ordinances, the flat glass Sun Tunnel skylight lets in the sun well under the radar. Designed for rooms incompatible with a traditional skylight, the 14-inch light tunnel is prefabricated for easy installation in hallways, closets, stairways, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, says the manufacturer. 800.888.3589. www.veluxusa.com. –E.R.
Rheem. Prestige Series Condensing Tankless Water Heaters are the maker’s most efficient tankless units to date. With a minimum flow-rate of 0.26 gallons per minute (gpm) and a minimum activation flow rate of 0.4 gpm, the Prestige Series allows homeowners using low-flow fixtures to receive hot water without having to increase the flow. The units can accept stainless steel or PVC piping, which can reduce costs and ease installation. The series is Energy Star qualified and eligible for tax incentives. 866.720.2076. www.rheem.com. –L.H.
Leviton. The Evr-Green line of residential electric-vehicle charging stations offers simple three-step installation of a receptacle, mounting bracket, and charging station; the first two pieces can be installed into the home even if the charging station itself will not be added until years later, providing another way for builders to pre-wire and future-proof their homes. Evr-Green Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations are have SAE J1772 connectors, making them compatible with all North American plug-in vehicles. www.leviton.com. –K.T.
Fluke Tools. Priced below $2,500, the TiS Thermal Imager provides a lower-priced option for diagnosing moisture intrusion, energy loss, missing insulation, HVAC problems, and electrical overheating, says the manufacturer. The unit, which can survive a 6 1/2-foot drop, features manual focus and a 3.7-inch display screen that is 30% larger than comparable image screens. Professional reporting software is included. www.fluke.com. –K.T.
Eaton. Used in conjunction with a standby generator, the Green Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) helps ensure reliable, seamless power when outages occur. The Green ATS lets the homeowner preset the two highest loads in the home, such as HVAC units, and gives those loads priority during an outage. As secondary loads, such as water heaters, sump pumps, or small appliances, are turned on and off, the active load management system ensures that the generator isn’t overloaded. 800.386.1911. www.eaton.com. –L.H.
Owens Corning. The company is replacing all of its batt insulation products with EcoTouch Pink Fiberglas with PureFiber technology, which is made with a formaldehyde-free formulation and contains at least 50% recycled content. The company claims the new formulation improves installation through reduced dust and particulates and increased workability. The product is certified by SCS for recycled content and by Greenguard for indoor air quality. 800.438.7465. www.owenscorning.com. --K.T.
Generac. The EcoGen backup automatic household generator is designed for off-grid homes. The first automatic unit to be warranted for this type of application, the propane-powered generator works with existing solar or wind systems; if power dips too low, the company says, the inverter charger signals the generator to switch on. The generator has a 6-kW capacity, an operating life of up to 5,000 hours, and a weatherproof enclosure, and it features ultra-quiet operation of 52 dBA. www.generac.com. –K.T.
NuTone. An LED nightlight around the LunAura bath fan emits a soothing, soft blue light that provides enough lumination during the night while maintaining a calming atmosphere for sleepy homeowners. The 110-cfm fan also includes a 36-watt main light. It is available with a round, square, or diamond light panel; is Energy Star rated; and operates at just 0.7 sone. 888.336.3948. www.nutone.com. –K.T.
Tamko. Harness the power of the sun to lower energy costs with the Solar Attic Vent. Driven by a 20-watt solar panel, the fan can ventilate up to 1,600 square feet and operates from dawn to dusk, even without having to prop the panel toward the sun. The heavy-duty DC motor operates quietly, and the 12-inch diameter, one-piece aluminum fan adds no harmonic noise. An optional cold-weather thermostat is available separately and will disengage the unit automatically when the temperature falls below 50 degrees F. Choose from four different mounting options, including an option that allows the solar panel to operate the fan remotely. www.tamko.com. –L.H.
