Think home buyers aren’t concerned about the type of HVAC products used in their homes? Think again. A recent NAHB survey revealed that more than half of U.S. homeowners say the quality of their home’s heating and air conditioning system is essential. In fact, the same survey found that a high-performance HVAC system ranked third among individual home components that homeowners value most, behind windows and roofing. Energy Star–rated units fared especially well because they help homeowners save money on utility bills.
But consumers expect more from their HVAC equipment than just keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. Today, many Americans are seeking healthy indoor environments to help alleviate problems associated with issues such as asthma and allergies. This makes products like energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), ventilation fans, and central vaccum systems crucial parts of the comfort equation (as well as profitable upgrades for builders). Read on for products that are essential to a healthy, comfortable, and efficient home.
Beam
Perfect for households with messy kids or shedding pets, the Alliance Built-In Vacuum system by Electrolux makes cleaning easier, quieter, and more convenient than a traditional central vacuum, says the firm. Operating with up to 700 air watts of power, the unit removes more dirt and allergens while using 30% less energy than traditional motors. A self-cleaning HEPA filter prevents dust and allergens from re-entering the living space and captures 98% of particulates at 0.3 microns and larger, the company says.
Uponor
The new Climate Control zoning system II for radiant floor heating systems has an autobalancing feature that boasts 25% faster reaction times and up to 20% greater energy savings than traditional floor heating systems. The unit calculates the energy need of each room and adapts the heat output of each loop by controlling the on and off cycle. This allows the system to react to temperature changes faster, the firm says. The system consists of a base unit, an expansion module and digital or dial thermostats.
Big Ass Fans
The Artisan collection of fans from the company’s Haiku Home division brings original, bold artwork to the ceiling. Inspired by everything from the Mona Lisa to street graffiti, artists use the fans’ airfoils as canvas. Spanning 52 inches to 84 inches in diameter, the Energy Star-rated fans are ideal for rooms of any size and are made of sustainably harvested bamboo, durable matrix composite, or aircraft-grade aluminum. Each fan includes automatic speed adjustments based on temperature, humidity, and the user’s programmed comfort settings. A motion sensor saves energy by turning on the unit only when needed. Numerous control options, including remote, wall controller, smartphone app, and Amazon Alexa Voice Service control are available, and an optional LED light kit offers 16 brightness settings.
Carrier
The company has expanded its lineup of the Côr thermostat, including some at new, lower prices. The Côr 5C and Côr 7C models include the same Wi-Fi–enabled controls as the original Côr to help reduce energy consumption with the convenience of remote control. The new Côr units, which are compatible with Apple’s HomeKit, Amazon Echo, and other connected-home systems, offer an estimated real-time savings forecast based on adjustments made to the thermostat. Additionally, the improved Smart Setback feature optimizes the system performance based on each home’s individual thermal characteristics to enhance energy savings and comfort. According to the company, Côr thermostats can reduce home comfort costs by an average of 20% compared with a non-programmable thermostat.
Schluter
A thin thermal break on the underside of the Ditra-Heat-TB floor-warming system helps warm tiled floors up to 70% faster over concrete substrates by directing heat to the tile, not to the subfloor, says the firm. The all-in-one electric system provides faster and simpler installation because the membrane, heating cables, and thermal break are all combined in a single layer. The product is available in rolls and sheets.
Lennox
The iComfort e30 smart thermostat doesn’t just control the temperature; it learns homeowners’ lifestyles and preferences. Users set their ideal temperature, and the system automatically adjusts heating and cooling to maintain the set temperature no matter the weather or outside temperature. An allergen feature monitors air quality and pollen levels in the home’s ZIP code, automatically turning the fan on to clean the home’s air when outdoor levels are high.
American Standard
The variable-speed Forefront Platinum TAM8 air handler provides reliable and efficient comfort, with even cooling and heating from room to room, the firm says. The unit’s AccuClean air cleaner ensures comfortable interiors by reducing moisture, resisting mold, managing humidity, and removing allergens and indoor pollutants.
York
The all-new LX Series TM8Y and TM9Y residential gas furnaces combine the comfort of two-stage heating with the efficiency of a standard ECM motor. Subject to more than 125,000 hours of rigorous testing, the units deliver reliable performance and efficiencies up to 80% and 96% AFUE, respectively. The TM9Y model is Energy Star-rated. The units’ compact, easy-to-install 33-inch cabinets fit in tight spaces, allowing for installations in basements, attics, alcoves and closets. Both furnaces feature York’s industry-leading limited warranty, which provides optional furnace replacement in the event the heat exchanger fails within five years of installation.
Broan
The company’s new under-cabinet range hoods boast the most effective capture of smoke and odors of any range hood or over-the-range microwave in their class, the firm says. Designed with consumer input, the hoods blend with contemporary style appliances in six new shapes including sculpted, sleek, and slim choices. The units’ high-flow filtration design enhances grease capture, improves airflow, and reduces noise, says the company. Several styles of filters are offered including a unique hybrid baffle-style filter that provides greater filtering efficiency than standard baffle filters. The LED lighting system provides bright, full-surface cooktop lighting without dimming over time.
Bosch
Greensource geothermal heat pumps utilize the constant temperature of the earth to maintain efficient heating all year long in virtually any climate, the firm says. The high-efficiency two-stage units, in sizes from 2 to 6 tons, can help homeowners save up to 70% on energy bills. They come with a 10 year limited warranty on parts and labor. A domestic hot water heat recovery package and dehumidification system are optional.
Delta
Delta Breez bathroom fans feature DC brushless motor technology that lasts 2½ times longer and consumes more than 70% less energy than conventional AC motors, the company says. The three-fan BreezRadiance unit shown here combines a quiet fan and heater with optional dimmable LED light. It uses a brushless DC motor in 80 and 110 CFMs. Other fans in the line come with built-in humidity/motion sensors and dimmable LED lights.
Trane
Trane’s ductless HVAC systems provide convenient and economical indoor comfort to locations where installing ductwork may be impractical or expensive. The industry-first 4MXW38 Ductless Indoor High Wall unit is mounted on a wall and has leading ratings for SEER (up to 38), EER (up to 16.5), and HSPF (up to 15). The temperature is easily managed via a wireless controller, and the unit works in temperatures as low as -22 degrees F with 100% capacity at 0 degrees F.
Rheem
The Prestige series EcoNet-enabled air conditioner offers a minimum of 20 SEER and 13 EER system performance across all capacities, providing advanced air and water control for maximum energy savings and ideal comfort, the firm says. A new composite base pan dampens sound, captures louver panels, eliminates corrosion, and reduces the number of fasteners needed for installation. Its variable-speed compressor has a modulating technology that provides more precise temperature control, lower humidity, and greater efficiency while an overdrive feature provides cooling load up to 107 degrees F. Curved louver panels protect the coils, enhance cabinet strength, and increase cabinet rigidity, the company says.
Panasonic
The Intelli-Balance 100 ERV is suitable for use in any climate. Featuring dual DC motors, the unit’s airflow is customizable, allowing balanced, positive, or negative pressure at variable speeds from 50 to 100 CFM. With the exclusive built-in ASHARE 62.2 timing function, the Intelli-Balance 100 helps ensure code compliance and energy efficiency in one cost-effective package. The system can be connected to existing ductwork or used as a standalone, whole-house ventilation solution.
Air King
The QFAM provides a cost-effective mechanical solution for humidity and temperature control in tightly constructed new homes. The compact, surface-mounted unit draws fresh air into the home and does not need to be tied into the HVAC system. A multiple-speed motor allows the unit to be set for exact requirements, meeting national codes such as ASHRAE 62.2. The QFAM accepts MERV 6 to 13 filters through its easy-access filter door.
