2022 Product Guide: Systems

Health, wellness, and indoor air quality remain top concerns for potential home buyers and homeowners, with manufacturers continuing to deliver smart, energy-efficient products that allow for comfortable living. Product manufacturers of home systems continue to innovate, providing smart solutions that allow for air monitoring, light control, and heating control from mobile apps. New indoor air quality products can detect when air flow is suboptimal and automatically correct conditions, while new HVAC products allow homeowners to have a hybrid electric-gas heating solution. Manufacturers are providing touchless light and switch products with smart memory for custom settings and improved energy efficiency as well as products to equip all-electric homes in the near-term future.

Broan-NuTone

Broan-NuTone’s Overture is a fully automated, cloud-connected, whole-home indoor air quality system that monitors and optimizes air in the home using three models: a room sensor, a wall control, and a smart plug. The product requires no external hub or additional equipment and monitors the quality of air and automatically turns on the connected supply and exhaust ventilation when air qualities are low. The system can be managed through a mobile app and is integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google, allowing users to see live snapshots of a home’s indoor air quality, individual rooms’ air quality, and historical data. The smart plug, which plugs into any 120-volt outlet, activates a home’s fresh air system when an Overture sensor anywhere in the home senses a rise in in- door air pollution caused by increased humidity, VOCs, smoke, carbon dioxide, and small particles. The room sensor and wall control monitor air quality in rooms where they have been installed, and the smart wall control will automatically turn on the connected ventilation fan or range hood until quality is improved. broan-nutone.com

Mitsubishi Electric

The intelli-HEAT Dual Fuel System from Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US connects with any thermostatically controlled furnace and empowers homeowners with a gas furnace to improve their home’s comfort and sustainability by using an energy-efficient, all-electric heat pump as their primary heating source. During periods of extreme cold, intelli-HEAT may switch to the gas furnace as needed based on capacity and economic balance points using its intelligent switchover function. The product connects to single-zone P-Series cooling-only or heat-pump units and multi-zone MXZ heat-pump units and is avail- able in KBTU/H 18, 24, 30, 36, and 42 capacities. Available Hyper-Heating INVERTER models provide 100% heating capacity down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit outdoor ambient temperature and guaranteed operation down to 13 degrees below zero. The intelli-HEAT can be controlled with third-party thermostats or Mitsubishi Electric control options. metahvac.com

Legrand

Legrand’s Wave Switch is a germ- and worry- free solution that provides homeowners with cleaner control for cleaner spaces. The product’s touchless technology allows users to turn lights on or off with a simple wave anywhere from 1 to 6 inches from the switch. The Wave Switch, available in the radiant line, is available in 15-amp and 20-amp versions and is rated for up to 3⁄4 horsepower (1⁄2 horsepower for 15 Aversion), allowing control of small motors. legrand.us

Allied Air Enterprises

The LYNX 18 Inverter Heat Pump is adaptable with a wide range of AHRI-rated system match- es and is compatible with most conventional 24-volt thermostats. QuickLink Inverter Technology uses intelligent algorithms to deliver a performance fit and fine-tuned temperature control with a wide range of indoor equipment in its class. Allied says two units cover the same application range as up to seven conventional heat pumps. The pump has ratings up to 18 SEER and 10 HSPF and five operating modes for a balance of comfort and energy efficiency. alliedair.com

Rheem

Rheem Manufacturing’s ProTerra Hybrid pulls heat from the air around it to heat water, reducing water consumption, and uses 75% less energy than a standard electric water heater. The 2022 Best of IBS finalist features an all-inclusive leak prevention system that limits potential leaks to no more than 20 ounces of water. With zero clearance requirement, the ProTerra Hybrid fits in small spaces and self-cleaning reduces sediment buildup to pro- long tank life. Homeowners can adjust water temperature and track energy usage through a mobile device with EcoNet Wi-Fi technology. rheem.com

SPAN

The second-generation SPAN Smart Panel offers visibility and control over every circuit and major appliance and allows users to decide how to power specific devices at certain times through a mobile app. The Best of IBS 2022 winner in two categories alerts homeowners when a water heater or air conditioner might fail. The Span Panel is weather-resistant and built for either indoor or outdoor installs and designed to seamlessly blend into any room. The panel offers support for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth connections. span.io

Panasonic

Panasonic’s Intelli-Balance 200 Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) provides a stand-alone balanced ventilation option with a standard MERV 13 filter. The unit features a multispeed selector that allows airflow adjustments from 60 to 200 cubic feet per meter as well as a boost function that allows occupants to increase ventilation on demand. The product features two electronically commutated brushless motors whose speed adjusts based on static pressure. The product features an optional LCD wall control panel, which allows users to have direct access to custom ventilation control settings and real-time monitoring. na.panasonic.com

Orro

The Orro S switch provides a budget-friendly version of the company’s touchscreen and voice-enabled automatic lighting experience at $149 per switch. The sensor-enabled dimmer can adjust lighting strength based on motion, sound, and light. The system learns and adapts based on users’ habits and preferences, helping reduce lighting usage by as much as 80%, according to Orro. The Orro S can be used stand-alone or in conjunction with other systems in Orro’s portfolio. getorro.com

HALO

The HALO Home QuickLine Low-Voltage LED Lighting System, a 2022 Best of IBS finalist, features 70-watt low-voltage remote power supply with 35 feet of low-voltage cable to power up to nine QuickLink HLB features. Kits include 4-inch or 6-inch round canless Micro- Edge HLB downlights with smart home technology and QuickLink Connects for ultra-fast wiring and installation. Users can wirelessly dim, white-tune warm white to cool daylight, and create schedules for the system through the HALO Home app. The lights are compatible with voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and are wet locations listed for indoors or outdoors. cooperlighting.com

Grenheck

Greenheck’s Residential Ventilation Solutions product lineup features specification-grade ventilation fans, including MasterSPEC SP-AP precision whole-house ventilation fans and Multi-SPEC SP-LP multipurpose ventilation fans. Specification-grade ventilation fans are tested and certified to perform in common residential installations at 0.4 inch of water gauge and above. The lineup also includes four ERV products, with Precision Balancing technology in the SYNC180 and SYNC270 ERV products. greenheck.com