Super-Efficient Fridge Among the Innovations at Builders Show

Products aimed at homeowners lack glitz this year. Emphasis is on green features that can save energy.

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By JUNE FLETCHER

Plunging temperatures and a plummeting economy are making everyone more conscious of energy efficiency.

Small changes, like wrapping ducts and water heaters in insulation, buying compact fluorescent bulbs and putting motion sensors on lights in closets, garages and front porches, cost little and can often make a dramatic difference in utility bills (See "Free Energy").

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Solar HVAC
Lennox Industries
Solar HVAC
Solar HVAC

Pricier and fancier energy-saving products aimed at homeowners looking to remodel or build new will be featured at the International Builders Show, a trade show being held from Jan. 20 to 23 in Las Vegas. Manufacturers typically don't roll out their glitziest offerings like talking refrigerators and crystal-encrusted faucets in downturn years, but this year's emphasis on green features has spurred some innovation in practical products. Here are some new offerings that caught my eye:

Solar HVAC Lennox Industries in Richardson, Texas, is showing the industry's first integrated solar-assisted heating, cooling and ventilation system for homes. The system uses a three foot by five foot, 190-watt solar panel, which can be mounted on a pole, fence or the roof, to help move air across the outdoor coil, reducing the need for power from the grid. Available through Lennox authorized dealers and some big box stores in March, the system will cost about $2,000 to $3,000 more than regular systems, which run between $3,000 to $15,000 installed.

Super-Efficient Fridge Whirlpool Corp. in Benton Harbor, Mich., is unveiling the latest in its line of Resource Saver products, a side-by-side refrigerator that the company says exceeds federal Energy Star standards by 10%, and uses the energy equivalent of a 60-watt light bulb. Among its features is a fast-cool button that automatically drops the temperature of the unit to accommodate hot leftovers. The refrigerator will be in stores beginning in March, in white, black, stainless and satin finishes. The suggested price is $2,099.
Free Energy

According to Don Carr, certified green program manager for the NAHB Research Center, savings of 10% or more on utility bills can be achieved by following these simple, no-cost tips:

* Turn down the heat on your water heater until it's just warm enough for your morning shower.
* Use cold water to wash clothes.
* Wash windows, and remove light-blocking window screens during the winter. Keep drapes open during the daytime and closed at night.
* Put all electronics on power strips and turn them off when you leave the room. This keeps them from drawing residual power while they're off.
* Change furnace filters regularly. Dirty ones make furnaces work harder.

Electronic Fan TamarackTechnologies in Buzzards Bay, Mass., has just released the Airetrak Advantage electronic control system, which replaces a traditional bathroom fan and light wall switch with a single, programmable unit that turns the fan into a whole-house ventilation system. Cost is $79; the unit must be ordered directly from the manufacturer at tamtech.com. Although the unit can be installed by a handy do-it-yourselfer, the company recommends using a licensed electrician.

Wireless Thermostats: To help homeowners fine-tune room temperatures, Honeywell International, based in Morris Township, N.J., is promoting its recently released Honeywell Prestige Deluxe Comfort Thermostat System Kit, which consists of a handheld thermostat and a wireless high-definition color touchscreen programmable thermostat. The system has a wireless outdoor sensor as well. Cost is $490, uninstalled.

Write to June Fletcher at fletcher.june@gmail.com