5 Energy Efficiency Innovations From the 2023 International Builders’ Show
Updated: Feb. 14, 2023Energy efficiency and sustainability were major themes at IBS 2023. Here are some new construction products that do the job in efficient and sustainable ways.
LG Appliances and Home8
LG had a large presence at the 2023 International Builders’ Show (IBS 2023), showing off a wide collection of new home appliances. It introduced a new residential system connecting all these appliances that LG calls “Home8.”
Basically, it’s an energy storage system that allows homes to create energy reserves and pull from them during times of peak electricity costs. This system works with existing infrastructure to provide homeowners with efficient, clean and reliable energy.
GE Profile UltraFast Combo
Winner of the “Best Home Technology Product” at IBS 2023, the GE Profile UltraFast Combo all-in-one washer/dryer gives homeowners better cleaning and more efficient energy consumption.
Its high-airflow ventless drying system means this unit doesn’t need venting. It can be set up in any room with access to water and a 120-volt power source. The system also delivers 50 percent more energy-efficient drying than required for Energy Star certification.
ProTerra Plug-In Heat Pump
If you’re looking to replace an old gas-powered water heater, the ProTerra Plug-in Heat Pump should be one of your first alternatives. Its standard tank footprint and 120v plug-in make it incredibly simple to install. It’s also simple to use, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi technology that gives homeowners precise control over their water temperatures and a way to track energy usage.
Span Drive
The Span Drive took home the award for “Best Energy Efficient Product” at IBS 2023. It’s an electric vehicle charger that works as an accessory to the company’s popular home electrical panel.
In most cases, installing a powerful EV charger in a garage requires upgrading the electrical service. But the Span Drive bypasses that problem, providing fast and efficient charging without any expensive electrical changes.
Lennox S40 Smart Thermostat
Energy efficiency in a home stops and starts with the thermostat. Lennox’s S40 Smart Thermostat gives homeowners complete control over their environment.
Using advanced digital controls, the S40 constantly communicates with heating and cooling units so they can work as precisely and efficiently as possible. The system takes in a wide range of information, including weather data and whether the homeowners are in the house, then adjusts temperatures accordingly to eliminate wasteful energy consumption.