Efficiency is becoming a huge issue for people in this rough economy. At the Annual International Builders Show in Las Vegas, manufacturers are showing off some of their new “green” innovations that are designed to save energy — meaning MONEY — and the environment. I found a great article about this in the Wall Street Journal, from which I pulled these highlights.

• Solar HVAC: Lennox Industries is showing the industry’s first integrated solar-assisted heating, cooling and ventilation system for homes. It uses a small mounted solar panel, which can reduce the need for electricity to run the system. The system will be available in March, and will be about $2,000 to $3,000 more than traditional systems (which can run into the $10,000s).
• Super-Efficient Fridge: Whirlpool is introducing its latest in its line of Resource Saver products, which is a side-by-side refrigerator that the company claims exceeds Energy Star standards by 10% and uses the equivalent of a 60-watt light bulb. This product will also be available around March at a suggested retail price of $2,099.
• Electronic Fan: Tamarack Technologies has released the Airetrak Advantage electronic control system, which is designed to replace the traditional bathroom fan and light wall switch with a programmable unit. It turns the fan into a whole-house ventilation system. It can be purchased from tamtech.com for $79. The company recommends using a licensed electrician for install.
• Wireless Thermostats: Honeywell International is promoting its Prestige Deluxe Comfort Thermostat System kit, which consists of a hand held thermostat and a wireless high-definition color touchscreen programmable thermostat. It also has a wireless outdoor sensor. The system runs $490 (without install).

To read the entire article, visit http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123211613170390263.html
Check out the Builders Show website

Related...

• April 20, 2010 -- Five Creative Ways to Go Green
• December 4, 2009 -- 3153 Fender Rd., Melbourne, KY 41059
• November 4, 2009 -- New Recycling Guidelines in Cincinnati
• November 3, 2009 -- A Big Part of the Small House Movement