ProTerra®, industry’s most efficient water heater is now easier to install and service Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR solutions, has announced design upgrades to its award-winning ProTerra® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater line. The new design enhancements significantly reduce installation time for ProTerra – the most efficient hybrid electric water heater Read more
Industry News
ProTerra®, industry’s most efficient water heater is now easier to install and service
Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR solutions, has announced design upgrades to its award-winning ProTerra® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater line. The new design enhancements significantly reduce installation time for ProTerra – the most efficient hybrid electric water heater on the market.
“Building off the success of the ProTerra line, we have collaborated with a team of plumbers to add features that create a fast and flexible installation for the contractor, which result in additional cost savings for homeowners,” said James Courtney, director of product management, Rheem Manufacturing.
Available in 40-, 50-, 65- and 80-gallon sizes, the ProTerra models include quick install elements such as new top-of-the-tank water connections and a duct-ready design. Built-in Demand-Response-Ready EcoPort™ and Wi-Fi powered by Rheem’s EcoNet® technology provide additional smart features. The built-in LeakGuard™ system helps protect homes with a 360 degree leak detection and auto water shut-off valve.
ENERGY STAR® 5.0 certified, ProTerra uses up to 75% less energy compared to a standard electric water heater and qualifies for available local rebates and up to $2,000 in tax credits. Consumers can refer to the savings calculator https://www.rheem.com/hybrid-electric-heat-pump-water-heater-savings-calculator/ to learn more about saving with Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters.
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc., along with presenting sponsor A. O. Smith Corporation has pared-down the original 2024 Watch List to the nation’s Top Five quarterbacks. The candidates are selected by the distinguished Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, and former players. The Read more
The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc., along with presenting sponsor A. O. Smith Corporation has pared-down the original 2024 Watch List to the nation’s Top Five quarterbacks.
The candidates are selected by the distinguished Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, and former players. The award annually recognizes the top senior or upperclassman quarterback set to graduate with their class. Candidates are chosen based on player performance on-and-off the field.
2024 Golden Arm Award Top 5 Presented by A. O. Smith
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss – Jaxson Dart’s 3,409 yards is second-best among FBS quarterbacks in 2024 and includes a game of 515 yards and six touchdowns in a win against Arkansas. So far this season, he’s completed 211 of 298 passes (71%) for 22 touchdowns, while gaining 304 yards rushing with three TDs for the 8-2 Rebels.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon – Dillon Gabriel has led the 10-0 Ducks to the top of the polls in the team’s first season as part of the Big Ten conference. He has completed 237 of320 passes (74%) for 2,848 yards and 22 touchdowns, while adding another six scores rushing. In Oregon’s win over Maryland, Gabriel passed for his 179th TD to become the all-time career leader among FBS quarterbacks.
Kurtis Rourke, Indiana – Kurtis Rourke, a transfer from Ohio University, has helped lead the 10-0 Hoosiers to the best start in school history and a current fifth-place ranking in the AP Poll. For the season, Rourke has passed for 2,410 yards, completing 171 of 238 passes (72%). He has accounted for 21 passing and 2 rushing TDs for Indiana.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado – Along with his head-coach father Deion, and defensive-back brother Shilo, Shedeur Sanders has ushered in a football revival for the 7-2 Buffaloes. Before transferring to Colorado, Sanders led Jackson State to back-to-back SWAC titles at the FCS school. In games this year, the senior has completed 250 of 343 passes (72%) for 2,882 yards and 24 touchdowns. He also has four rushing TDs.
Cam Ward, Miami – In leading the Hurricanes to a 9-1 record, Cam Ward is currently the top passer among FBS quarterbacks with 3,494 yards. He has three games this season in which he’s passed for 400 or more yards. On the year, he is 241 of 361 (67%) with 32 touchdowns. He has also scored three TDs rushing and one as a receiver.
The namesake of the Golden Arm Award has a storied history. Johnny Unitas was an 18-year veteran of the NFL, who played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville before joining the Baltimore Colts in 1958. His career passing figures include 2,830 pass completions for 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns and throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.
This year’s award winner will be presented the Golden Arm Award trophy at the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award celebration the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Giving life to the commitment to give back, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and presenting sponsor A. O. Smith continue to promote football on all levels by providing financial aid to deserving young scholar athletes.
Sharing a tradition of innovation with Johnny Unitas, who invented football’s two-minute drill, A. O. Smith has been an innovator in its industry for 150 years. What began as a small machine shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1874, has evolved into a leading global water technology company committed to improving the lives of its customers by ensuring access to clean, safe, hot water.
In addition, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award has been naming a Player of the Week each week to showcase their remarkable talents. This recognition is a testament to the player’s outstanding performance where he showcased outstanding skill, leadership, and poise on the field. Their impressive performances demonstrated their ability to excel under pressure, leading a game-winning drive in the final minutes.
2024 Golden Arm Award Player of the Week:
Week 1: Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Week 2: Cade Klubnik, Clemson
Week 3: Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Week 4: Cam Ward, Miami
Week 5: Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Week 6: Cam Ward, Miami
Week 7: Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Week 8: Cam Ward, Miami
Week 9: Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Week 10: Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
Week 11: Quinn Ewers, Texas
For more information on the Golden Arm Award, please visit: Golden Arm Award. Additionally, follow the conversation throughout the college football season on Twitter, @GoldenArmAward, and use the hashtags #GoldenArmAward and #InnovationLeaders.
Sponsors of the Golden Arm Award Presented by A. O. Smith Corporation include: MedStar Sports Medicine, The Babe Ruth Museum, Comcast, Dunbar Security Solutions, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, Haddock Investments, Silver Star Properties, HMS Insurance Associates, Inc., Milwaukee Tool, Encore, TRAY, AE2 Creative, Wolf Professional Security, Jostens, and Extraordinar Luxury Transportation.
New Sites Will Improve Customer Response Time Ariston USA, a part of Ariston Group, announced the opening of four new regional distribution centers across the United States that improve response time and enhance contractor support for HTP and American Standard Water Heaters customers. Ariston’s new distribution centers in Seattle, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicagoland will bring Read more
New Sites Will Improve Customer Response Time
Ariston USA, a part of Ariston Group, announced the opening of four new regional distribution centers across the United States that improve response time and enhance contractor support for HTP and American Standard Water Heaters customers.
Ariston’s new distribution centers in Seattle, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Chicagoland will bring the total number to eight. Additional distribution centers were already operational in New Bedford, Mass.; Laredo, Texas; Bluffdale, Utah and Ontario, Calif.
The new locations will stock limited quantities based on market needs. They will also allow contractors and wholesalers quicker access to key products and smaller quantity orders, thus reducing freight costs and lead times.
The new locations will also enable customers quicker access to 7th-generation heat pump water heaters. Ariston plans to continue its approach with regional distribution centers to provide more timely and efficient service to its clients.
Contractors should contact their local representative or Ariston Regional Sales Manager with any questions or requests to improve access to our products.
For more information, visit the Ariston Group website at www.aristongroup.com.
New Bio Bidet survey reveals that more consumers than ever before have bidets on their holiday lists
Bio Bidet by Bemis, a leading manufacturer and retailer of bidet toilet seats and attachments, today announced findings from its 2024 survey, opening the lid on rising consumer sentiment around bidets. The holiday equals bidets for more consumers The survey found that overall bidet sentiment and popularity continues to increase — just in time for Read more
Bio Bidet by Bemis, a leading manufacturer and retailer of bidet toilet seats and attachments, today announced findings from its 2024 survey, opening the lid on rising consumer sentiment around bidets.
The holiday equals bidets for more consumers
The survey found that overall bidet sentiment and popularity continues to increase — just in time for the holidays. In fact, 48% of people said they would buy or would consider buying a bidet or bidet attachment as a holiday gift this year, up from 38% in 2022.
Of the generations, younger consumers are paving the way for buying bidets. Gen Z was found most likely to consider purchasing a bidet or bidet attachment as holiday gifts this year.
Younger consumers have bidet FOMO
The rise in bidets as a holiday gift coincides with growing consumer interest in trying bidets — 58% of consumers are willing to try a bidet. Younger consumers are leading the pack for trying bidets, with 71% of millennials and 69% of Gen Z most likely to check them out.
Although most people want to try a bidet, many still haven’t pulled the lever. Seventy-four percent of consumers haven’t used a bidet yet. Gen X and baby boomers are the generations most likely to have never used a bidet at 78% and 82%, respectively.
It’s all about the bidet experience for consumers
Another reason for bidets’ growing popularity is the experience that comes with using one, thanks to features like warm water, a heated seat and a night light.
Consumers’ favorite bidet features include:
- Durable quality – 51%
- Nice design – 48%
- Warm water – 47%
- Multiple washing patterns – 42%
- Night light – 72%
- Easy installation – 53%
The easy installation of bidets also points to a trend among bidet owners: They’re more DIY inclined. The data shows that 65% of bidet owners have started or completed home improvement projects this year versus only 39% of people who don’t own bidets. Even when things go down the drain with their plumbing, 79% of bidet owners are very or somewhat comfortable handling the task themselves, like replacing a faucet or toilet.
“The results continue to exhibit an increase in not only bidet familiarity, but DIY savviness, too,” said Spencer Christian, marketing manager at Bio Bidet. “The customer satisfaction rate related to bidet purchases is landing them on more and more wish lists every holiday season, and this year is no exception.”
Bio Bidet offers fully featured bidet toilet seats for all households starting as low as $199. Visit biobidet.com to learn more about bidets and explore an assortment of leading products, including the new app-enabled BB-1200.
Acquisition Lays Foundation for Fieldpiece APAC Expansion Fieldpiece Instruments, the leading manufacturer of HVACR tool and test instruments, has announced the acquisition of its Australian master distributor, Fieldpiece Australia, based outside of Sydney. The acquisition establishes a direct corporate presence in Australia and a foundation for further expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2001, Steve Read more
Acquisition Lays Foundation for Fieldpiece APAC Expansion
Fieldpiece Instruments, the leading manufacturer of HVACR tool and test instruments, has announced the acquisition of its Australian master distributor, Fieldpiece Australia, based outside of Sydney. The acquisition establishes a direct corporate presence in Australia and a foundation for further expansion in the Asia-Pacific region.
Since 2001, Steve and Vicki Hartelust have owned and operated Fieldpiece Australia and had tremendous success introducing, positioning, and growing the brand. The Hartelusts’ decision to retire and sell the distributorship aligned directly with Fieldpiece’s global growth initiatives. They will aid the transition over the coming months as Fieldpiece integrates the business and hires a local management team.
“We are thankful to the Hartelusts for their dedication to the brand and the excellent job they have done building the market over the last 20 plus years,” said Jim Gregorec, vice president of business development and licensing for Fieldpiece. He continued, “We’re eager to build on what they started by installing a local team and further exploring APAC opportunities.”
Fieldpiece is actively seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager, located in Australia, to lead the new center of excellence and drive the next phase of growth. This role will be pivotal in steering strategic initiatives and overseeing daily operations. For more information, see the position listing on fieldpiece.com/careers.