The 2016 International Builders’ Show (IBS) is in the books and the show from all accounts was another huge success. Mechanical Hub was there and we bring you info straight from the trade show floor.
Rheem announced an integration facilitating Rheem EcoNet-enabled water heaters to work with the Nest Learning Thermostat.
Heating, cooling and water heating systems dominate residential utility bills and combined account for more than 65% of a home’s energy use. A home’s water heating system alone is about 20% of that total, so regulating it can amount to significant savings each year.
Through the integration, when the Nest Thermostat is set to Away mode, EcoNet-enabled water heaters will go into an energy-efficient operating mode to reduce the amount of energy the water heater uses and help save money on utility bills. Rheem’s line of EcoNet-enabled Electric and Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters now work with Nest. In addition, the company has plans to add its EcoNet-enabled gas water heaters to the program in 2016. All Rheem EcoNet-enabled water heaters can be purchased through The Home Depot.
“Our goal when we created the EcoNet system was to build a series of best-in-class relationships with forward-thinking companies like Nest who are dedicated to making smart homes easy to operate. We want to give as many consumers as possible the opportunity to make their homes more energy efficient,” said Bill Alderson, Director of Marketing for Rheem Manufacturing. “The Works With Nest program is one of the most comprehensive platforms in the connected home space, so we are pleased to add a smart water heating solution to their list of compatible products.”
Rheem introduced EcoNet in 2015. It is a smart system that homeowners to manage high-efficiency, EcoNet-enabled Rheem and Ruud products from anywhere through a free mobile app or a wall-mounted Control Center. EcoNet also notifies homeowners when their equipment needs service through maintenance alerts available through the EcoNet app.
Rheem is also working on some 2016 prototypes for its H2AC system, which offers heat reclamation from its AC units to preheat water heaters.
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