The buzz is back: KBIS/IBS Show revitalized

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Day two of the KBIS/Builder’s Show is set to begin here at Design & Construction week in Vegas. Day one was full of wonderful surprises — meeting old friends, and getting up to speed on some of the latest trends, products and technology. Last year kicked off the first of theses co-located shows, and since I had heard nothing but glowing reviews, I had to come see for myself. Before last year, however, the two shows independent of each other were floundering and this new format has infused life, energy, etc. into the shows.

“Co-locating our respective shows brought together every segment of the industry, advancing our collective professionalism and expertise,” said Kevin Kelly, chairman of NAHB and a home builder and developer from Wilmington, Del. “By extending this important relationship, we will continue to provide our attendees and exhibitors the best experiences and opportunities possible.”

I have to say the show on day 1 was as advertised. That buzz was back from shows 10-15 years ago. The attendance numbers were very good (awaiting final numbers, although the show is expected to draw more than 125,000 builders, dealers and suppliers, more than 300 members of the media, and 3,750 exhibiting brands) and the days of the bigger booths are back, a sign that manufacturers are willing to dip into their budgets for successful trade show formats. The only thing I would say is that the show may be a little too big. To walk this show in three days is nearly impossible, IMO.

While walking the show floor it was my mission to find some nuggets to share with our readers. Here is some of what I found on day one:

DSC_0003• From our friends at ClimateMaster, the Trilogy 45 Q-Mode geo heat pump, the first certified by AHRI to exceed 45 EER. It is connected to the iGate Smart Tank, a communicating water tank. The Trilogy delivers energy efficiency through precision components: variable speed compressor, variable speed fan and variable speed loop pump.

 

• The EcoNet from Rheem is a smart technology that will efficiently manage 65 percent of a home’s energy consumption. EcoNet is the first system to connect a home’s heating, cooling, and water heating systems through a central hub, making it easy for homeowners to conveniently manage energy usage and monitor diagnostics and maintenance schedules.

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The system uses a home’s existing WiFi connection to locate and link all compatible Rheem air and water products. Homeowners can then securely control these products through the free EcoNet mobile app on smartphones or tablets (both iOS and Android platforms), or a control center mounted in their home.

DSC_0021• Always a big hit at the K/BIS Show, Kohler did not disappoint, from showers/showerheads to bathroom and kitchen faucets. The DTV+ shower system integrates water, sound, steam and lighting elements to create true multi-sensory showering experiences. DTV+ features a new touch screen interface allowing the user to control and customize every facet of their showering experience. The icon-based interface is intuitive and consistent with today’s popular digital devices and up to three interfaces can be connected to the system providing flexibility for multiple users and/or applications.

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The new DTV+ modular platform allows users to decide how they want to control their DTV+ system and to choose exactly what elements they want to incorporate. Application flexibility has been increased as users are now able to select from a two-outlet, three-outlet or six-outlet digital valve to control water delivery. A further unique feature of DTV+ is the ability to add and control two valves on the system at the same time – providing the capability of delivering two different water temperatures for different outlets and showering configurations.

• FLIR was up to some new tricks with its FLIR C2, the first full-featured, pocket-sized thermal camera designed to help building professionals find and see hidden heat patterns that can clearly show where problems are, such as sources of energy waste, signs of structural defects, plumbing issues, and more.

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Its compact and slim design enables the C2 to fit comfortably into any pocket, available for immediate use to uncover invisible building issues and to show customers where potential problems are located. In fact, at 4.9 × 3.1 × 0.94 inches and .29 lbs., the sleek architecture makes the C2 the most convenient, full featured thermal camera to carry available on the market.

C2 Scanning Electrical Panel for Hot Breakers

 

The C2’s 4800-pixel resolution, high sensitivity detector captures and displays subtle thermal patterns and small temperature differences useful in building applications, and a wide 41° field-of-view frames in more of the scene, Plus, the C2 includes a built-in worklight and flash that helps illuminate poorly lit areas common in building inspection environments. The extra illumination also ensures that a brighter visible photo is able to be captured along with the C2’s thermal image.

• Consumers looking for modern styling and hands-free technology in a kitchen faucet now have two more options. Based on consumer demand, Moen is expanding its popular MotionSensetechnology to its STō andAlign pulldown kitchen faucets. Now, in addition to the Arbor® and Brantford collections, Moen’s MotionSense portfolio has the right style to meet any design need, from modern to transitional and traditional.

Faucets with MotionSense are perfect for when your hands are too full or too dirty to turn on the faucet, while also helping reduce the spread of germs. The faucets can be controlled in three unique ways:

  • The Wave Sensor at the top of the faucet starts and stops the water flow with a simple hand movement above the faucet.
  • The Ready Sensor near the base of the faucet identifies when an object – like a cup or the user’s hand – is placed beneath the spout. It runs water for as long as that item remains in range and automatically shuts off the flow as soon as the object is removed from the sensing zone. This is ideal for water savings, eliminating the possibility of leaving the faucet running when not in use.
  • The handle on the side of the faucet offers manual operation, letting users adjust flow and temperature even when in hands-free mode.
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•  Navien introduces its On-Demand Control Kit, a on demand DHW recirculation system for the NPE-A, which is 2013 California Title 24 Efficiency Standards compliant.

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