2017 Inspiration Home Showcases New Technology
Find Ideas and Inspiration at the Birmingham Home and Garden 2017 Inspiration Home
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The Inspiration Home will be open to the public with tours available November 2-26. |
Smart home features to look out for:
- Low-Cost Water Heating
The 2017 Inspiration Home is installed with a Rheem Professional Prestige Series 80-gallon water heater, which is 2-3 times more efficient than a standard gas storage tank water heater. This heat pump water heater is 350 percent efficient, compared to a rate of 90-100 efficiency found in other gas and electric water heaters. In addition to energy savings, it provides homeowners more control of their energy use, even when they’re away from home. It features an LCD display, built-in water sensor alert with audible alarm and EcoNet® WiFi- connected technology. A mobile app gives users control over the water system, as well as customizable temperature control with energy savings mode and vacation mode and a water sensor that detects water outside the unit and sends alerts via the free Rheem EcoNet® mobile app.
- Quality Air Efficiency
Heat pumps are really a misnomer – because they cool in the summer and heat in the winter. The Inspiration Home is equipped with an all-electric Trane XR14 heat pump and PRO1 zoned duct system. The heat pump adjusts itself while maintaining constant and consistent speeds that avoid temperature swings in the home with Trane’s Climatuff® Variable Speed Compressor. With the zoning duct system, various areas of the home can be set at different temperatures from the same unit with WiFi-enabled remote access.
- Dehumidification that works
Many people don’t realize that humidity is as much of a factor as temperature when evaluating the comfort of one’s home. Once humidity is under control, the homeowner can be comfortable at a higher temperature, thus allowing the heat pump to work more efficiently. In addition to the discomfort that humidity brings, mold, mildew and odors can also creep into the home. The Inspiration Home is equipped with an all-electric Aprilaire whole-house dehumidifier that draws humidity out of the air as it passes through the duct work.
- Insulation matters
Adding attic insulation and sealing air leaks around windows and doors are beneficial ways to increase a home’s energy efficiency and comfort level. Spray foam insulation is used in the Inspiration Home’s exterior walls, roof and attic to reach peak efficiency. Additionally, the home’s tall glass windows low e-2 366 glass limit the amount of UV and radiant heat coming into the house, keeping inside temperatures more constant.
Take a Tour
Tours are open to the public Nov. 2-26, during the following days and times:
- Thursday and Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The home is located at 4282 Glasscott Crossing, Birmingham, AL 35226.
For more information about new technologies and energy savings, visit www.smartneighbor.com.
