American Standard is answering the call for safer, cleaner water in the home with the introduction of its new, easy-to-install filtration products for kitchen and bath: the American Standard Filtered Kitchen Faucet and Filtered 4-Spray Hand Shower Rail System. Engineered to enhance well-being and provide easy access to safe filtered water, the American Standard Filtered Read more
Product Spotlight
American Standard is answering the call for safer, cleaner water in the home with the introduction of its new, easy-to-install filtration products for kitchen and bath: the American Standard Filtered Kitchen Faucet and Filtered 4-Spray Hand Shower Rail System. Engineered to enhance well-being and provide easy access to safe filtered water, the American Standard Filtered Kitchen Faucet is an essential for homeowners who want to ensure their space is a safe haven, reducing 99.7 percent of lead, 96.9 percent of chlorine and 92.6 percent of class I particulates[1], while the new Filtered Shower System helps promote healthier skin and hair by reducing chlorine levels by at least 50 percent[2]. Both products are now available for purchase directly on www.americanstandard.com.
A Safe, Convenient Solution at Your Fingertips
Home is supposed to be a safe space, providing comfort and security during even the most uncertain times. But how can we protect ourselves and our families from hidden dangers in the household, like lead lurking in the water flowing from the kitchen faucet? Lead, which can make its way into the water we drink due to old pipes and plumbing systems – whether within the home itself or from a home’s main water source, is a major concern in drinking water. The American Standard Filtered Kitchen Faucet brings a big benefit to the kitchen table: the confidence that comes with knowing the water you and your family are consuming is clean and safe filtered water1,2.
The sleek, contemporary American Standard Filtered Kitchen Faucet makes access to filtered water for drinking or cooking easy and convenient via the push of a button on the spray head while greatly reducing lead (99.7 percent), chlorine (96.9 percent) and class I particulates (92.6 percent) that affect water quality. Its innovative design features two separate water channels within, ensuring the regular tap water has no chance of mixing with the filtered water, and allows the filter to be installed above-deck in the countertop or inside the cabinet wall. Both options save homeowners valuable storage space under the sink by providing an ultra-effective filtration system without the added bulk. The easy-to-access activated carbon filter also means that switching out the filter super simple, no matter which installation option you choose.
With the faucet’s lever handle, homeowners can use ordinary tap water for things like doing the dishes or washing their hands, helping to extend the life of the filter. Additional features and benefits include:
- LED indicator to alert users when the filter needs changing or if the battery is low
- 300 gallons of fresh drinking water per filter, lasting three to six months on average – delivering over seven times more fresh drinking water than ordinary filter water pitchers[3]
- Environmentally friendly solution that reduces reliance on plastic water bottles – with one filter providing the same amount of clean drinking water as 2,795 16.9-ounce plastic bottles
- Pull-down, dual-function spray head with toggle to easily switch from stream to a powerful spray
- Re-Trax technology for smooth operation and convenient spray head retraction
- Dock-Tite magnetic docking system to securely hold spray head in place
- Ceramic disc valve to ensure drip-free dependability and performance for life
- Limited lifetime warranty
The American Standard Filtered Kitchen Faucet is available for $279.99 and comes in choice of Polished Chrome or Stainless Steel finish, with replacement filters available for $45. For more information or to purchase, visit https://try.americanstandard.com/filtration-kitchen-faucet/.
A Shower Your Skin Will Savor
Know what’s raining down from the showerhead in addition to a luxurious cascade of water? Chlorine is commonly found in tap water, meaning chlorinated water is likely making its way into people’s daily showers. Chlorine can lead to skin irritation, dry hair or eye irritation, deprive the body of natural oils — resulting in dry, damaged hair and skin, and cause color-treated hair to fade faster.
Since bathing in bottled water is not exactly practical, American Standard has introduced a new, easy-to-install filtered shower system to help lower those chlorine levels. The American Standard Filtered 4-Spray Hand Shower Rail System reduces chlorine levels in the shower by at least 50 percent2, helping achieve more beautiful, soft and hydrated skin and hair – along with peace of mind.
Like the other products in American Standard’s Spectra line, the American Standard Filtered 4-Spray Hand Shower Rail System is practical, adaptable and offers multipurpose functionality. Features and benefits include:
- Sleek system installs in minutes using existing plumbing
- Highly effective, integrated filter built into the rail, making it easy to unscrew for a quick change when needed and eliminating the need for a bulky add-on filter
- Filters 5,000 gallons of water per filter, lasting approximately 4 months depending on usage
- Adjustable, easy-glide holder to customize showerhead height and angle
- AquaToggle feature allows for an effortless switch between spray functions with just one hand
- Four satisfying spray options—Drench, full body coverage; Sensitive, soft, gentle spray; PowerWash, invigorating spray; Massage, pulsating, stress relieving spray
- Extra-long metal shower hose to give full access to the entire shower
- WaterSense certified
The American Standard Filtered 4-Spray Hand Shower Rail System SRP is $179.99, with finish options including Polished Chrome and Brushed Nickel, and replacement filters are $35 each. To learn more or purchase the shower system, visit https://try.americanstandard.com/filtration-shower/.
Just in time for summer renovating, AquaPlumb®, part of the H2 Brands Group, introduces its new line of plumbing products that will meet the needs of consumers looking to update their homes with high-quality, affordable plumbing fixtures. AquaPlumb’s newly developed assortment has fresh designs in popular finishes that will appeal to those customers looking for Read more
Just in time for summer renovating, AquaPlumb®, part of the H2 Brands Group, introduces its new line of plumbing products that will meet the needs of consumers looking to update their homes with high-quality, affordable plumbing fixtures.
AquaPlumb’s newly developed assortment has fresh designs in popular finishes that will appeal to those customers looking for the transitional, contemporary, or traditional styles that instantly give a new look to kitchens and bathrooms.
“Current kitchen and bathroom trends indicate that people are remodeling their homes with modern styles and designs,” said Eric Gundersen, Sr. Product Director, Plumbing. “Whether it is the Baby Boomers updating their empty nests or the young Millennials setting up their first homes, homeowners are looking for the quality plumbing fixtures that we proudly offer, fixtures that are beautifully designed, expertly made, and affordably priced.”
The 2020 AquaPlumb line includes kitchen and bathroom faucets, showers, and decorative bathroom accessories. Kitchen faucets are available in pull-down, pull-out, high arc, and semi-pro styles and in several finishes such as satin nickel, chrome, and polished or brushed stainless steel. Four distinctly designed bathroom faucets are two handled and come in either chrome or satin nickel finishes. A variety of showers include hand-held showers, 6-spray shower heads, and both round and square 8-inch rain showerheads.
Finally, two styles of decorative bathroom accessories are available; the Contemporary program in satin nickel finish and the Traditional program in oil rubbed bronze finish. Both include 24-inch and 18-inch towel bars, towel rings, paper holders, and robe hooks.
The downloadable catalog is available at AquaPlumb Product Catalogue.
As more and more states and cities across the US are reopening, many HVAC/R installers are facing new rules and regulations on the job that will make it even harder to catch up on backlogs created by project delays, including both new construction and retrofit/replacement. While new COVID-19 workplace guidelines vary by state and municipality Read more
As more and more states and cities across the US are reopening, many HVAC/R
installers are facing new rules and regulations on the job that will make it even
harder to catch up on backlogs created by project delays, including both new
construction and retrofit/replacement.
While new COVID-19 workplace guidelines vary by state and municipality, most will share an emphasis on:
- Staggering work by trades to reduce the number of people on site at the same time
- Practicing established social distancing guidelines
- Wearing personal protective equipment like masks and gloves
- Following required personal hygiene practices
The specifics of the new rules will vary, but they will all result in projects taking
longer. Fortunately, there’s one sure way to overcome some of these new challenges, and to make up for lost time: using RLS flame-free press fittings rather than brazing. Here are a few reasons why:
- RLS fittings connect in 10 seconds, so you can get the job done faster.
- No flames mean no fire spotters, so less people are on the job at one time.
- Brazing in a mask – especially in summer heat – will be very uncomfortable.
In addition to the speed and ease of RLS press fittings, they also make the job site safer by removing the fire hazards of flammable gas – which also eliminates the time, trouble and cost of burn permits.
Although some of the benefits are new, RLS press fittings are not. They are the
original, patented, proven HVAC/R press-to-connect fittings that were introduced in 2015 and have been installed successfully millions of times. They are fully registered and listed to UL 207 for pressures up to 700 psi.
This proven alternative already helps HVAC/R contractors work faster and more efficiently. Now it can help them succeed in an environment no one could have anticipated just a few months ago. Learn more at www.rapidlockingsystem.com.
North America’s most efficient water heater qualifies for the highest level of energy rebates and can save homeowners hundreds of dollars upon purchase. Rheem recently unveiled the industry’s most efficient hybrid electric water heater. Named ProTerra™ for its unmatched efficiencies, this ENERGY STAR® certified water heater from Rheem is over 400 percent more efficient compared to Read more
North America’s most efficient water heater qualifies for the highest level of energy rebates and can save homeowners hundreds of dollars upon purchase.
Rheem recently unveiled the industry’s most efficient hybrid electric water heater. Named ProTerra™ for its unmatched efficiencies, this ENERGY STAR® certified water heater from Rheem is over 400 percent more efficient compared to any standard electric tank-type water heater in market and is more eco-friendly than ever at up to 4.0 UEF.
“Rheem is committed to developing cutting-edge products that benefit end-users and our environment,” said Ankur Maheshwari, senior product manager, Rheem. “Our top-of-the-line ProTerra water heater can save homeowners money upon purchase in the form of a $300 federal tax credit, and because the system requires minimal power to operate, its carbon footprint is the lowest in its class.”
The ProTerra’s compact design makes it a perfect tank replacement for even the home’s smallest spaces. The system is available in the widest selection of gallon sizes in its category – 40, 50, 65, 80 – to support various hot water needs, and the ProTerra with LeakGuard™ model is now the industry’s only hybrid water heater with built-in leak detection and auto-shutoff that limits water loss from the tank to no more than 20 ounces. LeakGuard protects the home against water damage, providing peace of mind for end-users.
This all-new hybrid water heater also has Rheem’s exclusive EcoNet® Wifi technology built in. Once connected through the EcoNet mobile app, users can monitor the system from any location, adjust water temperatures for controlled comfort and receive maintenance alerts to ensure the system continues to run smoothly without interruption. Additionally, through the EcoNet mobile app, users can access Rheem’s Hot Water Availability feature which indicates how much hot water is available in the tank, preventing any cold shower surprises. Other advanced features include scheduling around peak electricity rates, an energy usage tracker to manage consumption without sacrificing comfort and five operating modes to balance between energy usage and hot water availability.
Plumbers can access detailed system diagnostics through Rheem’s Contractor App, which shortens service visits and improves credibility in the field. The ProTerra has all serviceable components on the front of the unit, which also saves plumbers valuable time on a jobsite. Another benefit to plumbers is the unit’s zero clearance requirement on the sides. This makes earthquakes straps easy to install, providing an extra benefit in California where earthquake straps are code.
“Our ProTerra hybrid water heater is not only the most efficient water heater available, it is also NEEA Tier 4 certified and comes with CTA 2045 adaptor with full Demand Response capability out of the box,” said Scott Cohen, Senior Manager, Rheem. “This level of product efficiency is Rheem’s ongoing priority when developing new innovations and supports the company’s “Greater Degree of Good” sustainability initiative which includes reducing GHG emissions by 50 percent.”
The ProTerra qualifies for the highest level of energy rebates, will save homeowners up to nearly $500 in annual energy costs[1] and will pay for itself within two years[2]. For more information on utility rebates, ask your local utility provider and visit www.rheem.com/hybrid.
[1]Based on comparison against the estimated annual operating cost of a standard electric water heater of like capacity manufactured prior to 2015 under NAECA II which is likely being replaced.
[2]Based on purchase price and energy cost savings of a 50-gallon Hybrid Electric Water Heater with 3.55 UEF (3.50 EF) over a 50-gallon standard residential electric water heater with a 0.93 UEF (0.95 EF).
Taco Comfort Solutions® has expanded their family of easy to use, high-efficiency ECM circulators with the addition of the 0034e™ and 0034ePlus™ models. With a maximum of 34 feet of head and 50 gpm, the new circulators offer up to 85% energy savings over a conventional circulator. These circulators are available with cast iron or Read more
Taco Comfort Solutions® has expanded their family of easy to use, high-efficiency ECM circulators with the addition of the 0034e™ and 0034ePlus™ models. With a maximum of 34 feet of head and 50 gpm, the new circulators offer up to 85% energy savings over a conventional circulator.
These circulators are available with cast iron or NSF/ANSI 61 & 372 certified stainless steel volutes, so they are ideal for closed-loop heating systems as well as domestic hot water recirculation systems. Both circulators also offer a convenient, rotatable control box cover for a professional look, no matter the orientation of the installed circulator.
The 0034e features an easy-to-use dial with five operating modes, including constant pressure, fixed speed, Taco’s exclusive activeADAPT™ self-adjusting proportional pressure, and 0-10V capability. The 0034ePlus adds proportional pressure and more constant pressure settings as well as a digital display with real-time feedback, including watts, GPM, feet of head, and RPM. Both circulators are dual-voltage 115V/230V.
Both new circulators come with exclusive features that make Taco’s ECM high-efficiency circulators so easy to use, including SureStart® automatic unblocking and air purging, BIO Barrier® black iron oxide protection, dual electrical knockouts, six-inch stranded leads, recessed flange nut-grabbers and double insulation so no ground wire is needed.
For more information, visit www.TacoComfort.com