Product Spotlight

Designed to use one-third the electricity of traditional residential electric water heaters, new product ensures dependable, efficient hot-water delivery.

Noritz America, a leader in tankless water heaters and high-efficiency combination boilers, recently previewed its new, ENERGY STAR-certified Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater for residential domestic hot water applications.

Making its debut in Chicago at the 2024 AHR Expo in January, this newest addition to the Noritz offering consumes up to one-third of the electricity required by a standard residential electric water heater with a resistive element, yet maintains the same level of hot-water delivery. The “hybrid” designation denotes the inclusion of dual 4.5-kilowatt electric elements positioned at the top and bottom of the tank to provide backup water heating or accelerate recovery times when necessary.

Set for an official launch on July 1, the new Hybrid Electric Heat Pump unit efficiently transfers heat from air to water, resulting in substantial energy savings for consumers seeking to reduce their utility bills. The Hybrid Electric Heat Pump is eligible for government rebates of up to $3,000, the kind of incentive that has made heat pump installations so attractive for both contractors and homeowners.

Handling hot water temperatures ranging from 50°F to 160°F, the product will be available in four sizes, with the model numbers here indicating the gallon storage volumes: (NHP50, NHP65, NHP80, and NHP120). The 120-gallon model, still a rarity in today’s market, is available by special order. UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) ratings range up to 3.48, highlighting its energy efficiency when compared to similar products in the market.

“At Noritz, our dedication to providing our customers with diverse water heating solutions drives our innovation,” explains Jason Fleming, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Noritz America. “The introduction of the Hybrid Electric Heat Pump not only addresses recent market and regulatory shifts nationwide, but also offers a product designed to save energy, lower maintenance and operating expenses for customers, and streamline installations and servicing for contractors.”

Key Features

• Cement lining: The specially formulated cement lining of the unit’s storage tank is designed to prevent the corrosive effects of hot water. By negating the need for a sacrificial anode rod, the lining all but eliminates maintenance requirements and the necessity for regular checks. (Neglecting to replace the anode rod can lead to premature tank failure in a conventional electric water heater.)
• Five operating modes: The Hybrid Electric Heat Pump offers users five different ways to operate the unit, depending upon user demand and current conditions: hybrid (standard), electric only, heat pump only, super (for high-demand situations), and vacation.
• First Hour Rating: The Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater’s first hour ratings are 58 gallons (NHP50), 70 gallons (NHP65), 86 gallons (NHP80), and 105 (NHP120).
• High-pressure rating: The unit has a pressure rating of 150 pounds per square inch (psi) WP and 300 psi TP. A temperature and pressure relief valve comes with the unit, pre-installed.
• Warranties: The cement-lined tank and all parts are covered by ten years of protection, plus a one-year warranty on reasonable labor.
• Approvals include AHRI, UL1995, CSA 22.2 No. 236, Low Lead.

For more information on the new Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater, visit: https://noritz.com/heatpump/

Deliver the Power to Shower 

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions, the industry’s largest supplier of cleaner water solutions for drinking water, hygiene and sustainable water management, launched the new Zurn Wilkins 600XL3 and 625XL3 Pressure Reducing Valves.

The Zurn Wilkins 600XL3 and 625XL3 Pressure Reducing Valves are the best way to always have the water pressure you want. These valves use venturi technology to keep ideal water pressure at higher flow rates, so you get more consistent pressure than competing valves.

For leading performance, the 600XL3 and 625XL3 reduce pressure loss over the entire flow range, making specification and sizing easier, as well as improving the user experience. Cost-effective repair kits and cartridge design help to significantly reduce lifecycle costs.

For a drop-in install, the short lay length fits within tight spaces and the double union option offers jobsite flexibility. The lay length of the 600XL3 is the same as the 600XL, and the lay length of the 625XL3 is the same as the 625XL and similar competitor competing valves. Stainless steel internals extend the product lifespan by resisting corrosion, and the all-bronze body and bell provide enduring strength. The enhanced sealing of the strainer access port reduces the potential for leaks while ensuring the valves are suitable for systems that require frequent cleaning.

Ahead of the (Flow) Curve

The Zurn Wilkins 600XL3 and 625XL3 lead the competition in flow performance in their class. The 1″ Zurn Wilkins 600XL3 has a 12 PSI pressure advantage when compared to the leading competitor at the typical plumbing design flow rate limit (8ft/s)

To learn more about Zurn’s pressure reducing valves, visit our website or contact your Zurn Elkay Sales Representative today.

Ariston USA, a part of Ariston Group, has introduced the HTP EVERLAST Light Duty, a new electric water heater for the commercial market.

The Everlast Light Duty includes a range of distinguishing features. It can be converted from single phase to 3-phase power and/or simultaneous operation to non-simultaneous. A terminal block allows for easy phase or operational conversions in the field, and lightweight construction with high-quality 316L stainless steel makes the EVERLAST Light Duty easier to handle than glass-lined competitors.

Two low watt-density titanium heating elements ensure longer element life, and fully automatic surface mounted high temperature thermostats allow for simple and reliable adjustability up to 181˚ F. A factory-installed brass drain valve helps create fast and easy draining.

The 277-volt unit has 12,200-watt input and meets or exceeds the standby loss requirements of the U.S. Department of Energy. It is AHRI certified and listed, NSF certified and includes 2+ inches of California compliant low-GWP foam insulation. The EVERLAST Light Duty includes an industry-leading 10-year warranty out of the box on the tank and one year warranty on components.

For more information about Ariston products, visit https://www.htproducts.com/everlast-light-duty-commercial-water-heater.html

Legend Valve, a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality plumbing,
valves, and fittings, is excited to announce the launch of its latest innovation, the ClearLOC™ push to-connect Fitting System.

ClearLOC™ offers the fastest installation method among push-to-connect fittings systems. Simply cut the tube, insert it into the fitting, and push to confirm the connection. This streamlined method ensures efficiency and reliability for plumbing professionals.

The ClearLOC™ Fitting System features an advanced engineered transparent PPSU (polyphenylsulfone) resin, the same as standard plastic PEX fittings. However, ClearLOC sets itself apart with its transparent body and Stainless-Steel end connection points. The transparent body lets plumbers visually verify the connection point, ensuring the tube reaches the integrated stop.

ClearLOC installs 50% faster by eliminating the need to measure tube insertion depth. ClearLOC is compatible with PE-RT / PEX, CPVC, and Copper tube sizes from 1/2”, 3/4”, to 1”. The fittings system is a fully removable and reusable. Use a standard push-fit removal tool to push the release collar inward to remove the fitting. Once depressed, the collar allows for easy removal of the tube.

ClearLOC is available starting May 21st, 2024, at your nearest plumbing wholesaler.

With over 35 years of experience, Legend Valve is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. The company continues to be an industry leader in developing new products that meet the evolving needs of plumbing professionals.

“We are thrilled to introduce the ClearLOC™ Fitting System to the market,” said Jeff Shreiner, VP Sales for Legend. “This product represents a significant advancement in plumbing technology, with a 50% faster installation than traditional push-fit fittings.”

For more information about ClearLOC™, please contact:
Wade A. Tennant
Director of Marketing,
Wade.tennant@legendvalve.com
248-630-7400