LEFT: Richard
Trethewey
explains how the
copper heat
exchanger in a
tankless water
heater transfers
the heat from
a gas fl ame to
the water
fl owing through
the tubing.
Smart Tech
Since the introduction of
the iPhone in 2007, the move to
wirelessly connect phone apps
to the systems and appliances in
a home has steadily accelerated.
Now, through this Internet
of Things, homeowners have
the means to monitor and
control nearly every aspect of a
home’s operation through their
smartphones and laptops.
LEDs Solid-state bulbs, including
those from Cree, produce the same
amount of light as old-style, 60-watt
incandescents, while using just
1⁄ 6 the
energy. That makes LEDs the easiest,
most cost-effective way to minimize
utility costs. Cree 60-watt
replacement bulb; creebulb.com
Condensing technology When
excess heat is extracted from the
exhaust of fuel-burning furnaces, boilers,
and tankless water heaters like Rinnai’s,
effi ciencies that once topped out at 85
percent are able to reach 98 percent.
Sensei Series; rinnai.us
Energy Effi ciency
The oil-price shocks of the
1970s spurred the fi ght to control
our profl igate energy use. Nearly
50 years later, we have 98-percent-
effi cient boilers, furnaces, and
tankless water heaters; Energy
Star programs that push for more-
effi cient appliances, fi xtures, and
heating-and- cooling equipment;
certifi cation programs for window
performance; and many new
energy-saving products. And with
the advent of affordable solar
panels, houses can produce as
much power as they consume.
“ In just 20 years, there’s
been a quantum leap in
the amount of heat we
get out of every dollar
we spend.”
—RICHARD TRETHEWEY
Heat pumps In most conditions, this
type of heating-and-cooling equipment
captures and concentrates about 3kw of
thermal energy for every 1kw of power it
consumes. However, many heat pumps
suffer a steep decline in heating
capacity when outside temperatures
drop below freezing. Mitsubishi’s
inverter-driven, cold-climate heat
pumps are an exception to that rule;
they maintain 100 percent capacity
down to 23 degrees F. H2i Heat Pump;
mitsubishicomfort.com
Thermal imagers These handheld
devices convert infrared radiation into
colors on a screen, allowing you to see
otherwise hidden problems such as
uninsulated stud bays, wet wood,
soggy insulation, leaky windows and
ducts, overheating switches and
outlets, even termite infestations.
FLIR One Gen 3; fl ir.com
Smart thermostats You don’t
have to program anything; they monitor
your comings and goings, and then set
the temperature accordingly to
maximize both indoor comfort and
energy effi ciency. Nest Learning
Thermostat; nest.com
Electricity watchdogs Energy-
use monitors like the Sense inform your
smartphone about how much power
individual systems and appliances are
using, which helps you spot problems.
Sense; sense.com
Doorbell cams Smartphone-
enabled cameras like those from Ring
keep an eye on who’s coming to your
door, day or night, and let you listen and
talk to visitors, even when you’re not
home. And if you want to get a closer
look, rewind the video feed. Ring Video
Doorbell Pro; shop.ring.com
“ No one could ever
imagine this level of
control with a phone you
carry in your pocket.”
—RICHARD TRETHEWEY