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Products Focus: HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)

E50C
Rinnai
Rinnai's E50C is a condensing combi boiler—a two-in-one unit that heats the water supply as well as the whole home. The Energy Star Qualified boiler has a heating load of 13,600 to 50,000 BTU and an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95.6%, making it one of the most efficient—and therefore cost-effective—combi boilers on the market to date. Because it requires no system pumps, it is also easier to install.

Torsion Fan
Modern Fan Co.
Torsion is a minimalist ceiling fan with three plywood blades—finished in mahogany, maple, black, white, or nickel tones—that are complemented by metal hardware in dark bronze, gloss white, or bright nickel. The fan is available in three spans—42”, 52”, and 62”— with the 62” version using only 76W of electricity while moving up to 6,958 cubic feet of air per minute. A halogen light attachment is optional.

Incognito Ventilation Hood
Miele
Just as its name suggests, the Incognito ventilation hood by Miele was designed to conceal. In this case, it hides grease filters using three stainless-steel or glass panels, offering a cleaner, sculptural appearance when viewed from all angles. With four fan speeds and double-sided blowers that make the hood efficient, it comes in a wall-mount or island version, and with a stainless-steel finish or the manufacturer's 200 RAL powder-coat colors.

OmniTouch 7
Leviton
Home automation controls influenced by the sleek touchscreens of iPads are gaining popularity. Leviton's OmniTouch 7 has a 7” glass-fronted high-resolution screen that can be used to control security systems, irrigation, and light levels, as well as multiple thermostats. Available with Leviton's intuitive user interface.

Exterios HVAC System
Panasonic
Combining two of its own innovative technologies, Panasonic has introduced Exterios, a ductless HVAC system with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 28.8. Its Econavi technology detects activity and occupancy in the room, decreasing heating or cooling when movement is minimal and switching to a lower power mode when it senses complete absence. The second system it employs is an Inverter Technology, which constantly adjusts the compressor rotation speed, resulting in reduced power consumption. Two indoor and two outdoor models are currently available.