Windows
Period Trim.
Weather Shield's new one-piece and two-piece casing and
backband profiles make it easier to match existing windows or
keep to a certain architectural period. Sold on Collections,
Legacy Series, Weather Shield, and HR175 windows, the new
casing comes preprimed or prepainted to match the company's
eight standard and 47 designer colors; custom hues are also an
option. Weather Shield, 800/222-2995,
www.weathershield.com
Hybrid. Windsor's Legend HBR windows combine a
wood interior and sash with a low-maintenance cellular PVC
exterior. Interiors come in fir, alder, and primed or clear
pine, and clad sash in seven standard and 30 feature colors.
The exterior can be left white or painted.
Windsor, 800/218-6186,
www.windsorwindows.com
Magnetic
Latch. The best sash lock in the world is useless if
your clients don't remember to use it. That shouldn't be a
problem with Jeld-Wen's MAG-Lock sash lock, which latches
automatically when the window is closed. Available on vinyl
sliders and single-hungs, the magnetic lock is easy to operate
with one hand, says the maker. Jeld-Wen,
888/594-3578, www.jeld-wen.com
Energy Conservation
High Efficiency. Polaris water heaters are
among the most efficient tank-style water heaters on the
market. They have sealed combustion burners and self-diagnostic
controls; the stainless steel tank has 1-inch side taps for
space heating applications. Venting is through the wall with 2-
or 3-inch plastic pipe. Retail prices start at about $3,300,
which includes tempering and pressure-relief valves.
American Water Heater, 800/937-1037,
www.polariswaterheaters.com
Duct Sealant. PV arrays and solar hot-water
systems are great — but the fact remains that sealing
ducts with a sealing compound like Hardcast Flex-Grip 550 is
still one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce a home's
energy consumption. VOC-free, the water-based sealant is
suitable for fiberglass, metal, and flexible ductwork.
Carlisle, 800/527-7092,
www.hardcast.com
Economic
Recovery. Heat-recovery ventilators are great for
improving indoor air quality in tight homes. Energy wonks
appreciate Stirling Technology's UltimateAir RecoupAerator's
outstanding efficiency (95 percent). The unit features an ECM
motor with permanently lubricated bearings, an insulated
cabinet, and a five-year warranty. Options include a HEPA
filter, a dehumidistat, CO2 controllers, and several timers.
List prices start at $1,900. Stirling
Technology, 800/535-3448,
www.ultimateair.com