Leviton. Leviton has partnered with Cheetah USA to bring easier installation to its wall plates. In the Cheetah Speed System, wall plates and electrical devices come preassembled to slide into outlet boxes, instead of installing with screws. This can reduce electrical installation labor costs by more than 40 percent, the maker says. 800-824-3005. www.leviton.com. –Vicky Markovitz
Koma. Plantation porch flooring offers a durable alternative to wood and composite materials. The 1x4-inch tongue-and-groove boards install like traditional porch flooring and are available in 8-, 10-, 12-, and 16-foot lengths. Available in a medium-gray color, the PVC boards are paintable and will not splinter, crack, split, or buckle under regular use, and will not be affected by moisture, the maker says. 800-330-2239. www.komatrimboards.com. –Lauren Hunter
KlipTech. Featured on Builder’s LivingHome, EcoClad exterior cladding is made with a 50/50 blend of FSC-certified post-consumer recycled paper/wood fiber along with bamboo fiber, bonded with a water-based co-polymer resin. According to the firm, the cladding offers durability comparable to metal, brick, and stucco. The 4x8 panels come in 10 stock wood-grains and five stock matte colors, or in custom colors, and they will not fade. 253-507-4622. http://kliptech.com. –Katy Tomasulo
Clopay. Following a major trend in entry doors, Clopay’s FeTerra collection of garage doors features wrought iron accents. The accents can be included on aluminum, steel, or wood doors. Several glass options also are available. 800-225-6729. www.clopaydoor.com. –V.M.
Generac. The maker’s line of GP and XP portable generators now includes 13 different power models from small to large, to be used in both residential and light commercial applications. The 10 GP models offer oversized steel tube cradles to provide full wrap protection, and low-oil shutdown to protect the generator from damage. The XP line has been re-engineered to stand up to the wear and tear of tough jobsite conditions. Their oversized full-wrap frames feature impact-resistant corners to withstand rough handling. All of the new portable generators operate on gasoline. 888-436-3722. www.generac.com. –L.H.
Delta Faucet. The Pilar pull-down kitchen faucet incorporates three new innovations. Touch2O Technology allows a user to start and stop the flow of water with just a tap anywhere on the spout or the handle; a Magnetic Docking System helps keep the spray head in its docked position; and Diamond Seal Technology (with combination ceramic and diamond) eliminates leaks and drips from the valve. The faucet comes in chrome and Brilliance stainless steel. 800-345-3358.
www.deltafaucet.com. –N.M.
Lennox. A first in the industry, SunSource integrates solar power into a heat pump. The 18.5-SEER solar-assisted heat pump features a 3-foot-by-5-foot 190-watt solar panel that provides power assistance to the fan motor, providing energy savings of 8 percent to 10 percent. 800-953-6669.
www.lennox.com. –K.T.
Quadra-Fire. Debuting at IBS, but rolling out in the second quarter, the Edge 60 is the first-ever pellet fireplace. Specifically designed for supplemental home heating, the Edge 60 delivers 60,000 BTUs and can warm more than 2,500 square feet of living space. Advanced Energy multi-fuel pellet technology allows homeowners to choose fuel options ranging from wood and grass pellets to corn and wheat. The unit’s programmable wall control and thermostat help regulate heat output to achieve optimum fuel efficiency. Four front options are available in a variety of finishes, including brushed nickel and oiled bronze. 800-926-4356.
www.quadrafire.com. –L.H.
Marvin. Why turn a handle when you can simply push on one? Unlike a crank-out casement, the Ultimate Push Casement has a handle that opens the window with a simple turn and push. It uses commercial-grade hardware that allows for large sizes and a screen that swings inward. A sash limiter allows homeowners to control how much the window opens. 888-537-7828.
www.marvin.com. –N.M.
Fireplace Xtrordinair. Illuminations electric fireplaces feature soothing candle flames within panoramic or arched fireboxes. Magnetic impulse technology, which allows each flame to move independently and randomly, and a contour shape and feathered coloration combine for a realistic imitation of a candle. Candle cores come in bee’s wax, translucent calcite stone, and frosted styles. The Panoramic fireboxes are available one sided or see-through; portrait-style boxes come with one of three optional interiors. The units require a 110-volt hookup and operate via a remote or wall switch.
www.fireplacex.com. –K.T.
Kohler. The manufacturer’s latest toilet technology is the new precision-engineered Class Six flushing. The unit optimizes the power of jet action to remove bulk waste with 100 percent of the flushing water being fed through the rim, blending bulk removal and bowl washing. The technology is available as 1.6 gallons per flush or high efficiency 1.28 gpf. 800-456-4537.
www.kohler.com. –N.M.
Jenn-Air. The company has launched a line of super-premium appliances, including a fully flush and fully integrated refrigerator, flush wall ovens, and downdraft gas and electric cooktops. The wall ovens feature LCD touch-anywhere touchpad controls; downdraft cooktops offer ductless operation for anywhere installation. Also available is a perimetric ventilation system, which combines 520-cfm operation with a sleek, contemporary style that hangs on the wall like a picture frame. 800-536-6247.
www.jenn-air.com. –K.T.
