2017 Top 100 Products: HVAC

To see products in the other 2017 Top 100 categories, click here. Click images to enlarge.

Ventilation Fan / Panasonic 

The EcoVent Energy Star–rated fan from Panasonic delivers air through a smaller 9 ½-inch-square grille size that blends into the ceiling. The built-in Veri-Boost switch provides a 20 cfm boost for extra airflow. It has a 4-inch duct adapter and is UL listed for tub and shower enclosures. EcoVent can be used to comply with airflow requirements for installed performance per ASHRAE 62.2 and Energy Star for Homes 3.0, among others. 

Zoned Heating And Cooling / Mitsubishi Electric 

Zoned Comfort Solutions from Mitsubishi Electric Cooling provide modern, high-performance homes with higher degrees of comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. Outdoor units, which include single- and multi-zone heating and cooling options, connect with up to eight indoor units, comprised of horizontal ducted, ceiling-recessed, ducted air handler, wall-mount, and floor-mount vents. Everything can be controlled by an app via a smartphone or tablet. The manufacturer says the system is 40 percent more efficient that conventional HVAC systems.

Tankless Water Heaters / Navien 

Navien Premium Efficiency (NPE) tankless water heaters come in four output sizes. NPE-A (Advanced) models feature ComfortFlow recirculation, with a pump and buffer tank and six pump-control options. NPE-S (Standard) models do not have the buffer tank or recirculation pump, which saves cost and weight while giving similar performance: It tops the Energy Star rating list with up to 0.99 EF (energy factor). All sizes have dual stainless steel heat exchangers. 

Mini-Split Systems / Bosch 

The inverter-driven Climate 5000 Ductless Minisplit Heat Pump Systems from Bosch are quiet, efficient, and easy to install. These mini-splits function across an operating range from -13° F to 122° F and can produce indoor sound levels as low as 20 dBA. A “Follow Me” feature uses a sensor to adjust heating and cooling based on location and a “turbo” feature can quickly create comfortable temperatures. The unit needs only a 3-inch-diameter opening to run the line set with no ductwork required. Both single-zone and multi-zone systems are available.

Tankless Water Heaters / Rinnai

Rinnai has expanded its Super High Efficiency Plus (SE+) featuring ThermaCirc360 line (formerly known as the Ultra Series) of condensing tankless water heaters with the RUR98i and RUR98e. These RUR models feature recirculation, which shortens the wait time for hot water, with or without a dedicated recirculation line. Recirculation is provided by thermal bypass that includes an integrated pump, internal bypass line, and thermal bypass valve. 

Ventilation / Panasonic 

Effective ventilation systems save energy, control moisture, and improve the comfort of the home. Panasonic has several ventilation solutions to help builders meet code and lower their homes’ HERS Index scores, including the WhisperGreen Select (shown), Whisper Recessed LED, EcoVent, Whisper Comfort, WhisperValue, and the Select Cycler whole-house ventilation system.