The Best of PCBC: 2018 Parade Of Products

Each year, the largest home building trade show on the West Coast, PCBC, holds the Parade of Products (POP) competition to honor the best in new products.

This year's honorees include a rainwater harvester for the home, an A/C flashing panel, a smart energy panel, and motorized wall screens. Home automation was popular among the selected products, including a smart water assistant, and wall mount WiFi garage door opener. 

The POP judges panel of industry experts and professionals selected the following nine winners based on design, innovation, practical application, and the strength of the solution it provides. 

Each of the POP winners will be showcased at this year's PCBC show floor, in San Francisco at the Moscone Center from June 27th to the 28th. Registration options and pricing can be found here.

Winners are listed below in alphabetical order. 

Air King America | LE600A Range Hood Insert

The Air King LE600A provides a two-in-one solution for both continuous and local ventilation as detailed in the ASHRAE 62.2 standards. The power pack insert operates at a barely audible low speed while meeting the continuous ventilation needs of the home. When the kitchen is in use, the power pack can be set for up to 600 CFM of ventilation power.

Features include:

• Solution for ASHRAE 62.2 continuous ventilation and local ventilation

• Continuous operation settings of 30, 50, 70, and 90 CFM

• Nearly silent operation

• Energy Star Certified

• Two 6.5 watt LED lamps

California Filtration Specialists | AquaSave Rainwater Home Harvester

California Filtration Specialists (CFS) introduce the underground rainwater harvesting system, AquaSave Rainwater Home Harvester, while emphasizing affordability. AquaSave can be installed anywhere on a property, and each unit is designed for an individual homeowner based on their specific desired water storage amounts, and irrigation demand. The system uses R-Tank storage modules and a site-specific irrigation pump in its design to store as much water as needed. 

DuPont Tyvek | DuPont FlexWrap EZ

DuPont FlexWrap EZ is a flexible, self-adhered tape designed with the purpose of helping create an air- and water-tight seal when installed around penetrations of all shapes and sizes. The wrap was created to be ideal for flashing around smaller electrical, HVAC, and plumbing penetrations as a fast and easy solution for improving energy efficiency and wall system durability. Learn more at www.FlexWrapEZ.dupont.com

Legrand | Radiant Wireless Charger

The Qi-certified radiant wireless charger from Legrand is the first of its kind, providing a new way to instantly charge one's mobile device.  Its installation is designed to replace any standard, single gang outlet using existing electrical wiring, and to be "truly wireless" by eliminating the need for power cords with its Qi charging technology.

LiftMaster | 8500W Wall Mount WiFi Garage Door Opener

Lift Master's space-saving, ultra-quiet wall mount design, 8500W, was created for cathedral, obstructed ceilings, or custom applications. Integrated battery backup and dead bolt lock for security work alongside the app, where users can monitor and control the garage door opener, home lighting, and security lock remotely and receive alerts. The Lift Master 8500W also comes with an LED light.

Phantom Screens | Motorized Retractable Wall Screens

Phantom Screens' motorized retractable wall screen is extendable for more than 40-feet wide, beyond the industry standard of 25-feet wide without bowing in the roller or sagging in the mesh. Homeowners are able to utilize their living space in new ways at different times of year, as the screens were created to "blur the lines" between indoor and outdoor space.

Quickflash Products | A/C U-S

A flashing panel specifically designed for air conditioner line-set from Quickflash Products, the A/C U-S panel creates a weatherproof seal around A/C line-set to reduce water intrusions and air leakage. Unlike a roof jack boot, the A/C flashing panel is designed for the application, and is customizable to match the exterior façade. The panel is "proudly made in the U.S.A.," and backed by a 10-year warranty.

Square D by Schneider Electric | Square D Wiser Energy Systems

The Square D Wiser Energy system monitors household electricity to help consumers track usage. The Wiser Energy mobile app then distills this data into real-time information on each circuit to help homeowners see where they’re using their energy and whether or not appliances are running optimally. Homeowners using solar power can also use the product to determine whether or not they are harvesting the most energy possible.

Uponor | Phyn Plus Smart Water Assistant + Shutoff

The Phyn Plus smart water assistant and shutoff from Uponor measures changes in water pressure, 240 times per second, to identify and alert homeowners immediately if a leak is detected. If detected, Phyn Plus can engage automatic shutoff to mitigate potential water damage, and preventatively diagnose potential issues with the plumbing system. Installed by a professional plumber on the main water line, the device enables homeowners to mindfully conserve and manage their water throughout the entire home remotely.

Judges: 

Robert Broad, VP of Business Optimization, Taylor Morrison

Steve Easley, Owner/Principal, Steve Easley & Associates

Bryce Hall, Principal, KEPHART

Walter Hughes, Vice President, Humphreys & Partners Architects, L.P.

Robin Koenemann, Senior Vice President Operations, The New Home Company

Patrick Polk, Purchasing Manager (National), MDC Holdings, Inc./Richmond American Homes

Robert Raymer, Senior Engineer/Technical Director, CA Building Industry Association

Donald Ruthroff, Principal - Senior Architect, Dahlin Group