This year’s 2024 International Builders Show (IBS) earlier this year in Las Vegas, NV, was a hotbed of innovation, with over 1,300 exhibitors covering more than 600,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.
This year, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) partnered with HGTV's Matt Blashaw to showcase the latest propane-powered technologies that are revolutionizing the building industry. Here’s a recap of the most exciting innovations featured at the show in relation to plumbing, heating contractors and builders:
Navien’s Hydro Furnace Systems
At Navien’s booth, Travis Kaiser showcased their Hydro Furnace, a high-tech system using propane or natural gas to heat water in a stainless-steel heat exchanger. The heated water is then circulated through a hydronic coil, providing efficient, variable-speed heating. This system is designed for ease of service, with user-friendly diagnostics displayed in plain English, making it an attractive option for both homeowners and service technicians.
Bindus Manufacturing’s Propane-Powered Heat Pumps
Matt Blashaw visited with Mark Bindus of Bindus Manufacturing. Their latest innovation leverages propane to enhance the efficiency of heat pumps, especially in colder temperatures where traditional heat pumps lose efficiency. Bindus’ system integrates a water system that circulates through a heat exchanger, providing radiator-quality heat through central air ducts.
This dual-purpose system uses energy already being produced by the boiler or water heater, maximizing efficiency and comfort. Propane's clean and portable nature, along with advancements in renewable propane, makes this system a game-changer for homeowners aiming for energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.
Rinnai America’s High-Efficiency Tankless Water Heaters
Next, Blashaw met Kevin Morgan from Rinnai America. Rinnai’s standout product is a 98% efficient tankless water heater that utilizes smart technology to remember and anticipate hot water usage patterns, delivering hot water within seconds. The system is gas agnostic, working seamlessly with propane to provide endless hot water for various household needs, from cooking to heating. This innovation is not only efficient but also enhances user convenience, making it a must-have for modern homes.
All in all, reflecting back on the 2024 International Builders Show highlighted groundbreaking propane-powered technologies that promise to elevate efficiency, sustainability, and convenience in the building industry, setting a new standard for the future.
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