Kitchen & Bath Business April 2021 - 17

have streamlined such processes to make a pretty
seamless introduction - for even the most novice
of consumers. "
Cost can also be a deterrent to integrating
technology into today's homes, but the benefits
of going smarter - convenience, peace of mind,
improved health and wellness - can outweigh
most misgivings.
TODAY'S CONSUMER DEMANDS

Improved lighting, security and privacy needs top
the list, and self-cleaning and touchless options are
also growing in popularity.
" Since the onset of COVID, there has been a
renewed interest in our homes, and it has changed
how we live our lives, " said Strang. " More consumers are looking for integration of technology that
provides improved hygiene. "

ABOVE The ZEPHYR Con-

nect app allows the user to
control their range hood from
anywhere via a mobile device.
They can do things like change
the fan speed and control
light levels, and the app offers
a delay-off feature that will
automatically keep the hood in
use for up to 10 minutes after
cooking. Zephyr Connect will
also tell homeowners when
it is time to clean or replace
filters and sends an alert when
the hood has been on for more
than three hours. The app
can be downloaded via the
Apple App Store and Google
Play. zephyronline.com

LEFT LEGRAND has designed
the all-in-one GFCI USB Outlet
for built-in charging anywhere
in the home, including kitchens
and baths where GFCI protection is required. The outlet
includes USB connections
for traditional Type A and the
newer Type C for adapterfree support and meets the
National Electrical Code
requirements for ground fault
protection. Price is $54.98.
legrand.us

According to Klein, with this heightened
awareness around touching surfaces and spreading germs, homeowners have really leaned into
voice-controlled smart home devices over the past
year as a medium of choice.
" A simple voice command can turn on the bathroom light, turn the water on in the kitchen sink
and even put the home to bed at night, thus giving
users the ability to conveniently activate a system
without having to physically touch it, " he added.
Technology can provide other health benefits as
well, including bathing therapies to reduce stress
and ventilation systems that enhance air quality. Controllable lighting can be helpful for those
who need more - or less - illumination for various
tasks, and natural light is important for bringing
the outdoors in via blind control.
" Consumers are looking for new ways to keep
their homes and families protected, " said Klein.
" Smart home security,video surveillance devices and
doorbell cameras have also increased in popularity. "
According to Kay Kwok, head of connected
products and digital services, Bosch Home Connect, because people are spending more time at
home, they are using their appliances more to
preserve and cook food and to maintain sanitary
conditions in the home.
" We have seen greater demand for appliances
as a result, and there's a real need for consumers to
have those that deliver high-quality, reliable results
and make their lives easier, " she said. " This is where
connected appliances can really make a difference.
We're seeing consumers adopting digital solutions
at a faster rate and expecting more from the products they're purchasing - not only because they're
doing more around the home and want a way to
simplify these tasks, but also because they have
more time to study and try new technologies. "

BROAN-NUTONE introduces a cloud-connected,
whole-home indoor air quality system called Overture.
The system is integrated
into a home's supply and
exhaust ventilation via a new
build or a remodel and turns
the appropriate ventilation
fan, range hood, ERV/HRV
or supply fan on automatically when air quality levels
are low. Overture can be
controlled by a phone app
and can be used with new
or existing products via
specialized switches and
freestanding sensors. Pricing is available upon request.
overture.broan-nutone.com

The ECO-Touch Auto IAQ
controller from FANTECH
senses the presence of
VOCs in the home and
automatically increases the
exchange of outdoor for
indoor air. It can also monitor
humidity levels and adjust
fresh air intake. A control
panel alerts homeowners of
their clean air status - three
leaves indicating when the
air quality level is optimal.
The ECO-Touch Auto IAQ
has an MSRP of $165.
www.fantech.net

The Chime Video Doorbell
from CONTROL4 allows
users to see and speak with
a visitor, and they can also
unlock the door, turn on the
lights inside and outside
and/or disarm the security
system - all within the same
app. Chime offers motion
detection with five adjustable
zones, it is available in black
or satin nickel, and its features include a 180-degree
field of vision and a built-in
night mode. MSRP is $400,
and four models are available.
www.control4.com

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3/22/21 3:19 PM

http://overture.broan-nutone.com http://www.zephyronline.com http://www.fantech.net http://www.legrand.us http://www.control4.com

Kitchen & Bath Business April 2021

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