Products - January 2007

Thermal Equalizers
Airius Thermal Equalizers quietly reduce heating and cooling costs through air destratification—not just in atriums and other high-bay applications, but also in offices, schools, factories, and any other buildings with ceilings from 10 to 60 feet. Unlike ceiling fans that swirl the air around, these turbines “drill” the air down in a column, keeping the temperatures at floor and ceiling to within three degrees of each other in conditioned spaces—reducing HVAC cycling, lowering heating requirements, and preventing the need to overcool. This not only lowers energy consumption, it also extends the life of the mechanical air systems. Several models for different ceiling heights and coverage areas are available; power consumption is typically about 35 watts per unit. The larger models feature highly efficient electronically commutated motors (ECM). Airius LLC; Longmont, CO. www.airius.us; phone 303-772-2633.

Bio-Glass
New to the market in early 2007, Bio-Glass from Coverings Etc. is a solid surface material made from 100 percent recycled glass that is partially melted and agglomerated under pressure—either pre- or post-consumer, or a blend of the two, depending on the color. The translucent, nonporous material can provide visual depth to easily maintained countertops, walls, and floors. Bio-Glass is available as 110-inch by 47-inch slabs, about 4.7 inches thick with a lightly textured, slip-resistant surface and also in smooth-surfaced slabs approximately 4 inches thick. The product is being introduced in white and light green; blue, brown, and dark green are to follow. Coverings Etc.; Miami FL. www.coveringsetc.com; phone 305-757-6000.

HOBO Data Loggers
Onset Computer Corporation offers small, accurate, battery-powered data loggers in their HOBO line for a wide range of applications, including building commissioning, ongoing monitoring of occupant comfort conditions, and energy use research. Most provide USB interfaces, and many offer Ethernet options, for easy data retrieval. In addition to temperature and humidity, other available measurements and statistics include such variables as light intensity, light on/off, CO2 levels, air pressure, AC current and voltage, and motor on/off. Hardwired data loggers are also available. Onset Computer Corporation; Bourne MA. www.onsetcomp.com; phone 508-759-9500 or toll-free 800-564-4377.

180 Walls
180 Walls from Milliken is a non-PVC, recycled-polyester, commercial wall covering system with a paste-free, pressure-sensitive dry adhesive. The breathable, stain-repellent, woven textiles have an antimicrobial backing to prevent mold and mildew. And there’s no offgassing—180 Walls is Indoor Air Quality certified and Children & Schools certified by Greenguard for low VOCs; it’s also Class A fire rated, and passes the same performance requirements of vinyl wallcoverings. According to the company, installation takes less than 20 percent of the time as Type II vinyl, and almost 45 percent less time than other fabric wall coverings. Milliken; LaGrange, GA. www.180walls.com; phone 706-880-5344 or toll-free 888-487-8499.