Carrier poised to acquire Viessmann

Viessmann Climate Solutions is expected to be acquired by Carrier within the next six to eight months. The announcement was leaked on April 24 but was officially announced to Viessmann leadership on April 25.

Viessmann will continue to operate under its brand and will become a significant shareholder of Carrier, with Max Viessmann, CEO of Viessmann Group, sitting on Carrier’s board of directors. The ownership transition is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2024.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Viessmann and Carrier as they work together to continue to grow in the HVAC market globally,” shared Jerry Leyte, president and general manager of

Viessmann Canada, in an email to the press.

According to the letter sent to Viessmann staff by Max Viessmann and Thomas Heim, CEO of Viessmann Climate Solutions, the acquisition will help Viessmann Climate Solutions grow its foothold in other markets, such as in Asia, and it’ll help Carrier grow its reach into the European market.

The climate solutions executive board and leadership team of Viessmann Climate Solutions, led by Heim, will continue to run the business. With the acquisition, the Viessmann Group will become one of the largest shareholders in Carrier, reports Viessmann.

All Viessmann Group businesses outside the Climate Solutions business area will not be affected by the acquisition and the Viessmann Group will continue to remain an independent family business, according to Viessmann.

“Building on a traditional legacy of 106 years, it will further remain in full ownership of the Viessmann entrepreneurial family. The Viessmann Group will continue its entrepreneurial activities following its purpose of cocreating living spaces for generations to come. Going forward, it will be building an ecosystem that will focus on CO2 avoidance, CO2 reduction and CO2 capturing, beyond the HVAC sector,” reports Viessmann and Heim in their letter.

Shower controls

Kohler, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, introduces its new Anthem digital control, which customizes showering. It allows for the control of up to six shower outlets, temperature, and flow. There is an optional built-in eco mode that allows for water conservation. Nine user-definable presents let each person save their favourite shower setting. It can be used with the Kohler Konnect app and features a warm-up and pause feature. The digital control board includes an optional flow restrictor, limiting total flow to 1.75 GPM. It requires an Anthem digital thermostatic valve, which is sold separately. Kohler www.kohler.com

Single-handle bathroom faucet

Delta Faucets, Indianapolis, Indiana, introduced its latest single-handle bathroom faucet to market.

The Galeon Bath Collection offers faucets with diamond seal technology, which is a patented design that reduces leak points, and decreases installation time. Its lumicoat finish makes the faucet easy to clean without the need for cleaners or chemicals. Everything needed is packaged together, including integrated InnoFlex PEX supply lines. It requires 3/8-inch compression fittings. Delta www.deltafaucet.ca

Touchless diaphragm flush valve

American Standard, Mississauga, Ont, unveiled its new Ultima Selectronic Touchless Diaphragm Flush Valves, designed to reduce maintenance, downtime and save water. The commercial valves are equipped with advanced technology, including a programmable Selectronic infrared sensor for reliable hands-free operation and optional Selectronic remote control. The valve offers two power options — a five-year battery or hardwired AC. With Multi-AC, a single power supply can run 15 faucets and/or flush valves simultaneously. American Standard www.americanstandard.ca

Bath kit

Oatey, Cleveland, Ohio, launched its Dearborn True Blue Bath Kits, which provides integrated locking features to reduce the number of tools needed for installation.

Traditionally, installers must attach the overflow (on the tub side) using screws and a brass yoke. The Dearborn True Blue Bath Kit with a clockwise turn for overflow cover installation eliminates that step. The kit includes champagne bronze, brushed gold, matte black, chrome, white, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze finishes. Oatey www.oatey.ca

Mixing valves

Watts, North Andover, Massachusetts, debuted its LFUSG-HWP Under Sink Guardian 3/8-inch compression-fitting thermostatic mixing valves, which can maintain and limit hot water to a desired selectable temperature between 27 C and 49 C. The valves feature a hot water by-pass lever with flow rates as low as 0.25 GPM and 2.25 GPM. The LFUSG-HWP incorporates dual check valves to protect against cross-flow and integral screens to filter out debris. The valves are ASSE 1070 listed, CSA certified and lead-free. Watts www.watts.com

Rain shower experience

Pfister Faucets, Mississauga, Ont, introduced its new 10-inch round showerhead. The showerhead is an all-metal construction and features a rain spray. It has a GPM flow rate of 1.8 and meets or exceeds EPA WaterSense Standards, which reduces water consumption by 30 per cent. The showerhead is part of the Tenet collection, which offers fixtures that sit tightly flush, allowing for crisp lines and a tidy footprint. Pfister Faucet www.pfisterfaucets.com

By Francesco Lo Presti

Technology is ever-changing; homes are becoming way more connected than ever before. From smart televisions to smart thermostats, smart technology is quickly becoming essential in our everyday lives. More and more homeowners are looking to upgrade their bathrooms, and a recent report shows that the global smart bathroom market is expected to grow from 5.8 billion USD in 2020 to 14.8 billion USD by 2025.

Themarketisshowingprogress,butsomeelementsarestillhinderingitfromtakingoff. “Overall, there is still a lack of knowledge about smart bathroom products in the general consumer.The young but growing market is still looking for the real, everyday value in providing smart products in this space in the home,” said Ashton O’Toole, senior product manager at Kohler.

A smartphone or tablet now controls most homes, and a bathroom is no different. Whether it’s controlling the temperature of the shower, turning on music or lighting up the room with a smart lighting system, bathrooms are becoming the centrepiece of smart technology. “Since 2020,interestinsmarthomeproductsacceleratedastechnologybecameanecessarycomponent ofeverydaylife.Withpeopleworkingandspendingsomuchtimeathome,theneedfor smarter and cleaner spaces was more relevant than ever before. Thereforepeoplesoughtproductsthat made everyday tasks cleaner and easier,” explains Anny Ang, director of wholesale marketing for Moen Canada.

Understanding the technology

Some elements might be hindering why homeowners aren’t pulling the trigger and investing in water-saving technology. One of the main ones is the current market’s product price point. “The market currently has higher price point products, and it makes it easy for a consumer to cut the project price by picking the lower costing, non-smart product. There has to be the right balance of value added for the smart technology versus the cost of the product, which is still being looked for across the market,” said O’Toole.

To fully appreciate the benefits of a smart bathroom, homeowners first need to understand the technology; this can come from them doing their research, but it also falls on the contractors installing the products. “When working on a smart bathroom, contractors need to have a good understanding of the technology being installed, including the proper installation and programming of devices such as smart showers, toilets, or faucets,” explains Parniian Frozan, brand manager for Grohe, American Standard, and DXV Smart bathroom projects now require the contractor to have additional knowledge in areas they usually wouldn’t have to worry aboutas,“Workingonasmartbathroomoften requires coordinating with an electrician to run the electrical setup needed for something likeasmartshowerortoilet.Historicallythese productsdidn’tneedelectricalconsiderations, butnowitisakeypieceofinstallationsneeds,” said O’Toole.

Angadds,“Contractorsshouldconsiderthat some customers may prefer integrated systems over single-room solutions, so contractors must take into consideration interoperability

Smart showers have seen an increase in popularity as it is oftentimes referred to as a sanctuary for homeowners.

Photo provided by Grohe within the bathroom, and really how it correlates to the entire home.”

Ensuring products are compatible with a home’s entire system is essential when utilizing smart technology, primarily when, “Smart bathroom products are also known to be installed in places that inherently don’t have a strong Wi-Fi connection. Smart products still need a strong internet connection to work, so it is important to do a Wi-Fi test in the space before installing. You want to make sure the space will be able to support the bandwidth needed for the products,” said O’Toole.

When installing the products, contractors should make sure they stick to the instruction manual and, if there are any concerns, contact the manufacturer or the wholesaler.

Frozan also adds, “There are specific codes and regulations in the residential bathroom sector that vary by jurisdiction. These may include requirements related to plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and accessibility, among others. Contractors and designers need to be aware of these codes and regulations to ensure compliance and safety.”

Toilet time

“The current market for smart residential bathrooms is growing, with an increasing demand for smart bathroom technology that offers convenience, sustainability, and enhanced user experience," explains Frozan. “Consumers are increasingly looking for smart showers, smart toilets, smart faucets, and other IoT-enabled devices that offer

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Continued from page “21” features such as temperature control, water efficiency, personalized settings, and connectivity.”

Smart toilets are one of the products that are starting to rise significantly in popularity. Smart toilets can offer homeowners a variety of features like automatic flushing, a heated seat, and an automatic open/closing feature. Ang adds that “Smart toilets help offer homeowners a more efficient way to use and conserve water as they can help optimize water and electrical energy usage. For example, sensing water requirements for flushing can help reduce the amount of water used compared to a conventional toilet.”

All three manufacturers referenced in this article highlighted how bidets had become a significant feature of smart toilet technology that is rising in popularity, which isn’t necessarily surprising as the world went through a toilet paper shortage at the height of the pandemic. Bidets allow users to cut down on toilet paper use.

Andrew Van Gorden, product marketing manager at Kohler, adds that “Smart toilets

“Showers are often the wellness sanctuary of the home, and homeowners are moving to smart showers, and we are now seeing a strong increase in adoption,” explains Tom Sindelar, marketing manager of performance showering at Kohler.

According to a report titled, “Smart Show Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis by Application,” North America accounted for the largest revenue and smart bidet seats have seen a sharp increase. Starting in 2020, the trend has since continued as consumers in the market have adapted and welcomed new technology and methods of personal cleansing.” Market Research Future reported that the smart toilet market is expected to reach a valuation of 22.2 billion USD by 2030.

Singing in the shower

Smart shower technology has been in the industry now for some time, but interest in the technology has not slowed down.

share of 39.5 per cent of the global smart shower market in 2022. This report goes on to add that the global smart shower market size was valued at 1.11 billion USD in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8 per cent from 2023 to 2030.

Smart showers allow users to set desired water temperature and pressure, and create an immersive experience with LED lighting.

Sindelar mentions, “For showering, there are specific codes we must adhere to from a manufacturing standpoint. The codes and regulations on the installation side are very similar to a mechanical valve installation. Installers should always consult the codes and regulations in their market to confirm anything specific to their situation.”

Water preservation

Water efficiency and conservation have become a point of interest to the homeowner and as such, technology has attempted to limit the amount of water required, while preserving comfort. “Homeowners are increasingly concerned about water conservation and looking for bathroom products that help reduce water usage. Smart water assistance products, such as smart faucets and showerheads, have been gaining popularity as consumers are looking for ways to improve water efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance convenience,” said Frozan.

While more homeowners are starting to familiarize themselves with water-conserving practices, Ang mentions there is still room for growth. The Moen 2022 Water Perception Survey reported that Canadians have good intentions but can falter when it comes to execution. For example, 91 per cent of respondents to the survey stated that saving water is very or somewhat important to them; however, only 39 per cent installed some type of water-saving faucet or showerhead. :