EcoBalance system can cut energy costs and carbon emissions
By Alan Wolf, YSN
GE Appliances has partnered with Savant Systems, parent of GE Lighting, to create a whole-home, connected solution that allows consumers to control their energy consumption.
Dubbed the EcoBalance System, the first-of-its kind platform will pair energy-efficient appliances and smart-home products with solar panels, energy storage solutions, demand management and electric vehicle chargers to cut energy costs, lower carbon missions and help reduce strain on power grids, all without sacrificing performance or style.
The system, first teased late last year, is also designed to streamline installation for home builders and homeowners and to provide centralized control through an intuitive app.
According to GE, the platform will allow homeowners and builders to work with an expert to create an integrated package of energy-efficient smart products that will work together seamlessly to help consumers achieve their net zero energy or lower carbon emissions goals.
On the appliance side, EcoBalance will be integrated with GE, GE Profile and Monogram brand kitchen and laundry products, while Savant will provide smart lighting and power products including energy generation and storage options.
The entire system will be controlled with an easy-to-use app that can monitor home energy usage, lighting, connected appliances and smart devices, GE said.
“This best-in-class ecosystem we’re building allows people access to the innovation and reliability of two companies with proven track records of performance,” said Kevin Nolan, GE’s president/CEO.
Appliances that can plug into the EcoBalance System include energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, cooking products, heat pump washer/dryer combo units and heat pump water heaters, while Savant will contribute load management, inverters, batteries and electric vehicle chargers that will work seamlessly with solar panels and generators.
Together with Savant’s assortment of lighting and smart-home products, any homeowner or builder can now create an optimized smart ecosystem, GE said, bringing energy independence to any home. The solution also pairs seamlessly with other ecosystems, including smart-grid technology.
GE’s EcoBalance System will formally debut later this month at the combined International Builders’ Show (IBS) and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas.
