Innovation is at the heart of what we do. We are constantly looking for new technology and ways to challenge conventional wisdom of building and design. Below is a gathering of ideas and concepts that embrace this idea. Links of interest to manufacturers, agencies, news and commentary will be provided. Some may be present technologies that we are already using, while others thoughts and hopes for the future. In any event, learn and enjoy.

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American Lung Association Health House

A Health House® home gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your new home has a healthy, safe, durable and energy efficient environment. A Health House® home is built to the most stringent building standards in the U.S., which include site inspections during construction and performance testing upon completion.

BerHoff Homes, LLC is currently investigating the Health House program. You will likely be hearing much more about this from us in the very near future. Learn more about the Health House® program.

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Solar Electric Systems

On-site solar electricity generation through the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels is gaining significant popularity. Because of its clean energy generation and decreasing installation costs, PV panels may be the right choice for your home. Our Harmony Home utilitizes a 3.8 kW system that offets the homes energy usage. When the panel generates more power than the home needs, the electricity is sold back to the energy companies.

Check out the Focus on Energy Guide to Solar Electric Systems (Acrobat Reader Required)

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GFX Heat Recovery System - Drain Water Heat Recovery Technology

Why do we heat water and then let it simply let if go down the drain. That is like pouring money right down the drain! Wouldn't it be great to capture the heat off of the hot water as it flows down your drain and recycle that heat back into the hot water heater? The GFX Heat Recovery System does just this. Click on the following links to find out the details:

• GFX Technology Website. The installation video is very informative.
• Focus on Energy Website. It is a a great powerpoint explaining the details of both structured plumbing systems and heat recovery systems.

Both the GFX Technology and Structured Plumbing is in our Harmony House, built for the Department of Energy Building America Home, Wisconsin EnergyStar and the GreenBuilt program.

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Z-Wave: The New Standard in Wireless Remote Control

Imagine having total remote control over all the electronics in your home. Not just your entertainment gear, but also your lighting and household appliances, your climate control, security system, health care monitoring...virtually anything that uses electricity. Now imagine that adding all this control to your home is plug-and-play simple, with no new wiring and no need for costly professional installation. Finally, imagine all this being extremely affordable, and modular too, so you can add as much or as little control to your home as you like, over time.

What you're imagining is Z-Wave, the new standard in wireless remote control. Z-Wave is a next-generation wireless "ecosystem" that lets all your home electronics talk to each other, and to you, via remote control. Plus, PC magazine's new tech blog "Everyday Ecotech" examines the virtues of Z-Wave for home energy conservation, and ways to make your household more convenient and energy efficient. BerHoff Homes is offering Z-Wave technology in its homes. Learn more about how Z-Wave technology works here:

• Z-Wave Technology. The demo is especially helpful to understand the system.