(BPT) – Are you eager to stay on top of cutting-edge home design and construction trends? This year, Las Vegas hosted the International Builders’ Show (IBS), attracting an array of the best construction and design professionals in the world. This makes it the ideal event for exploring the latest innovations to inspire your next home renovation.
This year’s show did not disappoint, revealing remarkable trends in technology and energy efficiency from more than 1,800 exhibitors, making this the largest show in 17 years. Electrical, lighting and networking leader Leviton showcased an impressive portfolio of wiring devices, in-home connectivity solutions and smart home upgrades designed to support the future of residential building.
Here’s a highlight of standout trends and innovative products from brands like Leviton during this year’s event.
Going all in on electrification
The trend toward electrification is being driven by consumer interests and concerns including cost savings, energy efficiency and a desire for more environmentally friendly energy solutions. This movement is evident in the increasing adoption of smart home devices and networks, electric appliances and EV chargers.
In today’s residential market, electrification is all about efficient, safe and future-proof solutions. As builders and homeowners use more electricity to power things like larger appliances and vehicles in an aim to decarbonize their homes, considerations for increased amperage and smart energy management is required.
To meet the escalating electricity demands of homeowners, cutting-edge products have been developed to enhance standard circuit breakers and electrical panels. Leviton has responded to the call for home electrification with groundbreaking innovations including advanced load centers, smart devices, EV chargers, modular solutions and more.
For example, the modular design of the Leviton Load Center allows homeowners to customize their energy management system with 2nd Generation Smart Circuit Breakers that enable remote monitoring and control of specific circuits and appliances. With this design, upgrading an existing Leviton Load Center to a Smart Load Center is as easy as removing standard circuit breakers out of the panel, snapping the Smart Circuit Breakers in their place and installing Leviton’s Whole Home Energy Monitor. This allows homeowners to remotely control breakers while also monitoring their home’s output and energy use. The plug-on breaker design offers homeowners a panel with both traditional and smart breakers depending on their preference. Smart breakers can be used for intentional monitoring and management of high-draw devices like pool pumps, AC compressors and water heaters, while also using traditional breakers for other energy needs.
Smart homes getting even smarter
According to Realty Executives, the continuing embrace of smart home technology is due to factors including recent AI advances, the quest for energy efficiency and the allure of increasingly customizable control features.
Homeowners can achieve enhanced control by opting for comprehensive smart home devices. For example, integrating Leviton’s Decora Smart switches and dimmers can help homeowners remotely control and schedule their lighting through the My Leviton App. With smart lighting devices, homeowners can create more energy-efficient light schedules and settings whether based on natural light or ensuring lights are switched off when not in use. For those with electric vehicles, smart chargers are also an option to optimize energy-efficient charging. With Leviton’s EV Series Smart Home Charger, homeowners can start and stop sessions, as well as plan charging around off-peak utility hours to lessen the strain on the grid and their wallet.
Electrical upgrades made easy
With the construction industry facing challenges due to labor shortages, the demand for products that streamline processes and simplify installations has never been more critical. Leviton offers a range of products designed to make upgrades effortless for both builders and homeowners.
For example, Decora Evolve is Leviton’s modular switch and outlet system that offers a unique solution for new home builds, giving builders the efficiency of a spec build while providing homebuyers the satisfaction of customization. Builders simply install the Decora Evolve base modules throughout the home, allowing homeowners to personalize each module in seconds with the type of lighting control or outlet that suits their specific needs, all without having to turn off the electricity or use a screwdriver. Eight interchangeable modules are available: standard outlet, dimmer, smart switch, smart dimmer, motion sensor, timer, night light and USB charger. Best yet, you can securely schedule and control all your lighting from the My Leviton app, making it simple and free to connect all your smart switches and dimmers.
Lever Edge is another Leviton technology revolutionizing how electricians install common residential switches and outlets, making installation time even faster and easier. Leviton’s award-winning Lever Edge wiring devices offer a unique patented design simplifying installation through three quick and safe steps: push the wire into the corresponding terminal, click down the lever and terminate with confidence. The Lever Edge line was recently expanded with four new residential devices, including a 15A Tamper-Resistant GFCI, a 15A Weather/Tamper-Resistant GFCI, a Dimmer and a 20A Tamper-Resistant Duplex Outlet.
Good for business and your monthly budget
Considering escalating living costs and environmental concerns as well as evolving technology, homeowners want to be better prepared for the long term while also seeking systems that enhance their lifestyle — with the expectation that the solutions they choose are safe and efficient.
“Leviton stands at the forefront of this shift toward sustainability, offering innovative products that cater to the evolving needs of environmentally conscious consumers,” said Justin Berghoff, Leviton vice president and general manager, Residential. “As a leader in electrical innovation, we continuously strive to bring products to market that make today’s home electrical system options attractive to contractors, builders and their customers. It’s our goal to exceed customer expectations for safer, smarter and more convenient electrical solutions that help drive efficiency and cost savings.”
Discover the latest innovative products showcased at IBS to elevate your home at Leviton.com/builders.