KBB - January/February 2012 - (Page 51)

Continued from page 48 is very little cost difference in the production of a therm valve and a quality pressure-balance valve.” According to Silverstein, manufacturing an affordable, yet durable, thermostatic valve using high-quality materials required overcoming myriad challenges, not the least of which involved nding an optimum therm element for inside the cartridge—for this, the company selected a paraf n element from a dominant player in thermostatic technology— and making qualitative improvements to the casing. “Typical therm cartridges are constructed of metal, which attracts minerals and limescale buildup that degrades valve functionality over time and eventually results in malfunctions,” Silverstein said. “As a solution, we developed a new thermo-plastic polymer, which retards mineral buildup, thus saving consumers time, money and aggravation by avoiding valve servicing and/or cartridge replacement.” Moreover, forged brass on the valve body offers a more durable alternative to cast brass and plastic in preventing leakage. thermostatic valves,” explained Silverstein. California Faucets’ StyleTherm brand thermostatic valve has a list price range of $500 to $600 (Hansgrohe’s comes just under $700), which Silverstein noted is comparable to pressure balance valves sold by competitors. WATER SAVINGS In addition to concerns about the initial purchase price of a new thermostatic shower system, there is a growing consumer segment concerned about water savings. This concern is ampli ed when the thermostatic valve is teamed with shower options, including rain showerheads, body sprays, handheld showers, tub spouts and other applications. In California, where the new California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) took effect January 1, 2011, manufacturers are made to innovate or be left behind. Some companies are responding. California Faucets introduced a CALGreen-compliant thermostatic valve last year. Its two-outlet diverter allows it to stay within code, achieving a 2.0-gpm water ef ciency, yet still enables two applications to operate independently with full volume control. Hansgrohe also plans to launch a thermostatic value that meets CALGreen requirements. While pressure balance valves provide adequate functionality, thermostatic technology is clearly superior. With new competitive pricing, thermostatic valves are set to shift the U.S. marketplace and provide homeowners with increased value, comfort and performance. ■ —Holly Berecz HOW MUCH Given that pricing has been a driving factor in the history of shower systems in this country, it’s only logical to ask how much of a difference these newer thermostatic valves make on this front. As a basis of comparison, the retail price for better quality, mid-range pressure balance valves, including the valve and faceplate trim with handle, range from $400 to $700. In contrast, thermostatic valves sold by the same mid-range suppliers are priced from $900 to $1,200. “Consumers are typically looking at a 40 to 50 percent price increase when they graduate from pressure balance to Goes Mobile Use the K+BB Mobile app to access K+BB’s digital editions and the library of past issues. Free download from the iTunes Store On-the-go access with K+BB Mobile for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch www.kbbonline.com / December 2011 + K BB 65

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - January/February 2012

KBB - January/February 2012
Contents
Online Contents/News
Editorial
Show Director’s Note
Road to KBIS
Consumer
Web Savvy
Focus
Abroad
Trends
Products
Design
Mid-century Makeover
Modern History
Education
Ad Index
Last Word

KBB - January/February 2012