Smart Home

Triplex and Sixplex electrical outlets
Made by Leviton, the Acenti line is the industry’s first integrated triplex receptacle, plus it offers a design flair, coming in eight colours, including onyx, slate and driftwood. Acenti receptacles have all the safety features of conventional twin receptacles, are available in 15-amp and 20-amp ratings and fit in traditional electrical wall boxes. (The sixplex receptacle does takes a special box.)

Jeld-Wen folding door system
With doors that fold accordion style, Jeld-Wen’s system combines the architectural features of a classic French door with the openness of a sliding door. The result brings outdoor space indoors, a trend in warm-weather climates and among homes with mountain or ocean views. The system originated in Australia and Great Britain a few years ago and has since landed in the US. Door sections slide on an overhead track and neatly fold away, allowing full access. The system is available in both wood (stained, painted or primed) and fibreglass. Another option is a 90-degree configuration that stands alone without a structural corner post. Prices vary, depending on size and installation, but the door is considered a high-end product.

Ryobi 12-volt lithium cordless drill
When it comes to homeowner-grade power tools, Ryobi continues to raise the bar. Its new HJP001K 12-volt cordless lithium model is light—1.8 pounds—and powerful (550 rpm and 110 inches/pounds of torque). “When I pulled the trigger, I couldn’t get over the power and torque in such a small tool,” says Danny Lipford of Today’s Homeowner TV show and website. The drill has a 3/8-inch heavy-duty keyless chuck, magnetic bit holder and a diagnostic readout to gauge battery power. The kit includes two lithium-ion batteries, bits, charger and tool bag. Lipford says it’s the perfect drill for small hands or for the extra toolbox in your home.

Water-saving toilet
Caroma, with 34 dual-flush toilets, and Aqus, by WaterSaver Technologies, are leading the charge to reduce water use when we flush. Caroma toilets have two flushing valves, one for liquid waste and another for solid waste. The dual-valve concept of a high-efficiency toilet reduces water use by 40 percent (compared with traditional toilets) and 20 percent (compared with low-flush toilets). The Aqus mechanism takes recycled graywater from the bathroom and uses it for flushing traditional toilets. The Aqus system installs in the cabinet of the vanity and filters, purifies and stores water from the sink. The system can save up to 20 gallons of water daily in a two-person household. (LAT-WP)