The SmartPlug Instant Hot Water Control by Taco Comfort Solutions, was selected as a finalist in the Best Home Technology Product category for the 2018 International Builders’ Show Best of IBS awards. There are nine total categories; one winner will be chosen for each category from among the finalists.

According to IBS managers, the awards program received 324 entries this year.  Ultimately, one product will be chosen as best-in-show.

A hot water recirculating system can save homeowners a significant amount of water – up to 12,000 gallons per year. But continuously running circulators and improperly programmed timers can waste energy by operating the circulator and hot water heater at times when hot water isn’t needed.

The SmartPlug upgrades a hot water recirculation system to a “smart” system.  SmartPlug technology makes any corded circulator up to 94% more energy efficient by learning hot water usage patterns and delivering hot water when it’s needed.  This increases hot water comfort, reduces energy use and helps to extend the life of the hot water heater.

The SmartPlug also includes a “pulse” mode option that continuously cycles the circulator on for 5 minutes, then off for 10 minutes, as well as a “vacation” mode that shuts the circulator off after 36 hours of no hot water use.  While in vacation mode, the SmartPlug’s exercise function cycles the pump for 10 seconds every seven days to prevent corrosion or scale build up.