Lowe’s gets smart about water heaters

ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. — Lowe’s is teaming up with American Water Heaters to offer homeowners the ability to remotely control their water heaters from their smart phones or tablets.



Iris is Lowe's exclusive smart home solution allows homeowners to monitor and control virtually everything in the home, including Energy Smart electric water heaters, which will feature Iris-compatible control modules. Homeowners can use the controls to set water temperatures and select operating modes, including the "Vacation" mode.



Iris also will share diagnostic information regarding water heater operation. An optional leak detection sensor will notify homeowners of any leaks.



"We are pleased to continue a longstanding partnership between Lowe's and American Water Heaters by connecting our premium water heaters to the Iris system," said Rusty Frontz, VP of retail sales for American Water Heaters. "Iris facilitates enhanced control of the home environment, so water heater control is a natural next step for homeowners to better manage and monitor their water usage and costs."



In the future, American Water Heaters plans to include integrations enable homeowners to conserve power in exchange for utility rebates. The smart port that makes such connectivity possible is already available on the Energy Smart line of water heaters.



American Water Heaters' Energy Smart electric water heaters are available in Lowe's stores nationwide, and the Iris compatible control module will be in select Lowe's stores by this summer.