At VISION House Austin, every specification contributes to measurable performance, especially in the kitchen and utility spaces, where equipment drives daily loads and comfort. Architect Peter Pfeiffer underscores that appliances aren’t just finishes; they’re systems choices that influence indoor air quality, water use and peak demand.
A major reason GE Profile is a fit for this net-zero project is EcoBalance, the company’s whole-home approach that combines connected appliances, innovative hardware, and Savant’s energy management system into one coordinated solution. The SmartHQ consumer app is the hub, giving homeowners unified visibility and control over major loads and energy usage.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for ~43% of typical home energy use, water heating ~13%, and major appliances about 13%. EcoBalance turns that awareness into action, enabling scheduling, automations, and useful alerts that help residents shift high-draw tasks to off-peak times, lower bills, and take steps toward energy independence.
Most GE Profile appliances are Wi-Fi connected, so owners can preheat ovens, check refrigerator temps, and get cycle-completion pings without hovering in the kitchen or laundry room.
The Smart 50-Gallon Electric Water Heater is enabled with Flexible Capacity that can provide up to 60% more hot water when needed (vs. comparable units without a mixing valve). It’s Wi-Fi enabled for temperature, capacity, and vacation mode control in SmartHQ—and integrates with the home’s monitoring to optimize water-heating loads.
The 36" Built-In Touch Control Induction Cooktop has precision temperature control that holds a specific temp between 100 and 500 degrees. The cooktop automatically detects cookware and turns off when a pan’s removed, and it’s SmartHQ connected for remote monitoring. In a cooling-dominated climate like much of Texas, every extra BTU released in the kitchen becomes work for your AC. That’s why induction shines: it heats the pan, not the room, so far less stray heat spills into the space.
Similarly, the Counter-Depth Refrigerator with Door-in-Door Storage has a Dual-Dispense AutoFill Pitcher and ice maker. Keeping everything internal helps reduce cold air loss and optimizes the energy harvested from the solar array. The connected features alert to temperature swings and support efficient operation.
The side-swing design of the Smart Built-In Convection Double Wall Oven eliminates the need to reach over the open door for accessibility and aging-in-place. The In-Oven Camera enables remote monitoring in SmartHQ, while precision modes streamline results.
The advanced spray patterns and soil-sensing capabilities of the Smart Dishwasher deliver clean dishes with less water and energy. Notifications and remote status checks help time cycles for when it’s most convenient.
In the laundry room, a heat-pump system allows the UltraFast Combo Washer/Dryer to wash and dry in one machine, while using ~65% less water and ~50% less energy than the leading competitor. Adaptive SmartDispense meters detergent precisely, while the UltraFresh Vent System with OdorBlock helps prevent odors and mildew. No exterior vent is required, opening up layout options and simplifying installations.
VISION House Austin shows how GE Profile’s whole-home solutions can make life easier while advancing a more sustainable future. By integrating connected appliances, energy monitoring, and intuitive controls, the project demonstrates how thoughtful technology can enhance daily living and reduce environmental impact.