Robert Kirkpatrick from Rinnai joins Bob to explain the tankless hot-water system being installed in the Manhattan Brownstone. Kirkpatrick explains that there are three key advantages to the tankless system. There's a huge space savings since the unit mounts on a wall, sparing the 12 to 16 square feet of floor space typically dedicated to the water tank. These tankless systems are also 70 percent more efficient than electric hot-water tanks. Most impressive of all, they provide an endless supply of hot water since the water is heated on demand rather than kept in storage. Kirkpatrick shows Bob the flow sensors that receive the water, generate the demand for heat, and gauge the amount of energy necessary to heat it to the desired temperature. The water is heated as it passes through the copper heat exchanger at the top of the unit. A double-wall pipe serves as the combustion air intake and the exhaust for the system, with a vent chamber up the middle surrounded by air intake along the perimeter of the pipe. This system is cost efficient as well, with payback of the initial investment in two to four years.

Bob meets Todd Skulksy of Perfection Fence as he installs the classic New England-style vinyl picket fence. This product has a wood look and is made of mono-extruded vinyl so that it has only one layer and will not show nicks or discolorations over time. The fence is installed without mechanical fasteners and has been engineered with the crimps molded into the rails. The rail locks into the post piece and the crimp holds it in place. Perfection Fence vinyl fences come in different styles, this one with traditional New England features like the Colonial cap and ball finial for the top. Skulsky explains that these fences are moderately priced and cost less than finished wood fencing, but more than an unfinished wood fence. They are maintenance free, however, which will save money over time.

Bob looks at the sound attenuation product being used in the ceilling of the Manhattan Brownstone. Chris Vila, the project manager, explains that unlike fiberglass batts, this Roxul AFB fire batt is thicker than traditional batt and completely blocks sound transfer while preventing the spread of fire from space to space.

Shutters add a rich detail and character to your home while protecting your windows from damaging winds and rain.

Cracked and broken bathroom tiles are easily removed and replaced. There may be water damage to the backing behind the tile, so be prepared for a longer job.

Casement windows, windows that are attached to their frame by one or more hinges and usually have cranks, can need replacing over time due to wear and weathering. Here we replace a casement window and the shingles surrounding it.

A.O. Smith Water Products - Chris Hopkins visits the EnergyWise house to discuss the company's high efficiency water heaters. The company's low-emission gas fired water heaters are specifically rated to meet California's tough requirements for energy efficient appliances. Hopkins recommends higher a certified installer to perform all water heater installations to ensure proper venting of exhaust gasses.

The EnergyWise House's fireplaces use state-of-the-art technology to produce clean, efficient heat. Ross Morrison from Heat-N-Glo joins energy expert Steve Easley on location for a preview of a few of the heating technologies that will be used in the home. On display are 33,000 Btu direct-vent model capable of heating up to three rooms, and indoor/outdoor model that does not require a flue, and a portable "campfire" style that can run on propane or natural gas.

TechShield radiant barrier sheathing can help homeowners conserve energy by keeping up to 97 percent of the sun's radiant heat from entering the attic. TechShield, the only radiant barrier sheathing with post-lamination incising, effectively allows moisture to escape from the foil side of the board should it get wet. Studies have shown that using a radiant barrier can effectively reduce the amount of energy required to cool the home by up to 20 percent. And TechShield radiant barrier sheathing adds no additional time or labor costs to the construction, because the foil is already laminated to the board.