Due to the storm in NJ our factory is closed today.  We will re-open Monday March 1.  Our apologies for the inconvenience.

For the safety of our employees, ZONEFIRST has closed for today, Wed Feb 10 and will re-open Thurs Feb 11, due to the blizzard in Northern NJ. 

Effective Jan 1, 2010, North Carolina mandated zoning of all newly installed HVAC Systems.  Zoning was defined as mutliple equipment or automatic damper systems.  It could also mean using manual dampers between seasons as well, however this is the first state truely recognizing zone damper systems.  This new code also requires room by room load calcs vs. one for the whole house. The next question is the meaning of newly installed and if this only means with new homes or a changeout.  See:http://www.nclicensing.org/_fpclass/_nosearch/New%20Rules%202010.pdf:

ZONEFIRST will have a new booth for the upcoming AHR Show in Orlando.  For more information go to www.ahrexpo.com.  See ZONEFIRST in booth 2916.   Print out this blog post and order at the show and receive $100 any system over $500.00.

ZONEFIRST announced a NEW List Price Index, effective Feb 1, 2010.  There is an approximate 3% increase on most items.  Good News is the cost of the Wireless Thermostat and Receiver went down to $360 List.  E-mail us at info@zonefirst.com, with your name, company, address and e-mail and we can mail or e-mail you a copy.  Order now thru Jan 29, 2009 to beat the increase.

ZONEFIRST has 147 MMZ3 control panels leftover with all green colored screw terminals.  These are fully functional and available for the low price of $45/panel.  Call us at 877-604-1044 to get this special offer. 

Future Climate Initiatives include a phase down on refrigerants and using multiple HVAC units will no longer be practical.  Zone Damper Systems will be the economical and GREEN method to reduce the use of refrigerants.

It’s disappointing that the three major trade associations, AHRI (manufacturers), HARDI (wholesalers) and ACCA (contractors) appear to be at odds over energy efficiency standards.  While each have some legitimate concerns it’s disappointing that these associations cannot work together on efficiency issues and move the industry forward.  As AHRI holds a press conference this morning promoting a cooperative spirit, ACCA and HARDI distributed e-blasts citing their issues.

See AHRI’s statement here: http://www.ahrinet.org/Pages/ShowMeMore.aspx?src=single&lpk=1088

See ACCA’s statement here: http://www.acca.org/press/news.php?id=252

See HARDI’s statement here: www.hardinet.org

Honeywell announced an increase on zone dampers 3% effective Nov 2009.  It’s tough to raise prices during a recession but Honeywell is doing so.  We’ll see if they can make it stick.  Now more than ever the gap has widened between HW and ZF on damper prices.  Even our panels are are a double digit % savings on base prices.

Zoning is a huge part of the GREEN Revolution in HVAC.  Studies show HVAC Zone Damper Systems can save 20%, or even more depending on how many zones and setbacks per day.  The combination of setback thermostats and zone dampers only heating or cooling thise zones that need it, can save substantially over single zone systems.  For those who continue to use separate HVAC units, this is NOT GREEN.  Just look at doubling the expdended energy, materials, transportation in making that second unit.  Plus the initial cost and added connected load to the utility.  Zoning with dampers is GREEN in so many ways over single systems and when it comes to dual systems, zone damper systems are the only way to go.  Granted some homes and building are large enough to require an extra unit when the load exceeds 5 Tons, however then each unit should be zoned.