Classic and New Technology Battle for Residential Control
GOLD
The Heat PumPROâ„¢ is the first nonproprietary, zone control designed especially for heat pumps, according to manufacturer Arzel Zoning Technology Inc. It has a four-heat, two-cool staging system that operates at capacity as well as demand. The Heat PumPRO's built-in auxiliary controls help make every heat pump more effective and easier to install. It has been designed to maximize the effectiveness of virtually any heat pump in any application. It is all-electric and dual-fuel. The flexible control strategy adjusts to the requirements of almost any application.According to Arzel, "The contractor will see an immediate simplification of the installation." No additional controls are needed. Everything necessary for proper installation is built into the zone control, including: outdoor thermostats, a low ambient kit, outdoor reset, bypass control, and smart staging. Contractors can use a standard heat-cool thermostat, or a heat pump thermostat. The setup wizard provided guides installers through the setup process.
The Heat PumPRO stages compressors on demand by the thermostat or when it senses that the air in the ductwork is not warm or cold enough. This occurs independently from the air handler.
"This looks very easy for zoning existing systems," commented one judge.
SILVER
Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions' Honeywell Round Mercury Free thermostat brings environmentally friendly technology and an old-fashioned look together to control low voltage heating and cooling equipment. Common applications are those where customers demand no thermostat maintenance. The unit is easy to install and simple to operate.According to the company, it is the only electronic thermostat that works and interacts like an electromechanical thermostat. It maintains a 1950's classic look while addressing 21st century environmental concerns. The mercury free unit "is for the customer who likes what they have," said one judge. "It's a good choice."
There are no batteries to replace, and its set it and forget it operation virtually eliminates contractor callbacks.
"It provides the old-fashioned round look without mercury," noted one of the judges.
The Round Mercury Free thermostat helps contractors comply with new legislation in states across the country, and at the same time offers precise temperature accuracy to homeowners.
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"I have many older customers that do not like digital thermostats," said one judge. "Many of them have the old mercury T87 and I could see this being a good fit for them. Also, since it has no mercury, there is no leveling."
BRONZE
EWC Controls Inc.'s Ultra-Zone UZC-4 is a residential and light commercial forced air zone control panel, with built-in safety controls, that yields automated, multizone, energy savings.It allows for any single HVAC installation of single stage, multi stage up to four stages, heat pump, dual fuel, or geothermal systems to create between two and 20 zones. The panel includes demand based ventilation and fire alarm interlock safety features.
It has been commonly applied to the high-end residential market and multiple light commercial HVAC zoning applications. It is often found in strip malls, doctors' offices, banks, and office buildings. The unit employs one panel to control all zoning applications.
"It looks good for light commercial office products," noted one of the judges.
According to the company, Ultra-Zone features a "watch dog" monitor that consists of an IC chip that will automatically reset itself if a lockup occurs, thus eliminating any nuisance callbacks.
"I like the ample add-ons that this system can handle, like smoke, carbon dioxide, or fresh air" noted one judge. "It will also work with any thermostat."
LEDs on the panel allow for easier diagnostic service calls when necessary. The UZC-4 will also inform the dealer of what is or isn't happening based on voltage checks that the panel performs during operation.
Honorees: Residential Controls Including Zoning
GOLD
Arzel® Zoning Technology Inc. - www.arzelzoning.com - Heat PumPRO
SILVER
Honeywell - www.honeywell.com - Honeywell Round® Mercury Free Thermostat
BRONZE
EWC Controls Inc. - www.ewccontrols.com - Ultra Zone
Publication date: 07/17/2006
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