ZoneFirst
ZoneFirst, a Randolph, New Jersey-based subsidiary of Trolex Corporation founded in 1964, manufactures HVAC zone dampers, zone control panels, and the BLISS Wi-Fi zoning system, serving HVAC contractors, builders, distributors, and homeowners across the US and Canada with made-in-USA products.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1964
- HeadquartersRandolph, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ZoneFirst does
ZoneFirst, a subsidiary of Trolex Corporation founded in 1964 by Dick Foster, designs, engineers, and manufactures HVAC zoning systems at its Randolph, New Jersey facility. The company's core product portfolio centers on motorized zone dampers (round, rectangular, outlet, retro-round, bypass, and bottom/side-mount variants), zone control panels (MMZ3, H32/H32P, MZS4, and the universal MDP3 expandable to 103 zones), and the BLISS Wi-Fi System — marketed as the world's first wireless Wi-Fi and app-based combination light switch and thermostat. Proprietary technologies include the 12VDC Plug-In-Play motor platform with modular RJ11 daisy-chaining (consuming 80% less energy than legacy 24V motors), the EZ-Wire color-coded push-in terminal system, the Bypass Eliminator (BPE/BPEK) interface that supersedes traditional bypass ducts, and an A2L-compliant retrofit product range addressing UL refrigerant leak-detection requirements.
The business operates a hybrid go-to-market: direct e-commerce via zonefirst.com with multi-payment support, phone-based inside sales (1-877-FIRSTZONE), and a B2B channel of HVAC contractors, builders, and distributors supplemented by ACCA/NATE-certified installer endorsement. Pricing is unit-based across the catalog, ranging from $52 for accessories to $3,000+ for BLISS 2-zone kits, with custom rectangular dampers available from 8x8 to 36x36 inches and lifetime warranty coverage on Plug-In-Play dampers. The hardware is typically sold as one-time purchases with no recurring software or service revenue stream. Products ship within the US and Canada via UPS.
Customer segments are primarily HVAC contractors (residential retrofit and new construction), builders, and wholesale distributors, with homeowners served secondarily through the DTC e-commerce site. The January 1, 2024 acquisition of Zonex Systems added commercial-zone-control breadth under the same Trolex corporate umbrella, with both brands continuing to operate independently while consolidating damper production in Randolph. The company is privately held with no external funding and operates with 11-50 employees, maintaining 60+ years of continuous HVAC zoning innovation and an installed base of more than 60,000 homes and offices across America.
ZoneFirst firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ZoneFirst
- Legal name
- ZONEFIRST
- Website
- https://zonefirst.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1964
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- ZoneFirst, a Randolph, New Jersey-based subsidiary of Trolex Corporation founded in 1964, manufactures HVAC zone dampers, zone control panels, and the BLISS Wi-Fi zoning system, serving HVAC contractors, builders, distributors, and homeowners across the US and Canada with made-in-USA products.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ZoneFirst industry classification
Industry- Product category
- HVAC Zoning Systems and Zone Dampers
- NAICS
- Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512), Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341)
- SIC
- Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822), Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Dampers, Louvers & Ventilation Controls (IMADANAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- HVAC Zoning, Smart Dampers & Ventilation Control (HSAOANAB)
Keywords
Where ZoneFirst is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Randolph
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
ZoneFirst business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- HVAC Zone Damper Hardware Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling zone dampers (round, rectangular, bypass, plug-in-play types) in various sizes. Products are sold as one-time purchases with one-time license/perpetual ownership model. Pricing ranges from $113 to $500+ per damper depending on type and size.
- Zone Control Panel Sales: Revenue from selling zone control panels (MDP3, H32, H32P, MMZ3, MZS4) that serve as the central brain of zoning systems. Panels range from $426 to $832, with system kits and bypass eliminator bundles available at higher price points.
- BLISS Wi-Fi System Sales: Complete wireless Wi-Fi zoning system kits sold as bundled packages (Gateway, HCM, WDS, LSTs) starting at $3,000 for 2-zone systems, with expansion options up to 10 zones. Zone dampers sold separately for duct compatibility.
- Accessories and Replacement Parts: Revenue from motors (MP12M, MDM, MSS, MST), sensors (ZPS, OAS, WDS), transformers (T24), cables (PRC, PIW), relays (4PDR, PIRR), and control accessories (AFC, SPS). Prices range from $52 to $200.
- Fresh Air Ventilation Products: FX1 Fresh Air Cycler and related ventilation dampers (RDV, VKxx) for indoor air quality solutions, priced from $180 to $347.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Zone Dampers - various types from $113 to $500+ |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Zone Control Panels from $426 to $832 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | BLISS Wi-Fi System - from $3,000 for 2-zone kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Damper Motors and Accessories from $52 to $200 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Fresh Air Ventilation - FX1 Fresh Air Cycler from $180 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Bypass Eliminator from $500 |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
ZoneFirst product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ZoneFirst designs, engineers, and manufactures HVAC zone dampers and zoning systems, including motorized dampers (round, rectangular, outlet, retro-round, by-pass) in 12V Plug-in-Play and 24V variants, zone control panels (MMZ3, MZS4, H32/H32P, MDP3), the BLISS Wi-Fi wireless zoning system combining light switch and thermostat controls, the Bypass Eliminator for static pressure management, the FX1 Fresh Air Cycler for ventilation, and supporting accessories (motors, sensors, transformers, relays, cables). All products are manufactured at the Randolph, New Jersey facility and sold to HVAC contractors, builders, distributors, and homeowners across the US and Canada.
Product overview
ZONEFIRST is a manufacturer of HVAC zoning systems and products, offering both traditional wired zoning systems and the wireless BLISS Wi-Fi system. The core product portfolio centers on zone dampers (available in round, rectangular, outlet, take-off, retro-round, and by-pass configurations with power options including 12V Plug-in-Play and 24V), zone control panels (ranging from 2-zone to 4-zone models, expandable to 103 zones with add-on panels), and the BLISS wireless system. Supporting products include the BPE Bypass Eliminator for static pressure management, FX1 Fresh Air Cycler for ventilation, and various motors, sensors (Zone Plenum Sensor, Outside Air Sensor), transformers, relays, and cables. Custom rectangular damper sizes are available from 8x8 to 36x36 inches. The company also offers A2L-compliant products for new refrigerant safety requirements. Products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BLISS: World's first and only Wireless, Wi-Fi and App Based Combination Light Switch + Thermostat system for HVAC zoning.
Products and services
- BLISS Wi-Fi System Wireless Wi-Fi and app-based combination light switch and thermostat system for HVAC zoning, providing room-by-room temperature and lighting control via a mobile app. Targeted at residential and commercial customers seeking smart-home integration with HVAC zoning. Includes Zone Control Gateway (ZCG), HVAC Control Module (HCM), Wireless Damper Sensors (WDS), and Light Switch Thermostats (LST).
- Zone Dampers (Various Types) HVAC zone dampers in round, rectangular, outlet, take-off, retro-round, and by-pass configurations with various power options including 12V Plug-in-Play, 24V 2-wire/3-wire, and 120VAC. Used by HVAC contractors for room-by-room airflow control in residential and light commercial buildings.
- Zone Control Panels Zone control panels including MMZ3 (3-zone single stage), MZS4 (4-zone all-in-one), H32/H32P (heat pump compatible), and MDP3 (universal, expandable to 103 zones). Central control panels that regulate heating, cooling, and fan systems for HVAC zoning installations.
- BPE Bypass Eliminator Control interface between zone control panels and dampers that monitors system static pressure and eliminates the need for a traditional by-pass duct and damper. Available in BPE, BPEK, and BPE24K variants for use with different damper and panel configurations.
- FX1 Fresh Air Cycler Fresh air ventilation system with adjustable open-damper time settings, LED indicators, and color-coded push-in terminal blocks. Targeted at indoor air quality solutions for residential and light commercial HVAC systems.
- Virtual Contractor Training Sessions Virtual training sessions for HVAC contractors, builders, and distributors covering product installation, troubleshooting, and advanced applications for ZoneFirst zoning products. Requested via the website Schedule Training page.
- MDM Modulating Damper Motor 3-wire power open-power closed damper motor with built-in LEDs for position indication, used with ZDM, RDM, and RRM dampers. Targeted at HVAC contractors performing modulating damper installations.
- MSS Silent Spring Return Damper Motor 2-wire 24V replacement motor for ZDS, ZDB, RDS, and RTS dampers with fail-safe spring return operation. Targeted at HVAC contractors servicing or replacing motors on existing ZoneFirst dampers.
- MP12M Plug-In Replacement Motor Replacement motor for all ZoneFirst Plug-In Dampers with built-in two-color LED indicating position (Green for Open, Red for Closed). Targeted at HVAC contractors performing motor replacements on Plug-in-Play damper installations.
- A2L-Compliant Zone Damper Product Line A2L-compliant zone damper portfolio including 24V Spring Return Damper Systems, Plug-In and 3-Wire Power Open-Closed Damper Systems with 4PDR relay, and Z3/Z3P zone panels with app-based QR code setup. Designed to meet UL code requirements for A2L refrigerant leak detection in modern HVAC systems.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduces HVAC energy consumption by up to 30% through room-by-room temperature control
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use ZoneFirst
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
ZoneFirst technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
ZoneFirst partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Zonex SystemscoreTrolex Corp (ZONEFIRST's parent company) acquired Zonex Systems, a California-based commercial zone-control manufacturer, on January 1, 2024. Zonex was focused on commercial products while ZONEFIRST focused on residential, creating complementary offerings. Both companies were among the oldest manufacturers of zoning dampers and zone control systems, started by founders' fathers on opposite coasts. Combined expertise of approximately 100 years of zone control. Both product lines have been integrated with dampers now made at the Randolph, NJ plant, resulting in better products than either company produced alone. The companies plan to continue operating independently while integrating product lines.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ZoneFirst competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ZoneFirst social profiles
Digital presenceZoneFirst financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ZoneFirst leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
ZoneFirst funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ZoneFirst M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ZoneFirst
What does ZoneFirst do?
ZoneFirst designs, engineers, and manufactures HVAC zone dampers and zoning systems, including motorized dampers (round, rectangular, outlet, retro-round, by-pass) in 12V Plug-in-Play and 24V variants, zone control panels (MMZ3, MZS4, H32/H32P, MDP3), the BLISS Wi-Fi wireless zoning system combining light switch and thermostat controls, the Bypass Eliminator for static pressure management, the FX1 Fresh Air Cycler for ventilation, and supporting accessories (motors, sensors, transformers, relays, cables). All products are manufactured at the Randolph, New Jersey facility and sold to HVAC contractors, builders, distributors, and homeowners across the US and Canada.
Is ZoneFirst a public or private company?
ZoneFirst is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ZoneFirst founded?
ZoneFirst was founded in 1964. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is ZoneFirst based?
ZoneFirst is headquartered in Randolph, United States, in the North America region.
How does ZoneFirst make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. HVAC Zone Damper Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are zone Control Panel Sales, BLISS Wi-Fi System Sales, accessories and Replacement Parts and fresh Air Ventilation Products.
Who are ZoneFirst's main competitors?
Honeywell International is listed as a direct peer.
Does ZoneFirst have an API?
No public API is recorded for ZoneFirst.
What industry is ZoneFirst in?
ZoneFirst's product category is HVAC Zoning Systems and Zone Dampers. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADANAD, Dampers, Louvers & Ventilation Controls, with a secondary code of HSAOANAB, HVAC Zoning, Smart Dampers & Ventilation Control. Its NAICS code is 334512 and its SIC code is 3822.