by Aliya Coons | Aug 12, 2025 | Commercial Project
When it comes to designing HVAC systems for multi-family buildings, developers and mechanical contractors face a familiar set of challenges: space constraints, preservation of architectural aesthetics, energy efficiency demands, and the need for quiet comfort. The Unico System was engineered to meet exactly these kinds of challenges-and it’s already proving its value in high-end multi-family projects across the country.
Two standout examples-the Lucas Condos in Boston, MA and the Vue Newport Marina Condos in Newport Beach, CA-showcase how The Unico System can help architects, engineers, and developers deliver superior comfort without compromising design.
Lucas Condos, Boston MA: A Church Transformed
The Lucas Condos is a luxury residence located in Boston’s South End, housed in the restored shell of the 1874 German Trinity Catholic Church. The project presented a unique HVAC challenge: how to preserve the soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and original masonry while adding modern heating and cooling to each unit.
The solution? The Unico System.
Our small-duct, high-velocity design allowed the project team to run HVAC supply tubing through existing wall cavities and structural voids-no soffits, no bulkheads, no design sacrifices. Each unit in the Lucas Condos features discreet outlets and a nearly invisible HVAC footprint, maintaining the architectural beauty of the historic church while providing residents with modern, efficient comfort.
Vue Newport Marina Condos, Newport Beach, CA: Waterfront Luxury Meets Performance
In Newport Beach, the Vue Newport Marina Condos brought luxury living to the Pacific Ocean waterfront. For this sleek, modern development, performance, efficiency, and aesthetics were key. With space at a premium and open-concept layouts a top priority, traditional ducted HVAC systems were off the table.
Thanks to the compact footprint of The Unico System’s air handler and flexible tubing, the mechanical contractor was able to install systems in tight spaces, such as closets or utility areas, without impacting ceilings heights or floorplans. The end result was a high-performing HVAC system that blends seamlessly into the design of each unit-delivering quiet, draft-free comfort year-round.
Thanks to the compact footprint of The Unico System’s air handler and flexible tubing, the mechanical contractor was able to install systems in tight spaces, such as closets or utility
areas, without impacting ceiling heights or floorplans. The end result was a high-performance HVAC system that blends seamlessly into the design of each unit-delivering quiet, draft-free comfort year-round.
Whether the project is a historic retrofit or modern new construction, The Unico System helps solve the common pain points of multi-family design: minimal space requirements, design flexibility, quiet operation, energy efficiency, and premium aesthetics. That’s why more and more builders are choosing The Unico System to meet the demands of today’s multifamily market.
Want to learn more?
Explore the Lucas Condos Case Study and the Vue Newport Marina Case Study to see how we can elevate your next project.
Comfort Fit for Your Home
by Aliya Coons | Jul 7, 2025 | Uncategorized
When it comes to staying cool during hot summer months, The Unico System is designed to deliver quiet, efficient comfort- even in homes where traditional HVAC just doesn’t fit. But even the best systems perform even better when paired with smart cooling habits. Here are 8 ways to maximize comfort while keeping energy use low with The Unico System.
- Use Ceiling Fans to Enhance Airflow
The Unico System delivers high-velocity air for consistent comfort, but ceiling fans can help push that cool air even further. Run your fans counterclockwise in summer to create a wind-chill effect and help move conditioned air throughout the space.
- Close Blinds or Curtains During the Day
Sunlight streaming through windows can quickly warm up your home. Keeping blinds or curtains closed- especially during the hottest parts of the day- reduces solar heat gain and makes it easier for The Unico System to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature.
- Keep Filters Clean
The Unico System includes a dedicated air filter that helps protect the system and maintain clean indoor air. Over time, dust and debris can build up, restricting airflow and making the system work harder. Checking your filter monthly and replacing it every 3-6 months (or as recommended by your installing contractor) keeps air flowing efficiently and ensures peak system performance-especially during the summer months when the system is working hardest.
- Seal and Insulate for Maximum Efficiency
Our small-duct system already minimizes air leaks, but sealing gaps around windows, doors, and attic access points will keep conditioned air inside. Insulating attics and crawl spaces also helps maintain your desired temperature without extra effort from your system.
- Use Smart Thermostat Settings
Pairing The Unico System with a smart thermostat or programmable control allows you to fine-tune your comfort. Set schedules to raise the temperature when you’re away and cool things down before you return-without having to run the system all day.
- Take Advantage of Zoning (if Available)
If your Unico System includes zoning, use it to your advantage. Only cool the rooms you’re using, and adjust airflow to different parts of the house as needed. This reduces unnecessary energy use and extends the life of the system.
- Limit Heat from Appliances
Appliances like ovens, dryers, or even lightbulbs give off heat. Try grilling outdoors instead of cooking inside on hot days, and run heat-producing appliances (like dishwashers) in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. Less indoor heat = less demand on your system.
- Keep Air Outlets Clear
The Unico System uses small, discreet outlets that deliver air into each room. Make sure furniture, rugs, or drapes aren’t covering or blocking them. Clear path allow for optimal air distribution and more even cooling throughout your space.
Stay Cool, Efficient, and Comfortable
With The Unico System and a few smart habits, you can enjoy whisper-quiet comfort all summer long-without adding strain or rising energy bills. Whether you’re in a historic home, a custom build, or anywhere space is tight, these tips help you get the most out of your Unico experience.
Want help customizing your comfort setup?
Find a Unico Preferred Contractor near you.
by Aliya Coons | Jun 11, 2025 | Commercial Project, Spot Cooling
If you own or manage a factory, you know the struggle: your team is working hard near machinery that generates intense heat, while your facility’s massive footprint makes traditional HVAC systems inefficient and costly. Cooling an entire warehouse or production floor is not just expensive—it’s unnecessary. That’s where spot cooling comes in.
At Unico, we’ve engineered a solution that’s both powerful and precise: UniSpot. This small-duct, high-velocity system is designed to cool the person—not the plant.
Why Spot Cooling Makes Sense for Industrial Spaces
Factories aren’t built like office buildings. High ceilings, open bays, and large square footage make uniform cooling a logistical and financial challenge. Plus, many production areas don’t need to be cooled—just the people doing the work.
By targeting specific zones or workstations, UniSpot delivers comfort where it matters most—right where your workers are.
What Makes UniSpot Different?
Traditional HVAC systems rely on flooding large spaces with cooled air, often wasting energy and leaving key areas under-conditioned. UniSpot flips that approach. With flexible ducting and high-velocity delivery, it:
- Targets individual workstations with focused airflow
- Maintains consistent comfort in even the hottest corners of your facility
- Reduces energy consumption by only conditioning occupied zones
- Integrates easily into existing industrial layouts
Whether it’s a workstation next to a heat-generating press or a packaging table that sees high traffic, UniSpot keeps your team comfortable—without trying to cool the entire building.
Better Comfort = Better Productivity
Employee comfort isn’t just a nice-to-have. Studies show that cooler, more comfortable work environments lead to:
- Fewer heat-related health issues
- Higher morale and focus
- Improved output and reduced error rates
In other words, spot cooling with UniSpot isn’t just an investment in comfort—it’s an investment in productivity.
Ready to Cool Smarter?
If you’re tired of high energy bills and uneven cooling in your plant, let UniSpot change the game. Reach out to our team to learn how our small-duct, high-velocity spot cooling system can be customized to your facility.
