by Unico Marketing Team | May 14, 2025 | Historic Restoration, Older Homes, Traditional Home Project
One of the charms of owning an older home is enjoying the period craftmanship that went into its construction. The old cliché, “they don’t build them like they used to” is readily evident in older homes that have structural and finishing details that are no longer seen in modern homes.
However, an HVAC solution that fits with and doesn’t disrupt the artistry of these homes can be a challenge. Let alone one that provides lasting comfort and energy efficiency. This is exactly why The Unico System small-duct high velocity solution was created.
Many older homes relied on steam systems for heat or were built before the inclusion of ductwork for air conditioning. These homes often lack the necessary space to run traditional ducts without major renovations or compromises to the living space’s architectural aesthetics. In many of these homes, plaster and lathe walls reduce the interior wall cavity space, and floor joists weren’t built to modern sizing standards.
Small Ducts for Tight Spaces
The Unico System was designed with the space limitations of these homes in mind. Unico ducts are engineered to fit within small areas in existing walls and ceilings. Unico System supply ducts are only 2 inches in diameter, making it easy to work them into almost any older home structure. They’re also flexible, which gives HVAC contractors the ability to thread them through spaces that can’t fit traditional ducts.
Compact Equipment
Another advantage The Unico System has for older homes is the air handling unit (AHU). With traditional HVAC systems, the AHU is often large and box-shaped, which makes it difficult to find space to accommodate it. The Unico System AHU is small and compact enough to fit in tight attics, crawlspaces, cubby holes, or even small closets. And the system’s main trunk ducting, or plenum, is one-third the size of traditional forced air ducting, allowing it to fit in cramped areas. It’s just another way Unico makes older homes more comfortable without the need for extensive renovations.
Made to Match Your Older Home’s Style
Lastly, The Unico System uses discreet outlets rather than conventional rectangular registers. They are available in round and slotted configurations that can easily be further customized and can be painted, stained, or wall-papered to match the aesthetic style of your older home. The unique look of your older home will remain unchanged since Unico outlets virtually disappear in the existing decor.
So, whether your home is Colonial Revival, Queen Anne, Federalist, Victorian, or Mid-Century Modern, The Unico System is the perfect HVAC solution. Since its inception, The Unico System has been installed in all these home styles and more, including many properties listed on national, state, and local historic registries.
Supported by Old House Journal and Arts & Crafts Homes as a premier choice for small-duct HVAC in historic and home preservation.
Old House Journal helps you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. Find how-to stories, design ideas, and hard-to-find products.
Click here to learn more
by Unico Marketing Team | Apr 29, 2025 | Partnerships, Press Releases
St. Louis, MO – April 29, 2025 – Unico, Inc., a pioneer in small-duct high-velocity HVAC manufacturing , is proud to announce Shipshape.AI as its recommended monitoring solution for customers seeking to optimize performance and enhance user experience. This strategic partnership integrates Shipshape.AI’s advanced AI-driven monitoring capabilities into Unico’s innovative The Unico System, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and reliability in the smart technology sector.
Unico has long been recognized for its expertise in designing and manufacturing high-performance solutions, particularly in HVAC and modular technologies. With a commitment to sustainability and user-centric design, Unico’s systems are trusted by customers worldwide. By recommending Shipshape.AI as its preferred monitoring solution, Unico ensures its customers gain access to real-time insights, predictive maintenance, and seamless system optimization—further extending the value and longevity of Unico’s offerings.
Shipshape.AI specializes in AI-powered monitoring and predictive analytics, transforming how systems are managed in homes and buildings. Their platform leverages machine learning to detect inefficiencies, anticipate maintenance needs, and optimize energy usage, delivering actionable insights directly to users. When integrated with The Unico System, Shipshape.AI’s technology provides a smarter, more responsive experience that empowers customers to stay ahead of potential issues while maximizing performance.
“We’re thrilled to recommend Shipshape.AI as our go-to monitoring solution,” said Scott Intagliata, Co-Owner and CMO at Unico, Inc.. “Their AI-driven platform perfectly complements our systems, giving our customers unparalleled visibility and control. This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering the best in innovation and reliability.”
“Being chosen as Unico’s recommended monitoring solution is a testament to the impact our technology can have,” added Alex Linn, CEO of Shipshape.AI. “We’re excited to work alongside Unico to redefine what’s possible in smart system management, ensuring their clients benefit from smarter, more efficient operations.”
Unico encourages its customers, industry stakeholders, and media outlets to explore the benefits of this partnership by visiting www.unicosystems.com or www.shipshape.ai. For more information, to request a demo, or to integrate Shipshape.AI with your Unico system, contact our teams at [email protected] or [email protected].
About Unico Systems
The Unico System is a small-duct central heating and air conditioning system manufactured by Unico Inc. Ideal for custom and new home construction, older home retrofits and historic preservation, modular, and commercial applications, The Unico System takes less than one-third the space of a traditional HVAC system. Unico is an active member of the U.S. National Trust for Historic Preservation.For over 30 years, Unico has delivered high-performance, user-centric products that prioritize efficiency and flexibility. Learn more at www.unicosystem.com.
About Shipshape.AI
Shipshape.AI, based in Austin, TX, is a leading provider of AI-driven monitoring and predictive analytics for home and building management. Their platform empowers users with real-time insights and automation to enhance system performance and reduce costs. Discover more at www.shipshape.ai.
by Unico Marketing Team | Apr 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
As the winter blues melt away and spring starts to greet us, now is the perfect time to refresh and prepare your home for the warmer months ahead. While deep cleaning closets and dusting off shelves might top your “Spring Cleaning” checklist, one essential but often overlooked task is maintaining your Unico System.
Your Unico System is designed for long-lasting, high-performance comfort, but like any high-quality system, regular maintenance is key to keeping it running efficiently. Proper upkeep not only ensures maximum energy efficiency but also extends the lifespan of your system, improves indoor air quality, and keeps your home consistently comfortable year-round.
To help you stay on top of system maintenance, we spoke with two of our expert customer service team members, Brian Intagliata and Bill Brunsen, who shared their top tips for keeping your Unico System in peak condition.
How to Maintain Your Unico System
- Change the Air Filter Regularly
Your Unico System’s filter plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality and system efficiency. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder and reduce efficiency.
How often should you change it?
- Every few months for standard households
- More frequently (every 1-2 months) if you have pets, high dust levels, or allergies
Pro tip: Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to check and replace the filter regularly-it’s a small step that makes a big difference!
- Clean the Outdoor Coil for Optimal Airflow
If your Unico System is connected to an outdoor unit, keeping the outdoor coil (condenser coil) clean and unobstructed is equally important. A dirty coil can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and higher energy bills.
Best Practices:
- Check the outdoor coil for dirt, leaves, and debris.
- Turn off power first. Use a garden hose to gently rinse off dust and buildup (avoid high-pressure washers, which can damage the fins).
- Trim back any plants, shrubs, or grass growing too close to the unit- at least 2 feet of clearance ensures proper airflow.
- Inspect and Clean the Condensate Drain Trap
The indoor condensate drain removes excess moisture from the system. A clogged drain can lead to water buildup, leaks, or even system shutdowns.
What to do:
- Locate the condensate trap near the indoor coil.
- Check for blockages (dust, algae, debris) and clean it as needed.
- If you notice standing water or a slow drain, flushing the line with a mixture of water and vinegar can help clean minor clogs.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance Twice a Year
While regular DIY maintenance goes a long way, a trained HVAC professional should inspect and service your system at least once or twice a year.
Professional maintenance schedule:
- Once a year if your system is used only for cooling
- Twice a year (spring & fall) if your system provides both heating and cooling
A professional technician will:
- Clean and inspect the system thoroughly
- Check refrigerant levels for optimal performance
- Ensure all components are functioning correctly
- Identify and address potential issues before they become costly repairs
Visit (insert UPC webpage) to easily locate a Unico Preferred Contractor near you and ensure your system gets the expert care it deserves.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Neglecting HVAC maintenance can lead to higher energy bills, reduced comfort, and costly repairs down the line. By following these simple steps and scheduling regular professional checkups, you’ll keep your Unico System running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
Key Benefits of Routine Maintenance:
- Lower energy costs
- Improved indoor air quality
- Longer system lifespan
- Fewer unexpected breakdowns
Spring is the perfect time to give your Unico System a little TLC-so add HVAC maintenance to your to-do list and enjoy a comfortable, worry-free season ahead!
Have questions about Unico System maintenance? Drop them in the comments or reach out to our expert team-we’re here to help!
The Unico System- Comfort Fit for Your Home
by Unico Marketing Team | Mar 11, 2025 | Custom Homes, Design Flexibility, Limited Space, Older Homes, Space-Saving Solutions
While The Unico System, a small-duct high-velocity (SDHV) HVAC solution, is designed to work in virtually any home, certain applications are especially well-suited for our product.
Where The Unico System Excels
1. Limited Space Applications- The Unico System is ideal for homes where space for traditional ductwork is scarce.
2. Superior Comfort- Compared to traditional HVAC systems, Unico delivers enhanced comfort through better humidity control, elimination of drafts, and consistent temperatures throughout the home. While every homeowner values superior comfort, the space-saving aspect makes Unico the best solution for specific home styles.
Best-Suited Home Styles
Our system is particularly beneficial for:
1. Older Homes- Built before modern forced-air ductwork was common, these homes often lack space for bulky HVAC components.
2. Custom Homes- Designed with unique architectural elements like open floor plans and vaulted ceilings, these homes present challenges for traditional HVAC systems.
a. It also extends to architect-designed homes, as well as modular, log and timber, and low-load or passive and Net Zero homes.
The Unico System Stands Out
The Unico System’s compact, modular components-including smaller plenum ducting, flexible supply tubing, and discreet air distribution outlets-make it the best HVAC solution for homes where space is at a premium.
Beyond space efficiency, our system delivers:
· Better Comfort- Reduced humidity, draft elimination, and even temperatures from floor to ceiling
· Better Aesthetics- Small, unobtrusive outlets that seamlessly blend into any décor.
What About Traditional Homes?
If your home was originally designed with space for a traditional HVAC system, can The Unico System still be option? Absolutely! While our SDHV system was created to solve space constraints, its flexibility allows it to enhance comfort in any home.
That’s the beauty of The Unico System-adaptable, efficient, and designed for ultimate comfort, no matter the home.
by Unico Marketing Team | Feb 10, 2025 | General Announcement, News
Each year, the AHR Expo brings the entire HVACR community together to showcase the latest products and technologies, learn from industry experts, engage in cross-disciplinary conversations, and grow businesses and careers.
AHR stands for “Air-conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration” and the expo is sponsored by ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Engineers) and AHRI (The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute). That’s a lot of “alphabet soup,” but this expo is the premiere event of the industry.
Unico has a long history with the AHR Expo and the institutions behind it.
From our inception in 1985 to this year’s show in Orlando, FL, we will again be exhibiting. This year, we’re sharing booth #5068 with our partner Chiltrix, makers of highly efficient air-to-water heat pumps.
But in addition to exhibiting the latest additions to The Unico System product lineup, we’ll be holding high-level meetings with our key partners – the sales representatives, distributors, and contractors who sell, install, and service our products.
Additionally, our VP of Engineering, Craig Messmer, and his team will be attending technical seminars and presentations of the latest advancements in the HVAC field. Craig has a long history with ASHRAE, serving on its board and chairing committees over more than 30 years.
So, if you’re going to be in Orlando, stop by and see us – and check this space for our follow-up blog on what we saw and learned this year.
For more information on the AHR Expo visit https://www.ahrexpo.com/
