by Unico Marketing Team | Jun 4, 2026 | Uncategorized
As energy costs continue to rise, more homeowners are searching for efficient ways to heat and cool their homes. One of the fastest-growing trends in HVAC is the adoption of heat pumps, which provide both heating and cooling from a single system while using less energy than many conventional options.
The benefits are clear. Heat pumps can improve efficiency, reduce utility bills, and provide year-round comfort. But choosing a heat pump is only part of the solution. Homeowners should also consider how conditioned air is delivered throughout the home.
Why HVAC Distribution Matters
Even the most advanced heat pump can struggle to provide consistent comfort if the air distribution system is not designed properly. Conventional ductwork can be difficult to install in older homes, historic properties, and renovation projects where space is limited.
Large ducts often require major construction, which can impact a home’s design, architectural details, and usable living space. They can also be inefficient. According to industry estimates, conventional duct systems can lose up to 40% of conditioned air through leaks, poor sealing, and heat transfer before it ever reaches the living spaces.
The Unico System was designed to minimize those losses. With its compact, tightly sealed duct system, air leakage is typically less than 5%, helping homeowners get more from their heating and cooling equipment while improving overall system efficiency and comfort.
Pairing Heat Pumps with The Unico System
The Unico System offers a flexible alternative for homes where conventional ductwork is not practical. Its small, flexible ducts can be routed through existing walls, ceilings, and other tight spaces with minimal disruption.
When paired with a heat pump, The Unico System helps homeowners enjoy the efficiency of modern HVAC technology while maintaining the character of their home. The system also delivers even temperatures throughout the living space and provides excellent humidity control, helping create a more comfortable indoor environment.
Ideal for Any Home Type
Every home has unique heating and cooling challenges. Older homes may have limited space for ductwork, historic homes often require preservation of architectural details, and custom homes frequently prioritize design flexibility. The Unico System adapts to these needs, providing an efficient comfort solution without the space requirements of conventional ductwork.
The Future of Home Comfort
As heat pump adoption continues to grow, homeowners are looking for solutions that combine efficiency, flexibility, and comfort. By pairing a heat pump with The Unico System, homeowners can achieve all three while avoiding the limitations of conventional ductwork.
If you’re exploring heat pump options for a renovation, historic home, or custom home project, the right air distribution system can make all the difference.
Find a Unico Preferred Contractor near you or contact our team to learn more about bringing The Unico System into your next project.
by Unico Marketing Team | May 20, 2026 | Historic Preservation
As Historic Preservation Month comes to a close, we sat down with Unico’s in-house preservation expert, Tom Taylor, to talk about the challenges of retrofitting HVAC systems into older homes and why The Unico System has become a trusted solution for preservation projects.
Tom has spent more than 30 years with Unico, serving in roles ranging from PR to historic home coordination. His deep appreciation for historic architecture, combined with decades of industry experience, gives him a unique perspective on preserving older spaces while bringing them modern comfort.
Here’s what he had to say.
Why Historic Preservation Matters
- From your perspective, why is historic preservation important today?
Tom: To truly understand our present and map our future, we MUST understand our past. Preserving places and structures – whether in a historical or design context – allows us to “time travel” – to literally step into the spaces and buildings of the past to experience them in the context of the now.
- Over the years, have you seen attitudes toward preserving historic buildings change? If so, how?
Tom: Every generation brings their own perspective to preservation, so it’s only natural that as people change, preservation does too. Thankfully, there are longstanding organizations like the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy and others who are dedicated to preserving historic and architecturally significant structures for generations yet to come.
The HVAC Challenge in Older Homes
- What makes HVAC installation especially challenging in historic homes and buildings?
Tom: Preservationists must walk a fine line, especially when it comes to public and shared spaces. They have the challenge of making spaces comfortable and useful by contemporary standards while still preserving historic structural and aesthetic design elements. HVAC makes that difficult because it must be retrofitted into spaces that were never designed for it – because it simply didn’t exist in that space’s original timeline.
- How does The Unico System help solve problems that traditional HVAC systems often create in preservation projects?
Tom: Simply put, it fits where traditional HVAC systems can’t, avoiding the structural disruption “shoehorning” traditional systems into a building requires. Additionally, it’s more aesthetically pleasing than bulky dirty rectangular diffusers or room-by-room “wall wart” systems. As an added benefit, The Unico System also provides superior comfort and energy efficiency.
- Are there specific architectural styles or historic properties where The Unico System works particularly well?
Tom: The fact that it can fit into the smallest of spaces means that there is no particular architectural style that cannot benefit from The Unico System. From Colonial and Federalist to Victorian and Mid Century Modern – retrofitting Unico will not disrupt the original design and aesthetic elements of your home.
Why Preservationists Choose Unico
- Can you share a memorable historic preservation project you’ve worked on or heard about involving The Unico System?
Tom: Three structures in Washington, DC involving President Lincoln: his cottage, the retreat where he took respite during the Civil War; Ford’s Theater – the site of his assassination; and the Peterson Home, across from the theater where Lincoln died. We’re very proud that visitors who come to soak up the history of these iconic places can do so in absolute comfort.
- What are some common mistakes contractors or homeowners make when retrofitting HVAC into older buildings?
Tom: “Shoehorning” a system in – e.g. dropping ceilings, building chases, soffits, or bulkheads to conceal ductwork. None of this is necessary with The Unico System.
- How do preservationists typically react when they learn about The Unico System?
Tom: They love it! Because of the challenges presented by conventional or stop-gap HVAC solutions, preservationists typically cringe when it comes to these mechanical add-ons. But once they learn of The Unico System, they understand there’s a way to let comfort fit in.
- In your opinion, what features of The Unico System are most valuable for maintaining the integrity of historic interiors?
Tom: The system’s smaller indoor unit, duct size and unobtrusive diffusers that can blend into any decor.
Unico’s Role in Historic Preservation
- Looking back on your years with Unico, what role do you think the company has played in the historic preservation space?
Tom: We’re very proud of the fact that we are the only HVAC system recommended by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- Is there anything else you think people should understand about preserving older buildings and integrating modern systems into them?
Tom: Only that there IS a way to preserve historic structures while providing 21st century comfort. The Unico System is that way.
Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, architect, engineer, or builder working on historic property, The Unico System makes it possible to preserve architectural integrity without sacrificing comfort.
Not sure how a high-efficiency HVAC system could fit into your project? Unico offers a free design service to help you visualize how the system can work within your space.
The Unico System | Comfort Fit For Your Projects
by Unico Marketing Team | May 19, 2026 | News, Partnerships, Press Releases
Unico Inc. and CertainTeed collaborate to bring sustainable, precision-manufactured homes to the City
St. Louis, MO (May 12, 2026) — St. Louis will soon have the first ONE PRECISION ASSEMBLIES™ (OPA) homes west of the Mississippi River. Unico Inc., an innovative HVAC manufacturer based in St. Louis, is collaborating with building-material expert CertainTeed to construct two OPA homes this month in North City.
OPA, developed by CertainTeed, is an innovative panelized construction system using factory-built floor, wall, and roof assemblies to build high-performance homes. The offsite construction significantly accelerates timelines while improving build quality, consistency, and energy performance. What’s more, these OPA homes have been engineered in collaboration with Unico — a leader in high-efficiency HVAC systems — to combine the high-performance benefits of both systems into affordable, low-energy usage homes for local families.
As the United States faces a severe housing shortage of approximately 4.7 million units, offsite construction methods are gaining traction. This is vital to a market like St. Louis, where significant housing challenges persist around supply at attainable price points. Homes cost roughly 5.5 times the median household income, putting homeownership out of reach for many St. Louisans. The partnership between building-envelope innovator CertainTeed and HVAC expert Unico demonstrates how OPA can provide a solution, with high-quality, attainable housing.
“This St. Louis project reflects a shift from ‘build fast and cheap’ to ‘build smarter, perform better, and reduce long-term costs,’” explained Scott Intagliata, owner and Chief Marketing Officer of Unico, Inc. “With this collaboration, CertainTeed and Unico are demonstrating how a home-building partnership can deliver integrated systems that boost performance, increase efficiency, and improve long‑term affordability.”
The two OPA homes will be constructed on North Euclid Avenue in the Mark Twain neighborhood. OPA’s precision manufacturing makes it possible to build efficiently on tight urban lots, with fewer deliveries, less waste, shorter construction periods, and less disruption for neighbors and the surrounding community.
“St. Louis presents a unique opportunity to address housing supply through vacant-lot development,” said Dennis Michaud, Managing Director at CertainTeed. “This collaboration with Unico will produce real‑world results in the very near future: faster construction, more efficient use of land, and homes that are both attainable and high‑performing.”
With this St. Louis OPA pilot program, CertainTeed and Unico offer a replicable model for other markets — one that strengthens housing availability, accelerates build speed, and supports long‑term affordability across communities. This is particularly important as the “new construction premium” (how much more people pay for a new home than one that’s already been lived in) recently skyrocketed to 202.7 percent in St. Louis’ dense urban areas.
Other benefits of the OPA system include:
Faster Timelines, Minimized Risk: According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, modular and panelized construction methods can deliver time savings of 30-50% compared to traditional construction approaches. Plus, by reducing job site complexity, OPA helps builders and developers mitigate cost overruns, labor shortages, and weather delays.
Superior Craftsmanship & Quality: Each floor, wall, and roof panel is precision-manufactured to meet local building codes and builder specifications, eliminating guesswork and variability.
Engineering for High Performance: OPA homes are engineered for superior energy efficiency and can be up to 50% more efficient than traditional construction. Airtight and moisture-managed assemblies prevent air leaks and water intrusion, improving structural integrity and indoor comfort.
Sustainability: Precision manufacturing minimizes material waste, while fewer deliveries to the jobsite help reduce transportation-related emissions, further boosting the home’s overall sustainability profile.
To access visual assets for the OPA homes, including renderings, please click here. Interior finishing will continue through early summer, with public open houses planned for mid-July. To arrange an interview with a Unico or CertainTeed spokesperson or to schedule a site visit, please contact Brooke Foster at [email protected].
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¹United States Chamber of Commerce, "The State of Housing in America," updated March 3, 2026
²CapRateCity, "Cost of Living & Affordability: St. Louis, MO," updated 2026
³ Realtor.com, "New-Construction Insights: Urban New Builds Are Scarce and Expensive," May 2026
About Unico Inc.
Unico, Inc. is the leader in Small-Duct High Velocity (SDHV) heating and cooling systems and other high-end HVAC systems. The company manufactures all of its products in St. Louis, Missouri, with over 125,000 square feet of modern manufacturing space. The company is well known for extensive use in older, architecturally unique homes and buildings as well as elite, high-end custom homes. The company is family owned and operated and is available throughout the United States and Canada, and in over 28 countries around the world.
About CertainTeed
With innovative building solutions made possible through its comprehensive offering of interior and exterior products, CertainTeed is transforming how the industry builds. As leaders in building science and sustainable construction, CertainTeed makes it easier than ever to create high-performance, energy-efficient places to live, work and play, so that together we can make the world a better home.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,900 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. www.certainteed.com
About Saint-Gobain
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services adapted to the residential, non-residential and infrastructure markets. Its integrated and innovative solutions provide sustainability, performance and well-being for its customers. The Group is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.
- €46.5 billion in sales in 2025
- 162,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
- Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050
by Unico Marketing Team | May 13, 2026 | Uncategorized
Historic preservation is often associated with restoring architecture, maintaining original materials, and preserving the character of older buildings. But one of the greatest threats to historic properties is not always visible.
Humidity can quietly damage historic documents, furnishings, finishes, and artifacts long before structural issues become apparent.
That was the challenge facing the Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West.
The Challenge at the Truman Little White House
Built in 1890, the Truman Little White House remains one of the most historically significant properties in Florida. Before installing The Unico System, the home struggled with excessive humidity that was beginning to impact historic documents and artifacts connected to President Truman’s legacy.
Like many historic buildings, the property was never designed to accommodate modern HVAC systems. Installing conventional ductwork would have required invasive structural modifications that could compromise the building’s historic integrity.
The challenge was clear: how do you improve indoor comfort and humidity control without disrupting the architecture that makes the building historically important?
Why Humidity Control Matters in Historic Preservation
In historic properties, humidity is more than a comfort issue. It is a preservation issue.
Poor humidity control can damage historic documents and photographs, warp wood furnishings and finishes, deteriorate plaster and architectural materials, and contribute to mold growth and long-term structural issues.
For museums, historic homes, and preservation projects, maintaining stable indoor conditions is essential to protecting both the building and the artifacts inside it.
The Unico System Solution
To solve the problem, the Truman Little White House installed The Unico System, a small-duct, high-velocity HVAC solution designed specifically for retrofit applications and historic homes.
Because of its compact and flexible design, The Unico System was able to minimize disruption to the historic structure, conceal system components within existing spaces, deliver enhanced humidity control, and preserve the architectural integrity of the home.
Unlike conventional HVAC systems that require large ductwork and major structural changes, The Unico System integrates into older buildings with minimal visual impact.
The result was improved indoor comfort and humidity control while helping protect the historic documents and artifacts housed within the property.
HVAC Plays a Critical Role in Preservation
Historic preservation is not just about protecting buildings from visible deterioration. It is also about creating stable indoor environments that help preserve the history inside them.
That is why HVAC system design matters in historic renovation projects.
The right system can help protect sensitive materials and collections, improve comfort for occupants and visitors, preserve architectural details, and reduce the need for invasive structural changes.
For historic buildings where preservation and performance must work together, retrofit-friendly solutions like The Unico System provide a practical path forward.
Learn More
Read the full Truman Little White House case study to see how The Unico System helped protect one of America’s historic properties while preserving its architectural integrity.
https://unicosystem.com/case-study/truman-white-house/
by Unico Marketing Team | Apr 28, 2026 | Unico Preferred Contractors
From No Ductwork to Total Comfort: A Contractor’s Perspective on The Unico System
Featuring insights from Andrew La Posta, Fraser Hillis, and Steve Crozier of Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare, Unico Preferred Contractor (Greater Toronto Area)
Comfort shouldn’t come at the expense of your home’s design.
Yet for many homeowners, especially those in older or historic homes, adding modern air conditioning often means compromising aesthetics, space, or both.
That’s the challenge contractors like Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare, a Unico Preferred Contractor in the Greater Toronto Area, solve every day.
Their approach? Delivering high-performance comfort using The Unico System—a solution designed specifically for homes where traditional HVAC falls short.
The Challenge: Cooling Homes That Weren’t Built for It
Across Canada, many homes were built without central air conditioning and without the ductwork needed to support it.
For homeowners, that creates a difficult trade-off:
- Install bulky ductwork and alter the home’s design
- Rely on inconsistent or incomplete cooling solutions
- Or go without proper comfort altogether
“A lot of these homes have no ductwork, and homeowners don’t want bulkheads or anything that compromises the design,” says Andrew La Posta, President of Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare.
Why Traditional HVAC Systems Fall Short
Conventional systems are designed for homes that already have space for large duct runs.
In retrofit applications, they often:
- Require intrusive construction
- Struggle to evenly distribute air
- Fail to address problem areas like second floors
For contractors, this limits what’s possible.
For homeowners, it limits comfort.
The Unico System: Designed for Retrofit Applications
The Unico System takes a fundamentally different approach.
By using small, flexible ductwork and high-velocity airflow, it enables contractors to install central air conditioning in spaces where traditional systems simply cannot fit.
“We can add a fully ducted system… and by the end of it, the homeowner doesn’t even know we were there,” says Andrew La Posta.
Key advantages include:
- Minimal disruption to walls, ceilings, and finishes
- Installation primarily through attics or existing cavities
- Discreet outlets that blend seamlessly with the home
Solving One of the Most Common Comfort Problems
Even in homes with existing HVAC systems, comfort issues persist—especially on upper floors.
“We’ll install Unico as a supplemental system… when the existing system can’t reach upper floors,” explains Andrew La Posta.
As climate patterns shift and temperature spikes become more common, these limitations are becoming more noticeable.
Performance Homeowners Can Feel—Not Hear
One of the most common misconceptions about high-velocity systems is noise.
In reality, system performance depends on proper design and installation.
“If it’s designed and installed properly, it’s not noisy—it’s more of a comfort sound,” says Steve Crozier, who manages customer relationships for Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare.
Many homeowners are surprised by how quiet the system is, often noticing comfort first, rather than sound.
Precision Installation Requires Specialized Expertise
The Unico System is not a conventional HVAC solution—and that’s intentional.
Delivering optimal performance requires:
- Accurate system design and sizing
- Trained, experienced installers
- Attention to detail in challenging environments
“Not just anyone can install or service a Unico System—you need to be trained properly,” says Andrew Laposta.
That’s why Unico works closely with a network of Preferred Contractors who are trained to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Supporting Contractors, Delivering Better Outcomes
For contractors, choosing the right system is only part of the equation and support matters.
“One of the big reasons we choose Unico… is the support. It’s been A+,” says Fraser Hillis, who leads sales for Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare.
This partnership ensures:
- Responsive technical assistance
- Ongoing training and education
- Confidence in solving complex installations
Built for Long-Term Comfort
A properly installed Unico System is designed to perform for years to come but long-term comfort goes beyond installation.
“We don’t just want to sell you a system—we want to be your HVAC partner for the next 10–20 years,” says Steve Crozier.
That commitment reflects what homeowners truly value:
- Service they can rely on
- A contractor who stands behind their work
- A system built to last
A Better Way to Deliver Comfort
Not every home is built for traditional HVAC but every homeowner expects comfort.
The Unico System provides a solution that aligns with both modern expectations and existing home design.
For contractors, it opens the door to solving problems others can’t.
For homeowners, it delivers comfort—without compromise.
About Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare
Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare is a Unico Preferred Contractor serving the Greater Toronto Area, specializing in HVAC solutions for retrofit and historic homes. With decades of combined industry experience, their team focuses on delivering long-term comfort through expert installation, homeowner education, and ongoing service.
Known for their ability to solve complex installation challenges—particularly in homes without existing ductwork—Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare partners with The Unico System to provide high-performance, minimally invasive comfort solutions that preserve the integrity of each home.
