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/
by Unico Marketing Team | Dec 3, 2024 | heating
Cooling with The Unico System offers numerous benefits for homeowners from better aesthetics, to quiet, efficient operation, to better humidity removal, to a high standard of comfort with no drafts or hot/cold spots. That high standard of comfort is also available when The Unico System is your choice for central heating. This article will take a deep dive into the three methods The Unico System can use to provide superior heating comfort when the outside temps get chilly or downright frigid.
Method #1: Hot Water Coil
Hydronic or hydro-air heat is achieved when a hot water coil is added to a Unico System air handler. This approach combines the best aspects of water-based radiant heating with a central ducted system. Think of it as having the warm, cozy heat generated by a radiator gently delivered throughout every room in your home.
The water for the hot water coil can be provided by a boiler, an outdoor heat pump, or a combination thereof (often referred to as a “dual-fuel” system). This method can be used to provide primary heat for the whole house or can be used in conjunction with another hydronic heating method – such as under-floor or wall panel-mounted radiant heat systems – to provide immediate supplemental heat during those times of the day or year when firing up the primary hydronic system would take too long to take the immediate chill out of the air.
Method #2: Heat Pump Coil
Heat pumps have become an increasingly popular and efficient method of providing heat across the globe. Once limited to more temperate climates, advancements in technology have led to heat pumps being able to perform dependably and efficiently in harsher, colder climates. This has also led them to becoming the cornerstone of the electrification movement in HVAC for reducing dependence on less efficient or environmentally conscious methods. In fact, many governments (including through the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act) are providing incentives in the form of cash rebates and/or tax deferments for switching to heat pumps for residential and commercial HVAC.
A heat pump coil attached to a Unico System air handler works in much the same way a hot water coil, only the source is specifically an outdoor heat pump. The flexibility with this approach comes from the different heat pump types available in the market – they can be either air based or geothermal based, with heat generated naturally from the earth or a nearby water source like a pond, lake, or ocean.
Like the hot water coil, the heat pump coil is an excellent method for providing superior and highly efficient central heating with The Unico System.
Method #2: In-duct Electric Element Heat
The third method of providing heat involves adding an electric element heater to the plenum (main duct) attached to the Unico air handler – often referred to as electric furnace heat.
This approach is an excellent way to provide primary heating in very temperate climates where temperatures don’t dip below freezing for extended periods of time. It’s also a great way to provide comfortable and efficient back-up or supplemental heat when used in conjunction with a separate primary heat source, like a radiant heat system (radiators, or in-floor, etc.)
Superior Comfort & Efficient Central Heating – No Matter Which Method You Choose
The Unico System provides end users with the flexibility to choose the central heating that best suits their needs without sacrificing the the features and benefits they experience from the system in cooling mode. No matter which method you opt for you can rest assured that you’ll stay warm and comfortable when the outside weather turns nasty and cold.
