by Unico Marketing Team | May 20, 2026 | Uncategorized
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.
by Unico Marketing Team | Apr 7, 2026 | Indoor Air Quality, Uncategorized
The Definition of Comfort Has Changed
For decades, comfort in a home meant one thing: temperature.
But in 2026, that definition has evolved.
Homeowners are no longer satisfied with simply being warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They want cleaner air, balanced humidity, and a healthier indoor environment. In other words, indoor air quality (IAQ) has become the new standard of luxury.
And HVAC systems are at the center of that shift.
Why Indoor Air Quality Is a Top Priority
Several major trends are driving the surge in IAQ demand.
Increased Awareness of Health and Wellness
Homeowners are more informed than ever about how indoor air affects allergies, asthma, sleep quality, respiratory health, and overall well-being. With people spending up to 90 percent of their time indoors, the quality of that air matters more than ever.
Tighter Homes and Poorer Ventilation
Modern homes are built to be energy efficient, which often means they are tightly sealed.
While that reduces energy loss, it also traps pollutants indoors, limits fresh air exchange, and increases humidity issues. Without the right HVAC system, air can quickly become stale and unhealthy.
Rising Demand for Whole-Home Comfort
Today’s homeowners are thinking beyond single-room solutions. They want even temperatures throughout the home, consistent humidity control, and clean, filtered air in every space.
This shift is pushing HVAC systems to do more than ever before.
What Poor IAQ Actually Looks Like
Many homeowners do not realize they have an air quality problem.
Common signs include hot and cold spots, excess humidity or dryness, persistent dust, musty odors, and worsening allergy symptoms.
These are not just inconveniences. They are indicators that the HVAC system is not properly managing airflow and air quality.
How HVAC Systems Impact Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC system is more than just heating and cooling. It is the lungs of your home.
A well-designed system should continuously circulate air, remove excess humidity, filter out pollutants, and deliver fresh, evenly distributed air.
But not all systems are created equal.
Why High-Velocity HVAC Systems Are Changing the IAQ Conversation
This is where systems like The Unico System stand out.
Unlike traditional HVAC systems that rely on large ducts and slow airflow, The Unico System uses small ducts and aspiration technology to deliver air more effectively.
Key advantages include superior dehumidification that helps prevent mold growth, musty odors, and sticky indoor environments. Even air distribution eliminates hot and cold spots and reduces stagnant air pockets. Continuous air movement helps reduce dust, allergens, and pollutants. Air is delivered quietly and evenly, creating a more comfortable environment without noticeable airflow.
IAQ Upgrades Homeowners Are Investing In
Alongside advanced HVAC systems, homeowners are increasingly adding high-efficiency air filtration, UV air purification systems, whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers, energy recovery ventilators and heat recovery ventilators, and smart IAQ monitoring systems.
These technologies work best when paired with a system designed to properly move and condition air throughout the home.
As indoor air quality becomes a greater priority, ventilation is also gaining attention. Energy recovery ventilators and heat recovery ventilators are designed to bring fresh outdoor air into the home while exhausting stale indoor air without sacrificing energy efficiency.
They introduce fresh, oxygen-rich air into tightly sealed homes, remove stale air and indoor pollutants, help maintain balanced humidity levels, and improve overall indoor air freshness and comfort.
In today’s energy-efficient homes, where natural ventilation is limited, these systems play a critical role in maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
Ventilation systems are most effective when paired with an HVAC system that can properly distribute and condition that fresh air. By combining fresh air ventilation with advanced air distribution, humidity control, and filtration, homeowners get a complete indoor air quality solution instead of isolated upgrades.
The Unico System pairs with all major ERV and HRV brands, giving contractors and homeowners flexibility while ensuring the entire system works together seamlessly.
IAQ as a Luxury Feature in Modern Homes
What used to be considered extra is quickly becoming expected, especially in custom homes, renovations, and high-end residential builds.
Indoor air quality is now viewed the same way as high-end finishes, smart home technology, and energy efficiency. It is not just about comfort. It is about quality of life.
The Bottom Line
In 2026, HVAC is no longer just about temperature. It is about creating a healthier indoor environment.
Homeowners who invest in better indoor air quality are not just improving comfort. They are investing in their long-term well-being.
And the systems that can deliver quiet, consistent, and clean air throughout the home are leading the way forward.
