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.
by Unico Marketing Team | Mar 24, 2026 | Uncategorized
What Contractors, Architects, and Builders Need to Know About The Unico System
When it comes to specifying or installing a high-performance HVAC system, misconceptions can slow projects down or lead to missed opportunities. That’s especially true with The Unico System, a high-velocity HVAC solution that works differently than traditional systems.
To clear things up, we spoke with Joe, a Customer Service Representative at Unico, Inc., who has been with the company since 2011. From working on the factory floor to supporting professionals in the field, Joe has seen firsthand the most common questions and myths surrounding The Unico System.
Here’s what he had to say.
Myth #1: The Unico System Can’t Be Zoned
One of the first questions Joe hears from contractors and builders is about zoning.
The truth: The Unico System can absolutely be zoned, with up to three zones per system.
For homeowners, that means better temperature control in different areas of the home. For professionals, it opens up more flexibility when designing comfort solutions for custom builds and retrofits.
Myth #2: High-Velocity HVAC Systems Are Noisy
Noise is a common concern, especially from homeowners who may not be familiar with high-velocity systems.
The truth: When installed correctly by a Unico Preferred Contractor, The Unico System is whisper-quiet.
Proper design and installation are key. With the right approach, the system delivers strong performance without disruptive noise often associated with older HVAC technologies.
Myth #3: It Works Just Like Traditional HVAC
Many building professionals assume installing The Unico System is similar to conventional HVAC systems.
The reality: It operates differently and more efficiently in key ways.
One major difference is the colder evaporator coil, which allows the system to remove up to 30% more humidity from the air.
That means:
- Improved indoor comfort
- Better moisture control
- A more pleasant living environment, especially in humid climates
Myth #4: Airflow Needs to Match Conventional Systems
Another common misconception is that airflow requirements are the same as traditional systems.
The truth: The Unico System uses 250 CFM per ton, compared to 400 CFM per ton in conventional HVAC.
This difference means:
- No need to oversize trunk lines
- More efficient air delivery
- Greater flexibility in tight or retrofit space
Myth #5: Product Options Are Limited
Even experienced professionals are sometimes surprised by available configurations.
Joe puts it simply:
“Yes, we do make a right-hand discharge unit.”
Understanding the full range of system options can make installation easier and help solve design challenges on complex projects.
Why It Pays to Understand The Unico System
After more than a decade of experience, Joe’s advice is straightforward:
The better you understand how The Unico System works, the better results you will deliver.
Partnering with a Unico Preferred Contractor ensures the system is installed and configured properly, maximizing comfort, efficiency, and performance.
Take Your Knowledge Further with Unico University
For professionals looking to deepen their expertise, Unico University provides:
· Product education and system design insights
· Installation best practices
· Training resources built for real-world applications
Whether you are new to The Unico System or looking to refine your skills, these programs help you deliver better outcomes for your clients.
The Unico System is not just another HVAC option. It is a different approach to comfort. And like any specialized system, understanding how it works is the key to unlocking its full potential.
By separating myth from reality, contractors, architects, and builders can confidently specify and install a system that delivers quiet operation, superior humidity control, and flexible design.
by Unico Marketing Team | Mar 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
We all know the importance of washing hands and disinfecting surfaces, but your HVAC system also plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy home. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) has never been more important, especially as modern homes are built tighter than ever, trapping contaminants and allowing airborne particles to linger longer indoors.
Ventilation is one of the oldest and most effective ways to improve IAQ. Simply put, it dilutes indoor air with fresh outdoor air. However, it is not as simple as opening a window. Outdoor air can introduce pollutants like pollen, smoke, and humidity, and it can increase heating and cooling costs. On the other hand, too little ventilation allows indoor pollutants such as carbon dioxide to build up. The key is balance.
That balance is defined by ASHRAE standard 62.2 for residential homes, which help determine how much ventilation a building needs based on size, occupancy, climate, and construction. While many older homes rely on natural air leakage, newer renovated homes are much tighter and often require ventilation to maintain healthy air.
Mechanical ventilation systems bring in controlled amounts of fresh air using ducts and fans, often integrated directly with the HVAC system. In central air systems, this can be as simple as adding a filtered outside air return with proper dampers and controls. More advanced options, such as Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), improve efficiency by transferring heat and, in the case of ERVs, humidity between incoming and outgoing air, helping reduce energy costs.
The Unico System is designed to make this integration simple and effective. Its variable speed blower includes built-in control features that can automatically operate the blower, activate an ERV or HRV, or open a ventilation damper as needed. This flexibility allows ventilation to be programmed to meet the specific needs of the home while complying with ASHRAE 62.2 residential ventilation standards.
Integrating ventilation into your HVAC system is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve IAQ while maintaining comfort and efficiency. With proper design, professional guidance, and adherence to ASHRAE standards, homeowners can achieve cleaner air, balanced ventilation, and energy smart performance supporting a healthier indoor environment.
by Unico Marketing Team | Feb 23, 2026 | Uncategorized
We are proud to share some exciting news from the UK. The Unico System UK has been named Best Heating Innovation at the Build It Awards 2025, held at the Hilton London Bankside.
Based in the Midlands, Unico System UK received the award for Unico SDHV Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation System, recognizing innovation in both product design and the way the system is being applied in the UK market.
Richard Soper, Managing Director of The Unico System UK, shared his thoughts on the win:
“This is great step for Unico and our partners Bell Plumbing Supply in the UK. A big thank you to all our teams in the USA and UK. It was a very proud moment to be the representative to receive this award on behalf of the team.”
The Built It Awards, in association with BuildStore, are among the most respected accolades in the self-build and renovation industry. With rigorous and impartial judging, the awards provide real credibility for winners and highlight the most forward-thinking innovations in the sector.
Unico’s journey in the UK began in the early 2000s, with a clear goal of introducing a small-duct, high-velocity HVAC system that could meet the unique needs of British homes. Over the years, the UK branch has steadily expanded its presence, building strong partnerships and adapting its technology to support both new build and renovation projects.
That long-term commitment has brought major rewards in recent years, as demand continues to grow for energy-efficient systems that can work alongside renewable technologies and help support the UK’s move towards low-carbon housing.
Scott Intagliata, Owner and CMO at Unico, Inc., states, “When our company decided to invest in growing our product in the UK, our research and observations were that our product would suit the British self-build market perfectly. With this award, those thoughts are fully confirmed. Along with our managing director in the UK, Richard Soper and our master distributor Renewable Energy Waehouse, we are delighted to receive this award and look forward to a bright future in Britain.”
This recognition reinforces Unico’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, energy-efficient comfort solutions for the UK market. As homeowners and developers look for flexible systems that combine performance, sustainability, and comfort, The Unico System continues to stand out.
For Unico System UK, this award is not only a celebration of innovation, but also an important milestone in its ongoing mission to transform home comfort through modern, renewable-ready HVAC solutions.
by Unico Marketing Team | Feb 13, 2026 | Uncategorized
In today’s HVAC industry, efficiency and accuracy matter more than ever. Between tight project timelines, evolving code requirements, and rising customer expectations, contractors and builders need systems that perform correctly the first time. That’s why we offer a free duct design service, built specifically to support professionals in the field.
To give you an inside look, we sat down with Shreya, a member of our design and engineering team, to talk about what this service includes and how it helps contractors deliver better installations.
Q: Shreya, can you start by explaining what your role is on the design team?
Shreya: Absolutely. On the design team, my role sits at the intersection of load calculations, duct design, and system optimization. I work closely with architects, builders, and contractors to translate the building design into a fully engineered HVAC solution that actually performs as intended. That includes reviewing construction details, verifying assumptions, performing accurate load calculations, and designing duct layouts that align with both the equipment and the structure. The goal is to make sure what gets installed in the field is efficient, comfortable, and realistic to build.
Q: Why is duct design still such a critical part of an HVAC install?
Shreya: Even the best HVAC equipment will underperform if the duct system isn’t designed correctly. Duct design directly affects airflow, static pressure, comfort, noise levels, and overall system efficiency. Poorly designed ducts can lead to hot and cold spots, higher energy use, and premature equipment wear. Especially with high-performance homes and high-velocity systems, duct design isn’t just a layout exercise but an engineering requirement
Q: Who typically takes advantage of this service?
Shreya: This service is most often used by builders, HVAC contractors, and designers working on custom homes, high-performance residences, renovations, modular homes, historic homes or projects with tighter architectural constraints. It’s also valuable for professionals who want an extra layer of verification before installation whether they’re dealing with complex floor plans, challenging ceiling conditions, or strict energy and comfort expectations from clients.
Q: What does the process look like for a professional?
Shreya: The process usually starts with reviewing architectural drawings and gathering key project details such as location, construction assemblies, and design intent. From there, accurate load calculations are performed, followed by system selection and detailed duct design. Throughout the process, coordination is key while questions are addressed early, assumptions are clarified, and the design is adjusted to suit real-world installation conditions. The final deliverables are clear, contractor-friendly, and ready to be implemented in the field.
Q: What’s one of the biggest advantages of using this kind of support?
Shreya: One of the biggest advantages is confidence. Having engineered support behind the design reduces guesswork, minimizes callbacks, and helps ensure the system will perform as expected once installed. It saves time during installation, avoids costly corrections later, and ultimately delivers better comfort for the homeowner. From an engineering standpoint, it also ensures the system is sized and designed based on actual building behavior not just rules of thumb.
Our free duct design service is here to support HVAC professionals with accurate, reliable layouts that help streamline installations and improve long-term system performance.
Whether you’re working on a new build, retrofit, or multi-zone project, Shreya and our design team are ready to help.
