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.
by Unico Marketing Team | Jan 19, 2026 | Uncategorized
The Unico System delivers total comfort by providing even temperatures, improved indoor air quality, better humidity, and energy efficient performance in any home. Designed for both homeowners and HVAC professionals, it offers a complete comfort solution that goes beyond traditional heating and cooling.
January is when comfort challenges are more noticeable. Cold weather exposes uneven heating, dry indoor air, and rising energy costs. The Unico System addresses these issues directly, creating a comfortable and healthy indoor environment throughout the winter season.
What Is Total Comfort in a Home
Total comfort means more than simply heating a space. It means consistent temperatures, clean air, balanced humidity, quiet operation, and reliable efficiency working together. The Unico System is engineered to deliver all of these benefits as a complete whole home comfort system.
How Does The Unico System Provide Even Temperature
The Unico System provides even temperature by gently mixing air throughout the home using small diameter ducts and high velocity air delivery.
Aspiration allows the supply air to draw surrounding air into the airflow, creating a continuous mixing effect throughout the space. This process prevents hot and cold spots that are common with traditional HVAC systems and distributes air evenly from floor to ceiling and room to room.
For homeowners, this means consistent comfort with no chilly bedrooms or overheated living areas. For professionals, this means dependable comfort performance even in complex layouts and multi-level homes.
How The Unico System Improves Indoor Air Quality
The Unico System improves indoor air quality by continuously circulating and filtering air at a higher rate than traditional systems. Faster air turnover helps reduce dust, allergens, and other airborne particles. This is especially important in January when homes are sealed tightly to keep cold air out.
Clean air supports healthier living spaces and improved comfort for families, guests, and occupants.
How The Unico System Removes 30% More Humidity
The Unico System provides greater humidity removal, up to 30%, with the superior and efficient design of our cooling coils, creating a perfectly comfortable environment. What this means for you is that you can have your thermostat set higher than you typically would, yet have the conditioned space feel as though your thermostat is set lower, saving you energy and money. The illustration to the right shows the amount of moisture left in the space by traditional units compared to The Unico System.
How The Unico System is Energy Efficient
You always hear about SEER and a HVAC unit’s efficiency, but did you ever think about ductwork having its own efficiency? Heat can leak through the walls of the duct (thermal loss) and air can leak through its seams (duct leakage). In both cases, the Unico System is far superior to a conventional system. Insulation and size determine the thermal loss. Workmanship and design determine the duct leakage.
The Unico System ductwork has 1/3 the surface area of conventional ducting so before it is even installed the Unico System ductwork has 1/3 less thermal loss. The supply tubing is also wrapped with insulation and an outer vapor barrier, which keeps nearly all of the thermal energy within the duct. In the case of duct leakage, the Unico SDHV system is engineered for simplicity and air tightness. It has been documented through third-party testing that traditional systems can lose up to 25% of the air that the unit puts out through leaky ductwork. The Unico System loses less than 5%. This means that with the Unico System you’re getting what you pay for.
Quiet Comfort and Flexible Installation
Comfort also includes sound, or the lack of it. The Unico System operates quietly thanks to its insulated, flexible tubing and smooth air deliver, eliminating the loud bursts of air common with traditional systems.
Its compact design and adaptable ductwork make it ideal for new construction, renovations, and older or historic homes where space is limited. The Unico System fits where traditional systems cannot, without sacrificing performance.
Total Comfort You Can Feel All Winter
If uneven temperatures, dry air, or high energy costs are making winter uncomfortable, The Unico System offers a smarter solution. By delivering even temperatures, cleaner air, balanced humidity, quiet operation, and superior efficiency, The Unico System provides true total comfort in every room of the home, no matter the season.
