Are you adding air conditioning to your home and wondering how to choose an the right HVAC system? Have you heard about high velocity mini ducts or mini split air conditioning but aren’t sure which one is better? It might depend on your house and what you’re looking for in an air conditioning system.
Here, we’ll break down the pros and cons of Unico’s mini duct system, mini split or ductless air conditioners, and traditional HVAC. To find out how to choose the best HVAC for your home, answer these questions. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to find our easy checklist.
Want draft-free rooms?
While AC is essential for a comfortable home in the summer, no one likes feeling cold air blow on their shoulders.
Where you place the air outlets can make a big difference for a comfortable home. With Unico and traditional AC, you can place the outlets where they won’t be blowing directly onto the homeowners. Mini split air conditioning, on the other hand, requires a unit placed on the wall that takes up a lot of space. So it’s not likely that you’ll be able to place them in unnoticeable spots, and you will feel the draft when you sit near a mini split air conditioner.
You should also take into consideration how the air is circulated in a room. Traditional systems have a “dump and throw” airflow direction, where air gets blown into a room through one vent and air will flow into another. If the outlets aren’t placed for optimum airflow, this can create an uneven buildup of conditioned or heated air throughout the room.
Mini split systems blow air out from the wall-mounted unit, but the air is not circulated, resulting in much colder air near the unit than further away from it.
See how Unico circulates air compared to other air conditioning systems:
Unico’s high velocity air, which is released through small round outlets, creates a vacuum that draws in air and circulates it. This mixes the air, so homeowners get even temperatures from top to bottom and side to side throughout the room.
Want energy efficient airflow?
Modern homes are generally more energy efficient thanks to improvements in window types, vapor barrier protection, and calculating optimal airflow and duct placement. But if you have an older home, the Unico System can still provide efficiency with airtight duct design. Unico’s mini ducts have lock-and-release tabs that ensure an airtight fit, so 100% of the conditioned air is utilized. Traditional metal ducts lack that airtight fit and lose air at the seams no matter how well they’re installed.
The Unico System with its nylon interior is designed for efficient airflow. The mini ducts are wrapped in an insulating vapor barrier that protects against thermal loss. On the other hand, traditional metal ductwork has no thermal protection. Metal is a good conductor of heat, so it’s more difficult to control the temperature through the system. Unico uses 100% of the conditioned air for your living space, but metal ducts lose heat energy into the walls and elsewhere.
Mini split systems don’t have central airflow, and the indoor air must be conditioned by a separate unit in every room.
Have limited space for ductwork?
Traditional air conditioning is the type with large, metal ducts. If your house doesn’t already have ductwork, your installer will need to work with you on where to run the ducts and whether you’ll need to add dropped ceilings or soffits to hide them. If you own an older home, this could ruin the aesthetics of the home’s interior.
Mini split and Unico systems can be installed in a home where there is no ductwork. However, with mini split units, the installer will need to cut a large hole in the wall to install it. Unico uses small, flexible mini ducts that can be threaded through existing walls without major renovations.
Want the unit out of sight?
Mini split is the wrong way to go if you want to preserve the aesthetic design of the home. These large, bulky units need to be placed high on the wall in each room.
Traditional HVAC doesn’t need to be placed in a room like mini split units but depending on where the ductwork needs to be run it may still be visible.
Unico air handlers are much more compact than the units of other systems. They can fit into attics, crawl spaces or even a closet. Then the mini ducts are threaded through the existing walls, hidden out of sight. Ask about our painted, vertical unit specifically designed to take up as little closet space as possible.
Live in a humid region?
A Unico condenser has thicker cooling coils than those found in a traditional system, and the increased surface area allows more condensation to collect on the coils, pulling more humidity from the air. In a controlled study by the Florida Solar Energy Center, Unico was found to remove 30% more moisture from the air than traditional AC.
Unico is designed with humidity control in mind while other systems are not. The refrigerant in a Unico cooling coil is colder than in a mini split system. So, Unico collects more condensation, pulling humidity out of the air.
Already have an outdoor unit? Compatibility is key!
If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit for central AC, you’ll want to capitalize on its capabilities for better indoor comfort. Traditional central air conditioning systems are usually compatible with most brands, as is Unico. Also, Unico has partnered with ECOER, which uses modern inverter technology and uses less energy than a traditional system.
Mini split systems are split off from the rest of any central air system that may be in place, so you wouldn’t make use of an outdoor unit that you may have. Also, homeowners with mini split air conditioners need to maintain multiple units throughout the house, which can quickly drive up maintenance and repair costs.
Already have ductwork?
If your home already has traditional central air with ductwork and you’re just looking for a replacement unit, you’ll probably want to stick with traditional AC to make use of the existing infrastructure. However, if you’re renovating and replacing the ductwork, rather than replacing an outdated technology, you can choose Unico mini ducts to help you reclaim some space. And if you already have ductwork, cutting large holes in the walls for mini split units doesn’t make sense.
Want your investment to last a long time?
With correct installation and regular maintenance, many Unico systems last 20 years or more. When you install a Unico system, you will have peace of mind that it is a good investment. Traditional central air conditioning systems have a similar lifespan of 15-20 years. Mini splits tend to last only 5-10 years, so while the initial cost might be a bit cheaper, you’ll end up replacing the unit much more often.
Find a Contractor in your area to schedule a free quote and ask how The Unico System can be installed with minimal adjustments to your home’s interior. Many of our trained and certified UPCs have experience retrofitting older homes.
Or, contact our free Design Services team to find out how to receive a duct design and layout to match your home.
How do you add air conditioning to a home without big, rectangular ducts running through your house? If you’re retrofitting an older home, you’re probably already considering how it will affect your home’s interior design. Unico System supply outlets are designed to be unobtrusive, matching the surrounding finish and maintaining the character of your home, and the system fits in hidden spaces.
What Homeowners Like About Unico
One of the things homeowners like most about Unico is how unobtrusive the system is. If you’re retrofitting a home with air conditioning, adding conventional ducting often requires installing dropped ceilings to hide the ductwork. Unico’s air supply outlets are only 2-2 ½ inches in diameter, and ductwork can be hidden inside the walls.
Customized to Your Space
Nobody wants to look at their air vents. Instead, why not customize them to match your room? Unico System supply outlets come in a variety of colors and finishes, so if you want to preserve unique woodwork or wood floors, Unico has a color to match. They can also be painted to match your existing walls and ceilings!
Your local Unico Preferred Contractor (UPC) will know where to install Unico System supply outlets for optimal air flow. If you’re retrofitting an older home, they’ll work with the existing architecture and can thread ducts through the walls and crawl spaces. Don’t forget to share any plans you have for adding a feature with specific placement, such as built-in furniture, to help ensure outlets aren’t obscured.
Experienced Installation Professionals
Find a Contractor in your area to schedule a free quote and ask how The Unico System can be installed with minimal adjustments to your home’s interior. Many of our trained and certified UPCs have experience retrofitting older homes.
Or, contact our free Design Services team to find out how to receive a duct design and layout to match your home.
When you are building your dream home you want to be able to push the boundaries showcasing your style while making sure your space is a comfortable oasis you look forward to coming home to. Image even temperatures from room to room with no greater than two degrees difference providing excellent comfort. That’s what The Unico System provides. The high-efficiency cooling and heating system can also be discreetly designed into a custom home without intrusive duct work getting in the way of your space.
Custom Fit for your Design
Custom home builders like how well Unico fits into tight spaces. The system’s sleek mini ducts are small enough to fit inside the walls in your existing floorplan without having to leave extra space for traditional bulky ductwork. Your new home will have the seamless look of a modern interior. What’s more, the air vents are only 2 to 2.5-inches in diameter and come in various colors and wood finishes allowing you to customize them to your design and style.
HVAC That’s Whisper Quiet
One thing that makes the Unico System so unique is the fact that it has a nylon core that is insulated which means it’s naturally sound absorbent. With traditional ducts, their metal composition essentially makes them echo chambers amplifying the noise of the system when air is carried through. Mini split and ductless systems are also noisy, with units mounted on the wall in every room and always operating nearby.
Another feature custom home builders appreciate is that Unico’s modular, compact air handler can be discretely tucked away in the attic or a closet. The ducts are made of insulated nylon which absorb sound, and sound attenuators can be added throughout the system to dampen any vibration, so the system is whisper quiet.
Comfort with Reduced Humidity
High humidity can negatively affect your home, but low humidity is good for contributes to your comfort to improves air quality.
The air conditioning mode of Unico’s SDHV system is designed to remove more humidity than other HVAC systems. It operates with relatively lower airflow and has a four-row cooling coil instead of a typical three-row coil, circulating air sits on the cooling coil longer, removing up to 30% more humidity. The lack of humidity and water provides a comfortable living environment.
Building a custom home? Find out more about what makes Unico perfect for the job. Contact our free Design Services team and receive a duct design and layout to match your home.
Heat pumps are a hot topic these days when it comes to home heating and cooling. If you’re considering a renovation or new custom home, you might be wondering, how does a heat pump work? We’re here to help with the basics of heat pumps and to shed light on the physics behind them.
Why Use a Heat Pump?
One of the biggest advantages of a heat pump is that one system works for both heating and cooling. Simply put, heat pumps move heat from one space to another, depending on where it’s needed. So, in the transition between seasons when temperatures can fluctuate, the system will automatically shift between heating and cooling to maintain a perfectly comfortable temperature, without the need to worry about whether to fire up the furnace.
How Does a Heat Pump Work as an Air Conditioner?
Modern air conditioners have always worked through the concept of moving heat from one place to another. A component known as a condenser contains liquid refrigerant that absorbs heat energy inside the home. The refrigerant is moved through the system to the outdoor portion of the air conditioning unit, where the hot air is discharged.
Here’s a breakdown on the physics of how a heat pump works to keep you comfortable.
1. The evaporator coil contains a refrigerant liquid, which is very cold and easily absorbs heat. The unit uses a fan that blows the indoor air over the coil and heat is absorbed by the refrigerant. The resulting cool air is circulated into the home.
2. The refrigerant is then pressurized, and the pressurized heat causes the liquid to become a gas.
3. The hot gas moves through the system to an outdoor unit.
4. The compressed gas is hotter than the surrounding environment, even in the summer. So when the gas enters the condenser coils in the outdoor unit, heat is released into the outside air.
5. The refrigerant becomes cooler and turns back into a liquid.
6. The refrigerant is circulated back to the indoor unit, where an expansion valve reduces the pressure and allows the refrigerant to cool enough that it’s ready to absorb more heat.
Why Does a Heat Pump Work All Year?
Heat naturally wants to move to a place with less heat. The refrigerant has a freezing point lower than 32° F, making the refrigerant so cold that it still absorbs warmth from the surrounding air. In regions with mild winters, a heat pump is all you need to stay warm and comfortable all year long.
How Does a Heat Pump Work with a Furnace?
Heat pumps use electricity rather than burning fossil fuels, making heat pumps more energy efficient than a furnace or boiler during the spring and fall. However, when the temperature reaches below freezing, a heat pump requires more energy to collect the heat energy from outside, and it becomes more efficient to use a furnace.
A system with a heat pump will automatically switch between the furnace and the heat pump when it becomes more efficient. In colder climates, homeowners save money with this type of dual system through lower energy bills.
How Would a Heat Pump Work in Your Home?
Unsure how a heat pump would work where you live? A Unico Preferred Contractor can create a custom heating and cooling system design for your home and determine what you’ll need to make it operate most efficiently. Find your local contractor to schedule a free quote.
When you own an older home, finding a contractor to install a new HVAC system can be a difficult process. Aside from vetting potential candidates, older homes have unique challenges like outdated ducts and vents that need to be addressed.
The good news is that with a little advice, and by asking the right questions, the process of finding the right contractor becomes more straightforward. Join the industry experts at Unico as we break down some helpful tips you can use today.
Start Your HVAC Contractor Search by Starting a List
The first step to finding the right contractor for your older home is creating a list of potential candidates for the HVAC job. An easy place to start is by asking your family, friends, and neighbors if they know of any HVAC contractors they trust. Put any suggestions you receive on the list and be sure to get the details of the project if they had any work done on their older home.
To add some more options to your contractor list, HVAC system manufacturers can help you out. For example, Unico has a “Find a Contractor” tool on the website. By putting in your ZIP code, you’ll be able to find local HVAC contractors in your area that have experience installing the Unico System in older homes. These Unico Preferred Contractors (UPC’s) can thread the small ducts through the walls and ceilings to make your older home comfortable without intensive remodeling.
Make Sure the Contractor Aligns with Your Chosen HVAC System
No matter what type of HVAC system you’re looking to install in your older home, the right contractor should have experience with it. This helps ensure that the system isn’t just installed properly, but that you’re also paying for the right amount of work. If a contractor is installing a particular HVAC system for the first time, you could end up risking:
– Paying for extra work hours that are used to figure out installation best practices.
– Any damage that a contractor causes to your older home’s structure.
– Long-term energy costs from the HVAC system not being installed properly.
– Paying for another installation to fix issues from the first attempt.
When you start contacting HVAC contractors, be sure to ask them if they have experience with the system you want. If they say yes, ask for references. That way, you can call them and hear about what another homeowner’s experience was. You’ll get insight into how they’d rate the contractors’ work, details about how efficiently the HVAC system is running, and more.
Questions to Ask HVAC Contractors Before Hiring Them
Once you’ve narrowed down the list of potential HVAC contractors, asking some specific questions will help you find the best pro for the job. We recommend questions like:
Can you talk about your experience working on older homes? – This question is not only a great icebreaker, but it will help you identify if the contractor understands the nuances of an older home like outdated ducts, air leakage, etc.
Do you handle any permits that are needed for the job? – Most local governments will require permits for the work to be done. A good HVAC contractor will know what the permit landscape is and help you sort it out without any hassle.
What work is covered in the project quote? – When you’re getting an HVAC system installed in an older home, it’s important to have all the bases covered. By having the contractor go through the project quote, you’ll get insight into exactly what their plan is.
Find the Right HVAC Contractor with Unico
If you’re looking to install an HVAC system into your older home, make Unico your first choice. With the Unico System, there’s little to no remodeling required. There’s less dust, less mess, and less installation time to make your home more comfortable. Plus, Unico has preferred contractors across the country ready to help.
