by Unico Marketing Team | Feb 29, 2024 | Historic Preservation, Older Homes, Uncategorized
When you think of an older home, there are unique characteristics that give the property its charm. One of these top features is the timeless woodwork often found in the main living areas. Whether it’s wood flooring or hand-carved trim around the fireplace, preserving the woodwork of your older home is a priority.
With older homes, it can be challenging to keep its classic aesthetic intact while incorporating a modern HVAC system that provides comfort all year round. The good news is that there’s a solution. Join us as we share why The Unico System is the right choice for homeowners looking to preserve interior woodwork.
Little to No Remodeling Required
With traditional HVAC systems, you might have to remodel your existing home to accommodate new ductwork. This doesn’t just add in an extra cost, some of the woodwork in your older home could be affected. The Unico System requires little to no remodeling and goes where other systems can’t. The modular air handlers and coils can easily be installed in older homes without disrupting your woodwork.
The adaptable small ducts are designed to be fed through existing walls, floors and ceiling cavities. You won’t have to gut the interior of an older home to get an HVAC system that provides optimal comfort. That means less dust, mess and disruptive construction paired with a faster installation process.
The Unico System Can Match Any Décor and Woodwork
One of the largest issues owners of older homes run into when updating the HVAC system is matching the vents, ducts and soffits to existing décor. Metal grates can be an eyesore and chip away at the character of established woodwork. With The Unico System, you won’t have to sacrifice your home’s classic look to get comfortable draft-free temperatures.
The Unico System has a wide variety of outlet choices that are designed to fit into the aesthetic of older homes. No matter what type of woodwork your home has, Unico outlets can be stained or painted to match. It’s also important to talk about the flexibility of these outlets. Unlike traditional HVAC solutions, The Unico System outlets can easily be installed in floors, ceilings and even supporting walls.
The small outlets deliver up to nine tons of air while taking up one-third of the space compared to traditional HVAC systems. With the outlets being small and designed to match your woodwork, you’ll hardly even notice that they’re in the room.
The Unico Systems Removes 30% More Humidity
As an owner of an older home with woodwork, it’s important to monitor indoor humidity. High humidity in your home can cause woodwork to absorb excess moisture, which often leads to cracks, gaps, uneven spots and damaged joints. Many traditional HVAC systems have a hard time lowering the amount of moisture in conditioned spaces. The good news is that The Unico System can help keep your woodwork preserved by removing 30% more humidity.
How does it work? For starters, The Unico System is designed to maximize the efficiency of the cooling coils, which creates a comfortable indoor space. Unico’s moisture control capabilities are due to the variable-capacity heat pumps in the system. These pumps help lower the humidity in the air instead of just cycling the air around the home. The Unico System even helps you save on energy by being able to run during low-load periods (times when the system uses less energy), like mild summer days.
With The Unico System, you’ll be able to say goodbye to your home’s wood floors being creakier or wood-framed windows getting stuck in the summer. It’s so efficient at helping preserve woodwork that the National Trust for Historic Preservation recommended Unico to be used for President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C. Visitors now get to experience the history and character of the museum with optimal comfort.
Help Keep Your Woodwork Preserved with The Unico System
You don’t have to compromise on comfort when preserving your home’s woodwork. As a leader in small-duct, high-velocity heating and cooling, The Unico System is the best choice for older homes. Get started on preserving your home’s woodwork by finding a Unico preferred contractor in your area today!
by Unico Marketing Team | Feb 22, 2024 | Custom Homes, Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance, Older Homes
Year-round, your air ducts carry warm or cold air from the HVAC unit to keep your home comfortable. To help ensure that your air ducts are keeping up with temperature changes outside and energy efficient, it’s important to keep up with maintenance. Proper maintenance can help improve air quality, lower energy bills, and identify any leaks in the ducts themselves.
Are you ready to learn about how to keep your duct system running in good shape? In this blog, we will look at five essential tips to help you with air duct maintenance.
1. Make Sure Duct Leaks Are Sealed
Did you know that air leaking through ducts is one of the top causes of wasted energy in homes? Over time, the joints in many air ducts can become loose or get damaged, which causes air to leak out. Every leak in your ductwork makes it harder for your home’s HVAC unit to do its job. Plus, leaking air ducts can increase your monthly energy bills, cause more temperature variation, and lead to air quality issues.
How do you make sure your air ducts are sealed? It’s recommended to get a professional HVAC technician to perform an inspection at least once a year. They’ll be able to test for air leaks and even run a camera through your ducts to check for any damage or issues.
2. Keep the Vents and Ducts Clear
If you’ve noticed that certain rooms in your house are at a different temperature, this duct maintenance tip can help. Take a close look at all the vents and/or ducts around your house. Are there any obstructions like a piece of furniture, a floor rug or décor that’s blocking the flow of air? If part of the duct is blocked, it’s putting an added strain on the blower fan within the HVAC system. This not only causes the system to be less efficient, but it increases the risk of the blower within the unit having a shorter lifespan.
The easiest fix is to move any obstruction away from the duct so that the air can flow more freely. This will sometimes require rearranging furniture and décor, but it’s worth it for the efficiency of your HVAC unit.
3. Clean Your Home’s Ducts to Get Rid of Debris
Duct maintenance plays a direct role in the indoor air quality of your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outside air. One of the main causes behind this statistic is that dust and debris often accumulate in air ducts. High levels of dust, mold, and mildew often cause damage to air ducts over time and negatively impact indoor air quality.
At least once a year, you’ll want to schedule an air duct cleaning. Professional HVAC technicians use specialized equipment that uses negative pressure to break up dust and debris so it can then be cleaned up with a powerful vacuum.
4. Wash or Replace the Air Duct Vent Covers
Whether you have your air ducts cleaned by a professional or tackle it yourself, check the vent covers. Oftentimes vent covers need to be thoroughly cleaned or replaced. One of the easiest ways to clean your vent covers is to wash them. Unscrew the vent cover and let it soak in a soapy solution. Then, take a microfiber cloth and scrub off any dust or debris. The process of cleaning your vent covers regularly will improve the indoor air quality of your home.
5. Replace Your Air Filter
Even after the air ducts inside your home are cleaned, you won’t get the full benefit unless you’re keeping up with changing the air filter. A great tip is to also make sure that you’re using the most efficient filter for the specific HVAC system in your home. One of the easiest ways to check is to look at the model number on your system. The manufacturer will have a recommended filter that works best with the system. HVAC experts also say that you should replace the air filter for your system once a month for the best performance.
Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality with The Unico System
The Unico System can keep your home comfortable, is more energy efficient than traditional HVAC systems, and improves indoor air quality. It’s a small-duct, high-velocity system that has the most effective air distribution of any HVAC system. Plus, the system can be upgraded to use UV light to disinfect the air entering your home.
Find out how The Unico System can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. Contact our Design Services team for a free system design layout today.
by Unico Marketing Team | Feb 8, 2024 | Chiltrix
Over the last few years, energy-efficient homes have skyrocketed in popularity. More homeowners want to reduce their energy use throughout the year without compromising on comfort.
The Chiltrix by Unico air-to-water heat pump is the only air-to-water heat pump on the market certified by the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), and has a rated IPLV of 23, nearly double that of our closest competitors. Given this impressive statistic, Chiltrix by Unico is the leading solution if you are considering an energy-efficient home.
Today, there are three common types of homes designed to accomplish this goal: net-zero, passive and low-load homes.
Join us as we look at what makes each type of energy-efficient home unique and the benefits that Chiltrix by Unico offers homeowners like you.
The Difference Between Net-Zero, Passive and Low-Load Homes
In the world of energy-efficient homes, the terms net-zero, passive and low-load are often used interchangeably. While these types of homes are all similar, there are some differences to note:
– Net-Zero Homes: Net-zero or “zero-energy” homes are specifically designed to generate renewable energy throughout the year on their own. This usually involves equipping the home with solar panels with an overall goal of producing as much energy as it consumes. Net-zero homes strive to use no power from the local grid and be as self-sufficient as possible.
– Passive Homes: Passive homes are designed to provide as much “natural” heating and cooling (non-mechanical) as possible to be more energy efficient. These types of homes don’t generate their own power. Instead, passive homes rely on properly placed windows, eaves, home orientation, landscaping, insulation, sealed structures and more.
– Low-Load Homes: The goal for low-load homes is to use less heating and cooling by achieving higher energy efficiency. These homes use insulation strategies, passive home designs and variable-speed HVAC systems.
Although each of these types of homes has unique distinctions, all three aim to minimize energy use and their overall global environmental impact. These homes maintain a balance between energy use and delivering a comfortable living environment.
The Benefits Chiltrix Can Offer Your Home
When choosing an energy-efficient HVAC system, there are many variables and personal preferences to consider. The process of finding the best option starts with what your goals as a homeowner are. For example, low-load homes often combine Chiltrix with The Unico System. By working together, these systems make air distribution in the home more efficient and help enhance dehumidification in the cooling season. The small-duct, high-velocity layout of The Unico System keeps rooms at optimal comfort while using less energy.
If you have a house with an existing duct and/or radiant heating system, replacing the boiler with Chiltrix is a great option. Since Chiltrix is an electric-driven heat pump, you’ll eliminate the need for fossil fuels. Plus, the system has a unique “monoblock” design, which means no refrigerant is present inside your home. Essential components like the compressor, evaporator and condenser are housed within an outdoor unit, giving you added peace of mind.
When Chiltrix and The Unico System are combined, there are benefits you won’t find with other options. For starters, both systems use variable-speed compressors and fans, highly effective heat exchangers and blowers, and the latest control strategies. That means less wasted power to achieve optimal comfort in every room in your house.
The Innovative Power Behind Chiltrix by Unico
In addition to the “monoblock,” Chiltrix has a variety of other benefits that are perfect for net-zero, passive and low-load homes:
• Design Flexibility: No matter the design of your energy-efficient home, Chiltrix offers the flexibility to integrate into various systems. It can be installed to support air conditioning, ventilation, underfloor heating, domestic hot water and more.
• Efficiency: Chiltrix by Unico is the highest-efficiency outdoor unit in its class on the market today. It’s the best solution for an “all-electric home” and sets the standard for residential heating and cooling.
• Specialized for Green Homes: Chiltrix is perfect for net-zero, passive and low-load homes. Chiltrix and The Unico System are the only pair of products on the market that specializes in green home applications.
Get a Better Way to Make Your Home Comfortable with Chiltrix
If you’re interested in achieving greater comfort and energy efficiency in your home, Chiltrix by Unico is worth considering. By harnessing the heat from outdoor air and transferring it to the water inside the system, Chiltrix offers unrivaled efficiency without compromising on comfort. Learn more about the value Chiltrix can offer your home today. And don’t forget to ask about our free Design Services to help find the best Chiltrix by Unico combination for your home.
by Unico Marketing Team | Feb 1, 2024 | Chiltrix
Over the last few years, more homeowners are choosing to re-invest in their current homes. One of the best ways to save on monthly bills while boosting the value of your home is with residential HVAC upgrades. The HVAC system plays a crucial role in your home’s comfort level, air quality and energy consumption.
While the value is clear, you might be wondering about the best way to upgrade your residential HVAC system. We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover why Chiltrix by Unico is one of your best upgrade options.
What Makes Chiltrix by Unico an Unmatched Upgrade for Residential HVAC
Air-to-water heat pumps, like Chiltrix, are rapidly growing in popularity. Instead of heating or cooling the air directly, Chiltrix air-to-water heat pumps use water, which is then efficiently circulated throughout the home through fan coil units, radiators, wall-mounted ductless units and more. By using water to affect the air temperature, you’ll be replacing fossil-fuel-burning boilers with a highly efficient electric system. Not only is Chiltrix more sustainable, you won’t have to worry about hydrocarbon refrigerants used in these boilers inside your home.
The Chiltrix System can also seamlessly integrate into energy-efficient HVAC systems like The Unico System. The Unico System uses a small-duct high-velocity system to create draft-free, even temperatures throughout your entire home.
3 Benefits to Expect When Upgrading Your Residential HVAC System with Chiltrix
If you’re looking to upgrade your residential HVAC system, Chiltrix offers three main benefits that make it one of the most preferred options.
1. Sustainability: With Chiltrix you’ll move away from fossil-fuel boilers and water heaters for an HVAC upgrade that’s more friendly to the environment. Plus, all the refrigerants will be outside the house, drastically lowering the risk of exposure.
2. Efficiency: Chiltrix is one of the most energy-efficient air-to-water heat pumps on the market. Thanks to the variable speed compressors, the system wastes less energy since it can easily operate at lower speeds. That means less energy use throughout the year without compromising indoor comfort.
3. Comfort: Water-based residential HVAC systems like Chiltrix make it easier to control custom temperatures in each room of your home. When it’s combined with The Unico System’s air distribution, you get even temperatures, efficient air filtration and reliable ventilation. These two HVAC systems combined can even get close to helping your home achieve a 0% load – where the home offsets most or all of its annual energy use.
How Chiltrix and The Unico System Work Together
The Unico System and Chiltrix are two separate systems that work together to heat and cool a home with high energy efficiency. The main link between the two systems is a buffer tank of conditioned water. Chiltrix uses a variable capacity self-contained refrigerant heat pump to ensure the water is the right temperature before it is used throughout the home. All the refrigerant is factory installed and is kept outside the home for added peace of mind. In fact, there’s no need to recharge the refrigerant unless it’s needed for service.
The Unico System draws the water from the Chiltrix tank and uses it to heat the air inside your home by passing it through a plate-fin heat exchanger. With any common thermostat, you’ll be able to control the temperature inside your home without ugly soffits or noise. Thanks to the efficiency of both systems, each room of your home can be set up with custom temperatures.
The Chiltrix system monitors the water tank on its own and adjusts itself to make sure the water is at the proper temperature for The Unico System to use. Outside of having both systems set to the same mode (heating or cooling), you won’t have to do any tedious manual adjustments between them. Since Chiltrix and The Unico System work so well together, it makes the entire HVAC solution much easier to service.
Residential HVAC Upgrades: What Home Factors You Need to Consider
If comfort and energy efficiency are important to you, Chiltrix is a great residential HVAC upgrade option. For anyone who lives in especially cold climates, you will likely need to add additional radiators or fan coils inside your home for the best energy efficiency. If you have an older home or one without ductwork, pairing The Unico System with Chiltrix is a perfect option. The Unico System is equipped with ducts that can fit in any space. Plus, the system takes up one-third of the space of a traditional HVAC system.
For new construction, combining Chiltrix with The Unico System can significantly help a home achieve low-load status. When these systems work together, you’ll have better zone temperature control, refrigeration management and HVAC simplicity.
Learn More About the Value Chiltrix Can Offer Your Home Today
Upgrade your residential HVAC system with the most efficient air-to-water heat pump on the market. Chiltrix helps your home be more comfortable while maintaining a high level of energy efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect HVAC solution.
by Unico Marketing Team | Jan 4, 2024 | heating, Maintenance, Older Homes
With the weather getting colder it’s time to prepare your HVAC system for the change in temperature. The switch between blowing cool air in your home to heat is often a stress test for many HVAC systems. Without proper maintenance, your home could become less comfortable while driving up energy bills.
The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way for the winter. Join the heating and cooling experts at Unico as we share five tips to prepare your HVAC system for the heating season.
1. Make Sure Ducts and Vents are Clean
In the summer months, the warmer temperatures often increase the amount of dust, pet hair, pollen and other debris in the air – causing possible clogs in the ducts and vents in your home. These clogs will cause your furnace to work harder, use more energy, and will prevent warm air from circulating throughout your entire home, resulting in uncomfortable cold spots.
An easy way to help prepare your HVAC system for winter is to vacuum up any debris around the vents and intake vents. To ensure there are no clogs take off the vent grate to visually inspect the duct space.
Adjusting the flow of ducts in rooms that are harder to heat can also reduce the stress on a system. Since heat rises, first floor rooms often need more warm air to maintain a comfortable temperature.
2. Replace Your Air Filter Before Heating Season
The air filter being used in your HVAC system needs to be replaced regularly. When an HVAC air filter is dirty, the system must work harder to distribute warm air throughout the home. A dirty air filter not only poses some health risks by potentially allowing more contaminants in the air, it also can raise your energy bill.
The easiest way to check if your HVAC air filter needs to be replaced is by taking it out and looking at it. A filter that has a darker gray color and is hard to see through needs to be replaced.
3. Start Running the Heat Early
Before the weather outside gets consistently cold, run the heat in your house a couple of times to help prepare the HVAC system for winter. As you’re doing these test runs, pay attention to see if there is any noise that could indicate the unit is having trouble. If there are any issues that need to be fixed, it’s better to find out before you need to rely on the heating system every day. In fact, many HVAC manufacturers have recommended warm-up cycles prior to switching from cooling to heating season. Check your owner’s manual to confirm if this is the case.
4. Seal Your Doors and Windows
One of the main reasons why your home can stay warm during the winter is because of insulation. Think of your home as a seal, it needs to keep the warm air being distributed by the HVAC unit inside. The problem is that many homes (especially older ones), have small cracks around doors and windows where air can leak through. To help your HVAC system work less during heating season, it’s important to patch any of these openings you can find. That way, your home will be able to keep a warmer, more consistent temperature.
5. Take a Close Look Around Your Furnace
When it’s time to switch from heating to cooling season, it’s a good idea to do a quick inspection of your furnace. With most furnaces, you want to make sure that there’s nothing around it for roughly three to four feet. A furnace needs room to allow a clear and consistent airflow to efficiently heat the home. If your furnace is in a hard-to-reach place, call a professional to check the area.
Keep Your Home Comfortable This Winter with The Unico System
The Unico System is a small-duct, high-velocity HVAC system that provides whisper-quiet, draft-free, even temperatures for homes. It’s a high-efficiency system that’s flexible enough to match with almost any heat source or indoor air-quality system. Plus, its small, insulated ducts help prevent warm air from escaping, saving you money on your energy bill.
Learn more about the value, comfort and efficiency The Unico System can offer your home by finding a Unico Preferred Contractor near you today!
