According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential homes are responsible for 21% of the energy used in the country each year. More and more people want to reduce the amount of energy their homes use each year to save costs and to help the environment. These are two core reasons that have contributed to the rise in demand for low-load and net zero homes.

The HVAC system is a crucial piece in the design and build of a low-load or net zero home as it determines how energy efficient a residential home can be. Let’s look at the best HVAC solution for low- load and net zero homes.

Airtight Homes Need a Reliable HVAC System

One of the ways low-load and net zero homes reach high levels of energy efficiency is by having an airtight building space. The structure of the house is specifically designed to reduce the amount of conditioned air that leaks out. This type of design also helps the living space be more comfortable due to less air escaping, allowing for even temperatures.

The HVAC system that’s chosen for low-load and net zero homes is essential. Even when the building has an airtight envelope, leaking ducts throw the system off balance. Traditional metal ductwork is known to have higher levels of thermal loss compared to small-duct, high-velocity (SDHV) systems. That temperature loss forces the HVAC system to work harder, spending more energy to make up for the deficit.

With The Unico System, this is not an issue. The ductwork is one-third the size of traditional ducts and achieves one-third less thermal loss. The supply tubing is wrapped with an outer vapor barrier and insulation that’s designed to keep nearly all the thermal energy inside the ducts. Through third-party testing¹, it’s documented that traditional HVAC systems lose up to 25% of the air pushed through the ducts – while Unico loses less than 5%.

The Unico System Can Be Paired with Chiltrix for Added Comfort and Efficiency

Chiltrix by Unico is the leader in air-to-water heat pumps. It’s a great energy-efficient addition to HVAC systems in net zero and low-load homes. The Chiltrix unit pulls in heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to water. Its design allows Chiltrix to be compatible with a variety of popular systems for net zero and low-load homes, like underfloor heating or radiant cooling.

Every Chiltrix unit is a load and capacity-aware heat pump. Plus, there’s a variable-speed inverter compressor and pump to help ensure the system doesn’t use more energy than it needs. It’s one of the best energy-efficient solutions for all-electric homes and is AHRI-certified, just like The Unico System.

Chiltrix by Unico offers all these benefits while ensuring there’s no refrigerant inside the home thanks to its monoblock design. All its critical components, like the compressor, condenser and evaporator, are housed in the outdoor unit. Through insulated water line connections, Chiltrix works with The Unico System to offer homes optimal comfort with high efficiency.

Small Duct, High-Velocity HVAC Systems Fit in Any Home Design

Net zero and low-load homes are built with the targeted intention of reducing energy usage. Part of this process involves putting in heavily insulated walls to reduce thermal loss, reducing the amount of space for traditional metal ducts, insulation and other design elements. This problem is one of the reasons why single-zoned duct systems became popular in net zero homes.

The Unico System is perfect for net zero and low-load homes because it fits where other HVAC systems simply cannot. The small, flexible ducts can be easily woven through the floor or walls–there’s no need to adjust the design of the home to accommodate it. Also, The Unico System is less disruptive than other options–not only keeping the home more comfortable with less energy, but it also saves time during the construction process.

See How The Unico System and Chiltrix Fit Into Your Home Design

If you are a manufacturer or architect, Contact our Design Services Team today and we will look at your modular home plans and develop a system configuration that works. You’ll even be able to install part of the system at the factory for increased efficiency.

If you are a homeowner, Find a Unico Rep to start the process of developing a system configuration that works best for your modular home plans.

¹U.S. Department of Energy – Better Duct Systems for Home Heating and Cooling. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy05osti/30506.pdf

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Did you know that the modular home market is expected to grow at an average of 6 percent each year until 2028? As this market expands, more home building companies are looking for ways to streamline their manufacturing. The process of finding the right HVAC system for modular homes is often a challenge. Traditional systems often feature bulky ductwork that may not seamlessly integrate in your design plans.

The Unico System Offers Unmatched Design Flexibility

When a modular home is being built, there are some HVAC systems that slow down the process and create roadblocks. With a traditional HVAC unit, extra time might need to be spent adjusting the design to accommodate the size of the system’s components. For example, a wall might need to be brought in a foot or two so the ductwork can be installed. The Unico System doesn’t require you to build around bulky HVAC components.

The Unico System is small enough to fit in between the floor and roof system (or modules) during the construction process. With most of the ductwork running through the interstitial space, all you’ll see in the rooms are the round outlets. Those outlets can also be customized to match almost any décor. With The Unico System as the HVAC solution for your modular home, you get a less invasive solution that provides optimal comfort.

Installation and Training at the Factory

One of the greatest benefits for modular manufacturers and builders is that both installation and training can be done on-site at the factory. In most cases, a member of the Unico team will then meet you at the job site to oversee the connections between the modules. This ensures that the modules are properly fitted as well as allowing for any adjustments, should they be needed. Therefore, minimizing any potential issues that may arise during the installation process.

Get Energy Efficiency Without Sacrificing Comfort

More and more modular homebuyers want an energy-efficient residence which is the reason why modular home builders are creating passive and net zero designs. If you’re looking for an energy-efficient HVAC system, Unico is the solution. With traditional HVAC units, heat often leaks through the walls of the ducts. While there are building practices that address this, there’s less flexibility with modular homes since a uniform design needs to be followed, which isn’t ideal for traditional HVAC systems.

• 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.

The Unico System doesn’t have this issue since its ductwork takes up only a third of the surface area and only allows a third of the thermal loss of traditional HVAC systems. Every piece of supply tubing is wrapped in insulation and an outer vapor barrier to help keep almost all the thermal energy inside the duct. Through third-party testing, it was found that traditional HVAC systems can lose up to 25% of the air being pushed throughout a home, while The Unico System loses less than 5%.

With insulation supply tubing, The Unico System creates a gentle suction that draws the air in the room into its airflow. The result is a temperature differential that’s no more than 2% from the thermostat setting across the entire modular home.

Give Your Modular Home Manufacturing More Flexibility

Instead of having to compromise your modular home design to accommodate an HVAC system, choose an option that can fit into any space. No matter what type of modular home design you’re manufacturing, The Unico System is the right HVAC solution. This small yet powerful HVAC system won’t compromise your design and can deliver comfort throughout the home.

Because The Unico System’s supply tubing is lined with a nylon inner core that absorbs the sound and vibration of air being pushed through the system, The Unico System runs whisper-quiet.

The Unico System Design Process for Modular Homes

If you are a manufacturer or architect, Contact our Design Services Team today and we will look at your modular home plans and develop a system configuration that works. You’ll even be able to install part of the system at the factory for increased efficiency.

If you are a homeowner, Find a Unico Rep to start the process of developing a system configuration that works best for your modular home plans.

The post Why The Unico System is the Right Solution for Modular Homes appeared first on The Unico System.

In this final installment of our HVAC replacement series, we’re going to focus on small-duct, high-velocity (SDHV) systems. The Unico System is the leader in this HVAC technology. However, the SDHV system is a newer technology in the HVAC industry and knowing when a unit needs to be replaced isn’t always easy.

The Unico System is here to help. Let’s get into more detail about how to tell when it’s time to swap out an SDHV system and what options you should consider replacing it with.

When is it Time to Replace an SDHV HVAC System?

SDHV systems are known to have smaller outlets that are less noisy than traditional HVAC systems. With many traditional units, hearing the fan or motor straining to operate is a textbook sign that the system needs to be replaced. With SDHV systems, the replacement signs are often more subtle. You’ll want to be on the lookout for:

• A Decline in Energy Efficiency: Small-duct, high-velocity HVAC systems have tight joints and insulated tubing for increased energy efficiency. If you notice that your home’s heating and cooling bill has increased, it could be a sign that the HVAC unit needs to be replaced. SDHV systems at the end of their life cycle are more likely to lose air velocity, making the whole unit work harder to keep rooms at an even temperature.
• The Age of Your HVAC System: Even though SDHV units are efficient and provide optimal comfort, no system can last forever. Core elements of these systems, like the heat pump, blower coil and air handler, all have shelf lives. Many of the key components have estimated life spans provided by the manufacturer. If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it’s time to pay close attention to how it’s operating.
• Longer Heating and Cooling Cycles: SDHV units don’t just dump air into rooms like traditional HVAC systems. The SDHV system has fairly uniform heating and cooling cycles. If you notice that these cycles have gotten longer, it’s a sign that the system isn’t running as efficiently—that the unit is struggling to keep up with the temperature set by the thermostat. If this issue persists, call a professional to inspect the system and see if you might need to replace it.

Why The Unico System is the Best Replacement Option for Small-Duct, High-Velocity HVAC Systems

Once you have the comfort and efficiency that a small-duct, high-velocity HVAC system provides, it’s hard to go back. Luckily, you won’t have that problem when choosing The Unico System as your HVAC solution. To create a draft-free environment with even temperatures, The Unico System takes advantage of a process called aspiration. The small, high-velocity ducts placed throughout each room create a gentle suction that draws air into their streams. You can expect a temperature differential no more than 2 degrees from what the thermostat is set to.

Unlike some other small-duct, high-velocity HVAC systems, Unico has a wide selection of outlet choices designed to match any décor. Unico outlets can also be painted or stained to perfectly match the interior design. Plus, the small outlets are less invasive and can be installed in ceilings, sidewalls and floors so that they’re hardly even noticeable.

Get Free Designs Services with The Unico System

When you’re replacing an existing SDHV system, Unico is here to do the hard part. When you submit plans to our Design Services team, they’ll figure out the best system configuration for your home and provide an estimated materials list. When it comes to indoor comfort, there’s no better HVAC option than The Unico System. Contact our Design Services team today to get started.

The post HVAC Replacement Series Part 3: Your Guide to Replacing a SDHV HVAC System appeared first on The Unico System.

Join us to learn about when it’s time to replace a traditional HVAC system, how their performance compares to other options, and more!

An Overview of Traditional HVAC Systems

With a traditional HVAC system, one of the biggest advantages they offer is being budget friendly. Homes due for a heating and cooling makeover will often go with a traditional HVAC unit because they know what to expect. Plus, if a home has existing ductwork built into the infrastructure, these systems can be installed with limited hassle and downtime.

Unfortunately, traditional HVAC systems have a few drawbacks as well. For starters, they’re not the most energy-efficient option for homes. These units don’t condition the entire room evenly since air is dumped into the space usually from one vent. This leads to uneven temperatures, which causes a traditional HVAC system to run longer as it works to catch up to the thermostat. It’s also important to note that these systems take up a lot of space, which can make adding on or upgrading them more challenging.

When Should You Replace a Traditional HVAC System?

One of the best ways to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be replaced is looking at how much is being spent per year on repairs and maintenance. If you’re spending $1,000 to $1,500 on upkeep in a year, it’s time to consider replacing the system. Other signs that indicate it’s time to swap out your system include:

• Seeing your monthly energy bills rise

• Rooms in your house have uneven temperatures

• The current HVAC system is always running

• Your HVAC system is more than 10 years old

At the start of the replacement process, you’ll want to take a close look at your home to see what other improvements need to be made to support a new HVAC system. For example, if your home still has the original windows, you may want to upgrade them to help reduce temperature loss.

What Goes Into Replacing a Traditional HVAC System?

When it’s time to replace a traditional HVAC system, there are a few essential steps you’ll want to take. First, knowing what type of new system you would like to replace it with is helpful. This will give you insight into whether existing ductwork or other aspects of a home’s infrastructure need to be upgraded or repaired. Older homes might need new electrical hookups installed to accommodate modern HVAC equipment, for example.

It’s also common for the return and/or intake ducts to be resized to be compatible with modern equipment. With older homes, there’s a strong chance that the home itself was designed for heat only when it was first built. With a new system, consider whether there are any upgrades that need to be put in place to allow for better cooling. In fact, some HVAC brands can help with this through system design services. By reviewing your home’s plans, Unico offers a free service that includes a system design and estimated materials list.

The Unico System is the Best Choice for Replacing a Traditional HVAC System

Did you know that The Unico System fits in any space? No matter what the layout of your home, The Unico System can be installed without re-working the interior design and structure. In fact, it takes up roughly one-third the space of a traditional HVAC unit. Instead of dumping air into a room and creating uneven temperatures, The Unico System uses aspiration to create a more comfortable living environment. The small-duct, high-velocity outlets create a gentle suction that pulls the room air into its own air stream.

When you choose The Unico System to replace a traditional HVAC unit, you don’t have to worry about it clashing with existing décor. Outlets can be made specifically to match the interior design of your home. They can also be installed in ceilings, floors or sidewalls, making the outlets less invasive and barely noticeable.

Find a Unico Preferred Contractor to Replace Your Traditional HVAC Unit

If you need to replace a traditional HVAC unit, The Unico System is the perfect choice. You can put a Unico unit in almost any out-of-the-way space due to its modular and customizable design. Make the HVAC replacement process a breeze by finding a Unico Preferred Contractor in your area. Click here to get one step closer to having draft-free and even temperature comfort in every room.

Featured image TOH, Mike Casey

The post HVAC Replacement Series Part 1: Your Guide to Replacing a Traditional HVAC System appeared first on The Unico System.

If you want to save on monthly energy bills while lowering the risk of repairs, we’re here to help. Keep reading to discover HVAC maintenance tips that will help make your air conditioning run more effectively this year.

1. Check and Replace the Air Filter

Every residential HVAC system needs to have its air filters regularly changed to run efficiently. After the winter, it’s common for debris and dust to accumulate, making the system work harder to keep the set interior temperature. Ideally, you should be replacing the air filter for your HVAC system about once a month.

The next time you replace the filter, it’s a good idea to check on it every week. If you notice a high level of dust and debris accumulating, it’s often a sign that there’s a better filter option out there. Most HVAC unit companies have a recommended air filter for their systems. This will include the size and MERV rating that’s most compatible with your specific unit. Refer to your HVAC user manual to ensure you are using the right filter for your system.

2. Clear Out the Area Around Your AC Unit

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that your AC unit has been waiting patiently outside through the winter for the next cooling season. Over that time, leaves, sticks and other debris can pile up on and around the AC unit. Start the maintenance process by trimming any plants that are near the AC unit and check to make sure that no animals have made a nest. For the dust and debris, gently use a hose to spray the outside of the system and the cooling fins if there’s debris, like pollen, on them.

As you’re clearing the area, be careful not to damage any of the fans inside the AC unit. The grille that protects all the main components shouldn’t have any blockages. After all, your AC unit needs a clear path for the air to travel through to work effectively. Next, check all the wires that connect the system to the inside of the home. If you notice that any of these wires are frayed or damaged, call a professional to fix them.

3. Clean Out Your Home’s Vents and Ducts

It’s very common for debris to build up in vents and ducts over the course of the heating season. To start, grab a damp cloth and wipe down the outside of all the vents and ducts in your home. As you’re doing this, double-check to make sure all these outlets are unobstructed and can fully circulate the cold air the AC unit provides. If any of the vents or ducts are partially blocked, move the furniture to give the air a clear path. By taking all these steps, you’re helping your HVAC system be more efficient, resulting in lower energy bills.

For a more detailed cleaning, there are professionals who can vacuum out the interior of the vents and ducts. Most HVAC experts recommend that you do this once a year.

4. Have Your Air Ducts Inspected for Leaks

For many traditional HVAC systems, it’s a good idea to check all interior ducts for leaks. Ducts can develop leaks due to the small vibration that happens when the furnace runs. Every leak lets the cold air from your AC unit escape, which often leads to the system running more frequently. An HVAC professional can inspect all your ducts and seal any leaks they find throughout your home. This process helps ensure your HVAC system is running as energy-efficiently as possible.

5. Check Your Thermostat and Run the System

Your thermostat is designed to measure the indoor temperature and tell your HVAC system to match it. If the thermostat isn’t working, the entire system can’t work. To prepare for cooling season, you’ll want to make sure your thermostat is working as intended. It’s often easy to forget that many thermostats use batteries to operate. After you’re done checking the batteries, set the system to cooling mode and run it. Doing this ahead of time will help identify any potential issues before the warm weather hits.

As you’re going through this process, pay attention to how fast and accurate the thermostat is working. Keep in mind there are plenty of upgrade options that have modern features to help with efficiency, such as connecting to smart home systems.

Keep Your Home at Optimal Comfort with The Unico System

If you’re looking for optimal comfort year-round, consider upgrading your home with The Unico System. It’s an HVAC solution that offers draft-free, consistent temperatures, is whisper quiet, and uses less space than traditional systems. Don’t settle for having uncomfortable hot or cold spots throughout your home. The Unico System can maintain a temperature differential of within 2 degrees throughout the entire living space.

Get started on making your home more comfortable today by finding a Unico Preferred Contractor in your area.

Photo Credit: Mike Casey, This Old House

The post Tips for Transitioning Your HVAC System from Heating to Cooling appeared first on The Unico System.

Although this is a common problem, zone control can help homeowners gain control of their comfort while saving on future energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners could save around 30% with proper HVAC circulation.

How does zone control work?

A zoned system is designed to independently heat or cool more than one space within your home, enabling better circulation and temperature control. This can be accomplished by modulating the airflow or air temperature flowing into each conditioned space. With The Unico System, there are several methods of zoning, depending on the number of units and level of control required.
So, what are the different methods for zone control?

1. Zoning with multiple units

This method is the most popular among homeowners with multiple floors due to its unlimited capability. Each unit conditions a separate floor and has its own thermostat, providing homeowners with simplicity and consistent temperature.

2. Zoning with a single unit

There are three different systems by which units operate, and each comes with its pros and cons. Matching your home’s unique needs with the right technology can maximize time, savings, and overall comfort. In all zoning systems, dampers play a critical role due to their ability to direct airflow, helping to regulate temperature within the HVAC system.

Here’s how each of these systems operate:

Hydronic systems

These systems use hot and chilled water to disperse heating and cooling throughout each space. They are the easiest to zone and pose no risk to coils freezing. It can get noisy when reducing the airflow, but a bypass damper can reduce the noise and recirculate the airflow.

Refrigerant systems

These systems are the hardest to zone as they pose risks to coils freezing and high discharge pressure, but ensuring the number of open outlets remains constant will help direct airflow and keep the system functioning properly.

Electric Duct Heater systems

Electric duct heaters are equipped to perform in areas with low airflow by converting electricity into heat through resistance. These systems serve as an energy-efficient solution by automatically distributing heat as needed, allowing rooms to heat up and maintain a comfortable temperature.

3. Zoning a single area with multiple units

When hosting parties and other gatherings at home, there may be concern on how the room will feel as more people fill in. Depending on the size of the space, installing multiple units throughout the room will help maintain the temperature—no matter how crowded the space gets.

Are you ready to maximize savings, limit energy use, and gain control of your comfort? Every home has its unique challenges, but a little bit of planning can go a long way. Contact our design services team free of charge to learn which of these three-zone control methods will best suit the needs of your home.

The post Gain control of your comfort with these 3 zone control methods appeared first on The Unico System.

While The Unico System is known for giving homes draft-free, even temperatures, Chiltrix by Unico™ elevates this experience. Let’s take a closer look at how our small-duct high-velocity system pairs with Chiltrix’s air-to-water heat pump.

What Makes Chiltrix Different from Other Air-to-Water Heat Pumps?

Air-to-water heat pumps are rising in popularity and use; there is no shortage of systems to choose from for your project. What makes the Chiltrix system unique? For starters, all the essential components, including the evaporator, condenser, and compressor are housed within the outdoor unit of the system. This “Monoblock” design ensures that there’s no refrigerant present inside the home.

With Chiltrix, you can be confident that safety and environmental consciousness were the priority in the design of this air-to-water heat pump. It also takes advantage of R32 refrigerant, which has zero ozone-depleting potential, gives the entire HVAC system higher energy efficiency, and uses less refrigerant on average compared to other options.

It’s also worth mentioning that Chiltrix can seamlessly connect to your indoor HVAC system through insulated water lines—ensuring a more efficient way to have smooth heating and cooling.

How Chiltrix Helps with HVAC Energy Efficiency

Chiltrix is much more energy efficient than other heating and cooling systems powered by oil or gas. It doesn’t burn any oil or gas in the heating process, giving you the option to have a net-zero energy application when it’s used with solar panels. You’ll also get a high-efficiency hot water supply for the home, which can help reduce the cost of monthly energy bills.

What are the Main Benefits of Pairing Chiltrix with The Unico System?

Now that we know the unique benefits of Chiltrix, let’s dig into the advantages of combining it with The Unico System.

-HVAC Energy Efficiency: Chiltrix and The Unico System are the only HVAC product pairing on the market that specializes in zero energy and passive house installations. Unico has the leading high-efficiency hydronic air handler, and Chiltrix is the highest-efficiency source for hot and cold water. Together, the Unico and Chiltrix solution is one of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems available.

-Flexibility: Both Chiltrix and The Unico System have amazing flexibility for custom and older home projects. The Unico System is compact (ducts are roughly one-third the size of other options) and designed to fit where traditional HVAC systems can’t go. Chiltrix gives you more options in home design by being the perfect fit for underfloor heating, domestic hot water systems, radiant cooling, and more.

– Comfort Without the Noise: Some HVAC systems can be noisy when they’re switched on, which can cause disruptions in the home. With Chiltrix by Unico™, you won’t have to worry about it. Unico’s ducts are whisper-quiet, with supply tubing being designed to minimize sound.

Chiltrix follows suit with the ability for the outdoor unit to be placed up to 300 feet from the home. Get reliable comfort control without the noise.

Chiltrix by Unico™ for Your Custom and Older Home Projects

If you’re interested in improving the HVAC energy efficiency of your home or project, Chiltrix by Unico™ is a great option. The ultra-efficient HVAC solution that’s perfect for any home trying to incorporate more net zero energy.

Don’t compromise on comfort or efficiency with your HVAC system. See if Chiltrix by Unico is a good fit for your project today!

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The good news is that the next time your HVAC system blows hot air, there are steps you can take to figure out what’s wrong. Join the heating and cooling experts at The Unico System as we break down five helpful tips to fix your air conditioning.

1. Make Sure to Change Your Air Filter

If your HVAC unit is blowing hot air, the first thing you should do is check the air filter. AC systems need to have a free-flowing supply of air. Dirty filters limit this flow, causing a strain on the system until it reaches the point where it can’t keep up. It’s crucial to check the air filter at least once a month to see if dust or debris is causing a clog.

On average, you should replace your HVAC air filter every six months. If the air filter is dark grey or you can’t see through the filter at all, it’s time to swap it out for a new one. To ensure you’re using the right filter, check with the HVAC manufacturer to see what’s recommended for the system.

2. Check Your Thermostat Settings

Certain thermostat settings can increase the chances of warm air being circulated through the HVAC system. For many modern thermostats, the “auto” setting can mitigate this. The auto setting allows the fan to push the air through the home when the air conditioner is in a cooling cycle. If your thermostat’s “fan” setting is “on,” it will run all the time – which makes the air feel warm.

3. Defrost the Evaporator Coils in the HVAC Unit

HVAC systems have a condensate drain specially designed to collect the excess moisture while the air conditioning runs. If that drain is clogged, the moisture on the evaporator coils can freeze. When this happens, the blower inside the system overheats, causing the air to get warmer. To fix this, turn the HVAC unit off, clean out the condensate drain, and give the coils time to defrost.

4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork

For homes with traditional wide ducts, it’s common for cracks and holes to develop in these systems over time – thus causing air to leak into the walls. Since older ducts are often put in unconditioned attic spaces, warmer air finds its way in and gets carried throughout the entire HVAC system. To solve this issue, you’ll need to work with an HVAC technician to identify and seal the leaks.

However, upgrading to The Unico System makes this fix far less complicated. Unico’s small-duct system uses insulated nylon ducts that are 100% airtight.

5. Consider Replacing Your HVAC System

If you keep running into issues with your HVAC unit or notice it’s blowing warm air more often, it’s time to consider replacing the unit. Many older air conditioning systems also use freon, which corrodes metal, leaking out and damaging the system. The good news is that you can avoid expensive repairs and make your home more comfortable by upgrading to the right HVAC system.

Find a Unico Preferred Contractor Near You

The Unico System was designed to give you the comfort and efficiency of central air conditioning without any hassle. With small, fully insulated ducts and the flexibility to integrate with smart home thermostats, there’s no better choice for upgrading your HVAC system.

Learn more about how The Unico System can improve the comfort of your home by finding a
preferred contactor near you today!

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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.

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