If you’re considering a mini-split, it’s worth understanding how The Unico System offers a different approach. Designed for whole-home comfort, The Unico System addresses many of the challenges homeowners face when aesthetics, humidity control, and consistent temperatures matter most.

The Unico System vs. Mini-Splits: Key Differences

Both The Unico System and mini-splits can provide heating and cooling, but they take different approaches to delivering conditioned air throughout a home.

Indoor Unit Visibility

Mini-splits typically use wall-mounted indoor units that remain visible in each conditioned space. The Unico System uses small, discreet outlets installed in ceilings, walls, or floors, allowing the HVAC system to blend into the home’s design.

Whole-Home Air Distribution

Mini-splits are often designed around individual zones or rooms. The Unico System is designed to provide consistent whole-home comfort using aspiration, a process that gently mixes conditioned air with the existing air in the room.

Humidity Control

Humidity can have a major impact on how comfortable a home feels. The Unico System is designed to remove up to 30% more humidity than many conventional HVAC systems, helping create a cooler, drier indoor environment.

Installation in Challenging Spaces

Mini-splits do not require traditional ductwork, but they still require visible indoor units and refrigerant lines. The Unico System uses flexible small ducts that can be routed through existing walls, ceilings, attics, and floor cavities, making it well suited for renovations, historic homes, and custom homes.

Preserve the Beauty of Your Home

Your HVAC system should enhance your home’s comfort, not compete with its design.

Whether you’ve invested in custom finishes, restored a historic property, or built your dream home, visible indoor HVAC units can distract from the overall aesthetic. The Unico System was designed with this in mind.

Instead of large wall-mounted units, conditioned air is delivered through small, discreet outlets that blend seamlessly into ceilings, walls, or floors. Flexible small ducts remain hidden behind the scenes, allowing your home’s architecture and interior design to remain the focal point.

For homeowners who value clean lines and timeless design, this can make all the difference.

Enjoy Consistent Whole-Home Comfort

Heating and cooling should feel effortless.

Rather than creating noticeable temperature differences between rooms, The Unico System utilizes aspiration, a process that gently mixes conditioned air with the existing air in the room. This creates consistent temperatures throughout the home while minimizing drafts and reducing hot and cold spots.

The result is a more balanced and comfortable living environment from room to room.

Improve Indoor Humidity Control

Comfort is about more than temperature.

High humidity can leave your home feeling warm and uncomfortable even when the thermostat says otherwise. That’s why humidity control is one of the defining characteristics of The Unico System.

By removing up to 30% more humidity than many conventional HVAC systems, The Unico System helps create a cooler, drier indoor environment. Homeowners can enjoy improved comfort without constantly adjusting the thermostat.

Designed for Homes Where Space Is Limited

Not every home has room for bulky ductwork or visible mechanical equipment.

The Unico System uses flexible small ducts that can be routed through existing walls, ceilings, attics, and floor cavities with minimal disruption. This makes it an excellent solution for older homes, historic renovations, custom homes, and other projects where preserving the home’s structure and appearance is essential.

Instead of designing your home around your HVAC system, The Unico System is designed to fit your home.

Go Beyond Heating and Cooling

Today’s homeowners expect more from their HVAC system.

The Unico System can be paired with whole-home indoor air quality solutions such as advanced filtration, UV air purification, ERVs, and HRVs. Combined with humidity control and consistent air distribution, it delivers a complete indoor comfort solution designed for modern living.

How to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Home

The right HVAC system depends on the needs of your home, your comfort goals, and your renovation or construction plans.

A mini-split may be a good option when individual room or zone conditioning is the primary goal. The Unico System may be a better fit for homeowners looking for whole-home comfort, discreet outlets, hidden ductwork, and humidity control.

Your home’s layout, existing infrastructure, available space, and design goals should all be considered when choosing an HVAC system.

Get a Custom HVAC System Design for Your Home

Every home is different, which is why every HVAC system should be thoughtfully designed.

At The Unico System, our free design service helps contractors and homeowners determine the ideal system layout for each project. Our team performs load calculations and develops a custom design to help ensure your home receives the quiet, efficient, and comfortable performance The Unico System is known for.

If you’re researching mini-splits, take the time to explore another option. The Unico System delivers whole-home comfort, humidity control, and a discreet design that preserves the beauty of your home while providing lasting performance for years to come.

The post The Unico System vs. Mini-Splits: Which HVAC System Is Right for Your Home? appeared first on The Unico System.

Where The Unico System Excels

1. Limited Space Applications- The Unico System is ideal for homes where space for traditional ductwork is scarce.

2. Superior Comfort- Compared to traditional HVAC systems, Unico delivers enhanced comfort through better humidity control, elimination of drafts, and consistent temperatures throughout the home. While every homeowner values superior comfort, the space-saving aspect makes Unico the best solution for specific home styles.

Best-Suited Home Styles

Our system is particularly beneficial for:

1. Older Homes- Built before modern forced-air ductwork was common, these homes often lack space for bulky HVAC components.

2. Custom Homes- Designed with unique architectural elements like open floor plans and vaulted ceilings, these homes present challenges for traditional HVAC systems.

a. It also extends to architect-designed homes, as well as modular, log and timber, and low-load or passive and Net Zero homes.

The Unico System Stands Out

The Unico System’s compact, modular components-including smaller plenum ducting, flexible supply tubing, and discreet air distribution outlets-make it the best HVAC solution for homes where space is at a premium.

Beyond space efficiency, our system delivers:

· Better Comfort- Reduced humidity, draft elimination, and even temperatures from floor to ceiling

· Better Aesthetics- Small, unobtrusive outlets that seamlessly blend into any décor.

What About Traditional Homes?

If your home was originally designed with space for a traditional HVAC system, can The Unico System still be option? Absolutely! While our SDHV system was created to solve space constraints, its flexibility allows it to enhance comfort in any home.

That’s the beauty of The Unico System-adaptable, efficient, and designed for ultimate comfort, no matter the home.

The post Small-Duct, High-Velocity (SDHV) vs. Traditional Ductwork: Which is Right for Your Home? appeared first on The Unico System.

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 as we break down why The Unico System is one of the best HVAC options for log and timber homes.

The Small-Duct, High-Velocity System Saves You Space

When it comes to log and timber homes, one of the biggest HVAC hurdles to overcome is finding the space for ductwork. It’s normal for these types of homes to have an open concept with fewer interior walls. Plus, many log and timber homes have a loft area instead of an available attic that could house an HVAC system. With The Unico System, you won’t have to worry about this challenge.

No matter what type of layout a log and timber home has, The Unico System can be installed without affecting the interior design and structure. It uses less than one-third of the space compared to traditional HVAC systems. In fact, it can deliver up to 9 tons of air by using the same space as a 3-ton traditional unit.

The Unico System has flexible small ducts that can fit in spaces where other systems can’t. For example, Unico can get multiple ducts into a single interior wall, helping log and timber homes get the most out of their unique design.

The Unico System Blends in with Log and Timber Homes

Custom built log and timber homes have no shortage of visual appeal. Many modern HVAC systems have ducts that clash with the natural wood throughout the living space. The Unico System solves the issue of having metal grates that stand out against natural wood. Unico has a wide selection of outlet choices that can be designed to blend in with the aesthetics of log and timber homes. Outlets used with The Unico System will practically disappear, since the wood grain can be visually matched to the specific home.

It’s also worth noting that these outlets can also be installed in more areas throughout the home compared to traditional HVAC systems. They can be placed in ceilings, floors and any sidewalls without being invasive or causing the need for major remodeling. There’s no need to “gut” or cut into any of the major aspects of the home.

A Perfect Complement for Energy Efficiency

One of the reasons why log and timber homes are growing in popularity is because of how energy efficient they are. Customized homes are built with a tight envelope and typically don’t lose much heating or cooling. These homes need an HVAC system that can keep up the trend of high efficiency to help keep energy costs down.

The Unico System ductwork has roughly one-third less thermal loss than other traditional HVAC systems. The Unico supply tubing is wrapped in insulation and an outer vapor barrier that works to keep nearly all the thermal energy inside the ducts. Just like log and timber homes, the Unico small-duct, high-velocity system is designed to prioritize air tightness. Through third-party testing, The Unico System loses less than 5% of the air in the ducts compared to the loss of 25% found in traditional systems.

Find the Perfect HVAC Solution for Log and Timber Homes

When you’re building a custom log and timber home, the HVAC system can be a hard challenge to get past. There’s often plenty of posts and beams that make it difficult to find space for ducts. Plus, with little to no attic space, finding a place to house HVAC equipment isn’t always straightforward. The Unico System makes it so you don’t have to worry about these issues.

Since it’s common for log and timber homes to need additional HVAC support, Unico goes the extra mile by offering free design services. Let our team handle the hard part. Simply submit your plans and a load calculation form, and we’ll create a system design and estimated materials list. Get started on making your log and timber home more comfortable today.

The post The Unico System in Log & Timber Homes 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.

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.

The post 5 Tips to Help You with Duct Maintenance 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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Air filters, like the ones found in HVAC systems, remove allergens from the air and improve the air quality of the home. Join the experts at Unico as we talk about how allergies are impacted by air filters and the importance of choosing the right HVAC system.

The Different Types of Air Filters and Their Impact on Allergies

In general, air filters remove many types of allergens in your home by catching particles in the air like pet dander, dust, pollen, and more. For example, the air filter inside of an HVAC system traps even larger particles so there are fewer allergy irritants in the air. It also works hard to prevent dust and other debris from building up in the system itself so that it can continue to work at optimal efficiency.

When it comes to air filters that can help with allergies, there are some common types:

• Fiberglass Filters:

Fiberglass air filters are affordable and are made from thin spun strands of fiberglass that are woven together. These types of filters may not be the best option since many baseline models are not made to trap smaller allergen particles because of its smaller surface area.

• Pleated Filters:

These air filters are most commonly made out polyester fabric and cotton folds. Their large surface helps capture more allergens and these filters come in high- efficiency options that focus on trapping smaller particles. It’s worth mentioning that pleated filters might need to be replaced more often than some other air filters because of the dirt, dust and allergens that are trapped.

• HEPA Filters:

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are often used to help with allergies because they are able to trap the most small particles of allergy irritants in the air—many of which are too small to see at 0.3 microns, but can still enter the body.

How MERV Rating Plays into Allergies and Air Filters

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, ratings are used to assess how effective air filters are at removing particles and allergens from the air. As we hinted above, a high MERV rating means the filter can trap smaller particles. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher ratings representing more effective filtration. For example, environments like surgery suites in hospitals or laboratories where pharmaceuticals are manufactured need a very high MERV rating. That’s because a few small particles have the potential to cause significant harm in sensitive environments.

To filter out many common smaller allergens that can cause issues, it’s recommended to have an air filter with a MERV rating between 9 and 13. These higher MERV ratings make it less likely for particles to enter the home and trigger your allergies. However, in order to choose the right air filter for your home, it’s important to consider more than just a MERV rating. Think about:

• The filter MERV rating that’s approved for your HVAC system.

• The balance between higher levels of filtration and reducing air flow.

• What size filter is needed for the most efficient performance.

Air Filter Maintenance and Allergies

No matter what type of air filter an HVAC system uses, it needs to be maintained and changed regularly. When an air filter is dirty, it becomes clogged, and all the allergens it’s collected will start to circulate back into the home. Over time, this will lower the air quality in your home and can make allergies worse.

The air filter in your HVAC system should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. And roughly every three to six months, you’ll want to have your HVAC system inspected by an HVAC professional to make sure everything is running optimally.

Help Your Allergies and Get Better Indoor Air Quality with The Unico System

If indoor air quality and reducing the number of allergens in your home is important to you, The Unico System is the best option. Unico is a small-duct high-velocity system that offers effective air distribution and an option for MERV 13 filters. Find a Unico contractor near you to learn more about the benefits it can bring to your home.

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