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 part two of our HVAC replacement series, we’re going to identify the signs that it is time to replace a mini split system and some of the best upgrade options to consider.

When is it Time to Replace a Mini Split HVAC System?

Mini split systems have units that attach to a wall or window to condition the room. While it allows precise heating and cooling, mini splits require a unit present in each space that needs to be temperature controlled. Each unit requires routine maintenance, which can add up quickly. In fact, one of the key signs that a mini split system needs to be replaced is increasingly frequent breakdowns and repairs. Since mini split units can be costly to fix, it’s important to weigh those repairs against the cost of upgrading to a better HVAC system.

Other signs to look for include:

• Having an Older System: The lifespan of mini split systems averages 10 to 15 years. Any unit past this window will likely need to be replaced.
• Rising Energy Costs: If your mini split unit isn’t conditioning your home air efficiently, your monthly energy bills can increase. It’s a sign that the system needs to run more often to keep up with the temperature set by the thermostat.
• Units Making Noise: Usually, mini split systems are quiet while they’re conditioning rooms. If you hear any part of the system making noise, it’s a sign that it could be damaged.

Why You Should Choose The Unico System to Replace a Mini Split System

One of the biggest disadvantages of a mini split system is how the appearance of indoor units clash with the interior. Even when these units are designed to have a low visual impact, they still stick out. With The Unico System, you won’t have to worry about this issue. The air outlet vents are designed to match the décor of almost any home. The vents can be painted or stained to match a variety of interior design styles from modern homes to log cabins. Since The Unico System ducts are small, they can be installed into the floor, ceiling, and even sidewalls.

Get Better Indoor Air Quality for Your Home

Most mini split HVAC systems feature a reusable filter that operates within each individual unit. Since these filters need to be small to fit inside the system, they provide less air filtration when compared to The Unico System. They also need to be cleaned or replaced more often, adding to more ongoing HVAC maintenance.

Air filters for HVAC systems often have a MERV rating. A higher rating means there’s more air restriction to help the filter and capture smaller particles. Mini split systems are often not designed or compatible with high MERV-rated filters. Thanks to its small-duct, high-velocity design, The Unico System can easily handle the high-pressure drops caused by air restrictions, which is why it can be outfitted with MERV 13 filters, offering exceptional protection against airborne particulates.

Since the ducts are smaller with The Unico System, it’s easier to incorporate a UV light cabinet into the system to help disinfect the air that circulates through your home. This offers peace of mind by reducing airborne bacteria and improves your overall indoor air quality.

Optimal Comfort While Being Whisper Quiet

Since there are individual units in every room, mini split systems have zone control. However, they cannot reach the same level of temperature control as The Unico System. Each mini split unit dumps air into a room and often causes uneven temperatures since the system has less power dedicated to circulating air. You do not run into this issue with The Unico System. Through an air principle called aspiration, the ducts create a suction that pulls air around the room into its stream of air. This creates a temperature differential of no more than two to three degrees from what your thermostat is set to.

Every HVAC system, including mini split units, makes noise while running. Even though mini split units are quieter than a traditional system, most of them are not insulated like The Unico System. The Unico air supply tubing uses a nylon inner core that is designed to absorb noise caused by air moving through the system. Even the air handler is designed to isolate noise and vibration to help ensure the entire system stays quiet. It works so effectively that you won’t even notice The Unico System running.

Upgrade Your Home HVAC with The Unico System

By replacing a mini split HVAC system, you could make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and improve indoor air quality. Find a Unico Preferred Contractor near you to get the process started.

Photo Credit: Mike Casey, This Old House

The post HVAC Replacement Series Part 2: Your Guide to Replacing a Mini Split HVAC System appeared first on The Unico System.

When considering the pros and cons of forced air heating, it’s important to understand how those pros and cons change when comparing different sources of heat. With a small duct system from Unico, you get many of the same advantages of a gas furnace forced air system with none of the cons.

Heating configurations with The Unico System:

Heat Pump: The Unico System standard refrigerant coil can provide both central heating and cooling when paired with either an outdoor air-source or ground-source (geothermal) heat pump. This method has a distinct advantage over conventional central air system’s heat pump coils in that the air it puts out actually feels warm, delivering higher inside temperatures when outside temperatures fall.

Hot Water Coil: Hydronic heating with a Unico System hot water coil matched with a boiler (or, less commonly, a high efficiency hot water heater) is an excellent method of efficient, comfortable central heating. This method can be used as primary heating or as a supplement to radiators (either free-standing or baseboard-mounted) and is an exceptional partner to in-floor radiant systems. Because The Unico System provides instant heat it is a perfect companion to these types of systems in the “shoulder” months – those times when just enough heat is needed to take the chill out of the air and firing up a radiant system would take too long and expend too much energy.

Electric Duct Heater: An electric furnace that can be placed directly within the plenum (main duct configuration), the Unico electric duct heater provides immediate heat and is available in sizes ranging from 2 to 20 kW. Unico electric duct heaters can be used for primary or auxiliary heat. No matter which method you or your installing contractor choose you’ll be sure to get the very best in efficient, comfortable small-duct central heating.

Pros of forced air heating

Heats the whole home. Radiant heat, such as radiators or baseboard heating, warms the space near the source, but they do little to circulate the air. Radiators can make you feel warm and comfortable if you’re near the unit in the room, but leave you shivering if you’re not close enough. Ductless systems, also known as mini split systems, need to be installed in every room because they don’t have a network of ducts connecting the rooms. High velocity heating moves warmed air throughout the entire home, delivering comfort in every room.

Unobtrusive. Ducting for Unico is built into the walls or ceilings. Radiators on the other hand take up floor space or require a wall to be unobstructed. Unico systems take up even less space with 2” to 2.5” round ductwork. Unico is the preferred choice for many historic and custom homes because it fits anywhere and requires no major renovations during installation. Small duct systems also have a central unit small enough to be put in attics or crawl spaces.

Disadvantages of forced air heating

All heating systems are not created equal. Traditional, wide duct systems that heat using a gas furnace can have major drawbacks.

Dry air. Gas furnaces have a flame that dries the air in your home. This leads to uncomfortable dry skin and a dry nose, which makes you more susceptible to viruses and other contagions. Using a heating system that uses electric heat instead of burning gas can help maintain moisture in the air when in operation.

Inefficient. The wide metal ducts traditionally used by gas heating systems leak air and lose heat, no matter how they’re installed. Metal ducts lose air at the seams and are not 100% airtight. Metal ducts also cause friction, reducing air flow, as opposed to The Unico System with its nylon interior designed for efficient air flow.

Pros of The Unico System

The Unico System delivers the pros of forced air heating without the cons. Whether you’re looking at adding forced air heating to your home or a replacement for your existing forced air heating system, here’s why you should consider The Unico System.

No more dry air. With a small duct heating system from Unico, you can say goodbye to dry skin and air that comes with traditional heating systems. The Unico System is a closed system that warms air from within your home without drying it out, keeping your home comfortable and healthy.

Whisper-quiet. Traditional wide ducting isn’t insulated and acts like mini echo chambers throughout your home. Unico System customers often forget their system is running because it’s whisper quiet. Engineered with special sound-absorbing air supply tubing means there’s no creaking or vibrating when the system turns on.

Fits your home. With its small air register and mini ducts, The Unico System fits in every house without requiring major renovation—even historic homes. Unico’s air supply tubing is flexible and can be inserted into existing tight spaces without tearing up walls and ceilings. This makes small ducts the best choice for historic or older homes where you want to maintain the home’s character and don’t want to add bulky systems.

Efficient comfort. Compared to gas furnaces, a small duct system delivers warmer air with less heat loss through the vents. That means you can set your thermostat and get reliable comfort no matter the time of day or outdoor temperature. The Unico System’s SMART Control Board manages fan speed and allows for zoning if some rooms tend to be warmer or cooler, further improving energy efficiency.

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Custom Fit for your Design

Custom home builders like how well Unico fits into tight spaces. The system’s sleek mini ducts are small enough to fit inside the walls in your existing floorplan without having to leave extra space for traditional bulky ductwork. Your new home will have the seamless look of a modern interior. What’s more, the air vents are only 2 to 2.5-inches in diameter and come in various colors and wood finishes allowing you to customize them to your design and style.

HVAC That’s Whisper Quiet

One thing that makes the Unico System so unique is the fact that it has a nylon core that is insulated which means it’s naturally sound absorbent. With traditional ducts, their metal composition essentially makes them echo chambers amplifying the noise of the system when air is carried through. Mini split and ductless systems are also noisy, with units mounted on the wall in every room and always operating nearby.

Another feature custom home builders appreciate is that Unico’s modular, compact air handler can be discretely tucked away in the attic or a closet. The ducts are made of insulated nylon which absorb sound, and sound attenuators can be added throughout the system to dampen any vibration, so the system is whisper quiet.

Comfort with Reduced Humidity

High humidity can negatively affect your home, but low humidity is good for contributes to your comfort to improves air quality.

The air conditioning mode of Unico’s SDHV system is designed to remove more humidity than other HVAC systems. It operates with relatively lower airflow and has a four-row cooling coil instead of a typical three-row coil, circulating air sits on the cooling coil longer, removing up to 30% more humidity. The lack of humidity and water provides a comfortable living environment.

Building a custom home? Find out more about what makes Unico perfect for the job. Contact our free Design Services team and receive a duct design and layout to match your home.

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Help set your project up for success by learning these 3 things buyers want from their custom home HVAC systems.

Indoor Comfort is a Top Priority

When a buyer invests in a custom home, they want the interior to be well-designed and comfortable. They’re trusting contractors like you to bring their vision to life, which includes installing an HVAC system that meets their needs. To ensure that the home you’re building has even and consistent indoor temperature, consider a small duct/high-velocity (SDHV) solution like The Unico System.

For starters, the innovative duct system makes it easy to install and can fit within almost any home design. Small, flexible ducts installed throughout the home create a comfortable and even temperature environment that’s draft-free. The Unico System manages airflow and motor speed according to the needs of each individual room. The SDHV system also dehumidifies better than any other system, while being small enough to be installed wherever you need it.

Traditional HVAC systems dump air into a room, which causes drafts and pockets of uneven temperatures, leading to homeowners being uncomfortable. Through an air principle called aspiration, The Unico System creates a gentle mixed motion of air around each duct to create an even temperature. It’s one of the custom home HVAC features that keeps the temperature differential two degrees or less from what’s set on the thermostat compared to the roughly 10-degree swings common with traditional systems.

Ability to Blend In

Buyers of custom homes want an HVAC system that does its job in the background and goes unnoticed. With many traditional systems, the bulky ducts can be an eyesore that interferes with the aesthetics of a room and are also noisy, reminding you of its presence every time the system kicks on. Fortunately, The Unico System solves both issues with its unique design.

Thanks to the inner nylon core used in the tubing to absorb sound, the high-velocity Unico System turns on and blows air virtually silently. In fact, many custom homeowners describe it as “whisper quiet.” Your buyer will be able to feel comfortable, even temperatures without hearing the system running.

In terms of aesthetics, The Unico System makes it easy for ducts to fit in with interior design. There are a wide variety of outlet choices that will blend in with a custom home’s floors, walls, and ceilings while providing even heating, cooling, and ventilation throughout each room.

Energy Efficiency

Buyers of custom homes want energy-efficient HVAC systems since they’re more likely to save on monthly utility costs. But what they may not realize is having the right ductwork makes a huge difference. Many traditional HVAC systems leak air in the seams along the vent and inside the ductwork. Plus, traditional ducts are uninsulated, resulting in thermal loss before air even reaches the vents. This causes the custom home to be less energy-efficient despite the energy-efficiency of the HVAC system itself.

The SDHV Unico System was specifically designed for simplicity and keeping air inside the ducts to prevent leakage. According to third-party testing, traditional HVAC systems can lose up to 25% of the air they put out because of leaks in the ductwork. The Unico System loses, on average, just 5%.

Impress Custom Home Buyers with The Unico System

The Unico System has everything buyers are looking for in a custom home HVAC system. But our support for your projects doesn’t stop with an SDHV product. Our Design Services team is a free resource that will help you find the best application for our system. Give buyers of custom homes the comfort and efficiency they’re looking for with The Unico System.

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