Featuring insights from Andrew La Posta, Fraser Hillis, and Steve Crozier of Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare, Unico Preferred Contractor (Greater Toronto Area) 

Comfort shouldn’t come at the expense of your home’s design. 

Yet for many homeowners, especially those in older or historic homes, adding modern air conditioning often means compromising aesthetics, space, or both. 

That’s the challenge contractors like Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare, a Unico Preferred Contractor in the Greater Toronto Area, solve every day. 

Their approach? Delivering high-performance comfort using The Unico System—a solution designed specifically for homes where traditional HVAC falls short. 

The Challenge: Cooling Homes That Weren’t Built for It 

Across Canada, many homes were built without central air conditioning and without the ductwork needed to support it. 

For homeowners, that creates a difficult trade-off: 

• Install bulky ductwork and alter the home’s design 
• Rely on inconsistent or incomplete cooling solutions 
• Or go without proper comfort altogether 

“A lot of these homes have no ductwork, and homeowners don’t want bulkheads or anything that compromises the design,” says Andrew La Posta, President of Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare.  

Why Traditional HVAC Systems Fall Short 

Conventional systems are designed for homes that already have space for large duct runs. 

In retrofit applications, they often: 

• Require intrusive construction 
• Struggle to evenly distribute air 
• Fail to address problem areas like second floors 

For contractors, this limits what’s possible. 
For homeowners, it limits comfort. 

The Unico System: Designed for Retrofit Applications 

The Unico System takes a fundamentally different approach. 

By using small, flexible ductwork and high-velocity airflow, it enables contractors to install central air conditioning in spaces where traditional systems simply cannot fit. 

“We can add a fully ducted system… and by the end of it, the homeowner doesn’t even know we were there,” says Andrew La Posta.  

Key advantages include: 

• Minimal disruption to walls, ceilings, and finishes 
• Installation primarily through attics or existing cavities 
• Discreet outlets that blend seamlessly with the home 

Solving One of the Most Common Comfort Problems 

Even in homes with existing HVAC systems, comfort issues persist—especially on upper floors. 

“We’ll install Unico as a supplemental system… when the existing system can’t reach upper floors,” explains Andrew La Posta.  

As climate patterns shift and temperature spikes become more common, these limitations are becoming more noticeable. 

Performance Homeowners Can Feel—Not Hear 

One of the most common misconceptions about high-velocity systems is noise. 

In reality, system performance depends on proper design and installation. 

“If it’s designed and installed properly, it’s not noisy—it’s more of a comfort sound,” says Steve Crozier, who manages customer relationships for Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare.  

Many homeowners are surprised by how quiet the system is, often noticing comfort first, rather than sound. 

Precision Installation Requires Specialized Expertise 

The Unico System is not a conventional HVAC solution—and that’s intentional. 

Delivering optimal performance requires: 

• Accurate system design and sizing 
• Trained, experienced installers 
• Attention to detail in challenging environments 

“Not just anyone can install or service a Unico System—you need to be trained properly,” says Andrew Laposta.  

That’s why Unico works closely with a network of Preferred Contractors who are trained to deliver consistent, high-quality results. 

Supporting Contractors, Delivering Better Outcomes 

For contractors, choosing the right system is only part of the equation and support matters. 

“One of the big reasons we choose Unico… is the support. It’s been A+,” says Fraser Hillis, who leads sales for Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare.  

This partnership ensures: 

• Responsive technical assistance 
• Ongoing training and education 
• Confidence in solving complex installations 

Built for Long-Term Comfort 

A properly installed Unico System is designed to perform for years to come but long-term comfort goes beyond installation. 

“We don’t just want to sell you a system—we want to be your HVAC partner for the next 10–20 years,” says Steve Crozier.  

That commitment reflects what homeowners truly value: 

• Service they can rely on 
• A contractor who stands behind their work 
• A system built to last 

A Better Way to Deliver Comfort 

Not every home is built for traditional HVAC but every homeowner expects comfort. 

The Unico System provides a solution that aligns with both modern expectations and existing home design. 

For contractors, it opens the door to solving problems others can’t. 
For homeowners, it delivers comfort—without compromise. 

About Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare 

Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare is a Unico Preferred Contractor serving the Greater Toronto Area, specializing in HVAC solutions for retrofit and historic homes. With decades of combined industry experience, their team focuses on delivering long-term comfort through expert installation, homeowner education, and ongoing service. 

Known for their ability to solve complex installation challenges—particularly in homes without existing ductwork—Woodbridge GTA ClimateCare partners with The Unico System to provide high-performance, minimally invasive comfort solutions that preserve the integrity of each home. 

The post From No Ductwork to Total Comfort: A Contractor’s Perspective on The Unico System  appeared first on The Unico System.

Pete estimates that 75% of Five Star’s business consists of residential installation and maintenance work, with most of it occurring in the Windy City’s iconic older housing stock as well as in many high-rise apartments and condominiums. “It’s why we love Unico so much,” he says, “its versatility offers many ways to solve thorny problems due to space restrictions, comfort demands, and efficiency requirements. When you’re dealing with as many niche applications as we do, you need a premium product that dependably meets your customers’ needs. For us, The Unico System is that premium product.”

Five Star HVAC’s relationship with Unico has even taken them to some interesting places outside of Chicago, having recently installed three Unico Systems in a log cabin hotel in the heart of Montana. Notes Pete, “Like many of the tough installations we tackle, this project simply wouldn’t have been possible without The Unico System.”

We look forward to hearing about more unique applications from the pros at Five Star HVAC Services in the years to come.

The post Contractor Spotlight: Five Star HVAC Services, Inc./Chicago, IL appeared first on The Unico System.

At Unico, we empower our team members and partners through continuous learning and development. To support this mission, we offer diverse training opportunities designed to enhance skills, knowledge, and expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, Unico’s training programs cater to all levels. Here’s an overview of the training opportunities we provide:

Factory Training

Our Factory Training program is designed for hands-on learners who benefit from in-person instruction. Held at our manufacturing plant in St. Louis, MO, this 2.5-day training course covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques in using and maintaining Unico Products. Participants can engage directly with our National Trainer, Matt Gordon, ask questions and receive personalized guidance. This immersive experience ensures attendees leave with a deep understanding and practical skills that can be immediately applied in their work. Upon completion of factory training, companies will be awarded our factory training badge, which helps potential customers find them on  Unico’s website .

Training Details:

• When is this class offered? September through May on a select date of your choosing
• Lodging: Unico will cover the cost of lodging
• Meals: Lunch will be provided at the factory

Key Benefits:

• Gain in-depth understanding of The Unico System
• Learn best practices and installation techniques
• Stay updated on the latest product innovations

Unico University is our comprehensive online training platform that houses a vast library of on-demand training videos. Available 24/7, this resource allows you to learn at your own pace and convenience. Whether you’re looking to master a specific skill, stay updated on the latest industry trends, or revisit fundamental concepts, Unico University has you covered. The platform is continually updated with new content, ensuring that you have access to the latest information and training materials. Upon completion of online factory training, companies will be awarded the online training badge which helps them be seen by potential customers on the Unico website before the competition.

Key Benefits:

• Flexible scheduling, on-demand remote learning
• Quick, easy to listen
• Gain in-depth understanding of The Unico System
• Stay updated on the latest product innovations

AIA Classes

We are proud to offer three AIA (American Institute of Architects) accredited classes tailored specifically for architects and design professionals. Our AIA classes are designed to enhance your professional knowledge and skills, ensuring that you stay current with industry standards and practices. These classes provide valuable continuing education credits and cover essential topics related to our industry. 

Indoor Air Quality Solutions for Small-Duct, High-Velocity Heating & Air Conditioning Systems  (1 LU|HSW Credit)

About This Course: This specialized course focuses on the unique aspects of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) management through the lens of Small-Duct High-Velocity (SDHV) Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems. Aimed at architects, the course provides in-depth knowledge on designing, installing, and maintaining SDHV systems to optimize indoor air quality. Participants will learn how SDHV technology can be leveraged to efficiently heat and cool spaces and significantly improve air purity, reduce pollutants, and enhance overall occupant comfort and health.

Prerequisite Knowledge: Participants must have basic knowledge of HVAC and how it works.

Air-To-Water Heat Pumps (1 LU Credit) 

About this course: This comprehensive Air-to-Water Heat Pump Systems course is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of the principles, design considerations, and practical applications of air-to-water heat pump technology. As a key component of modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, air-to-water heat pumps are crucial in achieving energy efficiency and sustainable thermal comfort. This course covers various topics to ensure participants gain practical skills necessary for successful implementation.

Prerequisite Knowledge: Participants must have basic knowledge of HVAC and how it works.

Designing and Installing Small-Duct, High-Velocity Heating and Cooling System (1 LU Credit) 

About this course: In the Designing and Installing Small-Duct High-Velocity Heating and Cooling Systems course, you will learn about small-duct high-velocity systems and how they differ from  conventional HVAC systems. This course also teaches you about design flexibility, how to create a small-duct high-velocity design, and where the small-duct high-velocity system can be installed.

Prerequisite Knowledge: No prerequisite knowledge is required for this course.

Conclusion

At Unico, we are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning. Our training programs-Factory Training, Unico University, and AIA Classes- are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. Take advantage of these opportunities to stay ahead in your business and become an expert in our products and services.The Unico System. Join us in our mission to achieve excellence through education and training.

For more information or to to enroll in our training programs, visit our website or contact our training department at training@unicosystem.com. We look forward to supporting your learning journey at Unico!

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