The process of getting an HVAC solution that provides lasting comfort and energy efficiency for an older home can be a challenge. Many older homes relied on steam systems for heat or weren’t built with ductwork for air conditioning. These homes often lack the necessary space to run traditional ducts without major renovations or compromises to the living space. The good news is that there is a solution for missing ductwork in older homes.
Consider a Small-Duct/High-Velocity System
While older homes have classic charm and detail, they often don’t have the internal wall space to run traditional ductwork. Plaster and lathe walls can limit the interior wall cavity space, and floor joists may be built to different standards compared to modern building practices. This makes putting in traditional ductwork, which is 8 inches by 12 inches in diameter, a challenge that often requires significant renovations. However, The Unico System uses small ducts that are only 2 inches in diameter, making it easy to work them into almost any older home structure.
The Unico System was designed with small spaces in mind. Unico ducts are engineered to fit within small areas in existing walls and ceilings. They’re also flexible, which gives contractors the ability to thread them through spaces that can’t fit traditional ducts. Plus, every Unico duct is made with an insulated nylon core, which prevents thermal loss, to make every room more comfortable by delivering consistent temperatures.
Installing Small Ducts in Older Homes
Another advantage The Unico System has for older homes with missing ductwork is the air handling unit (AHU). With traditional HVAC systems, the AHU is often large and box-shaped, which makes it difficult to find space that accommodates it. The AHU used in The Unico System is small enough to fit in the attic or other out of the way spaces in older homes. It’s just another way Unico makes older homes more comfortable without the need for extensive renovations.
Equipment Placement in Missing Ductwork HVAC Solutions
To get a better understanding of why The Unico System is such a good fit for older homes with missing ductwork, we’ve laid out some of the key equipment placements including:
Air Supply Outlets: Contractors with support from Unico will go room to room and figure out the optimal placement for the air supply outlets. Many owners of older homes like them to be in the corners of the room. The flexibility of the nylon-core ducting allows for more possibilities.
AHU: As we mentioned above, the Unico AHU is compact and can fit easily in the attic, basement, or closet of older homes. These units are also modular, so different arrangements can be used to make performance and maintenance easy for the specific layout of your home.
Ductwork: The ductwork we’ve engineered as part of The Unico System is small. It can be fed through confined spaces without leaking air to keep your older home as energy efficient as possible. With our small duct system, there’s no need to worry about costly renovations for your older home to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round.
The Unico System is Made to Match Your Older Home’s Style
The Unico System has a wide range of outlet vent designs that will match the style of your older home without compromise. They can be painted or stained to match almost any interior design look to help them blend into the room. The unique aesthetics of your older home will stay the same since the Unico ducts will hardly be noticeable in the room.
Make Your Older Home More Comfortable with The Unico System
Older homes that have missing ductwork still have the potential to be more comfortable thanks to The Unico System. Your older home has an appeal that’s worth preserving, and our small ducts can be threaded through the existing infrastructure without major remodeling. Find a contractor near you who has experience installing The Unico System in older homes.
