Why The Unico System is the Right Solution for Modular Homes

June 13, 2024

Why The Unico System is the Right HVAC Option for Modular Homes

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.

Unico outlets

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%.

Unico outlets with supply tubing

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.

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