Special Advantages of The Unico System
The small-duct Unico System has special advantages over conventional forced-air systems that make it the best solution for the challenges posed to both owners and HVAC installers of high-performance and low-load homes:
For Homeowners...
Better Air Distribution
Lower loads require lower airflow. Unico’s air delivery method uses a lower volume of air moving at a high velocity, which results in aspiration. In contrast to the “dump and throw” method of traditional central air systems, aspiration creates a gentle suction around the delivery outlet, drawing the room’s air into its stream of cooled air, providing better comfort to occupants by eliminating drafts and hot/cold spots, and resulting in even temperatures from ceiling to floor, room to room.
Better Humidity Removal
The construction of The Unico System cooling coil allows more air to flow across its surface, removing 30% more moisture – or, humidity – than conventional HVAC systems. This is not only beneficial in geographies with humid climates, but also offsets the humidity caused by activities within homes (cooking, bathing, etc.). Occupants in homes equipped with The Unico System can feel just as comfortable at higher thermostat settings, adding to the system’s energy efficiency.
Better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Because Unico ducting is so tightly sealed, there is less opportunity for the entrapment and dispersal of allergens or other contaminants. Fresh outside air is easy to incorporate into the Unico System air handler and zoning is a snap with either proprietary or off-the-shelf damper systems and controls.
Whisper Quiet
Unico System supply tubing is designed to be as quiet and efficient as possible, with a nylon inner core and insulation that absorbs sound. Unico air handlers are designed to isolate noise and vibration, with closed cell, sound-deadening insulation. Together, they bring decibels levels to the equivalent of a soft whisper. While occupants feel the comfort The Unico System provides, they hardly notice it’s running.
Unico outlets, either round or slotted, are available in a variety of painted plastic finishes or wood species that can be painted, stained, or wall-papered to blend into any style of decor.
Better Efficiency
Conventional forced-air systems can lose as much as 40% of their conditioned air but Unico’s smaller, tighter ducts lose virtually none of their conditioned air through leaks or transference. When matched with any major high-SEER outdoor unit, you can be sure The Unico System is providing actual delivered efficiency. Unico blowers are also available with programmable, variable speed and electronically commutated motors that use less electricity than their conventional counterparts.
All this means that owners of high-performance and low-load homes can experience superior, efficient, environmentally friendly indoor comfort when they choose to retrofit or build new with The Unico System.
So, get the best performing HVAC system for your high-performance home.
For HVAC & Building Professionals...
High Performance & Low Load Homes Have Special Considerations...
- Low loads, of course:
- High-performance homes: typically, 800 sf/ton
- Low-load homes: typically, 1,500 sf/ton
- Need for fresh air ventilation
- Increased latent load (humidity) & need for dehumidification
- Need for proper air distribution
- Zoning
Due to its inherent design, The Unico System is ideal for these homes because:
- Low loads = low airflow
- Low airflow + high velocity = superior air distribution
- Low airflow + colder air (cooling) = better dehumidification (less need for add-on dehumidifiers)
- Low airflow + warmer air (heating) + gentle mixing = no ‘cold blow’
- Small ducts + low leakage = low duct losses (virtually none)
- Low duct losses = efficient
- Efficient + compatible with all major outdoor unit brands = actual delivered SEER
- The Unico System = the ideal solution for low-load homes
SDHV systems like The Unico System excel in these applications to such a degree that ACCA’s own Manual LLH recommends it as a highly efficient method for heating and cooling high-performance and low-load homes.
A Word About Multi-Unit Applications…
Residential multi-units are also increasingly built to high-performance and low-load specifications. The Unico System is the perfect solution for these applications too, due to its superior performance, ease, and speed of installation.
So, whether you are an old hand at installing Unico or need to get onboard to begin installing the system in high-performance, low-load or multi-unit applications Unico Customer Care for more information. If you need help with duct layout and a materials list for any Unico installation, we'll put you in touch with our Design Services team for free help.
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