by Unico Marketing Team | May 2, 2024 | Indoor Air Quality, Older Homes, Quiet, Uncategorized
While there are a variety of HVAC systems, mini splits gained popularity for being a flexible system that can fit in small spaces. Mini split systems are also great at conditioning individual rooms and are known to be energy efficient. However, there are better HVAC options to replace or upgrade mini split systems with.
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
by Unico Marketing Team | Apr 11, 2024 | Cooling, heating, Older Homes
Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Energy, roughly 3 million HVAC systems are replaced each year? With so many of these projects happening, it’s important for homeowners, contractors and builders to have the information needed to make the best replacement decision. In this first post of our three-part blog series on HVAC system replacement, we’re taking a closer look at traditional systems.
Join us to learn about when it’s time to replace a traditional HVAC system, how their performance compares to other options, and more!
An Overview of Traditional HVAC Systems
With a traditional HVAC system, one of the biggest advantages they offer is being budget friendly. Homes due for a heating and cooling makeover will often go with a traditional HVAC unit because they know what to expect. Plus, if a home has existing ductwork built into the infrastructure, these systems can be installed with limited hassle and downtime.
Unfortunately, traditional HVAC systems have a few drawbacks as well. For starters, they’re not the most energy-efficient option for homes. These units don’t condition the entire room evenly since air is dumped into the space usually from one vent. This leads to uneven temperatures, which causes a traditional HVAC system to run longer as it works to catch up to the thermostat. It’s also important to note that these systems take up a lot of space, which can make adding on or upgrading them more challenging.
When Should You Replace a Traditional HVAC System?
One of the best ways to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be replaced is looking at how much is being spent per year on repairs and maintenance. If you’re spending $1,000 to $1,500 on upkeep in a year, it’s time to consider replacing the system. Other signs that indicate it’s time to swap out your system include:
• Seeing your monthly energy bills rise
• Rooms in your house have uneven temperatures
• The current HVAC system is always running
• Your HVAC system is more than 10 years old
At the start of the replacement process, you’ll want to take a close look at your home to see what other improvements need to be made to support a new HVAC system. For example, if your home still has the original windows, you may want to upgrade them to help reduce temperature loss.
What Goes Into Replacing a Traditional HVAC System?
When it’s time to replace a traditional HVAC system, there are a few essential steps you’ll want to take. First, knowing what type of new system you would like to replace it with is helpful. This will give you insight into whether existing ductwork or other aspects of a home’s infrastructure need to be upgraded or repaired. Older homes might need new electrical hookups installed to accommodate modern HVAC equipment, for example.
It’s also common for the return and/or intake ducts to be resized to be compatible with modern equipment. With older homes, there’s a strong chance that the home itself was designed for heat only when it was first built. With a new system, consider whether there are any upgrades that need to be put in place to allow for better cooling. In fact, some HVAC brands can help with this through system design services. By reviewing your home’s plans, Unico offers a free service that includes a system design and estimated materials list.
The Unico System is the Best Choice for Replacing a Traditional HVAC System
Did you know that The Unico System fits in any space? No matter what the layout of your home, The Unico System can be installed without re-working the interior design and structure. In fact, it takes up roughly one-third the space of a traditional HVAC unit. Instead of dumping air into a room and creating uneven temperatures, The Unico System uses aspiration to create a more comfortable living environment. The small-duct, high-velocity outlets create a gentle suction that pulls the room air into its own air stream.
When you choose The Unico System to replace a traditional HVAC unit, you don’t have to worry about it clashing with existing décor. Outlets can be made specifically to match the interior design of your home. They can also be installed in ceilings, floors or sidewalls, making the outlets less invasive and barely noticeable.
Find a Unico Preferred Contractor to Replace Your Traditional HVAC Unit
If you need to replace a traditional HVAC unit, The Unico System is the perfect choice. You can put a Unico unit in almost any out-of-the-way space due to its modular and customizable design. Make the HVAC replacement process a breeze by finding a Unico Preferred Contractor in your area. Click here to get one step closer to having draft-free and even temperature comfort in every room.
Featured image TOH, Mike Casey
by Unico Marketing Team | Apr 4, 2024 | Custom Homes, Log and timber
Did you know that log and timber homes continue to grow in popularity? Homeowners and vacationers alike are driving up the demand across the country. Log and timber homes have a classic aesthetic that’s perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. Even though natural wood is often a great insulator, modern homes need a reliable HVAC solution to keep the interior at comfortable temperatures.
Join us as we break down why The Unico System is one of the best HVAC options for log and timber homes.
The Small-Duct, High-Velocity System Saves You Space
When it comes to log and timber homes, one of the biggest HVAC hurdles to overcome is finding the space for ductwork. It’s normal for these types of homes to have an open concept with fewer interior walls. Plus, many log and timber homes have a loft area instead of an available attic that could house an HVAC system. With The Unico System, you won’t have to worry about this challenge.
No matter what type of layout a log and timber home has, The Unico System can be installed without affecting the interior design and structure. It uses less than one-third of the space compared to traditional HVAC systems. In fact, it can deliver up to 9 tons of air by using the same space as a 3-ton traditional unit.
The Unico System has flexible small ducts that can fit in spaces where other systems can’t. For example, Unico can get multiple ducts into a single interior wall, helping log and timber homes get the most out of their unique design.
The Unico System Blends in with Log and Timber Homes
Custom built log and timber homes have no shortage of visual appeal. Many modern HVAC systems have ducts that clash with the natural wood throughout the living space. The Unico System solves the issue of having metal grates that stand out against natural wood. Unico has a wide selection of outlet choices that can be designed to blend in with the aesthetics of log and timber homes. Outlets used with The Unico System will practically disappear, since the wood grain can be visually matched to the specific home.
It’s also worth noting that these outlets can also be installed in more areas throughout the home compared to traditional HVAC systems. They can be placed in ceilings, floors and any sidewalls without being invasive or causing the need for major remodeling. There’s no need to “gut” or cut into any of the major aspects of the home.
A Perfect Complement for Energy Efficiency
One of the reasons why log and timber homes are growing in popularity is because of how energy efficient they are. Customized homes are built with a tight envelope and typically don’t lose much heating or cooling. These homes need an HVAC system that can keep up the trend of high efficiency to help keep energy costs down.
The Unico System ductwork has roughly one-third less thermal loss than other traditional HVAC systems. The Unico supply tubing is wrapped in insulation and an outer vapor barrier that works to keep nearly all the thermal energy inside the ducts. Just like log and timber homes, the Unico small-duct, high-velocity system is designed to prioritize air tightness. Through third-party testing, The Unico System loses less than 5% of the air in the ducts compared to the loss of 25% found in traditional systems.
Find the Perfect HVAC Solution for Log and Timber Homes
When you’re building a custom log and timber home, the HVAC system can be a hard challenge to get past. There’s often plenty of posts and beams that make it difficult to find space for ducts. Plus, with little to no attic space, finding a place to house HVAC equipment isn’t always straightforward. The Unico System makes it so you don’t have to worry about these issues.
Since it’s common for log and timber homes to need additional HVAC support, Unico goes the extra mile by offering free design services. Let our team handle the hard part. Simply submit your plans and a load calculation form, and we’ll create a system design and estimated materials list. Get started on making your log and timber home more comfortable today.
by Unico Marketing Team | Mar 28, 2024 | Cooling, Custom Homes, Featured Resource, Older Homes
When spring is on the horizon, the weather gets warmer, flowers start to bloom, and it’s a great time to prep residential HVAC systems for the cooling season. Before sunny days start to become the norm, it’s important to make sure your HVAC unit can keep your home comfortable for spring and summer.
If you want to save on monthly energy bills while lowering the risk of repairs, we’re here to help. Keep reading to discover HVAC maintenance tips that will help make your air conditioning run more effectively this year.
1. Check and Replace the Air Filter
Every residential HVAC system needs to have its air filters regularly changed to run efficiently. After the winter, it’s common for debris and dust to accumulate, making the system work harder to keep the set interior temperature. Ideally, you should be replacing the air filter for your HVAC system about once a month.
The next time you replace the filter, it’s a good idea to check on it every week. If you notice a high level of dust and debris accumulating, it’s often a sign that there’s a better filter option out there. Most HVAC unit companies have a recommended air filter for their systems. This will include the size and MERV rating that’s most compatible with your specific unit. Refer to your HVAC user manual to ensure you are using the right filter for your system.
2. Clear Out the Area Around Your AC Unit
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that your AC unit has been waiting patiently outside through the winter for the next cooling season. Over that time, leaves, sticks and other debris can pile up on and around the AC unit. Start the maintenance process by trimming any plants that are near the AC unit and check to make sure that no animals have made a nest. For the dust and debris, gently use a hose to spray the outside of the system and the cooling fins if there’s debris, like pollen, on them.
As you’re clearing the area, be careful not to damage any of the fans inside the AC unit. The grille that protects all the main components shouldn’t have any blockages. After all, your AC unit needs a clear path for the air to travel through to work effectively. Next, check all the wires that connect the system to the inside of the home. If you notice that any of these wires are frayed or damaged, call a professional to fix them.
3. Clean Out Your Home’s Vents and Ducts
It’s very common for debris to build up in vents and ducts over the course of the heating season. To start, grab a damp cloth and wipe down the outside of all the vents and ducts in your home. As you’re doing this, double-check to make sure all these outlets are unobstructed and can fully circulate the cold air the AC unit provides. If any of the vents or ducts are partially blocked, move the furniture to give the air a clear path. By taking all these steps, you’re helping your HVAC system be more efficient, resulting in lower energy bills.
For a more detailed cleaning, there are professionals who can vacuum out the interior of the vents and ducts. Most HVAC experts recommend that you do this once a year.
4. Have Your Air Ducts Inspected for Leaks
For many traditional HVAC systems, it’s a good idea to check all interior ducts for leaks. Ducts can develop leaks due to the small vibration that happens when the furnace runs. Every leak lets the cold air from your AC unit escape, which often leads to the system running more frequently. An HVAC professional can inspect all your ducts and seal any leaks they find throughout your home. This process helps ensure your HVAC system is running as energy-efficiently as possible.
5. Check Your Thermostat and Run the System
Your thermostat is designed to measure the indoor temperature and tell your HVAC system to match it. If the thermostat isn’t working, the entire system can’t work. To prepare for cooling season, you’ll want to make sure your thermostat is working as intended. It’s often easy to forget that many thermostats use batteries to operate. After you’re done checking the batteries, set the system to cooling mode and run it. Doing this ahead of time will help identify any potential issues before the warm weather hits.
As you’re going through this process, pay attention to how fast and accurate the thermostat is working. Keep in mind there are plenty of upgrade options that have modern features to help with efficiency, such as connecting to smart home systems.
Keep Your Home at Optimal Comfort with The Unico System
If you’re looking for optimal comfort year-round, consider upgrading your home with The Unico System. It’s an HVAC solution that offers draft-free, consistent temperatures, is whisper quiet, and uses less space than traditional systems. Don’t settle for having uncomfortable hot or cold spots throughout your home. The Unico System can maintain a temperature differential of within 2 degrees throughout the entire living space.
Get started on making your home more comfortable today by finding a Unico Preferred Contractor in your area.
Photo Credit: Mike Casey, This Old House
by Unico Marketing Team | Feb 29, 2024 | Historic Preservation, Older Homes, Uncategorized
When you think of an older home, there are unique characteristics that give the property its charm. One of these top features is the timeless woodwork often found in the main living areas. Whether it’s wood flooring or hand-carved trim around the fireplace, preserving the woodwork of your older home is a priority.
With older homes, it can be challenging to keep its classic aesthetic intact while incorporating a modern HVAC system that provides comfort all year round. The good news is that there’s a solution. Join us as we share why The Unico System is the right choice for homeowners looking to preserve interior woodwork.
Little to No Remodeling Required
With traditional HVAC systems, you might have to remodel your existing home to accommodate new ductwork. This doesn’t just add in an extra cost, some of the woodwork in your older home could be affected. The Unico System requires little to no remodeling and goes where other systems can’t. The modular air handlers and coils can easily be installed in older homes without disrupting your woodwork.
The adaptable small ducts are designed to be fed through existing walls, floors and ceiling cavities. You won’t have to gut the interior of an older home to get an HVAC system that provides optimal comfort. That means less dust, mess and disruptive construction paired with a faster installation process.
The Unico System Can Match Any Décor and Woodwork
One of the largest issues owners of older homes run into when updating the HVAC system is matching the vents, ducts and soffits to existing décor. Metal grates can be an eyesore and chip away at the character of established woodwork. With The Unico System, you won’t have to sacrifice your home’s classic look to get comfortable draft-free temperatures.
The Unico System has a wide variety of outlet choices that are designed to fit into the aesthetic of older homes. No matter what type of woodwork your home has, Unico outlets can be stained or painted to match. It’s also important to talk about the flexibility of these outlets. Unlike traditional HVAC solutions, The Unico System outlets can easily be installed in floors, ceilings and even supporting walls.
The small outlets deliver up to nine tons of air while taking up one-third of the space compared to traditional HVAC systems. With the outlets being small and designed to match your woodwork, you’ll hardly even notice that they’re in the room.
The Unico Systems Removes 30% More Humidity
As an owner of an older home with woodwork, it’s important to monitor indoor humidity. High humidity in your home can cause woodwork to absorb excess moisture, which often leads to cracks, gaps, uneven spots and damaged joints. Many traditional HVAC systems have a hard time lowering the amount of moisture in conditioned spaces. The good news is that The Unico System can help keep your woodwork preserved by removing 30% more humidity.
How does it work? For starters, The Unico System is designed to maximize the efficiency of the cooling coils, which creates a comfortable indoor space. Unico’s moisture control capabilities are due to the variable-capacity heat pumps in the system. These pumps help lower the humidity in the air instead of just cycling the air around the home. The Unico System even helps you save on energy by being able to run during low-load periods (times when the system uses less energy), like mild summer days.
With The Unico System, you’ll be able to say goodbye to your home’s wood floors being creakier or wood-framed windows getting stuck in the summer. It’s so efficient at helping preserve woodwork that the National Trust for Historic Preservation recommended Unico to be used for President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C. Visitors now get to experience the history and character of the museum with optimal comfort.
Help Keep Your Woodwork Preserved with The Unico System
You don’t have to compromise on comfort when preserving your home’s woodwork. As a leader in small-duct, high-velocity heating and cooling, The Unico System is the best choice for older homes. Get started on preserving your home’s woodwork by finding a Unico preferred contractor in your area today!
