by Unico Marketing Team | Dec 12, 2023 | Chiltrix, Cooling, Custom Homes, Design Flexibility, Energy Effeciency, heating, Indoor Air Quality
In the world of HVAC, more custom and older homes are using an air-to-water heat pump to help with system efficiency. These pumps take the heat from the outside air, transfer it to water, and that water is used to efficiently keep the home temperature controlled. It’s a great way for you to have the comfort of radiant heat without the high level of greenhouse gas emissions that are common with gas boilers.
While The Unico System is known for giving homes draft-free, even temperatures, Chiltrix by Unico™ elevates this experience. Let’s take a closer look at how our small-duct high-velocity system pairs with Chiltrix’s air-to-water heat pump.
What Makes Chiltrix Different from Other Air-to-Water Heat Pumps?
Air-to-water heat pumps are rising in popularity and use; there is no shortage of systems to choose from for your project. What makes the Chiltrix system unique? For starters, all the essential components, including the evaporator, condenser, and compressor are housed within the outdoor unit of the system. This “Monoblock” design ensures that there’s no refrigerant present inside the home.
With Chiltrix, you can be confident that safety and environmental consciousness were the priority in the design of this air-to-water heat pump. It also takes advantage of R32 refrigerant, which has zero ozone-depleting potential, gives the entire HVAC system higher energy efficiency, and uses less refrigerant on average compared to other options.
It’s also worth mentioning that Chiltrix can seamlessly connect to your indoor HVAC system through insulated water lines—ensuring a more efficient way to have smooth heating and cooling.
How Chiltrix Helps with HVAC Energy Efficiency
Chiltrix is much more energy efficient than other heating and cooling systems powered by oil or gas. It doesn’t burn any oil or gas in the heating process, giving you the option to have a net-zero energy application when it’s used with solar panels. You’ll also get a high-efficiency hot water supply for the home, which can help reduce the cost of monthly energy bills.
What are the Main Benefits of Pairing Chiltrix with The Unico System?
Now that we know the unique benefits of Chiltrix, let’s dig into the advantages of combining it with The Unico System.
-HVAC Energy Efficiency: Chiltrix and The Unico System are the only HVAC product pairing on the market that specializes in zero energy and passive house installations. Unico has the leading high-efficiency hydronic air handler, and Chiltrix is the highest-efficiency source for hot and cold water. Together, the Unico and Chiltrix solution is one of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems available.
-Flexibility: Both Chiltrix and The Unico System have amazing flexibility for custom and older home projects. The Unico System is compact (ducts are roughly one-third the size of other options) and designed to fit where traditional HVAC systems can’t go. Chiltrix gives you more options in home design by being the perfect fit for underfloor heating, domestic hot water systems, radiant cooling, and more.
– Comfort Without the Noise: Some HVAC systems can be noisy when they’re switched on, which can cause disruptions in the home. With Chiltrix by Unico™, you won’t have to worry about it. Unico’s ducts are whisper-quiet, with supply tubing being designed to minimize sound.
Chiltrix follows suit with the ability for the outdoor unit to be placed up to 300 feet from the home. Get reliable comfort control without the noise.
Chiltrix by Unico™ for Your Custom and Older Home Projects
If you’re interested in improving the HVAC energy efficiency of your home or project, Chiltrix by Unico™ is a great option. The ultra-efficient HVAC solution that’s perfect for any home trying to incorporate more net zero energy.
Don’t compromise on comfort or efficiency with your HVAC system. See if Chiltrix by Unico is a good fit for your project today!
by Unico Marketing Team | Nov 2, 2023 | Cooling, Indoor Air Quality, Older Homes
We’ve all been there. It’s a hot day, and you want to make your home more comfortable by turning on the AC. But once the HVAC unit kicks on, the cool breeze you were expecting is replaced by hot air. It’s an all-too-common problem for an HVAC system to blow hot air, which can lead to higher energy bills and a less comfortable home.
The good news is that the next time your HVAC system blows hot air, there are steps you can take to figure out what’s wrong. Join the heating and cooling experts at The Unico System as we break down five helpful tips to fix your air conditioning.
1. Make Sure to Change Your Air Filter
If your HVAC unit is blowing hot air, the first thing you should do is check the air filter. AC systems need to have a free-flowing supply of air. Dirty filters limit this flow, causing a strain on the system until it reaches the point where it can’t keep up. It’s crucial to check the air filter at least once a month to see if dust or debris is causing a clog.
On average, you should replace your HVAC air filter every six months. If the air filter is dark grey or you can’t see through the filter at all, it’s time to swap it out for a new one. To ensure you’re using the right filter, check with the HVAC manufacturer to see what’s recommended for the system.
2. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Certain thermostat settings can increase the chances of warm air being circulated through the HVAC system. For many modern thermostats, the “auto” setting can mitigate this. The auto setting allows the fan to push the air through the home when the air conditioner is in a cooling cycle. If your thermostat’s “fan” setting is “on,” it will run all the time – which makes the air feel warm.
3. Defrost the Evaporator Coils in the HVAC Unit
HVAC systems have a condensate drain specially designed to collect the excess moisture while the air conditioning runs. If that drain is clogged, the moisture on the evaporator coils can freeze. When this happens, the blower inside the system overheats, causing the air to get warmer. To fix this, turn the HVAC unit off, clean out the condensate drain, and give the coils time to defrost.
4. Seal Any Leaks in the Ductwork
For homes with traditional wide ducts, it’s common for cracks and holes to develop in these systems over time – thus causing air to leak into the walls. Since older ducts are often put in unconditioned attic spaces, warmer air finds its way in and gets carried throughout the entire HVAC system. To solve this issue, you’ll need to work with an HVAC technician to identify and seal the leaks.
However, upgrading to The Unico System makes this fix far less complicated. Unico’s small-duct system uses insulated nylon ducts that are 100% airtight.
5. Consider Replacing Your HVAC System
If you keep running into issues with your HVAC unit or notice it’s blowing warm air more often, it’s time to consider replacing the unit. Many older air conditioning systems also use freon, which corrodes metal, leaking out and damaging the system. The good news is that you can avoid expensive repairs and make your home more comfortable by upgrading to the right HVAC system.
Find a Unico Preferred Contractor Near You
The Unico System was designed to give you the comfort and efficiency of central air conditioning without any hassle. With small, fully insulated ducts and the flexibility to integrate with smart home thermostats, there’s no better choice for upgrading your HVAC system.
Learn more about how The Unico System can improve the comfort of your home by finding a
preferred contactor near you today!
by Unico Marketing Team | Oct 17, 2023 | Design Flexibility, Energy Effeciency, Historic Preservation, Limited Space, Older Homes
Small duct systems are a great way to supplement or get a radiator heater replacement.
The Unico System, a high-efficiency cooling and heating system, can be discreetly retrofitted into historic homes without the need for extensive remodeling or intrusive ductwork. There’s less mess, less dust, less installation time— and no need to get your home for installation whether you’re replacing or supplementing your radiant heating system.
The Unico System offers three configurations in radiator homes:
– Connected to an existing boiler
– Connected to a heat pump
– Connected to an electric duct heater
Here are 10 ways small duct systems can increase comfort in homes by replacing a home radiator.
Home Comfort
Efficient supplemental system. Small duct systems can supplement old radiators or boiler systems. In colder climates where radiators are needed to deliver warmth after the temperatures drop below freezing, Unico efficiently improves comfort in the fall and spring. Plus, Unico also delivers the same home comfort in the summer when it’s time to turn on your air conditioner.
Draft-free. A small duct heating system eliminates drafts. That means no more chills down the back of your neck when your heat isn’t running. Air is heated inside the central system and is released at a higher temperature, creating a more even warmth than systems that draw air from the outside. Unwanted drafts are often caused by systems that pull in outdoor air and need to work harder to warm the cold air coming into the system.
Ultraviolet light. When installed with an ultraviolet (UV) light, The Unico System penetrates and kills harmful bacteria and viruses as it delivers clean air throughout your home. UV lights have been used in hospitals and water treatment plants for years, and now you can have the same benefits in your home.
Air filtration. Are allergies a concern? If so, The Unico System has an air filter rated MERV 13, which filters out particles as small as 3 microns, including pollen, dust and other allergens. Why is MERV 13 important? That’s the standard hospitals use when rating their air systems. Because Unico is a compact system with small air registers, it traps less dust and allergens in the system compared to traditional and mini split systems.
Even temperature. Radiators make the surrounding air warm but do little to circulate it, making the air hot near the heater and cool everywhere else. Small duct systems circulate air evenly throughout every room of the home. With The Unico System’s SMART Control Board, your HVAC system intelligently delivers consistent temperature to every room. That means the same temperature in every room—even rooms that always seem to be warmer or cooler than the rest of the house.
Fits in Your Space
Reclaim floor space. Old radiators can take up an inconvenient amount of floor space in a room, and newer versions still require a significant amount of space near the wall. Small duct outlets are only 2” to 2.5” in diameter and can be placed on the floor, wall, or ceiling—wherever it will be out of the way for the design of the room. Installing a small duct system would let you regain floor space in your home.
Works with boilers and hot water heaters. When installed with the Unico Hot Water Coil, The Unico System can bring ducted heating and cooling to homes with a boiler already in place. Hydronic heating is a modern solution to an old radiator heater. The Unico Hot Water Coil is designed to integrate with boilers, hot water heaters, and radiant systems, such as radiators, baseboard heating and in-floor heating.
Ideal for historic homes. Small ducts fit in most homes without requiring major renovation. Air supply tubing is flexible and can be inserted into existing tight spaces. This makes mini ducts the best choice for historic or older homes where you want to maintain the home’s character and want your heating system to have minimal visual impact. Plus, Unico has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation since 2002 and has been installed at sites, such as President Lincoln’s Cottage.
Sustainable Heat
Reduce fossil fuels. Looking to reduce your home’s carbon footprint? Supplementing a radiant system with small duct heating helps you convert from burning fossil fuels to a more sustainable solution. When configured with a heat pump or electric duct heater, your Unico System generates heat from geothermal or electric sources.
Regulation compliance. The Unico System helps homes meet changing energy consumption regulations that are being adopted by state legislatures across the country. Most of these regulations are aimed at new home construction, but major renovations may also be affected. Fortunately, installing a Unico System requires little to no renovation and improves efficiency by delivering comfort at a lower thermostat setting. The Unico System’s airtight supply tubing means 100% of the warm air is used to improve home comfort.
To learn more, find your local contractor for more information.
by Unico Marketing Team | Oct 10, 2023 | Energy Effeciency, Older Homes, Quiet, Reduced Humidity
When looking to improve the comfort of your home during fall and winter, forced air heating systems are often where homeowners turn. Frequently associated with gas furnaces, forced air systems push heated air through ducts connected to the central unit.
When considering the pros and cons of forced air heating, it’s important to understand how those pros and cons change when comparing different sources of heat. With a small duct system from Unico, you get many of the same advantages of a gas furnace forced air system with none of the cons.
Heating configurations with The Unico System:
Heat Pump: The Unico System standard refrigerant coil can provide both central heating and cooling when paired with either an outdoor air-source or ground-source (geothermal) heat pump. This method has a distinct advantage over conventional central air system’s heat pump coils in that the air it puts out actually feels warm, delivering higher inside temperatures when outside temperatures fall.
Hot Water Coil: Hydronic heating with a Unico System hot water coil matched with a boiler (or, less commonly, a high efficiency hot water heater) is an excellent method of efficient, comfortable central heating. This method can be used as primary heating or as a supplement to radiators (either free-standing or baseboard-mounted) and is an exceptional partner to in-floor radiant systems. Because The Unico System provides instant heat it is a perfect companion to these types of systems in the “shoulder” months – those times when just enough heat is needed to take the chill out of the air and firing up a radiant system would take too long and expend too much energy.
Electric Duct Heater: An electric furnace that can be placed directly within the plenum (main duct configuration), the Unico electric duct heater provides immediate heat and is available in sizes ranging from 2 to 20 kW. Unico electric duct heaters can be used for primary or auxiliary heat. No matter which method you or your installing contractor choose you’ll be sure to get the very best in efficient, comfortable small-duct central heating.
Pros of forced air heating
Heats the whole home. Radiant heat, such as radiators or baseboard heating, warms the space near the source, but they do little to circulate the air. Radiators can make you feel warm and comfortable if you’re near the unit in the room, but leave you shivering if you’re not close enough. Ductless systems, also known as mini split systems, need to be installed in every room because they don’t have a network of ducts connecting the rooms. High velocity heating moves warmed air throughout the entire home, delivering comfort in every room.
Unobtrusive. Ducting for Unico is built into the walls or ceilings. Radiators on the other hand take up floor space or require a wall to be unobstructed. Unico systems take up even less space with 2” to 2.5” round ductwork. Unico is the preferred choice for many historic and custom homes because it fits anywhere and requires no major renovations during installation. Small duct systems also have a central unit small enough to be put in attics or crawl spaces.
Disadvantages of forced air heating
All heating systems are not created equal. Traditional, wide duct systems that heat using a gas furnace can have major drawbacks.
Dry air. Gas furnaces have a flame that dries the air in your home. This leads to uncomfortable dry skin and a dry nose, which makes you more susceptible to viruses and other contagions. Using a heating system that uses electric heat instead of burning gas can help maintain moisture in the air when in operation.
Inefficient. The wide metal ducts traditionally used by gas heating systems leak air and lose heat, no matter how they’re installed. Metal ducts lose air at the seams and are not 100% airtight. Metal ducts also cause friction, reducing air flow, as opposed to The Unico System with its nylon interior designed for efficient air flow.
Pros of The Unico System
The Unico System delivers the pros of forced air heating without the cons. Whether you’re looking at adding forced air heating to your home or a replacement for your existing forced air heating system, here’s why you should consider The Unico System.
No more dry air. With a small duct heating system from Unico, you can say goodbye to dry skin and air that comes with traditional heating systems. The Unico System is a closed system that warms air from within your home without drying it out, keeping your home comfortable and healthy.
Whisper-quiet. Traditional wide ducting isn’t insulated and acts like mini echo chambers throughout your home. Unico System customers often forget their system is running because it’s whisper quiet. Engineered with special sound-absorbing air supply tubing means there’s no creaking or vibrating when the system turns on.
Fits your home. With its small air register and mini ducts, The Unico System fits in every house without requiring major renovation—even historic homes. Unico’s air supply tubing is flexible and can be inserted into existing tight spaces without tearing up walls and ceilings. This makes small ducts the best choice for historic or older homes where you want to maintain the home’s character and don’t want to add bulky systems.
Efficient comfort. Compared to gas furnaces, a small duct system delivers warmer air with less heat loss through the vents. That means you can set your thermostat and get reliable comfort no matter the time of day or outdoor temperature. The Unico System’s SMART Control Board manages fan speed and allows for zoning if some rooms tend to be warmer or cooler, further improving energy efficiency.
by Unico Marketing Team | Oct 5, 2023 | Custom Homes, Indoor Air Quality, Older Homes
Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that roughly 25.7% of adults in the United States have seasonal allergies? As the seasons change, watery eyes, coughs, congestion and sore throats become more common. Even though there are plenty of home remedies and medications that help, air filters can also make a big impact.
Air filters, like the ones found in HVAC systems, remove allergens from the air and improve the air quality of the home. Join the experts at Unico as we talk about how allergies are impacted by air filters and the importance of choosing the right HVAC system.
The Different Types of Air Filters and Their Impact on Allergies
In general, air filters remove many types of allergens in your home by catching particles in the air like pet dander, dust, pollen, and more. For example, the air filter inside of an HVAC system traps even larger particles so there are fewer allergy irritants in the air. It also works hard to prevent dust and other debris from building up in the system itself so that it can continue to work at optimal efficiency.
When it comes to air filters that can help with allergies, there are some common types:
• Fiberglass Filters:
Fiberglass air filters are affordable and are made from thin spun strands of fiberglass that are woven together. These types of filters may not be the best option since many baseline models are not made to trap smaller allergen particles because of its smaller surface area.
• Pleated Filters:
These air filters are most commonly made out polyester fabric and cotton folds. Their large surface helps capture more allergens and these filters come in high- efficiency options that focus on trapping smaller particles. It’s worth mentioning that pleated filters might need to be replaced more often than some other air filters because of the dirt, dust and allergens that are trapped.
• HEPA Filters:
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are often used to help with allergies because they are able to trap the most small particles of allergy irritants in the air—many of which are too small to see at 0.3 microns, but can still enter the body.
How MERV Rating Plays into Allergies and Air Filters
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, ratings are used to assess how effective air filters are at removing particles and allergens from the air. As we hinted above, a high MERV rating means the filter can trap smaller particles. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with higher ratings representing more effective filtration. For example, environments like surgery suites in hospitals or laboratories where pharmaceuticals are manufactured need a very high MERV rating. That’s because a few small particles have the potential to cause significant harm in sensitive environments.
To filter out many common smaller allergens that can cause issues, it’s recommended to have an air filter with a MERV rating between 9 and 13. These higher MERV ratings make it less likely for particles to enter the home and trigger your allergies. However, in order to choose the right air filter for your home, it’s important to consider more than just a MERV rating. Think about:
• The filter MERV rating that’s approved for your HVAC system.
• The balance between higher levels of filtration and reducing air flow.
• What size filter is needed for the most efficient performance.
Air Filter Maintenance and Allergies
No matter what type of air filter an HVAC system uses, it needs to be maintained and changed regularly. When an air filter is dirty, it becomes clogged, and all the allergens it’s collected will start to circulate back into the home. Over time, this will lower the air quality in your home and can make allergies worse.
The air filter in your HVAC system should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. And roughly every three to six months, you’ll want to have your HVAC system inspected by an HVAC professional to make sure everything is running optimally.
Help Your Allergies and Get Better Indoor Air Quality with The Unico System
If indoor air quality and reducing the number of allergens in your home is important to you, The Unico System is the best option. Unico is a small-duct high-velocity system that offers effective air distribution and an option for MERV 13 filters. Find a Unico contractor near you to learn more about the benefits it can bring to your home.
