FAQ’s
If you are new to UNICO we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to provide you with some early advice and answers on the benefits of The UNICO System, how it works and if it may be suitable for your property.
Should you need any further information call our sales office or one of our Specialist UNICO Partners.
The Unico System adapts perfectly to most residential & light commercial applications. Its unique design and flexible tubing mean we can now consider warm air and cooling where previously large HVAC systems would not fit.
The Unico System operates like any other central air system, but with the following important differences and benefits:
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- Air is distributed through small flexible ducts that fit almost anywhere. They simply connect to main duct in the loft or between floors.
- Aspirating the stagnant air with small jets of air that eliminates drafts and hot/cold spots in your living space.
- The ductwork is optimized for low noise and maximum efficiency.
- Increased moisture removal during cooling. Our coils are designed specifically to remove significantly more humidity for a drier home during cooling.
- Unico is a truly warm air system – no more “cold blow”. We deliver the air at substantially higher temperatures than a conventional system.
- Minimal duct loss. The small ducts are factory insulated and easily sealed. With approximately 1/3 the surface area of a conventional system, duct losses are kept to a minimum when installation in an unconditioned space is unavoidable. All the connections include gaskets which reduces air leakage to 2 percent or less when properly installed.
- Options. Unico, has a large number of accessories and options to suit your design and life style.
Unico System is extremely quiet because of its special sound-absorbing insulation. We insulate our air handler and use vibration pads on the system to reduce vibration and add extra sound absorption.
Currently, there are 5 basic system sizes available; a 1218 model with a nominal cooling capacity of 3.5 to 5.3 kW, a 2430 model with a nominal capacity of 7 to 9 kW, 3036 model with a nominal capacity of 9 kW to 10 kW a 3642 model with a nominal capacity of 10 to 14 kW, and a 4860 model with a nominal capacity of 14 to 17 kW.
One of the best-selling features of the Unico System is that it can be used with almost any condensing unit or ASHP of proper capacity. For heating only, The UNICO System can also work with a traditional gas or oil boiler.
The system requires only three types of duct – the main central duct and the aluminium supply tubing, and sound attenuator. The supply tubing is a 51 mm or 62-mm inside diameter flexible duct, wrapped with fiberglass insulation and an outer reinforced aluminised Mylar® 1 vapor-seal jacket. The main central duct is either a 160mm, 200 mm or 250 mm inside diameter, depending on the design and capacity of the system. Your install can opt for either round or rectangular duct of equivalent size.
The main duct run should be designed to keep the supply runs as close as possible to the minimum length requirements. The supply runs may be virtually as long as you need them to be. However, there will be reduced cooling & heating capacity in longer runs. We provide a detailed chart in our application guide to explain this.
The following table shows the average capacity of an outlet for an air-conditioning system with heating. We recommend that a minimum of 6 outlets per 3.5 Kw to be installed. However, this will vary depending on the design of your system, your load requirements and sound expectations.
| Outlet Size | Nominal Airflow | Cooling Capacity | Heating Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51mm (2″) | 17 L/s | 1400 BTU/hr (0.4 kW) | 3000 BTU/hr (0.9 kW) |
| 63mm (2.5″) | 21 L/s | 1800 BTU/hr (0.5 kW) | 4000 BTU/hr (1.2 kW) |
*63mm available to order – extended delivery
There are two types of outlets – a round supply outlet or a slotted outlet. Ideally the outlets should be located in the ceiling close to the wall or corner. If conditions prohibit this, they can be placed in the floor or high sidewall.
When possible, balance the system at the take-off. Placing the orifice at the take-off allows the sound attenuator duct to remove any noise caused by its restriction. When the take-off is in a hard to reach area, add a balancing orifice at the outlet. Use balancing orifices sparingly to maximize the airflow.
Yes, the UNICO system is extremely flexible using a range of coils (heat exchangers) so depending on your heat source we will have a number of options for you to consider.
The Unico System is much more than a simple air conditioning solution. While it can provide cooling, it also serves as an all-in-one system for your home, offering heating, vital ventilation, and built-in air filtration. Additionally, it can be upgraded to UV light air purification for even better air quality.
The Unico System is often used on the first floor where underfloor or another form of heating is used on the ground floor. However, that does not mean it cannot be used on the ground floor alone – typically in a single storey dwelling – or in combination with a first floor installation. In this case, it can then operate as a whole house solution for heating, cooling and hot water.
These requirements should be discussed with your Unico Specialist Partner installer as early as possible in the planning stage. Careful consideration will need to be given to questions such as the siting of the Air Handling Unit and the main central duct as well as pipework routing and connections to the Heat Pump units.
The Unico Air Handling Unit is not only compact with a small footprint but is also available in vertical or horizontal orientations. Whilst the loft space is frequently the most suitable area for installation, its size does need to be taken into consideration and maybe dependent on joists etc. Other convenient locations for the Air Handling Unit, such as a landing cupboard or utility room can also be utilised. Your Unico Specialist Partner will be able to advise you on the most suitable position.
A typical outdoor Air Source Heat Pump unit may measure 1.0 m x 1.0m x 0.4m, so the space required is not large. It should also be 1.0 m away from a neighbouring property. If this is not achievable, planning permission may be required. Your Unico Specialist Partner will give you advice once they have seen the area.
With more and longer warmer summers, the demand for seasonal cooling is growing – particularly for upper-floor bedrooms when a good night’s sleep is needed. Unico System’s Sleep Easy is a dedicated solution that delivers even, draught-free, comfort in the bedroom with whisper-quiet operation.
The Unico System offers different warranty options.
The standard two-year warranty on all Unico System parts covers two full years from the date of installation/commissioning, provided registration is complete.
This parts warranty can be extended to five years when a Unico Specialist Partner installs the system. (The three-year extension is applicable only to The Unico System serial numbered products/components.)
When a system is installed by a Unico Specialist Partner, and registered within 30 days of installation, Unico will extend the warranty for a further eight years for an additional cost and this can be discussed with the appointed Unico Specialist Partner installer. This gives the consumer, a Unico System 10-year Limited Parts Warranty. For further details, visit our warranty page.
The Unico System offers air filtration and air purification alongside heating, cooling and ventilation. It is equipped with integral standard air filtration but goes further with the possibility to upgrade to higher grades of filter. UV light air purification can be added to counteract airborne allergens, dust, germs, odours, mould and bacteria from within a home, which is often associated with asthma and other respiratory issues.
Yes. Mechanical Heat Recovery and Ventilation (MVHR) is a great option for ventilating properties that have the high levels of air tightness that are frequently experienced in new homes. The Unico System can be paired with our Ebac MVHR unit to maintain an even healthier indoor environment, with the circulation of fresh filtered air, and the additional benefit of heat recovery.