Over the years, Nick and Michael have renovated a number of their new homes and taken the opportunity to introduce renewable energy sources, including wood pellets and a ground source heat pump, for new heating systems. Their latest property is an early 1960s bungalow in Torquay, which has been completely renovated to take advantage of the sunshine and the sea views. Once again, they carefully examined the potential for an eco-friendly heating system and elected to exploit the benefits offered by a combination of Unico’s Small Duct High Velocity all-in-one HVAC system and a Daikin Altherma Air Source Heat Pump.

The renovation of the bungalow included a complete remodelling of its layout, followed by the installation of full loft, internal wall and underfloor insulation to reduce future heat loss and reduce the carbon footprint of the property. Nick then worked with trusted local consultancy and installation experts Eco Trades to identify the most suitable renewable heating system. The preferred choice was to install an air source heat pump and although initially the plan had been to retain the existing radiators, these would have had to be replaced and new pipework installed. Underfloor heating was also not a feasible option.

For all year round heating and cooling Eco Trades proposed the Unico Small Duct High Velocity Heating and Cooling system and arranged an installation visit for Nick to assess its feasibility.

He liked the concept of an all in one system with heating, cooling and hot water capabilities as well as the idea of small, unobtrusive ceiling outlets to deliver the conditioned air. “The new interiors of our home are quite modern and minimalist so the aesthetics of the Unico System would complement the look in each room. We would also be able to dispense with radiators, giving us much more design freedom for our rooms,” he says.

To complement the system, Eco Trades recommended the specification of a Daikin Altherma Air Source Heat Pump, PV Solar Panels and Battery Storage.

Whilst the complete renovation of the bungalow was quite disruptive, the installation of the Unico System was not an additional burden. All the work was confined to the loft where the compact 2430 Air Handling Unit is connected to the exterior heat pump. The central duct runs across the length of the roof space, feeding the flexible supply ducts which deliver conditioned air into individual rooms through the flush small round white ceiling outlets. They gently deliver cool or warm air using the aspiration principle, resulting in even temperatures throughout with no hot or cold spots. The outlets are unobtrusive and complement the downlights which are also an integral part of the interior design.

Any original concerns about the operational noise of the Unico System have proven unfounded.  The Unico Air Handling Unit has been designed to isolate noise and vibration whilst the sound attenuating flexible supply ducting has unique sound cancelling properties which keep noise levels very low. “ We don’t really know it’s running,” says Nick.

The weather compensation feature on the Daikin Altherma heat pump ensures its output is always in accordance with the prevailing outside temperature, preventing unnecessary energy usage and regulating the performance of the air handling unit. Room temperatures are set to 19ºC and whilst the owners have the ability to adjust the level through a Google Nest app, this has not been required. “ It’s great that when we return home from a day out, we know the indoor temperature is going to be exactly as we like it,” says Nick.

This 2025 summer was particularly warm and the the ability to keep a comfortable temperature in the bedrooms overnight, without having to open windows and be susceptible to noise or air pollution, was a real advantage – especially for the asthma sufferer in the household for whom high Indoor Air Quality Levels are essential. The installed Unico System is fitted with standard air filtration but can be upgraded with UV light technology to offer protection against the smallest indoor airborne contaminants.

Nick looks forward to experiencing the first winter with the Unico System and is confident that it will deliver the warmth required. There are a couple of radiators as back up and a towel radiator has also been added, but this has been redundant as the conditioned air generated by the Unico System has done the job. “ We do like the fresh air feeling that the Unico System provides and there is no musty feeling in any of our rooms,” says Nick.

With the PV solar panels and the battery storage an integral part of the home’s heating and cooling system, Nick now has a cost-effective, sustainable solution for the new home. “ Combining The Unico system with a heat pump really is an ideal sustainable heating and cooling system for a mid century bungalow renovation and more owners could take a look at the advantages,” he says.

Whilst there were challenges to be overcome during the installation, Nick recognises the hard work and cooperation between Eco Trades, for whom this was a first Unico System installation, and Bell Plumbing Supplies as the principal Unico System UK Distribution Partner. “ I have been very pleased with the work of both companies who have gone the extra mile to ensure satisfaction,” he says.                            

Electric panel heaters throughout a large detached bungalow near Lutterworth have been replaced by the Unico System complemented by a Vaillant Air Source Heat Pump. The retrofit solution is everything that the owners had been looking to achieve as a practical all year round sustainable HVAC solution with an excellent Coefficient of Performance (COP).

Matt Inch initially looked at replacing the electric panel heaters with underfloor heating, but this would have entailed a costly and disruptive excavation of the floor. Having heard about the Unico System, he was attracted by its three-in-one heating, cooling and ventilation capability, recognising its potential for easier installation in his property. A visit to www.unicosystem.co.uk led him to local contractor JLN Plumbing Heating & Electrics of Coventry, a registered Unico System Specialist Partner (USP) with over 25 years’ experience in the industry.

As a USP, JLN is fully trained and qualified in all aspects of installing the Unico Small Duct High Velocity Heating, Cooling and Ventilation system. Through the Unico University training programs, Jim Lacey and his team are continuously updated on the company’s latest product improvements, installation innovations and technical support. JLN is also accredited under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme, enabling Martin to take advantage of the financial incentive offered through the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme  supporting the decarbonisation of homes and the installation of heat pumps.

Dedicated to promoting best installation practice as a verified member of the Heat Geek network, JLN is also an accredited Vaillant Advance Heat Pump installer. “This was one of our first opportunities to combine the Unico Small Duct High Velocity central air distribution system and a Vaillant heat pump. It was very suitable for this bungalow as installation is non-disruptive and with both heating and comfort cooling, it is a far more versatile than underfloor heating,” says Jim Lacey.

In designing and installing the system, JLN was fully supported by Bell Plumbing Supplies, Unico System’s Distribution Partner in the UK. Following evaluation of the project, an initial site visit was made and a customised HVAC system for the bungalow was designed in line with the owners’ requirements. Energy efficient performance and keeping the carbon footprint of the bungalow was as low as possible were key priorities.

The solution provides heating, cooling and filtered air throughout the property’s two living rooms, two bedrooms, shower rooms, dining room, kitchen, utility and storage space. The compact M Series 2430 Chilled Water Air Handling Unit has been positioned in the loft and the main central duct is configured in a U-shape layout above all the rooms. Heated or cooled is delivered via multiple branches of fully insulated and sound attenuated flexible supply ducting to 25 ceiling mounted round room outlets throughout the accommodation. Just 89mm diameter, the size and flexibility of the ducting provided more layout options and easier installation.

Bell Plumbing Supplies fully supported JLN during the installation phase and on completion commissioned the system. There were some challenges to overcome including accessing difficult areas within the tight loft space. Requests to change some of the original system layout, including the repositioning of the air intake grille from the kitchen to the hallway were also met. The installation was complete within just five days. “ Bell Plumbing provided great support throughout the project,” says Jim.

The integration of the Unico System with the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus 7kw Heat Pump has been key to the energy efficiency and trouble-free running of the installation. The Vaillant sensoCOMFORT smart control system, designed for multi-zone heat pump systems, has also been included, offering weather and load compensation features. Output is regulated in accordance with prevailing exterior temperature to prevent unnecessary running costs. The myVAILLANT Connect internet gateway provides remote monitoring and a convenient smart phone App allows Martin to control and adjust the temperature settings if required.

For domestic hot water, an obsolete vented hot water cylinder had to be replaced. A Vaillant uniSTOR 250HP unvented 250 litre hot water cylinder has been included for the home’s domestic heating and hot water system. Solar panels and battery storage for additional energy efficiency have since been added.

Impressive savings on the home’s electricity bills are already being achieved, just months after the installation. The system achieved a heating 4.4 Coefficient of Performance (COP) in March 2025 , a 3.2 hot water COP in May and a 4.8 cooling COP in July – the heat pump was producing an impressive 4.8 units of cooling for every one unit of electricity consumed. The data has been confirmed through the myVAILLANT Pro installer login portal.

The draft free even cooling that the Unico system has provided during the hot 2025 summer has been particularly welcomed by the owners working from home. Air quality is maintained through the air filtration incorporated within the Unico Air Handling Unit. The discreet round ceiling outlets are hardly noticeable alongside the downlights which form part of the interior decor.

” Whilst we could have gone for a gas rather than renewables, it would have been a backwards step. The system gives us real peace of mind and is an eco-friendly, practical and affordable solution for heating and hot water, with the added bonus of cooling. This set up feels like the future,” says Martin Inch. “ It was quite a difficult installation, but was handled by JLN without disruption and overall the service was fantastic.”

Ultrapanel is a leading innovator in the construction and building materials industry, specialising in the development and supply of advanced, high-performance panel systems. Founded with the mission to revolutionise the way structures are built, Ultrapanel offers a wide range of cutting-edge solutions that cater to the residential sector.

When Ultrapanel set out to create a pioneering “zero bills ready” demo house, showcasing how the homes of the future could be built faster, smarter and with minimal environmental impact, they needed partners who shared their vision for sustainability.

The Unico System was requested to design and install a fully functioning HVAC system using a heat pump, matching Ultrapanel’s sustainability and zero-waste commitments.

Unico was tasked to provide an HVAC solution that offers all year-round heating and cooling from one system, with high thermal performance. The system needed to occupy minimal space and be suitable for installation within Ultrapanel’s precision-engineered structures.

As each Unico System project is treated as unique for every installation, Unico was able to respond to this challenge by creating a custom-designed solution to meet the project’s sustainability goals.

Taking full responsibility for all stages of the planning and design process, the Unico Design Team began with an initial site visit to create a detailed system. This was designed using bespoke software and included heat loss calculations, system layouts and a full materials list.

Working together across all the tradespeople on this type of project was imperative to ensuring a smooth process and coordination.

On-site adjustments to the original system design were taken on board. This included the creation of a discreet false wall to conveniently run sound attenuated ducting from the upper to lower floor, alongside MEV services.

Collaborating early on in the design stage, Unico were able to install quickly to support the faster build times with Ultrapanel, whatever the property size. It has been fantastic to be a part of this project, collaborating across different industries with shared values and goals to bring this project to life.

On-site corrections and adjustments to the original design are accomplished where required more quickly because of the flexibility of Unico’s flexible supply ducting.

The basic fabric of the demo home, with its high thermal performance, is a very good base and is complemented by the energy-efficient operation of The Unico System.

The Unico System’s small duct high velocity principal of operation offers significant system design and performance benefits for SIP systems

We are delighted that all expected benefits have materialised in the completed installation:

• Highly energy-efficient performance
• Sustainable heating and cooling
• SIP system compatibility
• Quiet, discreet and energy efficient all year-round comfort