Electric panel heaters throughout a large detached bungalow near Lutterworth have been replaced by the Unico System complemented by a Vaillant Air Source Heat Pump.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.”