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.