The versatile Unico HVAC System can maintain high levels of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)  through air filtration, purification and disinfection. It is protecting a family member who suffers severely from hay fever to the point where an inhaler has been prescribed. This means that windows and doors need to remain tightly closed during the high-pollen season, limiting the ability to cool the home down even when it is cooler during the late evening and night.

The modern four-bedroom detached house is typical of modern new build properties with its air-tight construction and extensive glazing. A cooling and ventilation system was required to address the needs of the family by maintaining a high level of Indoor Air Quality, keeping humidity levels under control as well as providing cooling throughout hot summer days and nights.

The Unico System operates using high-velocity airflow delivered through flexible mini-ducts and room outlets, providing even distribution of conditioned air throughout all rooms. It is equipped with standard high-efficiency filters capturing airborne allergens from the air as it circulates through the system. Fine particulate matter such as pollen, dust mites, pet hair and mould spores, which can also be common triggers for hay fever and other respiratory issues, is removed from the indoor space. Air filtration can be further enhanced with optional HEPA or activated carbon filters, which help remove odours and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the airways.

In addition to the basic filtration, the installed Unico System includes an ultraviolet UV-C light air purification module that neutralises bacteria, viruses and other airborne pathogens that may be present in the air, ensuring the air remains sanitised too.

The indoor air circulation provided by the Unico System means that windows in the property do not need to be left open for ventilation. There is no longer the risk of Indoor Air Quality being compromised through the intrusion of unwanted airborne pollutants from outside.

“We are delighted with Unico and the way it addresses our family health considerations. It has also met our requirements by providing exactly the right indoor temperature and comfort levels throughout the year,” says the homeowner.

An installation within a modern detached house in Devon is demonstrating how the Unico Small Duct High Velocity (sdHV) cooling, ventilation and heating system can be retrofitted into an existing property of this type to provide year round comfort from a single all-in-one system.

The Litchfield family has owned their Bloor Homes property since it was built some seven ago. Its original design included a Daikin Altherma Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) installation to offer a renewable energy source for the home’s radiator central heating and hot water system. It has worked faultlessly since its installation and fulfilled all the family’s requirements.

Recent summers, however, have been marked by significantly higher temperatures with more uncomfortable nights in the bedrooms on the first floor of the well insulated, airtight property. Like so many other owners of similarly designed homes, Brian Litchfield investigated the options to address both the heat issue and the build up of humidity. Opening windows, investing in fixed air conditioning or temporary portable air units had many disadvantages.

“We had been very happy with the performance of our heat pump for central heating. We therefore wanted to address our air conditioning requirements from a similar angle with a solution that could also the use the energy efficiency and low environmental impact of heat pumps,” says Brian. “The technology we chose also had to be relatively easy to retrofit and not cause too much disruption to our daily lives when being installed.”

In his professional capacity as the owner of Climate Controls and Spares, which covers Devon and Cornwall, Brian had extensive knowledge of air conditioning technology.  As a Unico Specialist partner his company was particularly familiar with the benefits of Unico’s sdHV system which uses forced air and a technique known as aspiration to provide a highly efficient means of heating and cooling properties via a central air distribution system. Originally developed in the United States, the Unico System has undergone significant development for the UK market and conforms to all relevant standards, including the new CA marking indicating conformity for products on the market in Great Britain.

“I think Unico is so good, I wanted to use it at home. Having lived in Canada, where forced air distribution systems in general are common, I knew they are efficient, versatile and can be easily retrofitted. I would always recommend them,” Brian says. He opened discussions and worked alongside Bell Plumbing Supplies, Unico’s Distribution Partner in the UK. Site visits were arranged and having acquired a full understanding of the installation, Bell Plumbing proposed and designed a system that took into consideration all the key parameters.

These included BTU heat output and heat loss calculations, room sizing and assessment of the performance requirements of the heat pump in relation to the heating and cooling demand. The system includes a Unico air handler which is conveniently located in the loft space. With the ASHP as the energy source, it provides heating and cooling to the upper floor of the home

Warmed or cooled air is distributed into the bedrooms via highly flexible sound deadening supply tubing which can be easily twisted and fed through the ceiling void and cavity walls. This culminates in 21 highly discreet room outlets which have been carefully positioned throughout the upper floor accommodation for maximum, even coverage. One outlet is also located at the top of the stairwell to cool hot air that rises from ground level.

The white outlets which deliver forced air into the rooms, using the aspiration principle, are typically positioned on internal walls, one metre below ceiling height. This configuration maximises performance through optimal air mixing by gently pulling the air in the room into the forced air stream. The result is even comfort throughout the space with minimal temperature variation whether in cooling or heating mode.

The homeowner comments “Having the Unico System adds a whole extra dimension to the air movement in the house and to the benefits of using the heat pump. Whether it’s heating, cooling, ventilation or the air filtration that the system provides, it is making a huge difference. This installation has moved us up to a whole new level of cooling, heating and comfort,” says Brian. “The unobtrusiveness of the system, its very quiet operation and ability to cool a bedroom very quickly are major benefits for the family. We can look forward to more comfortable nights as well as highly efficient indoor climate control for years to come.”

Bell Plumbing provides full support to Unico installers and Specialist Partners all around the country for this type of project. The installer network is fully qualified to undertake all types of installation after comprehensive training at the company’s West Midlands centre. Alan Carruthers of HPE Airflow South West was the main installer for the installation at the Litchfield family home and was supported by James McClennon of Concept Cooling.

Alan says, “Involvement with Unico’s technology is something new for us and there is a space in the market for it, due to its versatility and ease of installation. The support from Bell Plumbing is excellent and it has opened up a whole new market for our services and contracting expertise.”

Within the curtilage of the Georgian Grade 2 Listed Grove House near Thirsk, stands The Coach House. Its vast upper floor has now been restored and transformed into a modern living and entertainment facility complete with separate bedroom accommodation. The renovation project has maximised the energy saving potential of renewable technologies and PIR insulation to ensure heating and air conditioning running costs are minimised. The versatile Unico HVAC System  has been chosen to provide the perfect indoor temperature and ensure personal comfort throughout the year.

The owners have also been renovating the three floor formal Georgian main residence, but only on a limited basis as they did not wish to spoil the internal symmetry of the building. The Coach House provided the scope for more extensive work and the creation of a space that could be used for overnight guests and as an entertainment area, complete with a cinema size TV, state of the art hi-fi and a home for a comprehensive vinyl music collection. Having previously experienced overnight Yorkshire summer temperatures of around 40º C, it was also essential that the adjoining bedroom should be effectively cooled for a good night’s sleep in the years to come.

“For heating and cooling, it made perfect sense to consider an all-in-one solution that could heat and cool both rooms effectively, rather than specify separate underfloor heating and air conditioning systems. I was attracted by the versatility of multi-purpose HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning solution) systems that are popular in the United States. This would be better than risking damage to the property with a hydronic solution,” says owner Dave Smith.

His research led to Unico System UK and their principal UK Partner, Bell Plumbing Supplies. They designed a system which would meet all of the owners’ requirements in terms of personal comfort, interior design in harmony with an historic property, quiet operation and integration with the other energy saving technologies used in the renovation.

Satisfying stringent Building Control requirements has meant that the basic fabric of the Coach House has been retained. However, many structural elements, including the main truss and roof timbers, were rotten and had to be replaced. Using prefabricated cassette walls, great emphasis had been placed on ensuring high thermal efficiency throughout. The vaulted ceiling of the 18 x 5 metre building has 150mm of PIR insulation, the walls have 100mm, with a 100mm air gap to the original brick walls, with a vapour and air barriers fitted. The floors have a minimum 200mm of glass wool between floor joists.

High performance solar PV Slates have been specified for the traditional roof and a false wall was created to run from top to bottom of the building, hiding all the associated pipework and electrics. A battery storage system stores free energy that is generated and a thermal battery for hot water complete the wholly sustainable solution.

As would be expected when retrofitting a Unico System within a heritage building, the installation was by no means straightforward. Local Unico Specialist Partner, Safegas of Wetherby, carried out the intricate work, using all their experience and creativity to ensure that all challenges were overcome. The ground floor of The Coach House, which had acted as a coal shed, provided the ideal space to locate the Unico System 1218 Air Handling Unit and is easily accessible for maintenance. It is linked to a Daikin split air conditioning system with the external unit on the adjacent outside wall.

A new king truss was required to replace the original and was fitted in the middle of the entertainment room to support the steel ridge beam. Visually, it reflects the historic interior of the building. This meant that the main service ductwork had to be split into two parts, with Unico’s flexible supply ducting woven through the spars of the king truss above the eventual ceiling height. The result is a balanced system that performs exactly as originally intended.

As so many additional flexible ducts were installed to get round the king truss, there was no room in the ceiling for the system’s return duct. This was therefore located at floor level behind the TV projector, unobtrusively positioned by Safegas with easy access when the filter needs replacing. The fact it fitted into the 400mm studwork seamlessly was a bonus. The Unico System is visually discreet, with the round room outlets aligning with downlights and blending with the interior decor.

“Safegas were a really good fit for the project and came up with solutions that worked extremely well. They coordinated the job carefully with Unico, Bell Plumbing, Daikin and other suppliers to ensure a smooth installation and commissioning. The system runs at a murmur, which I think is down to the efforts spent tuning the system in the first place. You hardly know it’s working. It’s the highest compliment I can give it,” says Dave.

The owners now have a highly energy efficient self contained bolt hole within the original building that maximises use of the latest renewable technology. It has extremely low day to day costs and Dave estimates that when running, the Unico System is using around just 500 watts, a very low consumption for the approximate 300 cubic meter space that has to be heated or cooled.

For Safegas the Coach House project has demonstrated the versatility of the Unico system and was completed on time with all on-site issues successfully addressed. ” The customer required a heating and air conditioning system that was minimalistic, quiet and offered very fast warm up times.  Unico has met all these stipulations and demonstrated the retrofit potential for a property of this type. We are well placed to take on similar heritage building retrofit installations,” says Daniel Theaker, Safegas Technical Services Manager.

When Joe Roberts moved into his new home, it required a full new heating system. In order to reduce the environmental impact of the property, he took the opportunity to replace the obsolete gas fired boiler system with an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) and Unico Heating, Ventilation & Cooling  (HVAC) system. This would not only provide heating and hot water, but also offered the versatility to cool the home over the summer.

The property in Worcestershire is an 85 square metre, 1980 standard build detached home with equal floor space on each level. There are two double bedrooms, a single bedroom and a bathroom upstairs. At ground level there is a hallway, kitchen and a large dining/living which takes up the majority of the space. The home already featured double glazed windows, a loft space fitted with 200mm loft insulation and cavity wall insulation. Having good insulation in place from the outset was important and enabled accurate heat loss surveys and highly accurate system sizing to be carried out with a thorough understanding of how heat would transfer through the accommodation.

With expertise in renewable technologies in his professional capacity at Bell Plumbing Supplies and with ability to install the new system himself, Joe selected a Worcester Bosch ASHP with weather compensation that for added efficiency, adjusts its performance automatically based on external weather conditions. He chose the Unico HVAC system, which he knew would integrate perfectly with the heat pump and was ideal for retrofitting into a home of his type and age.

With a 4.5 kW house heating and cooling load, the compact 1218 Series Unico Air Handling Unit with a chilled water coil was specified and installed out of the way in the loft space. The fully insulated and sound attenuated small flexible supply ducting delivers conditioned air via multiple branches to room outlets on the two floors. It has been conveniently routed above ceilings and inside cavity walls with its small diameter and flexibility making it simple to install. There was also no need to pull up floorboards to get rid of old heating system pipework, so overall the installation caused minimal disruption.

In total, 13 round ceiling mounted room outlets feature throughout both levels of the property. All the outlets are finished in white, integrating naturally with the newly decorated rooms and totally discreet in appearance. “Friends who visit actually assume that the outlets are ceiling spotlights and are surprised when they are told that they blowing conditioned warm or cooled air around our home,” says Joe.

Whilst traditional heating and cooling systems effectively distribute warm or cooled air into a room unevenly, the Unico system works on the aspiration principle, with the room outlets delivering  conditioned air into each room at a consistent temperature with no more than a +/-1ºC variation, no drafts and no cold or hot spots. It operates with minimum noise too as Joe explains: “ Once the Unico System was set up to the requirements of our home, it has run quietly in the background of our day to day life, causing no noise disruption and is scarcely noticeable to the eye either.“ A major interior design benefit of the installation for Joe was the ability to remove all the old radiators, freeing up wall space for new bookshelves to accommodate an extensive library collection.

Perhaps the most important advantage of the Unico system for Joe, however, is its versatility. As a three-in-one system, its ability to provide cooling and ventilation alongside heating for the home gives it year round functionality. Cooling and ventilating in the summer allows windows to be kept closed, ensuring pollen and other pollutants cannot invade and diminish the indoor air quality. With the ability to remove 30% more humidity than conventional air conditioning, condensation build up on windows has also been significantly reduced. “Our clothes are also successfully being dried in the jet stream of the room outlets, which is an unexpected benefit,” adds Joe.

Running the Unico System with the ASHP has enabled the creation of a truly energy efficient heating and air conditioning system. The Unico System maintains a comfortable 18ºC temperature throughout the whole house. Joe says:” Energy saving comes from the efficiency of the Air Source Heat Pump and the overall design of the installation which is running at an efficiency of 350%.”  For additional economy, a Mixergy intelligent hot water cylinder has also been installed. Located in the loft alongside the Unico Air Handler, this has allowed an existing airing cupboard to be used for a new shower, extending the existing bathroom.

Joe comments: “The system is designed to be as efficient as possible and it is nice to prove that a standard 1980s built home can have a heat pump and be fitted with a Unico System to provide heating and hot water very efficiently, with no improvements to the insulation. It has been faultless in operation. We will also add solar power and battery storage in our transition to a greener lifestyle.”

In conclusion, this installation has provided many benefits in terms of embracing sustainability, the versatility of heating and cooling with a single system, ventilation and moisture reduction resulting in a much fresher and more pleasant indoor environment and offering much improved interior design freedom. “You don’t need to have a new build home to realise the benefits of a Unico Heat Pump installation!” Joe confirms.

Located on the 15th floor of the elegant Hyatt Regency Hotel on the Albert Embankment in London, the Lebanese and Japanese-inspired Mezemiso restaurant was opened six years ago. Originally specified for its aesthetic qualities and energy efficient performance, the Unico Small Duct High Velocity system continues to provide ideal levels of air conditioning within the spectacular venue.

With its panoramic location over the Thames, Mezemiso features a stunning interior decor that mixes copper and metallic tones set against the moody blue colour scheme, creating an ambience that reflects the fusion of cultures and cuisine. Floor to ceiling windows bring in the night sky whilst extensive wall and ethereal unique atmosphere for those who are dining, enjoying cocktails or revelling in exhilarating late night DJs and musical entertainment.

Design details such as floor mosaics, fibre optic lights and stunning open fire places in the exterior bar area, cigar and shish terrace, help to create a unique and unforgettable experience where comfort is a number one priority.

For the designer and client, a key element of the specification of the air conditioning system was the need for complete integration with all the visual design elements of Mezemiso’ beautifully created interior. This included a dramatic curved bar, which mirrored the path of the Thames, as well as a bespoke wine cabinet and humidor. The installation also needed to ensure the perfect interior temperature and comfort levels for users of the venue at all times of the year whatever the occasion, especially during those warmer summer days when the interior could feel the full effects of the sun through the large areas of glazing.

The Unico System has met all these requirements, with highly discreet room outlets being the only visible manifestation of the installation. Offering highly energy efficient performance and all year round dependability, the system has been built around a condensing unit serving two Unico Air Handlers. One is located out of sight in the ceiling void above the kitchen. From there, it is connected by flexible supply tubing to virtually indiscernible high level linear wall outlets positioned on the wall above the bar.

The second unit has been installed under the floor and supplies conditioned air to designer circular metallic-finish round floor outlets. These are discreetly located in front of the floor to ceiling windows, forming the perfect complement to the marble flooring, uniquely designed hand made dining tables and copper toned chairs.

In air conditioning mode, and coping with temperatures of up to 30 degrees C on a hot day, the Unico System’s operational design means that diners are not subject to any uncomfortable drafts, or cold spots within the space. The temperature variation is no more than +- 1 degree C floor to ceiling.

There’s no doubting the contribution that the Unico System makes to the complete Mezemiso experience. It was a long term investment and, ” It’s worked well, ” according to Dillon Lingard, Chief Engineer & Security Manager. With continued routine maintenance that includes filter changes, the system will offer excellent service for years to come.

Worcester Racecourse, part of Arena Racing Company (ARC), opened its new state of the art Weighing Room in June 2024. The facility provides a modern, energy efficient environment for jockeys to get changed, make their preparations for racing and spend some time relaxing. On the upper floor there is a canteen and social area, a physiotherapy studio and warm-up room. A Stewards’ Room for weighing-in and use by race officials, together with a TV Broadcast office are situated on the ground floor. Unico System’s Small Duct High Velocity (SDHV) cooling, heating and ventilation technology was specified to provide the perfect indoor environment all year round for everyone using the facilities.

Unico System is an all-in-one system that maximises the potential of heat pumps to offer air conditioning, heating, hot water and integration with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems (MVHR). The technology was specified for the Weighing Room as a versatile, practical and financially attractive alternative to a traditional fossil fuel-based HVAC system.

Its specification was the result of close collaboration between Worcester Racecourse & Arena Racing Company, Unico’s principal UK distributor Bell Plumbing and Unico Specialist Installation Partner, Butco of Sutton Coldfield. The overall cost and energy efficiency of the Unico System were not the only considerations and indeed sustainability was a key focus for the whole Weighing Room project. The steel frame building has been constructed on the site of the original weighing room and features a green living roof to tie in with the natural riverside landscape and provide biodiversity. Solar photo-voltaic panels capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity for the building.

The cooling capabilities of the Unico System were considered particularly important.  Throughout the summer racing season indoor temperatures within the weighing room complex can be uncomfortably high.  The ability to set draft free even temperatures, as well as providing precise instant cooling is a major benefit.

Two Air Source Heat Pumps (Vaillant aroTHERM Plus) located on the terrace outside the Weighing Room provide the renewable energy source for three separate Unico AHUs, sited in the Plant Room on the upper floor. One ground floor unit provides climate control within the male and female changing rooms through the Unico 3642 AHU whilst the Stewards Room and TV Broadcast office are served by a Unico 3036 AHU. The higher capacity third unit caters for the first floor canteen, rest/social area, warm-up and physiotherapy areas. The Unico 4860 AHU has a14-17.5 kW cooling capacity and 8.5-22.3 kW capacity for heating.

From the outset, installer Butco worked closely with Bell Plumbing’s Solutions team. They evaluated the project and subsequently proposed a truly value engineered HVAC solution that would mean significantly lower initial capital outlay and immediate lower running costs. It took into consideration the higher seasonal demand and virtually 24/7 usage of the Weighing Room over the National Hunt season as well as the projected significantly lower usage of the Weighing Room over the winter and early Spring.

Detailed calculations for heating, cooling and hot water demand were drawn up so that the most suitable and correctly sized Unico Air Handling Units and a combined MVHR unit, which would bring additional energy saving benefits of heat recovery, could be specified without any unnecessary over capacity.

Comprehensive schematic and working installation diagrams were generated with the latest CAD software by the solutions team at Bell Plumbing Supplies. Technical support was provided from start to finish of the project with Bell plumbing Supplies also addressing the evolving requirements and complexities of the project including revisions to room plans and usage. One of the challenges was how to incorporate the three Unico AHUs, the 2300m3 (Airflow Developments) MVHR unit and a (Mixergy) intelligent hot water cylinder as well as main supply ducting in the Plant Room, located in a tight area behind the canteen servery. There were significant height restrictions under the mono pitched roof, but thanks in part to the small footprint, compactness and horizontal configuration of the Unico AHUs, Bell Solutions were able to configure a layout that maximised use of the available space.

Two main central ducts, with Climaver thermal insulation for high efficiency and retention of energy within the system, lead from the AHUs and distribute conditioned air to multiple branches of Unico sound attenuated and insulated flexible supply tubing. Some 97% of system energy is retained and delivered into the conditioned spaces through room outlets. With the aspiration principle of operation, small jets of cooled or warmed air are driven at high velocity into the different areas of the Weighing Room with temperature differentials of no more than +/- 1º C floor to ceiling and no drafts. This creates an ideal environment and optimum comfort levels for all users in all areas of the building.

The lightweight, easy assembly central ductwork and the small diameter, flexible Unico supply tubing simplified installation for Butco.  The tubing could be cleverly fed above suspended ceilings and through small voids behind cavity/partition walls to all the ground and upper floor rooms, connecting with either linear or round room outlets.

Operating with extremely low noise levels (<30 decibels) and visually unobtrusive, the outlets blend into the interior decor of each room. Standard white finish linear outlets are used extensively in front of floor to ceiling windows and the canteen servery to form a conditioned air curtain that helps to keep room temperatures to desired preset levels. Round outlets have been carefully positioned around ceilings to ensure uniform delivery of conditioned air within each space, preventing hot or cold spots and maintaining a consistent temperature throughout. Indoor Air Quality levels throughout the building are also consistently high thanks to lower humidity levels and the ability of Unico technology to remove up to 30% more humidity than would be achievable with traditional air conditioning technology.

Ensuring compliance with the requirements of Building Regulations Part F (ventilation), Part L (energy efficiency) and Part O were essential requirements for the Unico proposal. Part O covers thermal efficiency, overheating and limiting solar gain through windows inside a building. The floor to ceiling windows and extensive glazing throughout the Weighing Room, coupled with the building’s high levels of insulation and overall air tightness, meant that overheating was a potential problem. This has been overcome through the levels of cooling provided by Unico.

For Worcester Racecourse management, the ability to set temperatures for each area and control the complete Unico installation remotely from an office located in the Grandstand is very convenient. An iPad with Nest programming is a low cost and very user-friendly means of setting and adjusting preferred cooling and heating levels all year round. Three compatible wall mounted smart Nest Learning Thermostats have also been provided within different areas of the Weighing Room.

Opened in time for the very popular Ladies Day meeting on June 1, the Weighing Room is in use throughout the National Hunt racing season which ends in October, and it will also have usage over the winter months. Butco met the strict timelines put in place for completion of the installation, despite interruptions caused by repeated local flooding from the River Severn.

The installation at Worcester Racecourse has demonstrated that in the light commercial sector, Unico SDHV technology is a viable environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based heating/air conditioning with a BMS system. James Tough, xxx (TBC) of Butco is positive about involvement in further Unico projects of this type: “With the support of Bell Solutions in assessing a potential project, designing the system as well as providing technical back up throughout the specification and installation process, we are confident in taking on further projects where Unico offers the best solution.”

Cliff Arnold, Bell Plumbing’s HVAC Technical Manager, comments: “We offer in-depth training and marketing support to any HVAC installer looking to get involved with Unico SDHV technology. They will then be able to give their residential and commercial customers the opportunity to consider and move to environmentally friendly heating and air conditioning systems at a time when significantly reducing carbon emissions from buildings is critical.”