The Unico System UK Revolutionises HVAC Solutions with Vaillant Heat Pumps Integration

Indoor Air Quality family

The Unico System, a Midlands-based industry leader in advanced 3-in-1 heating, cooling, and ventilation solutions, is delighted to announce Vaillant Heat Pumps as part of their solution, a renowned name in the heating industry. By integrating a Vaillant Heat Pump with the Unico System’s cutting-edge HVAC technology the aim is to deliver unparalleled efficiency and sustainability  

Vaillant, a trusted pioneer in heating and renewable energy solutions, brings its expertise in heat pump technology to enhance The Unico System’s commitment to providing energy-efficient HVAC solutions. The Vaillant Heat Pumps integrated into The Unico System UK’s solutions boast exceptional efficiency levels, providing users with cost-effective and energy-saving HVAC solutions.  

 “We are thrilled to be able to offer Vaillant to further enhance our offering with the amalgamation of robust products that deliver on performance and capability to the market. The integration of Vaillant Heat Pumps with The Unico System’s technology represents a significant leap forward in our ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge, sustainable, and space-efficient heating, cooling and ventilation solutions,” said Cliff Arnold, Technical Manager at The Unico System. 

 This offering marks a pivotal stride towards revolutionising the way we heat, cool and ventilate our homes through sustainable heating and cooling systems, offering consumers an alternative alongside existing partner, Daikin, for both residential and commercial applications. 

 Transitioning from radiant heat to a centralised air distribution system not only elevates indoor air quality but transforms the home environment. Working with well-chosen partners, Unico meets all industry standards of delivering energy efficiency in the home. 

 To learn more about The Unico System, visit the website at www.unicosystem.co.uk. 

Five Ways The Unico System Enhances Well-being

Young happy couple mother and father playing with adorable toddler 1 year old girl, family relaxing in bed
Young happy couple mother and father playing with adorable toddler 1 year old girl, family relaxing in bed

In the search for a healthier and more comfortable living environment, homeowners are increasingly turning to innovative solutions. The right home environment is essential to health and well-being as there are risks to an individual’s physical and mental health associated with living in a cold and damp environment. 

The Unico System, with its cutting-edge technology and design, provides a 3-in-1 home climate control solution that includes heating, cooling, and ventilation for perfect home climate control. Unico warms in the winter and cools in the summer, plus year-round it removes pollutants and irritants to leave you with clean, healthy, filtered air in your home. It creates living spaces that are perfectly climate-controlled to combat our changing and challenging UK weather conditions.  

Here are five ways The Unico System contributes to an elevated standard of well-being in your home: 

  1. Unrivalled energy efficiency:

 The Unico System boasts superior energy efficiency, delivering 97% of system energy directly to the conditioned living space. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that often suffer from energy losses, The Unico System optimises energy usage, promoting sustainability and reducing utility costs. Embracing this innovative approach allows homeowners to enjoy a comfortable living space without compromising on energy conservation. 

  1. Advanced humidity control:

 One of the standout features of The Unico System is its ability to remove 30% more humidity than conventional HVAC systems. This not only enhances air quality but also ensures that indoor humidity levels remain at optimum levels. By mitigating excess moisture, the system minimises the risk of mould and allergen growth, creating a healthier environment for homeowners.  

  1. Whisper-Quiet comfort

 Thanks to its unique ‘Aspiration’ principle and technology, The Unico System creates a draft-free, ultra-quiet, and consistently even room temperature. Traditional HVAC systems often struggle with uneven air distribution and noisy operation. Unico, however, ensures a serene living space and a tranquil environment conducive to relaxation, focus, and well-being. 

  1. Silent and seamless air delivery:

With decibel levels down to a whisper-quiet <30 decibels, The Unico System redefines what it means to experience quiet HVAC operation. The air is delivered seamlessly and discreetly, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of a precisely controlled indoor environment without the disruptive noise often associated with traditional systems. This not only supports better sleep quality but also contributes to a stress-free living atmosphere. 

  1. Holistic Indoor Air Quality enhancement:

The Unico System integrates ventilation, fresh air circulation, air filtration, and air disinfection through UV technology. This comprehensive approach enhances indoor air quality, providing you with a breath of fresh, clean air. By addressing multiple components of air quality, The Unico System creates an environment that promotes respiratory health and overall well-being so you can breathe easy.  

When you are ready to take confident steps towards creating a home that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of a healthy and comfortable living space, please get in touch to learn more. 

Cooling the Future: Air Conditioning for Modern Homes

Unico System In Your Home

In the ever-evolving landscape of home technology, air conditioning is emerging as an essential component of the modern home. As we strive for comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability, air conditioning systems are adapting to meet these demands. Unico, a leading provider of Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) solutions in the UK, is at the forefront of this transformation.

We look at why air conditioning is becoming an integral part of the future for our homes and how the 3-in1 Unico solution is playing a crucial role in shaping this future.

The need for air conditioning in modern homes

Climate change is causing temperatures to rise globally, making hot summers more frequent and severe. In the UK, where summers were traditionally mild, heatwaves have become a common occurrence, in fact July 2023 has been recorded as the hottest-ever month and scientists expect 2023 or 2024 will end up as the hottest year in the record books, surpassing 2016. This shift in climate has led to a growing demand for cooling solutions in homes.

More than half of the UK’s homes already suffer from overheating due to the changing climate where our summers are getting hotter and heat waves are becoming more frequent. Overheating in homes can be uncomfortable but for more vulnerable people, it can be deadly.

In the UK our homes are designed to retain heat, which puts us at risk of overheating in the hotter summer months, so many benefits fixed air conditioning in the home brings us, here are five of them:

  1. Comfort and well-being – Air conditioning provides a comfortable indoor environment, ensuring that homeowners can escape the sweltering heat and maintain a consistent, pleasant temperature throughout the year. This enhanced comfort contributes to improved well-being and productivity.
  2. Energy efficiency – Modern air conditioning systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind. High-efficiency models reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the global push for sustainability.
  3. Health benefits – Air conditioning helps filter and purify the air inside homes, reducing allergens, pollutants, and airborne pathogens. This cleaner indoor air quality can significantly improve the health of occupants, particularly those with allergies or respiratory issues.
  4. Home value: Installing an air conditioning system can increase the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. It’s a practical investment that pays off both in terms of comfort and property value.
  5. Property preservation: Reduced humidity supports the fabric of the home whilst aiding in the preservation of assets such as furniture, books, paintings, and historical artefacts.

The Unico System: Leading the way

The Unico System is a trusted name in the HVAC industry the company is originally from the US where it has been known for its innovative and energy-efficient solutions in heating and cooling homes for over 30 years.

Investing in this revolutionary Unico 3-in-1 heating, ventilation and cooling solution now for your new build or renovation project will ensure that your home is future-proofed for the predicted warmer temperatures we will continue to experience across the UK.

Unico offers ductless mini-split systems that provide zoned cooling, allowing homeowners to customise the temperature in different areas of their home such as in the bedroom helping your family to sleep easy at night. This approach not only maximises comfort but also minimises energy waste by cooling only the spaces in use.

The Unico System is designed to meet the highest standards of efficiency, helping homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs.

Unico can also be integrated with smart home platforms, enabling remote control and automation, further enhancing user convenience in the modern home.

With advanced technologies and a commitment to providing comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions, The Unico System is helping homeowners adapt to the changing climate while enjoying the benefits of a cooler, healthier, and more comfortable living environment.

To learn more about The Unico System, get in touch, and take the first step toward a cooler, more comfortable future for your home.

 

What are the alternatives to large radiators for my home?

Radiator with white fluffy rug on the floor in front of it.

As we begin the move away from heating our homes in the more traditional way of fossil fuels, which use boilers and gas fires, our attention turns to new methods of heating such as through electrifying heating systems. This change is in response to the government’s policy paper Power up Britain, where it announced plans to phase out the sale of gas boilers and replace them with heat pumps.

One such alternative gaining popularity is the use of heat pumps in conjunction with innovative systems like the UnicoSystem.  In this article, we will explore the concept of heat pumps and how the Unico System offers a cutting-edge alternative to traditional large radiators for heating homes efficiently and sustainably.

Enter heat pumps

Heat pumps are energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that transfer heat from one location to another using electricity. They work by extracting heat from the outside environment (even in cold weather) and moving it indoors to heat your home. A further benefit is that as it captures heat that is already present in the environment, the heat pump does not burn any fuel and therefore emits no carbon dioxide. Heat pumps therefore provide a highly efficient, low-carbon, alternative for your heating.

Heat pumps work at lower temperatures than traditional boilers so larger radiators may need to be installed to distribute heat more evenly via the larger surface area.  When paired with the right heating system, heat pumps can be a fantastic alternative to traditional boilers. Most homes can be well-heated through a heat pump with the right-sized radiators or underfloor heating.

Disadvantages of radiators in your home

While most radiators are compatible with air source heat pumps, the bigger your radiators, the better job they’ll do.However, the oversized radiators typically required for working alongside heat pumps will be a drawback for some homeowners as they are not only costly to buy and install but also take up a lot of additional wall space.

Although there are some radiators that have been designed to fit in with the aesthetics of your interior design and can look quite modern whilst adding drama to a room, there is no getting away from the fact that they can still look big and bulky.

Storage space in more modern homes comes at a premium so having radiators of any size gets in the way of allowing additional storage units to be placed within the home against walls.

The Unico System Advantage

To rectify this problem, in place of radiators, the Unico System uses discreet outlets positioned in the ceiling, walls or floors allowing homeowners to make maximum use of their internal space.

This system allows the freedom of design currently enjoyed by architects, self-builders, and interior designers across the UK. Without the interruption of radiators within the rooms, the design can flow more effortlessly to utilise the whole room.

The use of outlets is more aesthetically pleasing than the alternatives, they come in a variety of designs and finishes that can be custom-made depending on your design requirements.

Unico outlets are either round (approx. 50-65mm inner diameter/125mm outer diameter) or slotted (approx. 25mm by 200mm). They are available in a variety of finishes including black, brass and chrome, or they can be stained or painted to blend into any style of decor. They can even be wall-papered to become virtually invisible in their surroundings.

Air Conditioning aesthetics

What is Unico?

The Unico System is a small-duct, small air handler system for central heating, air conditioning (cooling) and ventilation applications. Quick and easy to install, it can be paired with air-source heat pumps for maximum efficiency.

During the colder months, Unico will work efficiently to warm your home to your desired, pre-set temperature. Your rooms will receive a steady, warm supply of air via specially located, discreet outlets, based on our unique aspiration principle. Unico will distribute the air evenly and consistently, meaning no hot or cold spots, just an overall feeling of pleasant warmth and comfort to keep you cosy on those long winter evenings.

To find out more about our range of unique heating, cooling and ventilation solutions without the need for radiators, please get in touch.

What do hotter summers mean for our home living?

Lady sitting at her desk with hand on forehead, feeling hot and flustered. a fan is in the foreground placed on her desk.

Our summers are getting hotter and with that, it brings uncomfortable living for many people. According to the British Met Office, the average mean temperature of 15.8 °C in June 2023 was the highest for almost 140 years. The previous record was set in 1940 and 1976 at 14.9 °C.

Experts have previously warned that the heatwaves and record high temperatures seen across England last summer. These are likely to happen more, last longer and be more intense.

During the heatwave of last July, where the temperatures reached a balmy 40.3 °C we saw schools and businesses close. Sending their workforce home and fewer people out during the day.

What do increasing high temperatures mean for our home living?

During the heatwaves our homes can become uncomfortable, making it difficult to function. Carrying on with normal activities can be a challenge and according to The Climate Change Committee. Current analysis shows that there is already a significant overheating risk in parts of the UK domestic housing stock, and higher global temperature will increase the frequency, severity, and geographic extension of this risk.

We look at some of the effects that high temperatures can affect our day-to-day living:

  1. Discomfort indoors – without adequate cooling, high temperatures can make it uncomfortable to stay indoors, particularly during heat waves. This can affect sleep patterns, productivity, and overall well-being.
  2. Health risks – extreme heat can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heatstroke can occur, requiring precautions and access to cooling methods.
  3. Increased energy use – with hotter days and nights, more people might be inclined to increase the use of air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This can result in higher energy bills as some cooling systems may consume more electricity.

As much as we enjoy the warm summers when it gets too hot it clearly impacts the way we live our lives. Making small changes within our homes such as closing windows and blinds during the hottest parts of the day and using fans at night can improve our living conditions.

What else can we do to reduce the effects of overheating in our homes?

The new Part O of the Building Regulations has been recently introduced to drive the design of new homes to minimise the risk of overheating. In the future, Part O means that we can make more informed decisions about how homes are designed and to address design issues that can affect overheating risks.

For existing homes using energy-efficient cooling methods that are set up to an appropriate temperature that balances comfort and energy consumption will help to alleviate the effects of a hot house.

The Unico system with its 3-in-1 heating, ventilation and cooling solution provides the perfect home climate control.  This 3-in-1 renewable solution works efficiently and discreetly to maintain perfect, optimum temperatures and exceptional indoor air quality in the home.

To learn more about the benefits of Unico for a retrospect fit, renovation or self-build project, please download our brochure.

Residential Renovation

Residential Renovation

A core heating and cooling solution for a residential renovation

Installation background

  • Installation Date: Spring 2022
  • Property Type: Renovation of 1990s four bedroom detached family home in Dorset. Unico provides heating and cooling to first floor
  • Unico System: 1218BL1 Blower Module, Variable Speed EC motor, 1218 CL1 Heat Pump Coil
  • Energy Source: Daikin Altherma Low Temperature Split Air Source Heat Pump
  • Controls: Nest Home Automation System and Pro Learning thermostat
  • Additional Technology: Underfloor Heating System to ground floor, intelligent hot water tank for precise hot water delivery, energy saving battery storage utilising low cost overnight tariffs

Discreet climate control

Aircraft Renovation bedroom outlet
Unico - Aircraft Renovation bedroom 1
Unico - Aircraft Renovation bedroom 2

Solution

The specification of Unico System for the installation has demonstrated how this technology can form the core heating and cooling solution for a home renovation project based on renewable heat pump technology.
The property has undergone a complete renovation. Energy saving loft and cavity wall insulation was already installed and the owners wished to dispense with the ageing gas boiler, microbore pipework and wall hung radiators. These were to be replaced with a new system featuring renewables and electricity only. With the expectation of higher temperatures and hotter, less comfortable nights in the years to come, investment in an all in one system that can use renewable energy for heating, cooling, ventilation and indoor air quality throughout the year was the ideal solution.

Compatibility

The compatibility of the system with renewables was essential and a Daikin Altherma Low Temperature Split Air Source Heat Pump was selected as the matching energy source. The heat pump is linked to the space saving horizontal Unico 1218 Air Handling Unit situated in the loft and features variable fan speed motor, a Smart Control Board for precise airflow control and a Heat Pump Coil module. The main central duct connects to the air handling unit, feeds the flexible supply duct tubing before emitting conditioned air into the bedrooms through discreet round ceiling outlets.

To further maximise the energy efficiency of the installation, battery storage technology, running on low cost overnight tarrifs, stores electricity for lighter duty appliance power consumption during the day. To meet hot water demand precisely and exactly on time, an intelligent hot water tank has been installed.

The Unico System features air filtration to remove larger particulate from the indoor air. For additional continuous protection from airborne viruses and bacteria, complementary bi-polar ionisation technology has also been specified.

Space saving roof space installation

Aircraft Renovation loft space v2

Advantages

  • All year round heating and cooling solution
  • Convenient use of the loft space for the compact air handler, ductwork and flexible supply tubing is a key in retrofit renovation projects
  • Lightweight modular ductwork promotes safe, easy handling and time savings during installation
  • The air handler isolates noise and vibration with sound deadening insulation, allowing installation immediately above the main bedroom with no risk of noise disruption
  • The flow of air through the supply tubing and into the room through the ceiling outlets generates minimal noise
  • Wall space freed up with the removal of radiators
  • Once heated or cooled air enters the bedroom it creates a draught free, even environment with minimal temperature fluctuations
  • Removes 30% more humidity from the air compared with conventional heating and air conditioning systems, improving air quality and preventing the formation of damp and mould

Improve indoor air quality with the Unico System

Unico & Mid Devon Case Study Icons

Ventilation & Air Conditioning to be Popular in UK

The Unico System features in P&H Engineering for their expertise on Ventilation, HVAC and AC systems!

Despite the predictions about global warming, it has taken a global pandemic to bring focus on Indoor Air Quality.

Unico Systems have already helped so many in the USA. However there has been a sharp increase in the amount of UK residents, Businesses Owners and Organisations that have realised the importance. Unico are prepared to help you with Air Conditioning, HVAC and Ventilation Systems in their homes, restaurants and warehouses!

Why Unico Systems?

With UK wide deliverable installation you are always guaranteed to find a professional near you. We tailor bespoke Designed solutions to suit you!

We have worked alongside historic buildings in the UK and USA. From our work at The Truman White House in Florida to the Historic Berkshire Barn in the UK! We can retrofit and provide Ventilation, HVAC and Air conditioning solutions for you!

P&H Engineering

Unico are exhibiting

If you are interested in discovering more on the Unico System please contact our solutions team on 01384 422094 or email [email protected]

Fifteen Restaurant Cornwall

Fifteen Restaurant Cornwall

Superior Comfort

A restaurants most important priority is their diners comfort and experience, with excellent coastal views and beautiful interior when it comes to the interior of this establishment we had to come up with the best design possible!

Unico System fifteen Restaurant

Benefits

  • Even, draft-free temperatures
  • Quiet operation
  • Zone control options
  • Discreet supply outlets
  • Flexible design and installation

“If there were a Michelin rating for comfort, the Unico System would undoubtedly receive 3 stars”.

Jamie Oliver, of Britain’s Channel 4 documentary series “Jamie’s Kitchen”, began the Fifteen restaurant brand in 2002 with a flagship location in London. The name is derived from the celebrity chef’s apprenticeship program of training fifteen disadvantaged youth in the culinary arts and service management industries.

Unico System Fifteen Restaurant
Unico System Fifteen Restaurant Interior

Overview

Fifteen in Cornwall overlooks the beach at Watergate Bay on the north coast of the county of Cornwall, UK. The restaurant offers slick, traditional Italian cuisine with a Cornish twist. The location features a high, open ceiling design and casual-chic interior with murals of pastel-coloured surf scenes adorning the walls.

The developers of the property were determined to create a visual style for this new location as unique as that of Mr. Oliver’s approach to food. While adamantly determined not to copy the “faux-industrial” look of exposed metal ducting that has become so common in commercial locales, they were committed to adding a heating and cooling system that could deliver superior comfort as well as disappear into the background.

To meet these challenges, they turned to the Unico System.

Strategy

The very features that make the Unico System attractive to the old home and custom home residential markets make it an optimal choice for commercial-built applications as well. The modular air handling equipment, smaller main trunk ducting and flexible supply ducting allow it to fit where conventional heating and cooling systems simply cannot.

Air handlers and the main ducting were situated outside of the main dining area and Unico System supply tubes were snaked through the sloped ceiling’s cavities to discharge conditioned air from the high side walls. The versatility of the Unico System’s terminating outlets allow it to fit seamlessly into Fifteen’s open design. Available in a slotted, 1-inch x 8-inch configuration, this version was chosen over the round 2-inch inner diameter option as it better blended with the interior’s distinctive murals.

Air distribution with the Unico System provides two additional benefits. Conditioned air gently circulates within the room’s existing air currents, eliminating the drafts that often create guest discomfort in restaurants. This gentle mixing also eliminates the phenomena of stratification (that is, alternating hot and cold spots) associated with conventional forced air systems, instead maintaining even temperatures throughout the dining room.

Results

Not only does the Unico System practically disappear within the interior design of Fifteen, but guests and staff alike are kept comfortable during the ever-changing seaside weather. Kitchens can be frightfully hot places in which to work but, due to the open design plan and the superiority of the Unico System’s air delivery method, staff have remarked that Fifteen’s kitchen is the most comfortable they’ve ever experienced.

On the other hand, with hard-to-see visual evidence, no drafts and even temperatures, guests are hardly aware of the heating and cooling system and are not distracted from enjoying a wonderful, healthy meal in a beautiful setting.

If there were a Michelin rating for comfort, the Unico System would undoubtedly receive 3 stars.

Self Build Exmouth

Self Build Exmouth

Cool Atmosphere for a Grand Design

Unico System - Exmouth Self Build -large open plan living space with large floor to ceiling windows and an example of a ventilation HVAC system in the UK

Benefits

  • Even temperatures across the rooms
  • Very quiet
  • Discrete supply outlets
  • Flexible design and installation

“We decided to have air-conditioning at a very late stage of the build and presented Unico with a serious challenge! They concealed the system exceptionally well and, with so much glazing in the property, it is inconceivable to see how we could have managed without it…”

Unico System - Exmouth Self Build - image of a kitchen space in a modern living space with ventilation system shown by Unico.

Property Owner

“We believe we ended up with the Rolls Royce of systems. The system is very quiet – you would hardly know it was there.”

Julie Veysey

Background

Built on the beachfront at Exmouth, this property has a Unico System at its core and was featured on the Grand Designs television programme.

With a large frontage constructed from glass, the property needed a comfort system that would provide responsive and effective cooling and heating.

Solution

A 14kW Unico System is installed throughout the loft area to provide heating to three bedrooms including the Master Suite, Hallway gallery and a small annex with an additional bedroom and Kitchenette. The flexible supply ducts connected to discreet, ceiling mounted outlets provide the perfect comfortable environment to the entire Upper Floor.

The Unico System is connected to a Panasonic Air to Water Heat Pump which provides energy efficient heating whilst at the same time allowing the owners to benefit from the Renewable Heat Incentive payment scheme.

The system provides individual temperature control to five separate zones with variable speed operation.

The Unico System EC fan motor along with the heat pump provides extremely low running costs in this off-grid location.

Lancaster Gate Apartments

Lancaster Gate Apartments

Luxury Cooling & Heating

We offer premium products and solutions by creating and designing systems that perfectly solve issues out clients have. This client required a space conscious and elegant solution making use of our luxury systems.

Unico System - Lancaster Gate Apartment - installation of a kitchen ventilation system
Unico System - Lancaster Gate Apartment - close up to one of the ventilation ports

Benefits

  • Energy Efficient
  • Even temperatures across the rooms
  • Very quiet
  • Discrete supply outlets
  • Flexible design and installation

 

“The Unico System provides design freedom to decorate an interior without having to consider the clutter of radiators or pipework.”

“There is less than 2°C temperature difference floor to ceiling.”

“The system is suitable for installation benefitting all types of rooms found in an apartment.”

Unico System - Lancaster Gate Apartment - Interior Image of large windows casting light across a wooden floor.
Unico System - Lancaster Gate Apartment - outlside of the property showing white brick decorative terraced property

Background

A twenty one mini-duct Unico System with high performance central cooling and heating systems has been installed at new luxury apartments in Lancaster Gate, London.

This is a high profile development with apartments expected to sell at the higher end of the London market. The increase of your property value is seen consistently in the UK, when you invest in Climate control and HVAC Systems.

Solution

The Unico System delivers both heating and air conditioning through small unobtrusive outlets at ceiling level. The whole system operates from a heat pump and overall it delivers 3kw of energy for every 1kw input, making it extremely energy efficient.

To provide both air conditioning and heating using a heat pump as the source, the Unico System features a heat pump coil. Air is pulled across the coils to provide either cool or warm air. Each apartment has its own system, whilst some of the larger apartments have two.