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agurski
03-19-2006, 06:13 PM
I have searched and read all that can be found on Unico and Spacepak HiV systems. The most helpfull info has of course been found on these types of forums, your help would be greatly appreciated.

I have a 1929 centerhall colonial revival manse. It is relatively well insulated with new period appropriate insulated windows and all in all is pretty "tight". I have steam heat. Sounds great, i know, but some genius circa 1970 removed all the cast iron radiators and installed copper finned tube. It does not work so hot, those steamheads out there can feel my pain.

I have an air handler in the attic which provides AC to the second floor only and takes up most of the attics floor area with it's flexible ducts.

Ok, the question is coming. I am planning two additions to the house in the near future, the steam does not work so good despite all my efforts and the system cannot be modified for two additions, it has to go.

I am considering two options:
1. Adding a furnace to the air handler in the attic to get HVAC to the second floor of the and then installing new conventional HVAC system in the basement to serve the first floor.

2. Unico system in the basement serving everything thus eliminating the ductwork in the attic and freeing up the floor space.

I have read all i can on the Unico and can not find anything on the HEATING aspect of this system. From the web site I glean that the only heating option is hot water coil? Can anyone shed some light on the heating pros, cons and details of this system.

duct dr
03-19-2006, 06:32 PM
If I remember right from the class I went to, Unico has heat strips in their airhandlers. I'll look in the books I have though just to make sure.

pecmsg
03-19-2006, 07:11 PM
Its cheaper and easier to add a H/W coil to the A/H in the attic to serve the second Floor.

Unico and Spacepack are both great units but I wouldn’t use them in a major renovation. Of cause if your trying to hide the registers then by all means use them. H/W coils can be added to them also.

http://www.heatinghelp.com is the place to go for steam heat.

“The lost art of Steam Heating” Dan Holohan

brian in mass
03-19-2006, 08:58 PM
Unico is great. I install alot of it. Lots of rumors and comments going around about HV, but listen only to the facts.
If you need help with something related to it or have questions, I would be glad to help.

gto boy
03-19-2006, 09:19 PM
Outlet placement is key because of heating from the ceiling.