I've installed a few systems, follow the rules with them and you'll be OK, I think they are a superior system when properly applied.
I attended a class on Unico Systems tonight, and from what I saw, heard, and read they seem to be pretty impressive. Can anyone offer any input as to the quality of these systems? Has anyone installed or worked on them? I know a few applications here that they might work well on, but I would like some "outside" opinions before I open my mouth to the boss or customers.
"If you can't fix it, don't break it."
I've installed a few systems, follow the rules with them and you'll be OK, I think they are a superior system when properly applied.
Thanks tech, the area I'm in has high heat and even higher humidity in the summer. I want to get an idea if these units are really worth it. I sure was impressed though.
"If you can't fix it, don't break it."
The Unico system is very different from any conventional system that you will ever install. It uses the principal of asperation to dehumidify, therefore giving a more even comfort (properly installed, of course ! ) It will also be quieter than a standard system because of the attenuator tube used to dampen the sound. Also, asthetically, people love it.
Once you put one in and set it up, you will sell more of them.
Thanks mgr. I'll welcome any other opinions. I'm also going to read more on Unico, maybe it's something worth getting in to.
"If you can't fix it, don't break it."
To clarify: unico uses aspiration to deliver the air to the space this mixes all the air in the room, as opposed to difusion. The greater level of dehumidification comes from the fact that the system does about 200 CFM per ton and utilizes much larger coils than conventional systems thus does about 30% more dehum. Also they run a 30 degree delta tee.Originally posted by hvacprodmgr
The Unico system is very different from any conventional system that you will ever install. It uses the principal of asperation to dehumidify, therefore giving a more even comfort (properly installed, of course ! ) It will also be quieter than a standard system because of the attenuator tube used to dampen the sound. Also, asthetically, people love it.
Once you put one in and set it up, you will sell more of them.
HVAC-tech lane,with HASco certified unico installer
I have worked only on a couple of these systems. My question is about the claim of 30% moree dehumidification, if you properly design a standard AC system and design for 50%-55% humidity does their claim mean humidity will be 20%. I've never quite understood this claim.
I installed my first spacepak this past summer and then did another after that it was unreal the dehumidification it was 53% rh outside and 31%rh inside the home. Felt like you were being dried off with a towel when you walked in the door.... well almost...but the difference was substanial and noticeable the second youy entered the home and I was impressed.
I personally would only install them where I needed to because of ductwork placement restraints as I do not find them easier than a regular install and they are pricey.
Dehumidifcation can be achieved just as well by using a undersized coil in a standard system at a lower cost than these systems.
But they are nice systems and look nice in terms of 2 inch outlets instead of vents so for high end clients or where no room exists for ductwork I like them.
thehumid1-------I live in NJ, a state where it's free to come in but you have to pay to leave!
In regards to dehum. unico clams to remove 30% more not maintain 30% lower, thus allowing the same comfort level at a higher setpoint than a standard system.
i have installed many unico systems along the nj shore
they work great and allcoustamers are happy with them
also certified with unico to
follow the book and install the way they tell you with out any changes and you will install a lot more. set up is very important to startup on unico is not the same as a normal unit. set the anpps and follow the book with the freon charge it is important. they tend to run normal head preaaure and low back pressure arround 55 in alot of cases that is why there is a freeze stat make sure it is connected. you will find it to be the nicest unti you ever installed they are great units
I'll tell ya what, I wish I could just install Unico systems sometimes. I love them.
Let me tell you a little about me. I work on the area's most extream homes, and for the most reputable builders and people. I install alot of Unico systems.
They are superior to conventional systems plain and simple.
I have only found a few downfalls with them. One is the fact that they're not for everybody, and in that I mean....you have to have a good work ethic to install a system correctly and have it work properly. It's definatly not for the hack and slash fly-by-nighter.Which you would think is a good thing...but too many bad installs give things a bad name. And alot of homeowners can't afford them. I don't have that problem, but I am in a small percentage of people. Secondly, I notice that I find myself in the tightest damn spaces putting these things in !!! It's getting to be a routine now that when I hear Unico....I think "tight space".
I guess you can't really consider these things to be "bad" things, but I figured i would mention them anyway.
How does Unico compare to Spacepak, and hi-v. Any noticeable differences?
Thanks,
Chris
Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm going to push my company to try and sell a few (or more) of these. I know there's a market for cool DRY air here in the deep South. And if I do get the chance to install one, I'll let y'all know what happens.
"If you can't fix it, don't break it."
Unico is in a class of their own compared to other HV brands.
I wouldn't even entertain the idea of another brand.
I don't want to disrupt this thread but, have any of you tryed to zone a unico system. I had a customer that wanted two 4 zone hi-velocity systems. I called Unico and they would not say yes or no. I installed two 4 zone conventional systems instead, oh and a full radiant floor system, SWEET.
unico is operated by a splinter group from spacepak, when they left spacepak they could not take patented designs with them. space pak has been around since like the 40`s
i have seen there original equipment still running strong
attend a spacepak seminar before you go with unico
you will see how unico grasp at straws to get where spacepak is. Spacepak is clearly a better more reliable & simpler product, trunk is far superior too.
see for yourself & dont be misled.
The Captain
1man, I asked that question about zoning at the class I went to. The Rep there said Unico systems should not be zoned, instead try to use multiple systems. Something about maintaining air balance if I remember right.
"If you can't fix it, don't break it."
I have installed spacepak and unico. The spacpaks are smaller and you only need one part number when ordering. With unico you have to order about 4 freakin parts to build an airhandler. I just worked on an old dunham-bush HV system last month. I think they are now spacepak.
Please step AWAY from the condensing unit.
From Unico tech bullitin #110Originally posted by 1manband
I don't want to disrupt this thread but, have any of you tryed to zone a unico system. I had a customer that wanted two 4 zone hi-velocity systems. I called Unico and they would not say yes or no. I installed two 4 zone conventional systems instead, oh and a full radiant floor system, SWEET.
Therefore, do not reduce the airflow below 200 cfm per
nominal ton. Likewise, do not bypass the supply air into
the return duct, as this is similar to reducing the airflow.
If you close off a main trunk you must open another. In
other words, make sure that the number of open outlets
remains essentially constant.
The most common type of system has two zones, where at
any given time, the airflow never falls below the minimum.
Delivering more than the minimum amount of air
is rarely a problem. To illustrate, consider the following
examples.
Example 1. Consider a nominal 3-ton application with
two equal zones. Each zone has a plenum serving each
area. The minimum airflow is 600 cfm so the system
requires at least 15 full open outlets. Both zones are installed
with 10 outlets. Each plenum has a two-position
damper that is fully open or partially open (in the closed
position). When either zone requires air, the damper in
the plenum for that area is fully open. Otherwise, it is
partially closed equal to half the airflow (or the equivalent
of 5 full outlets). With either zone calling for conditioning
the minimum number of outlets is 15 and with both
zones open the number of outlets is 20. Notice the number
of outlets never drops below 15 when the system is
Technote 110 — Page 2
© Copyright 1999 Unico, Inc.
operating. The actual number of outlets in each zone does
not have to be equal so long as the equivalent of the
minimum number of outlets is always open.
Ummm yeah, what tech said, LOL.
I do remember that from the class.
"If you can't fix it, don't break it."