The savvy reason many households are ditching radiators – and getting 'better' heating
Could this new system change the way we heat and cool our homes forever?
Are radiators set to be switched off for good? Fear not – before you have notions of freezing cold winters ahead, the reason for this is a ground-breaking new design in home heating.
The Unico System is a smart new offering from the US, which as well as heating homes also offers, cooling and ventilation. All of which are done so via discrete ceiling outlets that resemble LED spotlights. Meaning the end of bulky and unattractive, wall-mounted radiators taking up much-needed space.
Related: Martin Lewis top tip for saving money on the dreaded winter heating bill
What is the Unico System?
More and more savvy self-builds are exploring cooling, ventilation and air filtration systems for homes. As a way of improving both the condition and quality of the air we breathe indoors.
Ventilation, such as that offered by the Unico System, has been identified by the Health & Safety Executive as a key way of reducing the risk of viruses living indoors.
Without ventilation viruses and other disease and allergen causing contaminants can get trapped within homes. Ventilation introduces fresh outside air and helps to remove these contaminants by allowing internal air to leave the property.
The technology uses aspiration to deliver draft-free heating and cooling, ensuring temperature differentials are no greater than one degree throughout the home.
The Unico System energy usage
Operating at much lower temperatures, the Unico System uses significantly less energy than a traditional radiator system. 97 per cent of the energy used is delivered to the conditioned rooms – making the system significantly more efficient than conventional heating and cooling solutions.
The Unico System reduces humidity by 30 per cent more than standard air conditioning units. Therefore less cooling is needed to achieve a comfortable room temperature. Handy for the record-breaking temperatures we've been seeing in recent years.
The near silent system operates at under 30 decibels, making it much quieter than conventional air conditioning units.
Related: Black Friday Dyson deals – vacuum cleaners, heaters, fans and even hairdryers at cut prices
The modern system is fully compatible with all heat sources, Including boilers and heat pumps. It can also be used to deliver heating, cooling and ventilation both now and after the cut-off for gas boilers in new-build homes.
Installation costs from £3,500 for a three-bed property, dependant on its size and the building type.
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Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.
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