02 December 2025
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A large bungalow has undergone a new type of HVAC replacement that has combined UNICO’s 3-in-1 heating, ventilation and cooling system, with a Vaillant Air Source Heat Pump and its supporting controls. The two integrated systems achieved a standout heat rating of 4.4 Coefficient of Performance (COP) in March 2025 as one of the first integrations of these two innovative technologies.
The homeowner’s main priorities when looking into an HVAC system, were to avoid the costly installation and disruption of underfloor heating with an aim to minimise the bungalow’s carbon footprint, to maximise both energy efficiency and year-round comfort for all weather conditions, all to be upheld with an excellent COP.
The Unico System’s 3-in-1 heating, cooling and ventilation and cooling capability stood out for homeowner Matt Inch, whose research led him to local contractor JLN Plumbing Heating & Electrics, a registered Unico System Specialist Partner (USP) with over 25 years' experience in the industry.
As a Specialist Partner, JLN keeps up to date with the latest product improvements through Unico University. Their accreditation under the Microgeneration Certification Scheme enables homeowner Martin to take advantage of the financial incentive offered through the government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which supports the decarbonisation of homes and the installation of heat pumps. JLN is also an accredited Vaillant Advance Heat Pump installer, which enabled this industry first in combining the two innovative technologies that has given such a standout COP result.
Jim Lacey, Director of JLN Plumbing Heating & Electrics, stated: “This was one of our first opportunities to combine the Unico Small Duct High Velocity central air distribution system and a Vaillant heat pump and we’re delighted with the COP rating. It was very suitable for this bungalow as the installation is non-disruptive and with both heating and comfort cooling, it is a far more versatile option than underfloor heating,"
The Installation
JLN was supported during the whole design and installation process by Bell Plumbing Supplies, Unico System's Distribution Partner in the UK. A customised HVAC system was designed for the bungalow, with the compact positioned in the loft and the main central duct configured in a U-shape layout above all the rooms. Heated or cooled is delivered via multiple branches of fully insulated and sound attenuated flexible supply ducting to 25 ceiling mounted round room outlets throughout the accommodation. Just 89mm in diameter, the size and flexibility of the ducting provided more layout options and easier installation, which took only five days to complete in entirety.
The Results
The integration of the Unico System with the Vaillant aroTHERM Plus 7kw Heat Pump together with its complementary control system has resulted in an even, year-round internal temperature that takes into account the exterior temperature, yet also gives the option for the homeowner to adjust the internal temperature if required. In particular, the draft free, even cooling that the Unico System provided during the hot 2025 summer has been particularly welcomed by the owner, who commented: "Whilst we could have gone for a gas rather than renewables, it would have been a backwards step. The system gives us real peace of mind and is an eco-friendly, practical and affordable solution for heating and hot water, with the added bonus of cooling. This set up feels like the future. It was quite a difficult installation, but was handled by JLN without disruption and overall, the service was fantastic.”
Notable savings on the home's electricity bills are already being achieved, just months after the installation. The system achieved a fantastic heating rate 4.4 Coefficient of Performance (COP) in March 2025, a 3.2 hot water COP in May and a 4.8 cooling COP in July, with the heat pump producing an impressive 4.8 units of cooling for every one unit of electricity consumed. Since then, the addition of solar panels and battery storage will only improve this already outstanding energy efficient result.
Richard Soper, CEO for The Unico System commented: “We are excited by the initial results of one of the first collaborations of UNICO’s 3-in-1 HVAC System and a Vaillant Air Source Heat Pump with its supporting controls. The heating, hot water and especially the cooling COP results have been particularly impressive. The two technologies complement and enhance each other’s output, and thanks to the expert installation via a Unico System Specialist Parter, JLN, ably supported by our UK distribution partner, Bell Plumbing, we have a delighted customer. We are seeing an increase in demand for cost effective, sustainable and practical year-round solution to hot water and even temperatures in domestic properties in the UK and beyond, thanks to these technologies.”
www.unicosystem.co.uk
