Building with Ducts Inside- Why Unico is the Best Option for Modular Homes

In today’s modular home market, energy efficiency isn’t just a bonus—it’s a must. This growing demand is driving more manufacturers to explore HVAC solutions that keep ductwork within the conditioned envelope of the home. Traditional ductwork—often routed through attics or crawl spaces—sits outside the thermal boundary and can lose up to 15% to 20% of the air it carries.

This has led many builders to default to ductless systems. But what if there was a better, more seamless option for integrating ductwork into your modular builds? Let’s explore why The Unico System is the optimal choice for building ducts in conditioned spaces—and why it fits modular construction like a glove.

Why Modular Manufacturers Should Choose The Unico System Over Ductless Options

Ductless systems may seem like a straightforward solution to keeping HVAC components within the building envelope, but they come with major aesthetic and layout trade-offs. Wall-mounted indoor units disrupt interior finishes, complicate floor plans, and clash with the streamlined design most modular builders aim to deliver.

The Unico System offers a near-invisible HVAC solution. With ducts that are just 2 inches in diameter—roughly 33% the size of traditional ductwork—The Unico System can be routed through wall cavities, floor joists, and other tight areas without altering your structural designs. You can even run ductwork through central corridors to minimize branch runs.

For modular manufacturers, this means cleaner installs, faster production, and a more polished final product.

Building Ducts in Conditioned Spaces Adds Quality and Control

Installing ductwork inside conditioned areas gives your teams greater control and visibility over the HVAC system. Instead of hiding ducts in inaccessible attic or crawl spaces, placing them within the living area (like between joists) keeps them protected and easier to service during final assembly or post-sale maintenance.

Starting this planning during the design phase is crucial—and Unico’s dedicated modular team is ready to help. We work with your floorplans to ensure proper sizing, layout, and duct count per room, optimizing comfort without compromising your modular designs.

Compact Ducts = Greater Flexibility for Modular Floorplans

Traditional duct systems, typically six inches in diameter, are difficult to accommodate in the compact infrastructure of modular construction. The Unico System’s small-duct, high-velocity technology provides a smart alternative—delivering up to nine tons of conditioned air while freeing up space for structural, plumbing, and electrical components.

For modular builders working within tight spatial tolerances, this kind of flexibility is key. And with many utility companies offering efficiency credits for systems that boost thermal performance, The Unico System is a great fit for qualifying new builds.

Deliver Draft-Free, Even Comfort with The Unico System

Comfort isn’t just about cooling—it’s about how that cooling feels in every room. The Unico System creates a smooth, even temperature profile across the entire home. Here's how:

1. Insulated Tubing: Each supply tube is wrapped in insulation and an outer vapor barrier, reducing thermal loss within the home’s conditioned space.

   
   

2. Aspirating Airflow: The system uses a principle called aspiration, creating a gentle suction that mixes room air into the stream of conditioned air—resulting in quiet, draft-free comfort from wall to wall and floor to ceiling.

   
   

The Unico System: A Smarter HVAC Strategy for Modular Projects

For modular home manufacturers, The Unico System delivers a clear advantage—tighter installations, better energy efficiency, and more design flexibility. If you’re looking to upgrade your HVAC approach without compromising the form or function of your builds, Unico is here to help.

Want to see how The Unico System can work in your factory-built homes? Connect with the Unico Modular Team today and let’s bring comfort, flexibility, and performance into your next modular project.

The Unico System- Comfort Fit For Your Projects.