The Unico system is a small-duct, high-velocity HVAC solution. It is classified as a distinct product within the residential central air conditioning and central heat pump category.
Craig Messmer is the Vice President of Engineering at Unico. He has been with the company for nearly 40 years and has over 40 years of HVAC industry and manufacturing product design experience.
His background includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in thermal systems. His early career covered industrial, commercial, and military projects. At Unico, his work has focused mainly on residential applications.
The EPA has introduced a new rule that requires a refrigerant change. The change is driven by environmental concerns.
The current refrigerant, R-410A, has a global warming potential (GWP) of around 2,200.
The new target is below 750 GWP.
R454B is described as more favored in the U.S. because of its lower GWP.
The new refrigerants, especially R454B, have different properties and require system design changes.
The refrigerants are low-flammability A2L refrigerants. That classification requires refrigerant sensors for safety.
The transition creates a need for millions of new sensors to be produced and integrated into HVAC systems.
Unico and other companies are preparing for fourth-quarter production to meet demand and comply with the new regulations by January 1, 2025.