High velocity air conditioning

Mike1939

10 years ago

I want to install central air in a town-house style condo, w/o a cellar or duct work. Only feasible system is high velocity A/C. What seems to be primarily available is Unicco; but one system that has been proposed that I cant find any information on is "Softaire" whose main advantage seems to be 3" ducts instead of 2," which means fewer outlets. Does anyone have any knowledge of or experience with either of these. I recognize need for good contractor, but thats a next step.

Comments (3)

Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
I have no personal experience to offer, but I've heard nothing but bad things about these systems. The fact that such equipment is provided by small (relatively unknown) equipment companies and not the big guys is convincing enough for me.

I know of two alternatives, there may be more:

1) A standard system using ducts covered with bulkheads/fur downs/chases/ choose your word. This is used in new construction, no reason to shy away with a retrofit.

2) Install a mini-split (ductless) system.
brickeyee
10 years ago
I have installed Unico systems in a number of houses with hydronic heat.

It is a different design world than typical forced air, but not really any harder to design.

It does take some creativity to get the main lines in as needed, and duct-board works well in unconditioned space (lower thermal mass to load the system).

If you can find an experienced designer/installer it is not all that hard.
honorbiltkit
10 years ago
I installed Spacepak rather than Unico in the course of renovating a 1923 Sears kit house that has radiators. After a couple of bumps early on, the system works very well.

If I had it to do again on an older home, however, I think I would have tried to find an installer certified by the manufacturer of the system.

Best of luck.