When it’s time to get a new heating or cooling system, you have more options than you may realize. Many homeowners are finding out about an effective alternative to traditional heating and air conditioning: SpacePak. Here’s what you need to know about this option and how it compares to a traditional HVAC system. What Is SpacePak? The SpacePak AC system is the original small-duct, high-velocity system that provides central heat and cooling via aspiration. Rather than using large air ducts, SpacePak uses flexible tubing threaded through the home’s walls, with circular vents much smaller than tr ..read more

Respecting History While Improving Functionality The Chicago North Shore area is renowned for its vintage architecture and the many older homes that provide this area with its charm. Here in Evanston, where American Vintage Home is located, the median home age is 74 years old, and around 42% of homes were built in 1939 or earlier. That means if you’re a homeowner in the North Shore area and your property’s plumbing hasn’t been updated recently, you’re likely relying on some outdated plumbing equipment. Plumbing in older homes can present many problems, which is why it’s important to invest in ..read more

Is the cold winter weather starts to make room for the warmer days of spring and summer, many homeowners turn their attention to their spring cleaning lists. This typically includes tasks for often-overlooked areas of the home, but does your list include anything about your plumbing system? Taking care of your plumbing system is an essential step of home maintenance, so our plumbing experts at American Vintage Home have put together this guide of plumbing tasks to ensure your system is ready for the warmer months ahead. Clean Your Drains Clogged and backed-up drains are a nuisance for any hom ..read more

Here in Chicagoland, many older homes in the area rely on radiators to provide consistent heating on the coldest days of the year. If you live in an older home and are unfamiliar with radiator systems, you may have some difficulty figuring out how to operate them at first. Radiators are equipped with several knobs, each of which has a different function that can impact your home comfort. In this blog post, the older home HVAC experts at American Vintage Home provide a comprehensive guide to understanding your radiator’s knobs so you can enjoy lasting comfort. Understanding Your Radiator Knobs ..read more

For older homes without ductwork, SpacePak air conditioners are a great way to achieve modern cooling without compromising the home’s vintage charms. SpacePak air conditioners are a form of high-velocity air conditioning that brings cool air to buildings without the bulk and inefficiency of sheet metal ductwork. Their flexible 2-inch supply tubing ensures air moves around consistently so that you don’t experience any uneven cooling, and the lack of corners also means there’s nowhere for mold, dust, and pollen to build up. If you have a SpacePak AC, then you’re likely already familiar with the ..read more

Unico air conditioners are an excellent HVAC option for homeowners who don’t want to tear apart their homes to install central air conditioning and heating ductwork. These high-efficiency systems fit where other systems don’t, and integrate with almost any outdoor unit brand. As great as these systems are, though, they can still run into issues that need repair. At American Vintage Home, our team has extensive experience working with Unico air conditioners, which is why we’ve put together this guide to fixing your Unico AC system. Understanding Unico Air Conditioners To be able to fix your Un ..read more

Five Practical Steps To Address Uneven Temperatures in Your Home Have you ever experienced the frustration of different areas in your home having uneven temperatures during the winter season? One room may be too hot, while the other feels like a walk-in freezer. This situation not only creates discomfort but can also lead to higher energy bills. Fortunately, there are practical steps that homeowners in the Chicago North Shore area can take to address uneven home heating. If you’re dealing with uneven heating, American Vintage Home is here to help! Call (847) 999-4595 for HVAC services in the ..read more

Changing your air filters may seem like an unnecessary task, but it’s actually quite important for your home’s air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC system. To ensure you can reap the benefits that come with regularly replacing your air filters, American Vintage Home has put together this guide to make the process as easy as possible. Benefits of Changing Your Air Filter Changing your air filter might seem like a minor task, but its benefits are substantial. By regularly changing your air filters, you can enjoy: Improved indoor air quality: A clean air filter traps dust, pollen, pet da ..read more

While you probably don’t want to spend much time thinking about your home’s sewer line, it’s a crucial component of your home’s plumbing system. It’s responsible for carrying wastewater away from your home, so if it’s not properly maintained, it can lead to costly repairs and unpleasant plumbing issues. This guide from our plumbing experts at American Vintage Home is designed to provide homeowners, especially those with older homes, with helpful tips and insights into residential sewer line upkeep. What Can Cause Sewer Line Damage? Understanding the potential causes of sewer line damage is th ..read more

Five Boiler Noises & What They Mean Do you rely on a boiler to heat your home? Normally, these systems provide comfortable, even heat throughout your home and do so quietly. However, sometimes your boiler may start to make strange noises. These noises aren’t just a nuisance; they actually point to issues within your boiler, so don’t ignore them. In this guide, our experts at American Vintage Home will cover five common boiler noises, what they mean, and how to fix them. Five Common Boiler Noises 1. Banging & Clanging Noises Banging or clanging noises in your boiler system typically re ..read more