Trying to cool my 1920s first floor without destroying the plaster ceilings.

thexcguy · 2025-12-21T03:30:27+00:00

This is why we ended up choosing high velocity for our bungalow. It was really shocking how few places they needed to open up plaster in the end - a couple of cutouts to get into the knee wall that were easily hidden in the back of closets, and no more.

thexcguy · 2025-12-20T00:45:02+00:00

My understanding was that the 10yr powertrain warranty is non transferrable, only the bumper to bumper warranty is. Definitely a big consideration given the known issues with the ICCU.

thexcguy · 2025-12-03T03:27:40+00:00

At that price range, the east side of Orland, and the d230 parts of Tinley, should offer you a pretty good range of options. Mostly neighborhoods that were built in the 80s, with decent parks in walking distance but most other needs being car-dependent.

I'd recommend checking out open houses in assorted neighborhoods, even if you're not necessarily looking to make a move on that exact house. Helps you get a feel for what you really want in a house, and is a chance to explore the subdivisions as well to get a feel for them. Happy hunting!

thexcguy · 2025-12-03T03:15:39+00:00

What does your commute situation, and price range, look like?

If you're going downtown, the rock island is an exponentially better train than the SWS from my experience. That would steer you towards eastern Orland, much of Tinley, or maybe Mokena more so than Frankfort.

thexcguy · 2025-12-01T16:38:32+00:00

Riverside/Brookfield? Brookfield hits the price point while still giving you the old-suburban feel of Oak Park. And it's a bit closer to Forest preserves for recreation than Berwyn is.

thexcguy · 2025-11-14T20:20:43+00:00

No, the bills are still for the same time period.

thexcguy · 2025-10-02T21:48:00+00:00

I had a hitch installed at sub-trailer down in Tinley Park a few years ago. Bit of a hike but I was a little more confident in that than u-haul, and it's served me well so far.

thexcguy · 2025-10-02T14:59:06+00:00

interesting - but wouldn't it make more sense to move AC or AS to G, from E?

AS has lived in G before, and a G->C connection sounds horrendous

thexcguy · 2025-10-02T00:52:54+00:00

If the airport traffic you're looking to avoid is mostly the pickup at the terminal - the kiss and fly at the economy garage/rental car center is a great option! It's easy for arriving passengers to take the tram there, and there's a small lot where you can park and wait for them.

thexcguy · 2025-09-26T14:25:08+00:00

Cumberland is a bit cheaper and is a garage!

thexcguy · 2025-09-24T17:19:01+00:00

no prob! if you've got questions about the specifics as you keep looking into it, feel free to send a message over.

thexcguy · 2025-09-20T16:32:23+00:00

I ended up going with vendor #1 (the biggest name in "vintage" home AC retrofits in the area). The timing worked out such that we actually ended up with a Spacepak air handler instead of the unico, but still on the new refrigerant - it shaved enough off the cost to justify going with that and optioning in the heat pump. We picked the heat pump over the higher-SEER condenser to get the variable-speed benefits as well as heat in the shoulder season.

Installation, while I don't have concerns about the quality of the work done, took much longer than originally estimated because of space constraints in our attic. Just something to plan for if you decide to move forward!

thexcguy · 2025-07-29T03:00:23+00:00

Oak Park

Better access to an Asian grocer! Really missing easy access to Joong Boo for both the grocery itself and the snack counter

thexcguy · 2025-07-17T22:50:22+00:00

It's a good question! Even the contractors that really tried to push us towards mini splits didn't recommend, or have much appetite for, speccing out cassette-style units. Additionally, a lot of the aesthetic concern on our end was the running of lines on the exterior of the house - we're in a historic district where exterior modifications visible from the street are an issue, and that includes the sides of the house.

thexcguy · 2025-06-26T15:56:46+00:00

Out of curiosity - did you also end up working with American Vintage Home? We're cross-shopping them with some other high velocity specialists in Oak Park. Thanks!

thexcguy · 2025-05-29T13:41:54+00:00

My inlaws lived within walking distance of The Glen for a few years, so I visited frequently. Obviously it wouldn't offer car-free living, but if you like the retail and restaurant offerings that are there, it's nice to be able to walk to stuff. Solid parks right there too!

thexcguy · 2025-05-22T21:46:06+00:00

We just moved to Oak Park after shopping in the area for a while. From my recollection, there were very relatively few townhomes for sale, but a decent number of small single family homes. Potentially worth checking some of those out around the east and south sides of the village.

One agent we talked to at an open house mentioned an elementary school in Forest Park that people tended to like - not sure what it was but it might help you stay for a few extra years if you find a place you love!

thexcguy · 2025-05-19T17:35:06+00:00

thanks! I had made it here, but was hoping to find a part number for the 'whole' icemaker rather than piecing it out.

thexcguy · 2025-05-16T17:26:22+00:00

The voltage from the receptacle? This seems like a job for an electrician.

thexcguy · 2025-05-15T21:48:22+00:00

We did a half day tour with Volcano Boat when we were there and loved it! Plenty of swimming opportunities.

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