My husband and I always admired the big, old houses in the historical district of Orland Park. When we finally got the chance to purchase one of these gorgeous properties, we didn’t hesitate. The house features original woodwork, including the floors, doors, moldings and staircase. There are mullioned windows, ornate wainscotting and decorative crown molding. While we are very happy with our home, it has presented some problems. The weather in Orland Park is always a challenge. The conditions require both heating and cooling. Because our house was built during the mid 1800s, it lacks conventional ductwork. The former owners were relying on a combination of window air conditioners and box fans in the summer and electric baseboard heaters in the winter. Not only was the assortment of portable equipment an eyesore, but it failed to keep up with demand. The living space was overheated and sticky or freezing cold for most of the year. My husband and I were unwilling to destroy the architectural integrity of the home for the sake of installing ductwork. I did some research and learned about high-velocity systems. This option is designed to retrofit into older homes without disruption. The true innovation is the mini-ducts that are only two-inches in diameter and flexible enough to be routed through existing walls. They are able to accommodate plumbing pipes, power lines and studs. The mini-ducts connect to circular-shaped vents that are only six inches in diameter and can be installed almost anywhere in the room. The high-velocity heating system doesn’t detract from our decor or the charm of the house and yet provides perfect year round comfort.