About three years ago, my husband and I bought a historical home in Birmingham, Alabama.
We’d lived in the area for nearly six years and had been on the lookout for a one-of-a-kind home in one of the beautiful historic neighborhoods.
We were delighted to become residents of Forest Park. Located just southeast of downtown Birmingham, this neighborhood originated in the early 1900s. It was a favorable location because of accessibility to downtown by way of streetcars. The area features hundreds of truly gorgeous residents built in styles such as Neo-classical, Bungalow, Tudor Revival and Queen Anne. There is the Highland Park Golf Course and all sorts of adorable little shops. I frequent Dreamers Supply Co. to buy lotions, skins masks, face serums and unique skincare products. I buy plants for both indoors and outdoors from Shoppe Plant Nursery and splurge on wine from Red or White. My husband and I make a habit of eating at The Rougaroux. Situated inside an old residential home, the ambience is lovely and the gumbo, po’boys and Cajun fair is delicious. When we initially moved into our home, we had some difficulties with keeping it comfortable. The property doesn’t include centralized ductwork. Tearing down walls to install giant pipes would destroy the historical integrity. We spoke with a local Birmingham HVAC contractor who recommended a high-velocity heating/cooling system. This type of system is designed specifically for retrofit situations. It features mini-ducts that are only two-inches in diameter. These tubes are flexible and can be snaked through existing walls without damage. They work with round vents that are only six inches in diameter and available in all sorts of colors and styles. It is a relief to have effective and energy efficiency heating and cooling throughout the entire home.