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JAMES T. JUDGE
  • HOME
  • SHOP
  • PROJECTS
    • 35A
    • 35B
    • Ashland Ave
    • 58 W Virginia
    • Orchidhouse
  • ABOUT
  • SERVICES
  • PRESS
  • Media Kit
    • Audition Videos
    • Brand Promotions
  • Blog
JAMES T. JUDGE

The House Judge Blog

Preserving the Past, Cooling the Future: Why Trane HVAC Systems Are a Smart Upgrade for Historic Homes

6/25/2025
If you know me, you know I have a love affair with historic homes. From the red-brick charm of a 1920s bungalow in Phoenix to the art-deco details that whisper stories of decades past, these homes offer something newer builds often lack: character, craftsmanship, and a real connection to history.

But loving these homes also means respecting their limits—and let’s be honest, many of them were built long before central air was a thing. The challenge? How to blend the charm of the past with the comfort and efficiency of modern technology. That’s where my partnership with leading HVAC brand Trane came in while we were restoring and revitalizing our new Spanish Mediterranean home in the Willo Historic District.
​
Let’s talk HVAC. Not the most glamorous part of a home makeover, I know—but hear me out. If you’re restoring or living in a historic home, updating your HVAC system is more than just a matter of comfort. It’s an investment in preserving your home’s longevity, integrity, and value.
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Why Updating Your HVAC System Matters
 
Historic homes weren’t designed with today’s insulation or building standards in mind. That means they can be prone to energy inefficiency, uneven temperatures, or systems that just plain don’t keep up with Phoenix’s summer heat. If your HVAC system is outdated—or worse nonexistent,—you’re probably spending more on utilities while still sweating through July. That’s why updating your HVAC to a more energy efficient system is one of the smartest things you can do for a historic home.
Here’s How:
  • Improved Energy Efficiency: New systems, like those from Trane, are designed to meet the highest efficiency standards. They use less energy to maintain your home’s temperature, maximizing your comfort while helping reduce your utility bills.
  • Better Indoor Air Quality: Old ductwork and outdated filters can cause dust and allergens to circulate throughout your home. Trane systems include advanced filtration options that help improve air quality—great for anyone who appreciates breathing easy, especially in a desert climate.
  • Consistent Comfort: With zoned systems and variable-speed technology, modern HVAC setups keep every room at your preferred temperature without wasting energy. That means no more freezing in the dining room and roasting in the den.
  • Long-Term Preservation: Temperature and humidity control are essential for preserving the architectural elements that make your historic home unique—wood floors, moldings, plaster, and more. A Trane system protects these features by maintaining a stable indoor climate year-round.
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Why I Chose Trane

When it comes to HVAC, I don’t mess around, and neither should you. Trane has a reputation that spans more than a century for reliability, performance, and innovation. I like to say it’s the HVAC brand that stands the test of time—just like the homes I love.
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Trane products are rigorously tested for durability (we’re talking weeks of freezing temperatures, scorching heat, and relentless pressure). Translation? You’re getting a system that can handle whatever mother nature throws at it. Plus, Trane makes it easier than ever to integrate smart home features. The systems are compatible with their line of smart thermostats and the Trane Home mobile app, so you can remotely control your home’s comfort from anywhere—even while sipping lemonade on your vintage porch swing.
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The Bottom Line

Upgrading your HVAC system isn’t just a home improvement—it’s a preservation decision. By investing in a Trane system, you’re choosing to protect your home’s future while honoring its past. You’re saving money, improving air quality, boosting comfort, and making your home a more efficient, comfortable, and lovable space for decades to come.
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Whether you’re a homeowner embarking on your first restoration or a seasoned old- home-lover like me, don’t overlook the importance of your HVAC system. It’s the heartbeat of your home’s comfort—and with Trane, it’s a heartbeat you can count on.


Stay cool, stay historic,
​James Judge
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Willo Home Tour Inventory List

2/15/2024
Living Room & Dining Room
1.Wall mounted Plug In Double Swing Sconce: https://amzn.to/3SFILnZ
2.End Table: https://dialogphx.com
3.Coffee Table: https://dialogphx.com
4.Bookcases: https://amzn.to/3HYsUMm
5.Red Chair: https://dialogphx.com
6.Wood Side Table: https://dialogphx.com
7.Puzzle stool: https://dialogphx.com
8.Entry Wall Sconce: https://amzn.to/3UGAOkY
9.Sculpture: https://www.ennaia.com/product/leben/
10.Sofa, rug, Vintage Triangle table, artwork and accessories – Contact me for more information ([email protected])
 
Dining Room & Kitchen:
1.Dining Chandelier: https://amzn.to/3uC9SIB
2.Fun Love – (Tall art) Laura Madden - https://shop.iamlauramadden.com/warehouse-originals-limited-editions-standard-products/original_art_products/fun-love?product_gallery=241318&product_id=5690640
3.Dining Table, Rug, and Dining chairs – Contact me for more information
4.Stove Wall Sconces: https://amzn.to/49w95rs
5.Jungle Love – (Stove art) Laura Madden - https://shop.iamlauramadden.com/warehouse-originals-limited-editions-standard-products/original_art_products/jungle-love?product_gallery=241318&product_id=5666682
6.Appliances: https://homeoutletdirect.com
7.Kitchen Floor Runner: https://amzn.to/3UCBhF1
8.Butcherblock: https://www.flooranddecor.com/s/floor-decor/wood-butcher-block-countertops/american-walnut-butcher-block-countertop-8ft.-100020676.html
 
Laundry Room:
1.Wallpaper: https://amzn.to/3wh3RBN
2.Ironing Board Wall Sconce: https://amzn.to/3UGAOkY
3.New Air Wine Fridge: https://www.newair.com/products/black-stainless-steel-29-bottle-wine-fridge
 
Bedroom 1:
1.Twin Beds: https://amzn.to/3wbJqpC
2.Wall Sconces: https://amzn.to/3OLGwOL
3.Curtains: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/bollolvon-room-darkening-curtains-1-pair-gray-60325299/
4.Bedding: Target
5.Ceiling Light: https://amzn.to/3OLa4vQ
6.Lockers – Contact me for more information ([email protected])
 
Hallway Bathroom:
1.Sink: https://amzn.to/3OJL6gp
2.Faucet: https://amzn.to/4bBX9X8
3.Vanity Light: https://amzn.to/4bBFVJn
4.Shower System: https://amzn.to/3wjgxrM
5.Wallpaper: https://amzn.to/3UGEiny
6.Black and White Bath Mat: https://dialogphx.com
 
Bedroom 2:
1.Curtains: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/bollolvon-room-darkening-curtains-1-pair-gray-60325299/
2.Bedding & Lamps: Target
3.Ceiling Light: https://amzn.to/3OLa4vQ
4.Gold Canopy Bed: https://amzn.to/3uyM7kO
5.Nightstands and gold stools – Contact me for more information
 
Primary Bedroom & Bathroom:
1.Books: https://dialogphx.com
2.King Bed: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/malm-bed-frame-black-brown-luroey-s99009474/
3.Monkey Lamp: https://amzn.to/3OM3pBE
4.Bedding: Target
5.Ceiling Light: https://amzn.to/3OLa4vQ
6.Curtains: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/bollolvon-room-darkening-curtains-1-pair-gray-60325299/
7.Large Art: https://juniperprintshop.com
8.Dressers, Accent Chair and plug in wall sconce – Contact me for more information
9.Bathroom Tile: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Daltile-Restore-Cool-Mint-4-1-4-in-x-4-1-4-in-Glazed-Ceramic-Wall-Tile-12-5-sq-ft-case-0148441P1/202627034
10.Bathroom Wallpaper: https://amzn.to/49dZk1j
11.Mirror: https://amzn.to/49mGTb6
12.Bathroom Sink: https://amzn.to/3wkEBKT
 
Paint Colors:
1.Exterior: BEHR Cracked Pepper PPU18-01, Exterior Accent & Interior Trim/Doors: BEHR Broadway PPU18-20, Interior: BEHR Swiss Coffee, Cabinets: Custom Color Match
 
Vendors:
1.Wallpaper – Arizona Wallpapering (Jonathan) 360-936-6568
2.Concrete Floors – West Coast Flooring (Christian) 602-327-9089
3.Paint – Alpha & Omega Painting (Israel) 602-318-8062
4.Landscaping – Willo Lawn Service (Don) 602-549-0732
5.Music – Dan Sell 480-251-2291 @gtar4dss
6.Mocktails – The Twisted Botanist (Jake) 614-551-7202 @thetwistedbotanist
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Amazon Favs 8/4/23

8/4/2023
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HAKEEMI Red/White Wine Glasses Set of 12- https://amzn.to/44PokK6
PARTPHONER Large Outdoor Light Fixture 2-Light- https://amzn.to/44MwmUh
MhyTogn Industrial Style Chandelier- https://amzn.to/3DxTgTn
Super Ergonomic Pillow- https://amzn.to/3KgRHgo
Kitchen Cabinet Handles Matte Black Cabinet Pulls- https://amzn.to/3OBeXYT
Gold Eye Mask- https://amzn.to/3pTtR3c
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Amazon Favorites 7/21/23

7/17/2023
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Gold Eye Mask- https://amzn.to/3pTtR3c
Velvet Hangers 30 Pack- https://amzn.to/44Mavfg
Car Vacuum Cleaner- https://amzn.to/43u1BBS
Wonnitar Outdoor Rug- https://amzn.to/3QiAQh5
Ticket to Ride Rails & Sails Board Game- https://amzn.to/3DooOux
ShineTech Wall Sconces Set of 2- https://amzn.to/44tSBOm
0 Comments

Amazon Prime Day- Bedroom Favorites

7/10/2023
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Sleep Restoration Bed Pillows for Sleeping- https://amzn.to/3O5agX6 (37% off)
Zober Under Bed Storage- https://amzn.to/3rqcAyO (20% off)
Velvet Hangers 30 Pack-https://amzn.to/3D6F17H (15% off)
Hotel Sheets Direct Bed Linen Set- https://amzn.to/44jonxx (20% off)
9 Shelf Hanging Closet Organizer- https://amzn.to/3DbQHG4 (25% off)
Hotel Sheets Direct Viscose Derived from Bamboo Bed Linen- https://amzn.to/44B7YEl (20% off)
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Amazon Prime Day- Kitchen Favorites

7/10/2023
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FineDine Superior Glass Food Storage Container- https://amzn.to/44peGhm (35% off)
Paksh Novelty Italian Red Wine Glasses- https://amzn.to/3O7jIJm (23% off)
Mixology Cocktail Shaker Boston Shaker Set- https://amzn.to/3D5kIr5 (30% off)
HOMWE Cutting Boards for Kitchen- https://amzn.to/3JPjfcp (16% off)
FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 6)- https://amzn.to/3PKKCrT (10% off)
0 Comments

Amazon Prime Day- Pet Favorites

7/10/2023
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ChomChom Pet Hair Remover- https://amzn.to/44kghom (20% off)
Active Pets Plush Calming Dog Bed- https://amzn.to/3pzvV0d (25% off)
Angry Orange Stain Remover- https://amzn.to/3XKlraJ (15% 0ff)
Active Pets Dog Car Seat Cover for Back Seat- https://amzn.to/3JMGzYj (23%)
Stelucca Amazing Shields Cat Scratch Furniture Protector Pack of 6 - https://amzn.to/3JOup0Q (12% off)
Pawler Dog Pooper Scooper- https://amzn.to/3JTb3rv (20% off)
0 Comments

Amazon Favs 7/7/23

7/6/2023
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Elite Sportz Ring Toss Games for Kids- https://amzn.to/3qxQZnE
Café Casa Milk Frother for Coffee- https://amzn.to/3NlthEq
ChomChom Pet Hair Remover- https://amzn.to/3nFEmGi
Fire Starter Squares 160- https://amzn.to/3PhBniE
Rechargeable Electric Lighter- https://amzn.to/40ACKeV 
Ranger Ready Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray-  https://amzn.to/3JIUpLa
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Amazon Favs 6/30/23

6/26/2023
Picture
Fire Starter Squares 160- https://amzn.to/3PhBniE
Rechargeable Electric Lighter- https://amzn.to/40ACKeV 
Bates Paint Roller- https://amzn.to/3XoqAFt
Iron Mesh Chevron Fireplace Screen- https://amzn.to/44ehIVD
Catinsider 70.9 Inches Multi Level Cat Tree-  https://amzn.to/3Nq1pNZ
Large Adhesive Hooks 22Ib(Max)- https://amzn.to/3PuK0GE
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Amazon Favs 6/23/23

6/22/2023
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Drive Auto Car Trash Can- https://amzn.to/3NDlba5
22 Inch Round Wooden Turntable Organizer- https://amzn.to/3Pnc2Ea
Fire Starter Squares 160- https://amzn.to/3PhBniE
3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone- https://amzn.to/43WTb7k
Petrichor Nest Thermostat Wall Plate- https://amzn.to/43RGv1f
Two Handles Widespread 8 inch Bathroom Faucet- https://amzn.to/46csUDv
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