There are two sizes of the FS canning jar attachments. One is meant for regular mouth canning jars, and the other is for the larger mouth canning jars. Yes, they use the exact same lids used in home canning. The lids are placed on top of the jar, and the attachment is pushed down over it to make a seal between a rubber ring and the glass bead just below the threads of the jars. Once air is pulled out, and you pull off the vacuum hose from the attachment, a tiny 'slug' of air, blasts into the small vacuum hole and the lid is forced down onto the jar and seals it. You remove the attachement then and rinse off the jar if its wet. The seal is very strong and is usually far better than a regular canning process would do. As mentoned, The FS vacuum pump is NOT powerful enough to be safely used as an alternative to regular canning processing. Besides that, if the very small vacuum pump inside the FS gets any trace of moisture in it, it can cause damage to the FS machine. I use a much higher powered piston type vacuum pump and also have a water/moisture trap on the vacuum line. The pump I have quickly goes down to 30 inches, which is sufficient for a decent vacuum. I also vacuum seal dried herbs like dill weed. It remains very fragrent and bright green color, even after 2 years of storage.

The old line set (copper tubing) can be reused assuming it is the correct size of the new system. If not then it needs to be replaced. It is not the preferred method, but it is done where replacing the line set is difficult. The new refrigerant will be R410. The old refrigerant (R22) must be flushed out of the old line set otherwise you have a contamination problem. This is another reason why it is good practice to replace the line set. FYI - we can talk about prices all day long on this forum. Be warned the lowest bid usually comes with the highest risk. Finally this has been beaten to death, but let's make sure you understand the concept. You can use a 3.5 ton air handler with a 3 ton condenser. The important thing is the air flow is adjusted to the correct speed. The 3.5 ton rating is the maximum air flow, not the minimum. In turns out in this case the 3.5 ton air handler has better efficiency numbers than the 3 ton air handler. If the bigger handler can physically fit in the space, then you can use it. You have to then decide if the extra efficiency is worth the extra upfront cost of the equipment.

I received the following quote below for an 1200SF house and I live in MA. The quote is for re-doing the entire system from 'ugly octopus' to high efficient furnace! can someone tell me if this sounds reasonable for the cost? I have additional quotes coming in but am not sure what to expect... thanks! Price Includes: Bryant High Efficiency (95%) Gas Fired Furnace  New plenum and return set up with EZ Change Filter Rack  All Ductwork required (re-hung and layout configuration)  New Return Boxes  All PVC venting required  All gas plumbing hung and secured  All high and low voltage wiring  New 5-2 programmable Variable speed thermostat  Condensate pump and drainage  Removal of existing furnace and oil tank  Termination cap for exhaust and supply combustion Total Parts and LaborÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ$9,600

We are just wrapping up our kitchen reno. Backsplash left to install and we are done. Well, I think so..Are we ever really done? The backsplash is ordered and hopefully will be installed next week. Pics will be posted then. Here's the background.....our house is a 1970's ranch which was built for us in the late 70's. Now I can say good grief...what does a couple in their 20's know about having a house built. Everything was builder's grade because that was what we could afford. Bare basics. Over the years, every room was remodeled, basement reno done (not basementy--all dry wall and carpeting, built ins etc) leaving the kitchen for last knowing it would be the most expensive. Going forward, we are empty nesters. We are both still working but soon to retire. We set our budget at $50,000 but did go over that by about $5-10,000 I think. I haven't counted the beans yet. Funding came from savings. We do not have a mortgage. There were things I would not compromise on...the GC was first and foremost. He was just the best..excellent work and super to work with. The cabinets were another area. I have solid maple cabinets with dovetail and soft touch drawers. Mostly drawers on the lowers. The cabinets with doors all have pullouts. The perimeters are white, the island is a stain with glaze. These priced out at around $13,000. Not top of the line but very nice and we are happy with them. Quartz and butcherblock countertops were around $4,500 Hardwood floor and installation for kitchen, dining, foyer, hallway and stairs to lower level-- $7,000 Electrician and plumber--I think around $9,000. There was relocating of water lines, extending and relocating heating/air ducts for addition, up the amps for the bigger range, some unexpecteds. Building materials around $8,000 Labor for GC around $9,000 Appliances around $5,000. All appliances were bought at Sears..DH is retired Sears employee with lifetime employee discount. I waited until there was the extra family and friends discount night + employee discount + discount for putting on sears credit card. They were also on sale when I bought them. I bought all upper end--Kenmore pro dual fuel range, large french door refrigerator, top dishwasher and Sharp microwave drawer. Incidentals I haven't even added up yet...lighting fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware, window treatments etc. All part of the big picture. Keep in mind that this was a complete gut down to the studs and we did have a small addition to the dining area--about 8x10. The only DIY we did was taking out the cupboards, taking up the vinyl flooring, removing moldings and painting. DH travels a lot so DIY in the construction etc was not an option. My advice would be to expect the unexpected because it will happen. These things can bust a budget big time. Don't settle for what you really don't want but keep reality in check. It's exciting to find that great light fixture or cabinet hardware on ebay or the tile from someone on craigslist. A lot of the fun is in the hunt. I came upon GW when we were well into our reno and wished I had found it sooner. There I things I would change of course. There are great people here with a wealth of information and oh so willing to offer great advice and share all the ups and downs of planning and executing amazing kitchens. Oh yes--I just remembered. We still have to put stone on the front of the house where the addition is. More $ that wasn't budgeted for. And so it goes....... Good luck as the journey begins.