These two are both group 2 types and I say leave them alone, but DO give them both some rose food every spring and summer as well as a top dressing of manure. These two will compete for nutrients, but if you supply plenty, then they should do just fine. Suzy

Jackfre, thanks for the suggestion to have the system pressure tested for leakage. I'm confused about what you are saying. You said the cost to seal the upstairs and re-pipe the first floor, but that is not what would be done. The first floor vents would be completely sealed and would not be re-piped. There is existing duct work running across the ceiling of the first floor which now supplies the second floor. That would then become the first floor vents, so they would be ceiling vents in the existing ducting for first floor. Had a hvac guy come yesterday who said that because of the way the existing ducting is he could actually just add a little ducting in the living room and created two duct lines from what exists in the ceiling so that the second floor vents would remain as is in the floor and the first floor vents would be in the existing ceiling ducting. I plan to get at least 2 more hvac guys to come and if all agree that that is the best way and most effective than it would be far easier than what we previously thought of having to run ducting through the attic for the second floor.

From what you described removing it sounds fine. But I'd recommend you bring a pro in to inspect it and patch it up, especially if you need to patch an exterior wall. You'll want it done correctly so no air or critters make their way in.

When I replaced furnace I had one duct installed in the basement. It runs along near the ceiling and then turns down to towards the floor. The register is in a wall about 12 inches above the floor. It works fine. A basement which is mostly underground does not require much heat to keep it warm. But if you want good temperature control then consider making the basement it's own zone. This is something I regret not doing.