"I appreciate any advice you can give. I know that this isn't the ideal approach to selecting a new system, but I'm very happy with my GC overall and am looking for the "best compromise" rather than a big fight." zyll I have to admit I don't like the above statement that I see frequently from other posts/HVAC forums. Why? You are the customer and it is your home that you will be living in. You are making the purchase and should get what you want, not what the GC wants you to have. Here are my ideas on new HVAC whether for new construction or replacement. 1.What is the builder budget/allowance? 2.What comfort level are you looking for? 3.Upfront cost not necessarily same as item #1 if you elect to upgrade 4.operational cost and efficiency of new HVAC 5.correct sizing of both new HVAC and ductwork (has GC or HVAC sub made his calculations and reviewed them with you?) 6.good quality equipment 7.good install from a dealer who has excellent qualifications. The more the homeowner knows, the better chance for an informed decision that will lead to a successful install and a satisfied customer. Now, everyone knows fuel rates are on the rise, especially fossil fuels like nat gas,propane, and oil. After looking at your fuel costs, you obviously would be candidate for a geothermal system. As a rule of thumb, they are usually two to two and half times the cost of a conventional system. But for the moment, I will assume you want a conventional system and will live in this home for the forseeable future. I have used your rates and for efficiency used a COP of 2.75(HP) and an AFUE of 93%(furnace)-tried to be conservative. Numbers were plugged into fuel comparison calculator. Cost per 100,000 btu of useable heat Electric baseboard: $1.89 Heat pump: $0.76 Natural gas: $1.34 You are a great candidate for dual fuel-a heat pump with nat gas backup furnace. Now to your question about Trane and for disclosure I have a 3 yr old Trane dual fuel system myself. First off, throw overboard the XB equipment, both furnace and AC. Low end. I would not have it. for dual fuel My budget choice would XT90 or XR90 furnace with XR14 heat pump My premium choice would be XV95 or XV90(if available) with XL15i heat pump without dual fuel-furnace with straight AC budget choice XT90 or XR90 with XR14 AC premium choice XV95 with XL15i or XR14 AC My personal choice is XV95 or XV90(if available) with XL15i heat pump Of course you will need a stat,matching evap coil for either AC/HP condenser, and some type of air cleaner cabinet. I have to admit that Carrier Infinity and Bryant Evolution dual fuel systems with their sophisticated controllers are the best in the marketplace. IMO www.trane.com www.carrier.com Here is a link that might be useful: Fuel Comparison Calculator

Quantum and panda, my WILD guess is that Thana is looking for some more independent feedback than the actual manufacturer, or a competitor that has been spamming most of the posts in this forum lately. Ahem, Panda. Here's a clue, offer some genuine and constructive advice, particularly when you have nothing to gain.

I'm probably going to regret this, but oh well, here we go ... I don't have either exact product, but we have Marvin windows and an Andersen door, and both work nicely. Our products are wood interior and clad exterior, so different lines from those featured here, but in terms of the brands, both are capable of making quality products. We've had bad windows ... these aren't them. I cant say whether the Essential line is good quality, as I have no experience with that line, but to discredit the entire brand based on one line is not fair ... the ultimates are very nice; they come with a price tag to go with it, but they are evidence that Marvin does, or at least can, make quality windows. I do also want to clarify ... the top sash cover (the piece that sits on top of the lower sash in the double hung windows where the lock and tilt hardware attach, possibly the same as a check rail, listed as part of the weatherstripping in the window specs) is actually ABS not vinyl/PVC ... both plastic, but not quite the same material, in case that's important in the decision. It's up to you whether that is acceptable or not. As to the rest of this mess, mostlikely no one is following anyone around ... but if y'all follow the same topics, you'll find the same threads ... that's how I got here: this thread kept popping to the top. If you all follow "windows" you'll find the same threads; personally, I got here from "design dilemma." Just my two bits ... I'll leave the rest of this discussion to those more familiar with the lines in question. You might want to see if there's either a showroom you can view the windows in and/or if your contractor can point out other houses where they've installed the different products, so you can get a feel for how they might look in your project.

Stick with LVP. You drop things. Go with toughest/easiest to live with. Your phone will break on tile. Low end engineered will dent/damage too quickly for the up grade to be worth it. Carpet is the most common in cold area bedrooms. You can even have the LVP run into the baths if you want to save a few more dollars. You are long-term in your home. You might as well go with what works for you. Up dates are done a year or so before you sell.