No real need to replace if it's the proper size and is reused properly. It's never a bad idea, but not always necessary unless its in poor shape, incorrect size, or you had a compressor burn out. Thousands of systems reuse linesets with no problems. In fact I don't think Carrier even recommends replacing them in their literature, and I know of no manufacturers who require doing so. A good nitrogen purge (or flush), vacuum, and pressure check is sufficient if done right. You have been quoted a very nice system. I assume they plan on setting the 9000 thermostat up to control dehumidification with the variable speed feature? Something to ask about.

John, I wonder if you were an Italian grandma in a previous life? Many Italians in the North End of Boston where my DH grew up had second kitchens in their homes. They had tiny little sweet Nonnies (grandma) that wore aprons and pinched your cheeks. The 2nd kitchen was so the rest of the home would not overheat with all the cooking. But I believe it was for another reason, let me explain. My husband's Nonnie had a kitchen in the basement. And boy oh boy if you went down their uninvited you would get your ear pulled. It was her private space to roll out pasta, stir heated sauces, canned tomatoes, store her back patio garden grown tomatoes, onions and basil, and that basement was her retreat from the family drama. If someone showed up to dinner unannounced, no worries Nonnie had pasta in the freezer, Risotto ready to go, or a cheese that was for company. She would magically appear laided with food to make them feel welcome. Sometimes Nonnie would spend time with a sister or daughter. They would cook, laugh, cry, delight in each other's company but mostly it was for his Nonnie only. Her 2nd kitchen was her escape from the familial drama and place to enjoy her passion for cooking. Not really the heat. It was more than keeping the heat out of the city brownstone. Sometime if you were lucky Nonnie would invite you to help her but this was rare. My husband only in his 40s still remembers his nonnie rolling out Gnocchis in different containers so each one of his aunts, uncles and adult cousins could take them home. She made special meatballs for this uncle who wanted only pork and this one who wanted raisins in his and this Aunt who wanted small ones. Everyone was spoiled with food. It was her way to express her love to her family. I wish you could build a 2nd kitchen for yourself. One with giant locks, bolts and secret codes that only those truly worthy could enter. They would bring you joy while you cook and not interupt or destroy the magic you need to create amazing dishes. When we do entertain, ( i am not the chef you are) I am one of those people who pre-cooks. I know this is terrible. I make the lasagna hours before so only have to bake it, or have DH grill while my accompanyments are simple. Otherwise the interuptions and chatty kattys drive me batty. Wishing you a good solution to your layout and passion for cooking. ~boxer

I'm talking about true upgrades, not routine maintenance that every homeowner should attend to. For example, if your furnace dies, you need to replace it. That's not an upgrade, it's maintenance. But if you rip out all the fake paneling and put up drywall, that's an upgrade. Sometimes, they're mixed. For example, if your Kenmore range dies, you would need to replace it as part of routine home maintenance. But if you replace it with double wall ovens and put in both an induction cook top and a gas cook top and get a hand-crafted wood hood, that would be an upgrade, a big one. So what I'd like to know is how many of you do actual upgrades to your MH knowing that you'll be selling in five years (or whenever) and hoping to get a high percentage of your kitchen upgrade back, as given in the example above? When you paint walls, do you do it in a neutral that you know buyers prefer, or do you do it in the color you love? Or both? How many of you do upgrades with nary a thought of getting your money back? Perhaps if this is the last home you will ever live in, or perhaps you are in a strong financial position to not have to care about getting your money back, such as if it's a vacation cabin. And how many of you try to walk the line between doing what you will love to see and use every day while keeping an eye out on what's trendy for resale? In my case, I know for a fact that when my total gut remodel is finished, my MH will be worth more than I paid for it. I got it for $2,000, so even if I just clean it, I could sell it for more tomorrow. Not a lot more, but maybe $1,000 more. I'm going to spend a lot of money (a lot to me) refurbishing this ole 1979 single wide in a park community. Would I ever be able to get a high percentage of that money back? Not a chance. In our current economy, I will never be able to sell it for more than $10,000, and even that much is rather unlikely. My reno budget for my kitchen alone is $20,000. My total renovation budget for the whole house is between $40,000-$50,000, now that I have researched and found out how much things cost. I know, going in eyes wide open, that my remodel will not increase the value of my home on a significant scale. Not in my neck of the woods. So why am I doing it? Because of three reasons. First, buying an almost free house and then spending the next few years refurbishing it top to bottom, is the way that I am able to be a homeowner. It fits perfectly with my financial situation, that I will pay as I go in cash for the remodeling. Second, because I enjoy renovations! i know some people hate it, are stressed throughout the entire process, and marriages have even broken up over the renovation process. But I love it! And, instead of having to live with a house as is because I have a big mortgage, in my case I get to pick out the things that I love, within my budget of course. I get to pick the floors, the colors, the window treatments, the skirting/siding, etc. My house will be a reflection of who I am; my house will be my work of art. Third, this is my last residence. I will semi-retire there (I'll never fully retire), I can write there, and so I want what my heart desires in this space I hope I spend many, many, many years in. I do not need to worry about selling. I'll never sell. When I die, the house will go to my daughter. She has a big say in what I'm doing because it will be her house some day. She will never sell it either; the house will be given to her in a trust managed by my brother. Long story as to why, it's due to a disability, but that's not important here. What's important to this thread is that I never consider resale value as I plan my big refurbishing project, because I don't have to. It's quite freeing, really. But I realize that most people do have to consider resale value and I'm interested in how that all balances out. :-) Peace and joy, Debbie

Laura, you are so lucky to have more sunlight! Good for you! I have to wait until the leaves fall before I can get anymore sunlight for my trees..I have come close many times of giving up and then I have also prayed a storm would rip the tree down blocking all the sun I could use, then I kind of like that tree. You should see all the birds in it..My yard would be so exposed if it did come down..So, I guess I just except the fact it's the best I am going to do without added lights, throw them out, or pray they cut that tree down...I fluctuate..Arg Jinny..How do you temps look for the rest of week or month? Are you going to be abnormally cold this year? I hope not. It really stinks..I am glad you brought them all in as you did