I've been planning to go to Kate's swap ever since she first invited us all, but I've been out of the loop a bit, not having much chance to play online lately. I haven't read all of the posts about it, and am trying to catch up now. Just to clarify, we ARE still having the actual swap at Kate's house, right? And we will be there for the bulk of the afternoon, lunch, etc, like last time? With all these extra activities being planned, I just want to be sure I've got that part right. Thanks for the clarification! (Kate, you know I can't wait to see your garden and your precious pups again! Please let me know what I can bring for lunch & snacks, etc.) Marcia

Perlite can be substituted for vermiculite, but between the 2 I would prefer vermiculite. Perlite tends to 'float up' rather than stay in place. It also doesn't absorb much water. Rather than drive all over the country I would advise calling nurseries in your phone book and asking them if they carry the coarse or medium grade of vermiculite in large bags. If they don't, ask them if they can special order it. Even stores like Home Depot which don't normally carry the large bags are often willing to special order it for those who ask. Where I live there is only one place I know of that routinely carries the large bags and they only carry it in spring through early fall. After that it has to be special ordered. Not a big deal to have a store special order it for you. If they know you will pay them for it, they will do it.

Holy cow! That's nuts. I've been quoted between $7,000-10,000 for this project. Here is the summary one company provided me on their quote: Remove old air handler in attic area and electronic air cleaner. Remove old drain pan and drain lines in attic. Properly dispose of old equipment and debris. Remove existing copper line from indoor unit to outdoor unit. Also dispose of outdoor condensing unit. Install new attic unit on vibration free pad and install emergency drain pan underneath. Unit will be of Rheem manufacturer, and be equipped with new R410A refrigerant. Reconnect all ductwork transitions necessary to existing trunk line. Wrap duct transition using R-8 value insulation. Install new PVC drain lines, a primary secondary and emergency to prevent any future water leaks. Install a new Spacegard media high efficiency filter on the return side of air handler. Central ac unit will be high efficiency and of seer rating chosen by homeowner. A new cooper line set will be installed from indoor to outdoor unit. A new outdoor high efficiency condensing unit will be installed and leveled on a condenser pad. All copper joints will be properly brazed assuring no leaks. A nitrogen leak test will also be included in installation to assure no future leaks. A deep vacuum will placed on unit after lines are brazed to remove any debris or moisture that may affect system. All permit costs to be paid by homeowner. ***** carries all insurance, and homeowner has no liability. All electrical connections to performed by licensed electrician. Also we will reroute thermostat wiring, so homeowner only utilizes one thermostat. Warranty: A 10 year manufacturer warranty is included on outdoor compressor and air handler. An additional 3 years on all workmanship provided by *****. A free service startup will be applied for the following summer season. Option 1: Rheem air handler 13 seer model# 13AJM36A01 Rheem condensing unit 13seer RHSLHM3617AA 3 ton capacity Unit 3 ton capacity R410a equipped. Total Investment: $5450.00 Option 2: Rheem air handler RHPNHM3624JC 3ton capacity Rheem condenser RARL036JEZ 16seer This unit is eligible for a rebate. Total Investment: $6995.00

Your current AC condenser uses R22. The new refrigerant is R410a. The refrigerants you listed are not used in residential HVAC systems. I think continuing with a R22 system is a waste of money. You are paying a lot of money just for the refrigerant. If you want to keep the current air handler then you should be able to change the indoor coil and the condenser. If the lineset is relatively easy to change, I would change that also. I you are planning to live in this house another 10 years then I would also recommend changing the air handler. You will eventually spend money on either repairing or replacing it. If the funds are available then do it now and get the maximum efficiency out of it. Electricity prices on Long Island are high. You will see a pay back on spending the extra money for better efficiency.