Should I have to ask the contractor to take the capacitor & start kit back or is this something he should suggest himself? I guess I have a bit of a trust issue as he has never suggested replacing the worn out compressor; just jumped in suggesting a new system. I don't even know what a new compressor should cost. We have another contractor coming out this afternoon to give us an estimate but as my husband works out of town during the week & I'll have to deal with this, I am trying to learn what I can so I can know what questions to ask & whether or not what I'm being told is legit. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Well, if they're not crispy, they should still be viable if planted soon. My grandfather always waited at least a week for them to dry to prevent rot before planting.

Lucille, I appreciate your thoughts. I do agree that Snidely is making some assumptions and assertions that are in error. It is sad that even in the affluent USA, many families are really only about 9 meals away from hunger, and 3-4 paychecks away from falling into bankruptcy. Snidely, it is very important for 1 income families to plan and prepare for financial ups and downs. They can do it admirably by making lifestyle choices which many may consider very frugal. They should be celebrated for that foresight and gumption! Many one income families would be WORSE off if the 2nd person went to work outside the home (day care costs, clothing, transportation and other expenses). It is just as important for 2 income families to plan and prepare – often the two incomes are necessary for daily living, and when one of those incomes is interrupted, it could be a calamity. I am in a 2 income family, and we economize in so many ways so we can live well and save for the future. We started out at zero (again) just 15 years ago and have had a couple of trials in the meantime. Ready money is not always available – so “food insurance” is very important to keep a family afloat. Our savings (including retirement savings) in the past was wiped out several times – none in our control. 1. Two lengthy job losses over the years – not eligible for unemployment, 2. One 6 month serious illness – not covered by insurance, 3. An employer who folded – skipping out on paying our last two paychecks and an entire year’s worth of tax withholdings (which we had to pay in again to the Feds/State) (and we lost the health insurance we relied on-see above), 4. Finally, a financial institution failing that took away an entire year’s worth of income that had been saved. If worst comes to worst, the powers that be will not foreclose, garnish, or attach your food supply. Food stamps are not always available -- in everything that happened to us through the years, we only qualified for a total of 3 months of food stamps. We choose to grow our own, shop wisely, and store extras on hand so we can feed ourselves and others far more cheaply than those who choose not to economize the way we need to. I wish I could keep my food costs down as low as Grainlady's !

There is an active discussion on compact washer/dryers that you can join and likely get the info you are looking for: Laundry Forum Compact Washer/Dryer Discussion