Cas How old is downstairs system? I see no urgency on replacing upstairs system especially since it serves a living area that is not used often. If you haven't done this already, you should a good PM/checkup performed on the upstairs system. I find the Rheem quote on the high side. I don't recommend going up in size unless ductwork has been thoroughly checked especially on size both supply and return to see if it can handle the additional CFMs. Obviously correct sizing is important. If you are unsure, then request a load calculation or even perform it yourself for a nominal fee online. there are three equally important components-quality HVAC, the install by dealer, and probably the most overlooked and disregarded is the ductwork system. these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant line set you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites. I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem/Rudd,Carrier/Bryant. Depending on your location, I would not purchase a new HP system that did not have electronic demand defrost. Carrier does not. IMO

The most effective way to make floating shelves is to create a torsion box with a pocket in the back edge. A ledger strip is then attached solidly to the framing in the wall (3 inch #12 screws at every stud). The pocket in the back of the torsion box slides over the ledger and enough fasteners are added through the top and bottom of the box into the ledger to secure the shelf. There are metal brackets that appear on the market from time to time that faster to the wall and have a metal post sticking out that enters a pocket on the back of the shelf. The tend to have problems with securing the metal brackets to the wall solidly enough. Hollw wall anchors will not work for thses shelves. The shelf creates a large withdrawal load on the fasteners and will pull anchors right through the wall. You might be OK for a small shelf with light loads, but not books or heavy items. Rebar would be fine as a support, but it would need to be driven into a hole in the studs or glued in using epoxy to fill ang gaps (while making sure it stays level).

I agree with Debby. Hot coffee cooled isn't nearly as good as cold brewed. I put coffee grounds in a canning jar (quart) fill with cold filtered water stir very gently just to get the water into the coffee, add a lid and put in frig or counter for 12 to 24 hours. Strain well but don't press out the coffee. Store in frig. Debby have you tried a few Tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk along with the regular milk or cream? Its soooo good and even more creamy. I think its called Vietnamese iced coffee when adding the sweetened condensed milk. I don't add flavorings to mine.

Spaces in this 90 year plus head don't seem to count, though - only those which travel through the keyboard to work as title of a Houzz thread. As for the "char" in the title ... have you seen any char persons doing cleaning and tidying around here lately? ole joyfuelled