If you live near a larger metropolitan area, you should be able to do this. As other posters mentioned, craigslist and such sites could be helpful. But even if they're not, if your area will support a few independent appliance dealers and/or some appliance outlet centers (like Sears'), you'll do okay. There's a small chain of appliance stores here that advertises a collection of stainless steel appliances for under two grand. You'll have to do a bit of shopping, however. And keep in mind that, at this price point, you'll most likely have to "give" a little on ultimate appliance performance to get the stainless steel.

GoTerps let's look at each system's numbers. option #1 3929268 Active Systems XC14 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XC14-024-230-02 CX34-25+TDR SL280UH090V36B* 24000 13.20 16.00 option #2 3929121 Active Systems XC14 SERIES LENNOX INDUSTRIES, INC. XC14-030-230-03 CX34-31+TDR SL280UH090V36B* 29000 13.50 16.00 option #3 3656259 Active Systems COMFORT 16 PURON AC CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 24ACC624A**30 CNPV*3014A** 58CV(A,X)070-12 23000 13.00 16.00 1 option #4 3656288 Active Systems COMFORT 16 PURON AC CARRIER AIR CONDITIONING 24ACC630A**30 CNPV*3117A** 58CV(A,X)070-12 28400 13.00 16.00 1 all qualify for tax credit. three observations. 1.The Lennox furnace is oversized and should drop down to the 70K model. 2.It is important that lineset be sized correctly whether you select 2 ton or 2 1/2 ton condenser. Flushing is acceptable practice but refrigerant lineset size must be correct. If you elect the 2 1/2 ton condenser, it is unlikely that old lineset will be correct size 3.I do not like thermostat selection for these quotes. I would like to hear from Ryan's ideas/suggestions on this. I do recommend a good 4-5" box filter cabinet. I would not put down more than 25% upon contract acceptance. now to the fuel comparison between electric vs nat gas. to be fair, I will use 50 therms mthly usage to better average your nat gas mthly base charge. Cost per 100,000 btu of useable heat Heat Pump with COP of 2.75 $1.15 Nat Gas Furnace 80% eff $1.81 you can readily see that a HP above temp balance pt is the less expensive choice to heat your home. Keep in mind the main reason for the large difference is the 80% eff furnace. yes, if operating costs are important to you, then HP operation would save you some $$s. ask dealer for option on HP condenser version if interested. IMO

It sounds to me like you want the SubZero but are having trouble justifying it. It's by far the best fridge of the ones you've named. You seem to have very realistic expectations and a good understanding of the context and variables. If you have plenty of cash and the SZ is a luxury you're thinking you will enjoy even though it's above the grade of the rest of the appliances and neighborhood, go for it! If you're financing the remodel, and will be paying interest on many thousands of dollars more for a luxury that's above the grade of the rest of your appliances and neighborhood, take a really good look and make darned sure it's worth the debt. I adore high end fridges with their high end performance, but the marginal difference per dollar is quite low. For most people, it's just not worth it. Are you confident in your choice of cooking appliance(s)? That's the one that usually has the biggest impact on pleasure in cooking and the kitchen, and that's usually where people will put their extra luxury money. One thing about the SZ is that with some maintenance and perhaps occasional repairs as parts wear out, it should last you for as long as you're in the house.

If the Sub-Zero is a built-in then you will need to do more than just remove the top shelf. It is designed to be completely surrounded by cabinetry. If you go with the Kitchen Aid then other than the water and ice being internal it really is no different than what you already have and you would loose 3" in width.