There are no Comfort series with a Carrier E Coil that qualify for the energy credit. The Comfort series is estimated to save $23 per year over the Base model, a payback of 65 years ($1,500/$23). And the higher price of the Comfort series is not factored into that payback period. The Carrier dealer is offering 10 year all parts warranty as part of the price. So no difference there. Located is a brick corner at the remotest corner of the house, sound is not an issue and at only 4 dB greater sound rating, I would rather enjoy the dollars saved. I'll have a variable speed fan and Thermidistat to achieve proper humidity control. I have made a note to ask the contractors about the HP option again. We briefly discussed it earlier and the initial cost was high enough that I calculated a payback that was not justified. Given my opinion, FWIW, that electric rates will rise much faster than nat gas rates over the next 10 to 20 years due to the current and expected continued glut of nat gas supply on the market and in the ground combined with the likelihood that this cap and trade energy legislation will pass causing all electric generating companies costs and our bills to rise dramatically, I expect significant savings by using gas relative to electricity, Again, just my opinion, but also my dollars. I hope it doesn't actually happen. But I will explore the HP option again. Thanks for your suggestions. Here is a link that might be useful: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/hvac/msg082325342972.html?4

Well I can't say how it would look without first seeing a photo of the home and the "new" door. I would say a lot depends on the style of home too. Do you have any photos to share? If you have any number of online storage albums all you have to do is copy and past the html code into your message here and when you preview the message you'll see the photo.

Hi Sooz -- I happen to love the kind of tile you had; I grew up in a 30s house with strongly-colored tiles in that pattern carried around the room. So while there are many, many options out there I sure wouldn't rule out a variation on the theme. One thing re your window -- have you really checked to make sure there's no rot around the window or into the walls? Because now would certainly be time to replace things. We're wrapping up our bath reno so I do have some photos of what we did plus a few inspiration photos I can share -- none are exactly what you're looking for but some have the elements you mentioned. If you're committed to just keeping the tile in the shower/tub area vs carrying it around the room, I think keeping things simple is probably best. Simple can be serene and gorgeous! Good luck with your project! 6x6 Tile on the diagonal (inspiration pic) Think this is 4x4 field, with grout blending in (inspiration pic) Contrasting grout (inspiration pic) More rustic approach to grid, with wide grout lines (insp. pic) Know it's tough to see -- white 4x4 grid, window (insp. pic) ********** My bath, Before shot (ceiling dropped to 6' over last 1/3 of tub) My almost-done bath (1905 house), done in DalTile's pale yellow 6x6 in a running bond vs grid pattern My bath, window area -- we removed double-hung and did a tiled-in aluminum below, awning window above

Weathy, I appreciate your comment. From what I've noticed driving around and looking at garage doors and speaking with neighbors who have had theirs painted to match the siding- the garage door fades differently than the siding, and after time looks lighter than the siding, even when painted at the same time. Though it's minor, it's something that would bother me. Jennifer, I have the same thoughts as you. Less is more and it's on the side of the house so I'm not concerned about not drawing attention. Thank you! Rustynail, thank you for for sharing your experience with Urbane Bronze! I've thought about using it on interior doors and now I will consider it even more.