It sounds to me like your duct system has leaks that cold air is getting into your system. Even if your ductwork is in concrete it should not drop your air temp that much unless cold air is getting in also. I would start with temperature readings of the return air temp at the return compared to the actual return air temp at the furnace. I would then check the supply temp at the furnace right after being heated and compare it to the supply temp. You might have to put some small holes in at the furnace so don't forget to seal them.

You didnâÂÂt mention what you electrical rate is per kWh. You did mention some pretty magic words, âÂÂI will need a wellâÂÂ. Since youâÂÂll be drilling a well anyways, that opens the possibility of exploring an open loop geothermal heat pump system. Driller just has to make sure the well drilled can pump enough water for both domestic water supply AND geothermal. The well should be deep enough that if the water table drops due to drought or neighbors on the same aquifer that youâÂÂre deep enough to not run dry. The other issue is responsible discharge of âÂÂleaving loop waterâÂÂ. The best way would be back into the same aquifer at about 80 to 100 feet horizontally apart. The only âÂÂmodificationâ to the water is a change in water temperature of just a few degrees up or down depending on whether youâÂÂre heating or air-conditioning. ThatâÂÂs it - no other changes to water quality - so it can go back into the same aquifer! Open loop does require more maintenance than closed loop. Water quality would have to be tested for suitability but this sounds like it might be a relatively shallow well that would keep pumping cost low. Open loop also represents the possibility for the highest theoretical geothermal heat pump efficiencies (COP) possible. I would suggest separating all the HVAC, geothermal and well drilling from the general contract if you feel youâÂÂre up to the task. Hire properly accredited companies. I would also suggest that if you do go the geothermal route that you add to the contract a âÂÂCancellation DateâÂÂ, particularly with the drilling and ground loops. The last thing you want to hear after signing and waiting for a driller to appear is that, âÂÂThis is my busy season, IâÂÂll get to you as soon as I canâÂÂ! You could also consider natural gas for the geothermal backup, particularly if youâÂÂd be using it for other applications as well. It would however add additional installation costs, such as, gas line and venting but should be discussed and explored. IMO SR Here is a link that might be useful: International Ground Source Heat Pump Association at Oklahoma State University

We have the smaller LG combo unit. I have to say, it doesn't really affect the humidity level around the unit. I understand some units are pretty bad about that, but not this unit. With any condensing dryer, you are going to see significantly longer dry times. With our unit, it's about 3 hours for the normal dry cycle. They do come out super hot/dry, though. No experience with the separate units. I do understand the separate condensing driers have a better system of removing excess lint. That's something our combo unit doesn't do and it sucks. Check out AJ Madison's condensing sets. Since you are in NYC, they might have some in their showrooms. In DC here, and we had to do our shopping online, so you might get the benefit of checking them out in person first. Good luck!

Good morning. You're busy thinking. There's been lots of discussion of sink placement on this forum--centered, under window, etc. The largest consensuses again and again, often with pix to prove the point, are that 1. In almost all cases sinks don't look at all odd they're not centered, function ruling in this case with no offense to aesthetics. It's often not even noticed. 2. The prize work area in front of window, or whatever, should be allotted to the area where most time is spent. For most of us these days, that's definitely where we do our prep. I personally feel every kitchen needs one good place to "cook" in--big enough, efficient enough, inviting enough to be a great place to work; of course, it could use a window. THIS idea can give offense to tradition. Peculiarly, for some the notion that the sink belongs in front of the window is almost as strong these days as it was when cooks could spend literally hours washing buckets of veggies in from the patch, stringing green beans, and cutting insects out of fruit for canning. :)! Regarding your layouts, personally, I still like your initial one a lot overall. It provides that good work space, not extravagant but adequate and efficient, out of traffic ways, etc., AND provides a great dining area for you and those 10-12 guests to walk around and...party. The second one gains a bit more work space but sacrifices the genuine spaciousness and flexibility of the first to get it, and results in blind corner storage to boot. I'm also imagining needing someone busy chatting away having to step back a bit each time you want to open the dishwasher. No extra chair on the end for sure. You'll know if your cooking style needs more space, though.