I've learned so much helpful stuff here, and I'm so grateful for the time committed by the experts on this forum. I have a bit of a dilemma in choosing which HVAC co. to purchase new central air/heat pump from and would appreciate any insights. I live in NC, 1300-sq.-ft. brick ranch home. I want to replace an old central air conditioner, 2.5 ton. My furnace is generic Armstrong, purchased in 2006. Company A (my current service provider and co. I bought oil furnace from) Recommended this one over the alternative, below: Lennox 14HPX (Merit) dual fuel, 2.5 ton, 14 SEER Evap. coil Lennox CH23-41, 3-ton capacity, cased new receptacle for condensate pump new A/C circuit protection; size 30 amp Lennox Touchscreen Programmable thermostat seal and insulate existing ducts Healthy Climate air filtration system $5079 Alternative: Lennox XP14 (Elite) 2.5 ton, 14 SEER raises the price to $5975 Salesman said that there wasn't much difference between the two systems--mainly the XP14 has an outer cover for protection against the weather. Company B Lennox XC14-030 condensing unit with a CH33-31B evaporative coil; 2.5 ton; use existing ductwork with "modifications to adapt the new indoor coil"; power wiring; etc.; adjust oil nozzle size on furnace $4,720 Alt. 1: install XP14-030 (Elite series) heat pump, add $600, including thermostat replacement Alt. 2: install a high capacity media filter, add $150 (total with both alternatives: $5420 at most, and perhaps less depending on number of work hours to install) Company B salesman explained everything in more detail and more clearly. When asked, said that the size of the nozzle on furnace (installed by Co. A, though I didn't tell him that) probably accounts for the fact that oil usage has not improved significantly with new furnace. Also said that current coil is producing a lot of moisture under the house, which needs to be remedied. Suggested moving furnace back a bit(don't remember why--something to do with the way the furnace connects with ducts). Finally, in a follow-up phone call, explained that he never recommends the Merit series--it's used mainly in new housing construction and rental properties. This last comment, and what I've learned from this forum, raises red flags about Co. A's pushing of the Merit. Co. B is BBB-certified and has an A+ rating there. Co. A. is not BBB-certified but has an A rating on the site. Full disclosure: I've used Co. A for 12 years and have often thought about looking for a new co.--negative experience with former salesman on the furnace purchase; plus this co. charges by the job for service calls; Co. B charges by the hour. I'm probably hyper-wary here because I have to make this decision myself and have no expertise on any of this. And I won't be going under the house to check their work, not that I would know what to check. So I want to make sure I do the right thing and get the most reliable equipment I can. Co. A is now offering to meet Co. B's price; give a $250 credit on next oil bill and 12-month same-as-cash financing. The salesman also keeps saying "don't forget we've been serving you 12 years," which makes me feel like I'm somehow committing an act of betrayal if I go with Co. B. Any thoughts on any of this would be helpful and appreciated.

WOW All we got here is a lot of neuroses popping out in all directions ... someone who was cheated on is SURE that the behavior means cheating, someone who was not cheated on thinks it means nothing ... and we have no real substantive data to make an evaluation on, so we all go off half-cocked based on our own positive or negative neurotic interpretations of her situation. None of that helps ... So what to do ? Well first of all concentrate on your own mental health and happiness and stability OUTSIDE of fixations with him. Reward yourself a couple times a day in some small constructive way for good things you do. Reward him in some small ways with a "thank you" when he does something good for you ... "Catch him doing something good" make the most of things and be as positive as you can be. If there is a real and substntive problem, it will eventually be fully revealed, if not, worrying and crying and getting upset will not help ... but just create a problem for you and him both. Make yourself happy and healthy. Dont hold your life hostage to his.

I am a real estate investor and real estate agent. I purchase manufactured homes in Pinal county (AZ) as rental properties and I am looking for some lenders that will be able to do some non-recourse or investment loans for me. Please let me know if you know anyone who can do loans for these kinds of investment properties or if not if you could help point me in a direction where I can find what I'm looking for would also help out greatly! I am always looking for properties, investors, and lenders. Best regards, Yiwen Krus 480-444-8365 luxelivings@gmail.com

Not Dark Shadows unless it looks vastly different growing under the Oaks in NC. This is grown in mostly shade. Yours, also looks to be grown in much shade or I would think the margin would be more distinct. The glossy leaves make me think it is a fragrant. That would be telling and would lead me to Paradise Sunshine. Star-Kissed has subtle variegation, but mine is showing more contrast a month ago with a little direct sun but mostly house shade. Lakeside Symphony also has subtle variegation, but I think the whole leaf is generally lighter in color.