Hello all, Brand new to the forum and hoping for some advice. I came across this while searching for info and some of the responses that I saw posted to all were outstanding so I didn't hesitate to join (normally remiss about signing up). Anyway, my current system is a Trane XE 80 forced air gas furnace that is tapped into old duct work, some of which is the old convection type for fireplaces/wood burning stoves in the basement (house was built in 1910 or so). The system has a Honeywell electrostatic filter, and I had the house insulated (blown in cellulose), and windows are relatively new (vinyl, double pane). Also, the kitchens and bathrooms have no heating (mother/daughter setup). I am looking to upgrade my system with the following goals/concerns: Concerns (in random order): - air is very dry - temperature, while better than before insulation, still fluctuates too much - two of my three kids have asthma, and allergens are a high concern - have lived in the house 8 years, and not sure how old the system was when I moved - may be overly inefficient Goals (also random): - increased comfort/more stable temperature - improved air quality/RH level - add central cooling - reduce energy use/ongoing costs (willing to absorb higher initial costs if the break-even point is reasonable) - add heating to kitchen/bathrooms (something hopefully more cost effective than electric radiant to all three bathrooms) I have been examining options and doing some research (how I came across this site) and have considered the following options: - balance system, add registers, add system humidifier - upgrade furnace - add compressor, keep furnace - add compressor, upgrade furnace - add heat pump, keep furnace - add heat pump, upgrade furnace Any advice/guidance would be appreciated. I am starting to do my HW, but have no prior experience nor training on this. Thanks, Eddie

I'm bring Gas to my home so I had to run all new pipe... I'm getting a 450 meter (500,000+ BTU)... I ran calculations for length and size of supply line in black pipe along with length and size of CSST lines (proflex) to gas appliances with BTU load requirements... After installing, I pressure tested the line.. I ran it up 15 PSI and after 24 hours it was at 14 lbs. Now I know it will pass inspection as my understanding the inspector only requires it hold approx 10 PSI for 15 min which it does all day long... I've soaked every joint with soapy solution trying to find the source of leak that allowed it to loose 1 PSI over 24 hours and can't find a damn thing... My question is, any ideas how to refine my search or am I just being to picky? I've never done this before and really could use some advice...