CIC also has a loan product that will allow you to get money to reduce the energy consumption of your buildings.

Very efficient.Chances are the older system has substantial duct loss and should be tested.Mini splits have their place but cold air is heavier and drops so the bottom floor doesn't make sense.Electric motors do not raise in load consumption as they age, it's the mechanical work done that raises load, typically deferred maintenance on belts, shives and pulleys.I'd disqualify HVAC companies by asking; Are you proficient in the new Manual J,S & D standards (that will be required in the industry moving forward)These companies will understand laminar flow, stratification and static airflow imbalances that have a great effect on efficiency, operation and longevity of a conditioning system.Get 3 estimates, compare scope & make sure its permitted.

But consider this: if an alcoholic was sobering up and not feeling well as a result, would you give him a round of shots to make him feel better in the immediate or encourage him to fight the feelings of withdrawal and enter treatment?

.: a physical or mental impairment that substantiallylimits one or more major life activities).Major life activities includebut are not limited to:walking, seeing, hearing, speaking,breathing, thinking, communicating, learning, performing manual tasks and caring foroneself.Impairments that are considered a disability under the Fair Housing Act include suchdiseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, auditory and speech; cerebral palsy,muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, autism, seizure disorder, cancer, heart disease,diabetes, asthma, HIV, mental retardation, mental and emotional illness, drug addictionand alcoholism.

Drink more alcohol..No, Not really. ;)Truthfully though, relaxing more often was one of my new years resolutions for me and my RE businesses.It's only day 2 on this "relaxing" journey and I advise all to partake in it in some way, shape or form. 

This approach encourages them to be mindful of their consumption and find ways to reduce utility usage, ultimately leading to lower bills.

Phoenix also has so much sprawl that their water consumption is relatively high per person and people insist on keeping grass lawns in a desert.  

I bought a 1926 house in a neighborhood where I am restricted from manufacturing or selling alcohol.

I would also take a look at alcohol and cigarette company profits  during a recession, as they actually go up, not down.

I ended up paying the squatters to leave because they were going to drag this out especially the prostitute with both her special needs children (no doubt that way because of her hard drug and alcohol use).