However because of Covid and the rising material prices is eating up a lot of the budget that was supposed to go to our solar panels so for now we will not be using those but I think we will still be satisfied with our energy consumption

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 ran all the 240v electric to the hot tub & it's always set to 96degF with it being adjusted higher during use, yet the electrical consumption is not noticeable.We do not use anything other than Eco-one to treat the water, but I throw in a cup of chlorine after heavy use.

So  "I can spend half of it on women and alcohol....

Choose your social group with great care, you will become them - When I hung out with alcoholics I became an alcoholic, when I started hanging out with wealthy investors, I became an investor (who might someday become wealthy lol)