re: OT HVAC peeps...variable speed really worth it?

I would get single speed outside unit with a variable furnace/air handler. Use the savings to upgrade the insulation to spray foam.

You'll get enhanced dehumidification with the variable speed blower ramp up. The furnace running at single stage in our climate is good too as the furnaces are oversized for our climate.

True variable speed (indoor and outdoor) tend to have dehumidification problems. I had a Tech installing my system tell me he had to add a whole house dehumidifier to get the humidity down with his Trane xl20.