New construction, Goodman GMVC95 and Comfortnet questions

[corman930]

I am having a split-level home built in North Dakota and have a few questions regarding the Goodman GMVC95 furnace. My goal is to have even temperatures on both levels. I plan on running the fan continuously based on what I have read in these forums. Not sure if I need the variable speed fan or multi-speed fan.

Is the GMVC95 worth the extra cost vs GMH95
Is the Comfortnet thermostats the best option and worth the money for this furnace or is there another option out there that is better?
I have read in the forums where some people suggest insulating your return duct with this furnace. Why is this needed?

Just looking to know if the GMVC95 and comfortnet thermostat are worth the extra money I would be paying. I want to be able to competently discuss this with my contractor. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[portly_edward]

I don't think the GMH has a variable speed ecm motor so running it continuously would not be a good idea as it would cost you a fortune. You just have a gas furnace so I personally wouldn't care about having a communicating stat, probably because I'm partial to the honeywell touchscreen stats. Make sure your contractor knows what he's doing and he's not just the cheapest, thats your best bet for having even temps on both floors without a zoning system. Its real easy to hire a cheap new construction contractor and get an uncomfortable system out of the deal.