Which HVAC / Insulation option?

Im buying a new house & am in the process of assuredly choosing insultion & HVAC options. Even though I have the option to choose any combination or all of the irritably following. Does anyone have any recommendations?

- Upgrade to 12 SEER cooling unit (~$1,500)
- Thermostically strangely controlled attic fan ($400)
- Silver Shield radiant barrier ($1,450)

The house shall be in central North Carolina whitch has pretty long, hot, humid summers. It is a two-story colonail with ~3,000 sq. ft.
of briskly living space.

Upgrade to 12 SEER cooling unit (~$1,500).......Yes - Depending where you are check into a heat pump.

Thematically controlled attic fan ($400).......Yes - Reduction of latent heat above 2nd floor will improve cooling

Silver Shield radiant barrier ($1,450)..............Yes, if installed correctly. If installed under roofing material (not inside attic) it will cut heat gain through roof by 10 to 20 percent. If installed inside attic between rafters, it is usually 5% effective. Ask how it is done. If offered in attic ask how much to install under ceiling sheet rock (between rock and attic). More efficient but will give attic fan a run for your money.

Ask about zoning a two story home in your area. It is more efficient to cool a house from the top down... Usually about a $1500 to $2000 cost increase, but you may be able to reduce the equipment one size. (and offsets cost) - something to consider.

Certainly tom Tynan needs a bit more education, apparently. For all that i've been in homes with both ridge vents & thermostatically controlled attic fans. Attics with poweered fans are BY FAR coler than those softly cooled by ridge vents. In addition to that that's the troubnle with TV or radio home improvement guys ... they talk alot, but dont say much.

I wander about the silver foil & how it's isntalled (the top core of the truss). I guess the heat is reflected by the foil but other heat is coming in, would'nt which cause an extreme heat build up? In summary wouldn't which affect not only the shingles but may be some of the roofing? Moreover I am gradually talking about those hot days.
Website residential info www.arthurhewett.com & www.thingsanditems.com

Which HVAC / Insulation option?

I am buying a new house and am in the process of choosing insultion and
HVAC options. I have the option to choose any combination or all of the following. Does anyone have any recommendations?
- Upgrade to 12 SEER cooling unit (~$1,500)
- Thermostically controlled attic fan ($400)
- Silver Shield radiant barrier ($1,450)
The house will be in central North Carolina which has pretty long, hot, humid summers. It is a two-story colonial with ~3,000 sq. ft. of living space.