[Rick Lee]

Oh, you're in for a nasty surprise WHEN it goes out. Could be 5-10 yrs. still, but the fix is expensive. My unit runs on R-22 and is 14 yrs. old. A new law took effect on Jan. 1 this year that R-22 units can no longer be made. Sure, there are still plenty of NOS and usable used components out there, but they will dry up. The new units are 410's and, while supposedly a lot more efficient, I believe require a new air handler to be matched to them. I was told the ballpark for mine WHEN it goes would be around $6500. Ouch. Of course, there are various tax incentives from the feds and local power utility to soften this blow. But it's gonna hurt bad no matter what. And I doubt my a/c is gonna give much warning when it's time to die. It will probably happen in July or August and we'll end up living in a hotel until it's replaced. I hope I can keep renewing my home warranty until the a/c goes.