[Rick Lee]

We've pretty much come out even or ahead each of the last four yrs. with the home warranty that runs about $650/yr. We were kind of hoping our made-in-1996 a/c would die and we'd get either a buy-out or a deal on a replacement since parts for the old systems are drying up and thus it's harder to just keep band-aiding the old units.

We have a check up on the unit every year and it's always drawing the maximum amperage, but it keeps on ticking. I've been told a retail new unit for the house would run $7k, but I've also heard lots of private guys can do it way cheaper than that.

Home warranty is up for renewal this week and I can't decide if we should just let it go and save up for a new a/c or renew and bet another $650 the home warranty co. will come through if our a/c dies and needs an expensive repair or replacement. What to do?