If you cannot stand the possibility that you may be without air conditioning for a few days, you can buy a floor standing portable unit that will keep your bedroom cool if the AC unit fails. Some of them also provide heat. These are available from Amazon for less than $500 or so. These units use a 4 to 6 inch flexible duct that fits though the window, and they are allowed by The Villages.

maintenance expense, that periodic spend which one can't see why to make the spend. . hindsight bias, don't fix what's not broken. . "works until it doesn't" is not a good strategy when most "doesn't" is never at a good time. Ask lots of the companies run by consultants to maximize return. . same thought process with less executive courses down south, and expecting a golf community not to golf, so northern executive courses got trashed, requiring much higher maintenance expense. . and some large dollar costs.

We had an A/C unprotected weather part fail the day before we were supposed to leave for the summer. :cus: Poor $%^&*() design, and SunKool did come the same day to replace. We were lucky by one day. . I hate relying on luck, though better lucky than good.

A really good financial planning model incorporates big item replacement costs, such as cars, roofs, a/c, kitchen appliances, . . requires alot of detail, and yes, assumptions. . . which is why I also spend extra $ on expensive vehicle maintenance for best longevity. . even though all vehicles are future junk

Well, the written quotes are in...............

1) Variable Speed....Carrier Infinity, 5 Ton: $14,400 plus new zoning (current zoning not compatible) $4,500. Total, call it $20,000.

2) 2-Stage Carrier Performance 4 Ton: $12,900. Current zoning IS compatible.

For $7,000 up-grade cost............not worth it.

Not pulling the trigger, waiting until it dies. Can reply on the 2 Ton for some comfort until the new unit is installed.

THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO

:gc: