[retiredguy123]

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.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Originally Posted by jrref

From my unscientific survey the HVAC units installed here in the Villages by the builder lasts anywhere from 8-15 years although some have lasted longer. Small numbers will fail at 8 to 10 years and as you go further up in time, more fail. I guess if you keep replacing parts or even the compressor it can last a longer time but at some point it's not going to be running efficiently as it wears out over time. Like any home maintenance item you need to evaluate your needs and plan accordingly. Unfortunately, I'll bet most here in the Villages never pay any attention to their HVAC system, as I've seen by the many preventable failures my neighbors have had, until it stops running. Then they go "crazy" because they can't live without A/C here in Florida then they start complaining about the HVAC company that won't drop everything and come fix their unit.

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. 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

[dewilson58]

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