This took two sittings, about six hours total.
Lines on the chest plate are still crisp. Posting because I rarely see microrealism this size that doesn't get muddy. Happy to answer questions about pain (forearm was fine, elbow ditch was not).
AC died 5 days ago. Pompano Beach. 3 bedroom, 2 kids (7 and 9). Single mom, no partner to split this with.
Lowest quote so far for a full replacement is $7,800 (Goodman 3 ton). I have about $4,200 in savings. I cant put the rest on a card without maxing it.
The companies pitched me financing through Synchrony and GoodLeap. One was 0% for 12 months (which I would never pay off in 12 months) and one was 9.99% for 7 years which adds another $2,500 in interest over time.
Is there ANY world where a full air conditioner replacement happens for under $6K? Or is that just not the market in 2026? I keep seeing online "$5,000 to $7,000 for a basic install" but every local quote starts at $7,800.
Should I be looking at:
Used or refurbished units (do these even exist legitimately)
Replacing just the condenser and not the air handler
Some kind of payment plan that isnt 24% APR
Trying not to make a panic decision but the kids' rooms hit 88 last night.