answer:I would start shopping for a new AC, but I would try to hold out until Autumn when the temps start to fall to put it in if possible. Then you would have the best chance of getting a new AC at a discount. Like cars, if you can wait until the new models are out and get your new model from last years inventory it is cheaper. Only problem is if you guess wrong and it goes out early, you could end up sweating or paying a premium to get if fixed the hottest week of the year.