Quote:Tip for scoring a replacement cheap:  

 

When my last window unit died, I knew a buddy who worked maintenance at a 70 unit  apt building that used window units.  I went to him and asked about units left behind when people move to apt's with central AC.  He said there were a dozen abandoned in the basement and I should bring his boss a case of his favorite beer and inquire about obtaining one. 

 

I left with a 2 year old unit that runs great and costs about $750 new.  For the price of 24 beers. Now - if you need a through-the-wall unit -- it might pay to check out any multi-unit buildings in the vicinity using similar or same units and speak to their maintenance staff. Might score a used one or meet someone that has fixed them on the cheap before.