"I would keep a window unit in a box in case the central AC konked out if I lived down there."
Exactly. Just bought a 1 ton so my 5K generator would run it for Hurricanes and power outages. We already have 2 other wall shakers in some bedrooms. And then saturday, on my birthday, we came home and the 5 YO Carrier central is not running. Hoping it's the cap (which it was), but don't have one. Called monday morning, hey come when you can. AC guy came out and 25 minutes later it is running. $350-are you kidding me!!!!