JPEE,
I don't know what to say - 2 weeks with no A/C?!? That is unbelievable. At least you had some insight to install a separate (and new) system in your garage so that gives you guys some place to stay while waiting for the repairs to be finished. I can understand the backlog the repair companies are dealing with - what, all the AC units in the area running full time and break downs sure to happen. What is appalling is there are no limits placed on these companies so they don't take advantage of the public - as you said, they can charge any amount they want with no restrictions. Hopefully when the summer is over there may be an inquiry into these over pricings.
But I'm glad to hear you had a connection to get your replaced without having to take out a second mortgage. 23 years is a good run for a system. Hope everything works out for you this week and you can get back to the rest of your house.
Mark