Question about HVAC costs (for new units) and repairs

[Corey G.]

Over the last 5 years or so prices on new AC units has seemingly skyrocketed in the phoenix area. I used to get 2 ton package AC units for 4500, 5000, 5500 and now they are 8500+ and that's with a company I've been using for a long time that that I've given a lot of business to. Well now a lot of my units are coming out of warranty and I'm thinking about doing replacements but the cost is way too much. What are you doing for new units now a days? Wholesale online seems a lot cheaper but getting a company to do the installation worries me, does anybody order online and then pay for install? 

Also, I've paid quite a bit for repairs recently because I didn't want to replace the units and they are pretty substantial in cost as well. Often I'm told that the replacement parts covered under the 10 year warranty come with labor minimums and so it's often cheaper to not use the warranty because it's cheaper ... is this normal or am I getting screwed on this deal?