> > York recently developed a small air
 > > conditioning unit that is powered by a
 > > Briggs & Stratton engine; it supposedly
 > > will operate for about half the cost of
 > > electrically-powered A/C.
 > 
 > Jim,
 > This could be good news for everybody, but especially
 > for people who want to cut their ties to the electric company.
Charlie,
 This unit uses electricity for control, starting, and fans; it's not meant 
for use in an AE home. However, it seems like it could be converted by an 
enterprising person. It's highly unlikely that York would ever market such a 
unit because of what it would cost to produce; you're looking at an extremely 
small potential market.
Actually, a really inventive person could build an engine-powered A/C unit 
from 'parts'. A small engine driving an old 'open' refrigeration compressor 
would do the job nicely; the biggest problem would probably be finding the 
refrigerant. (many of those older units used R-12, and they don't make that 
stuff anymore; you might be able to substitute propane if you're brave)
Years ago, natural gas was VERY inexpensive in the oil-producing areas in 
Texas and gas-powered A/C units were common for commercial applications and 
large estates. They used little 4-cylinder engines to drive the compressors. 
Those still used electricity for control, starting, and fans, of course.
                                      >
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