Seems the cash may become available to install a/c in time for summer,
but I haven't got a clue about the basics. I plan to get 3-4 quotes, but
would appreciate some guidance.

Also, recommendations for/against contractors in western NY/Rochester
area (I know there are a few of you here) would be appreciated (you can
email me privately with that info). Anyone know enough to give a
ballpark on an 1100sf/3bd 50's ranch-on-a-slab?

We were planning on doing a ridge vent and adding insulation to deal
with the current ice dam situation. I assume this would assist with
efficiency of the a/c as well? Do I need two different guys, or should
one guy be able to handle everything?

Before a/c became financially possible, I was planning to have an
electrician in to install center light/ceiling fan fixtures in each of
the bedrooms, and see how we do our first summer. Would fans impact the
efficiency of the a/c? (I may still want fans to help with the heat in
the winter, as the heat vents are in the ceilings in most rooms, and I
have been using the fan in the living room to bring the heat down and it
has helped the overall comfort level in that room.)

Thanks for any info,anecdotes, websites, etc.

Karen