So you guys with lots of miles and an original (functional) AC system, how do you use your air conditioning? Are you a windows-open all the time kind of driver or do you typically run it whenever it's hot out? Something in between?

I use mine almost never...actually, I run it occasionally only to keep the seals in good shape (because I hear that helps)

 

My climate control is set to Auto at all times, top up or down. The AC compressor seems to be on most of the time when the outside temps are above 50.

 

Living in the humid area I do, mine is probably running at least half the year, not to mention all the time in the winter when I'm going floor vent/defrost combo most of the time.

 

Well, it's starting to sound like these things might not have an expiration date after all.

Very, very welcome news, guys!

 

I ended up buying the compressor new aftermarket 1 year warranty for $217 and the accumulator for $18 $350 in labor. $585 total out the door. The shop picked up the costs for the compressor oil and freon, so they really took care of me.

 

That sounds like a great price for an AC replacement. I am curious on how well the aftermarket compressor holds up compared to the Ford unit.

 

If you want to have your ac system last for a very long time. Use it. It is not good to never use it or you will loose it. LOL
I have a suburban with 315,000 miles works great I use it every day.

 

Almost 40k miles on my '13 GT and I always leave it on floor/defrost, still works great, so far.
I passed on the extended warranty while I could've still bought it, even though I had read about issues with the compressors. But as we all (might) know, problems being discussed on internet forums always seem to be more commonplace than they really are in the overall vehicle population.
So, if mine goes, I'll be doing the repair myself.