So you never tried to charge the ac system yourself? There's pretty simple kits for that and if the unit is just old it can last for months. A pro service is in order though if you want the best outcome.
I used to like to sit and be amused at the power of Nature...right until I wasn't! Last time a bolt of lightning hit the ground about 30 feet from my seat! Scared the crap out of me! I'm cured of that now. I sit inside and watch these days. That was too much for this guy!