AC is Broken...More Hp

Hey my AC broke alittle bit ago, and the MB private mechanic told me that i needed a whole new unit, which in result is $2500 . I walked saying NO WAY theres no way im going to put that much money just to have AC (i could buy a better AC system for my house). And would you guys say that is too much and what would be your estimate on a right price. One other thing i was thinking about the Serpentine belt stuff and if i just took it off would that increase my HP? It would make sense if it would because it would have one less thing to rotate/power.

Thanks for everyones help