Saturn Repair: SC1 Air Compressor, uv dye, saturn sc1

Question
My wife owns a 2002 Saturn SC1.  She turned on the a/c last week, only to find it only blows hot air.  The local shop we took it to says the compressor leaks, and wants $500 to replace it.  Even then, they say they can't guarantee something else isn't wrong with the a/c system that would require more repairs.  My question is this: since summer lasts ~2 months in Chicago, could I just try refilling the freon as necessary, and ignoring the leak?  

Answer
Stan,
 Yes, that would be my advice to you.  You can pick up a 12-oz can of 134-A for about $10.00.  You can also get one with "sealer" and a pressure gauge (these kits are simple and easy to use).  I don't recommend putting too much sealer in there as it will clog your system.  
More often than not, a leak in your a/c system is caused by a seal or o-ring, not the compressor.  I would hope that your repair facility used UV-dye to find the leak.  If they didn't, they are probably blowing a lot of "hot air" at you!  Hope this helps.

Chris