&gt; <i>Most of the population would have been happier with a new refrigerator or air conditioner, and those appliances would probably have had a better lasting impact (for a number of reasons).</i><p>Except for the tons more CFCs this would have put into the atmosphere, and CO2 produced from running non-replacement unit.  Refrigeration would likely be net positive to quality of life, but it has drawbacks as well as benefits.