Is NATURAL GAS AIRCONDITIONING practical and economical these days?

We had a few units in this housing area that I maintained.I thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread.We had very little trouble with them.They consist of a heating element heating water that is circulated through a coil in the house,and cools the water for refrigeration.The only problem I had was the electric igniter on the unit,but that was minor.I thought they were great,but I haven't seen any since then.I believe these were Amana units.Just remember they aren't total fail proof.You still need electricity to run the circulating pump and compressor.The gas part is pretty well non interrupting.