Anybody knows about AC's?

Question

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I assume their work is warranted. If the system is failing and they refuse to fix it, I would send them a demand letter that says they either fix it or you will hire someone else to fix it and then charge them for the work.

Or maybe try contacting the manufacturer to see if they can verify the problem?

Mary Jay · Answer

Thank you so,so,so much! You have been super helpful! I really appreciate it!!!!

Randall Re II · Answer

Mary Jay,

An AC system has a high and low pressure side and 4 main parts to it. condensation builds up in the ac unit and the drain line is a pathway to let out that water in a proper manner away from the components or unwanted drainage in the wrong area. The manual you have will explain everything, if not, go into google and type in your model and do some research on them. When you sound knowledgeable to a technician, it can scare them, because they can't pull the wool over your head so to speak. Asking questions can be powerful, especially open-ended questions because it gives them an opportunity to elaborate and not just say yes or no. I'm happy to help. The manual is your best friend, because its customer some what built around to be user friendly. I just googled ac drain line and a bunch of great photos came up and I'm sure they will be very helpful to give you a visual of whats going on and you can search more specific to what your ac unit is.

Mary Jay · Answer

Thank you so much! You explained it very well! It makes more sense now! Thank you!

Is the drain line part of the AC? Or when people  get a new AC the drain line is not part of the  new AC  installation?

Randall Re II · Answer

Ok, it sounds like a drain line, which is used to let out water to drain out the ac unit that's accumulated from the ac unit. What can happen, is dust can build up in the drain hose and clog it. However, a brand new system, in your area, and they are blaming you for not using bleach and stuff is a bunch of BS. I use to live in Avondale AZ, so I know the living conditions your in. I'm currently deployed in Kabul Afghanistan in the dirtiest, nastiest air quality in the world and we get some pretty crazy dust storms out here at times. Our systems don't even block up that much.

If they are going to blame you, first have them point out where your suppose to do this bleach stuff at in the maintenance manual, every unit comes with one. second, I would call the manufacturer and explain the situation and ask how they would go about it because you feel the company is ripping you off. DONT just start spending money else where. When you contact people, use email for legal records. If you do a phone call, shoot them an email after stating what was discussed as a follow up and have them agree to what was said for records. You can go to another company and have the manufacturer reimbursed you for it if they approve of it. If the company comes out again, ask them how they installed it, what is the root cause of the issue, and where in the manual it says the maintenance they are suggesting you do. I'd even go as to recording the conversation. You'd be surprised how much stuff people say that's self-incriminating when they don't realize they are being recorded. Make sure your state allows it first, as to one person consent laws. The other reason you want them to walk you through things is maybe something simple was done incorrectly and its an easy fix, you never know. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but also keep in mind, the technician, if he admits it was installed wrong, he's basically telling on himself, and can get himself fired, so it's counterproductive and more likely he's lying to cover his ass. Most companies want you to keep your mouth shut if you make a mistake.

When I was in my days of learning some trades, I cut a hole in the roof of a million-dollar home, they band-aid fixed it and blamed the roofers and I was threatened with my job I'd lose it if I said anything just to give you a point of view you may not be seeing.

I'd if possible get another company in after giving the installing company one more chance and having them explain everything to you in detail, and use the manual to your advantage.

Mary Jay · Answer

So the drain line back up, is it refrigerant leak or a condensate leak?

Mary Jay · Answer

So they installed a new AC and 2 months later the AC leaked...

Here is what they are saying:

"

Our techs vacuum out the existing drain line during installation.

The lead technician,  in fact remembered doing this because he remembered how nasty it was and how much of a hard time he had sucking it out with the vacuum. Clearly a sign of in adequate maintenance.  The unit was installed up to local codes and the technician, instructed the tenant that the filter needed to be changed and Bleach/ Vinegar added to the drain line every 30 days. Technician also took pictures of the final install of the Air Handler.

Two month later, when the leak happened, technician was dispatched and he noticed that the drain line was backed up and the float safety switch was engaged. The service tech went ahead and used his shop-vac vacuum to clear the line again. At that time he noticed some more slime in the drain. An indication of lack of maintenance."

I live in Arizona, and Ive replaced couple of AC's in my rentals and my home, and Ive never had to clean nothing in my AC or related to AC with bleach not vinegar. Nor did I have any leaks, and Ive had my AC in my home for 8 years. (I am not saying that its a proper maintenance)

How is it possible that after two months of cleaning the drain and installing a new AC, the drain gets backed up again so bad that the leak from it damages tenant's belongings?

I feel like its a BS...

But I know nothing about AC's...

What do you guys think?

Thank you

Mike McCarthy · Answer

@Mary Jay big difference between a refrigerant leak vs a water/condensate leak.

I’d definitely have the same contractor back once or twice to fix an issue... but after that, I’d get another company in and pay them. Then go back to the original contractor and the manufacturer for reimbursement.

Keep records of every email and phone call. Take pictures. If you decide to do the small claims court to recoup your money, you’ll need it.

Tracy Streich · Answer

Most of the new units have a 1 year labor 10 year parts warranty.   Call another HVAC company in the area and perhaps they can do the warranty work for the manufacturer.

Randall Re II · Answer

Mary Jay,

What are they saying? When you say leaking, you mean the Freon is leaking out or something else? Leak at the same place?

Anybody knows about AC's?

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