ethical question

Kal Row

My daughter’s father-in-law needed a new furnace/condensing unit, as he is out of my area, I looked up and phone interviewed people in his area and selected a carrier gold dealer. He did what seemed an ok job – (us pros each have our own way, and are critical of another’s – so I wont pass judgment on the job – but it worked)

After a month and a half - the unit froze up – obviously due to a Freon leak, He did not fix this leak, he just charged it, and said that the leak was in the old tubes which he did not change and wasn’t his responsibility, and wants another grand to change – which is way to high for a simple short run.

Now the unit is only ten ft from the furnace, and even with all turns it would be way less then the standard 25ft lengths the coils come in, and one: I would think that a furnace, + evaporator, + condensing unit, job, – would include new tubing, (I always do) and even if the old was reused – it should be examined and leak tested before the installer leaves.
Two: broken tubes don’t take 1.5 months to leak out – rather a few hours – it must be one of the install fittings and I think he should stand behind it as I would.

Any opinions?

Constantin

I'm just a homeowner but...

I think you might be well advised to hire someone to find the leak independently of the contractor. It is entirely possible that the old piping/coil is the problem, leaks come in all sizes. Witness fridges (with minimal refrigerant charges) lasting for years before a leak rears its ugly head and wipes the unit out.

So I'd hire someone with a Helium detector to figure out where the leak is. Once you have that established, the conversation with the contractor can start anew.

This may also be a good time to get a quote from other professionals for the repair job. Then give the contractor the option to repair his mistakes (if he made them) or that you'll take him to small claims court to recover the quoted repair costs.

Lastly, I too am surprised that he did not replace the lineset considering how short of a run it is.

John Starcher_4

If the lineset.......

.....was "broken" then it should have become evident when the installer was evacuating the system. That is, of course, assuming he uses a micron indicator during the evacuation process.

If the lines "went bad" after the installation was complete (something that seems rather improbable), then that could be a different story.

Personally, I prefer to install new lineset whenever I am installing new condenser and coil. There are occasions where this is not practical - but it doesn't sound like this would be the case in your situation - 10' total distance? Should be a no-brainer at the time of installation.

If it were me, I would stand behind it and repair at no cost to the homeowner.

Starch

Kal Row

right on..

i wont walk away - without 50microns for 2 hours at least...

clammy

a/c

Ten feet is a no brainer i've always replaced the line set with a new system and if the leak just started then how did it pass a pressure test with nitrogen i believe thats in the epa ref lic. test standards .If there is a leak that company or installer is responable for it under penalty of the law for unlawfull discharge of ref iny to the atmosphere .I would hassle the guy contact carrier i think they would like to know what the gold perferred companies are doing ,but why should they care it's all about how much you move not how well a job they did good luck and gettem peace clammy

Ray M

leak

150# nitrogen to check for leaks. Evacuate to 400 microns. Open valves (only 10 feet of tubing) done . He missed something !

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