Author Topic: HVAC guys HELP! Compressor died, home warranty sucks balls, out of pocket :( (Read 4474 times)

heffay · « **on:** March 09, 2012, 03:10:00 PM »

I have a goodman 3.5 ton that was installed when the house was built.
We paid the service fee of $55 for the repairman to come out and he said the compressor was bad... I am inclined to believe him because it sounded like a freight train, till it died.
One Guard Home Warranty denied coverage due to hail damage to the radiator prior to our purchasing the home.

So, I need to know where to find a cheap AC... FAST!
Phoenix heat is almost upon us and if we don't die, I'm sure the animals will. One ferret actually got heat stroke last year when the bills were high and we upped the thermostat to 82... evidently 80-85 degrees is about the limit for ferrets

he's ok though, we put cold packs on him and brought him back, but we thought he was a goner.

Please don't tell me Craigslist... I've already had a piece of #$%* AC

I'm looking for answers from the guys who are really in the biz and know where I should be looking.

Thanks in advance.

heffay · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2012, 03:13:00 PM »

This is the last thing we need... I logged a whopping 18 hours for the last 2 weeks and we're flat #$%*ing broke.

So pissed

Stev-o · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2012, 04:11:16 PM »

How old is the condensing unit? The compressor has a five year warranty from Goodman.
It will cover the part but not labor.
If not under warranty, I would buy a new condensing unit, but may need an HVAC license to purchase.

heffay · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2012, 04:22:51 PM »

house was built in 96 and A/C installed then.

there are plenty of new ones on eBay, but most are not returnable, no thank you.

i don't think you have to be licensed to purchase, only install legally. i wasn't going to attempt the install, was just hoping to find a good price and have it done by a licensed contractor.

Amxsteve · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2012, 04:32:51 PM »

As the owner of a fair sized hvac company I would pass on your install if you were providing the unit. Go to the refrigeration wholesalers in your area and ask for some names, the guy will sell and install and you will save a few bucks.

heffay · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2012, 04:38:12 PM »

The company that was sent by One Guard Home Warranty said they would install a new in box product. That is what I was working off of, I realize most won't, but I think saving $500-1000 on a unit, might make up any savings of bundling sales and install.

Stev-o · « **Reply #6 on:** March 09, 2012, 04:41:31 PM »

In TX, you cannot buy w/o a license.
If your system is 15+ years old, it is time to bite the bullet and replace the entire system.
And get a high seer rated unit, you'll save on electric.

heffay · « **Reply #7 on:** March 09, 2012, 04:51:08 PM »

ya, i was pretty much planning on a new unit. especially with the hail damage.

what do i need?
heat pump or air conditioner?

the gas furnace is in the attic... the goodman-ck42-1c is outside

air conditioner, right? i just keep coming across that model number as a heat pump, confused.

heffay · « **Reply #8 on:** March 09, 2012, 05:12:52 PM »

not sure if the rebates apply to just replacing the ac ground unit, or the whole system... but gov't + local rebates could be up to about 1k$

78 k550 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 09, 2012, 05:45:25 PM »

Sucks guys, sorry I can't help.

Paul

Stev-o · « **Reply #10 on:** March 09, 2012, 06:42:11 PM »

Do some research, take advantage of those rebates, need to play by their rules.
Call your local distributor, they should have that info and be able to help.

heffay · « **Reply #11 on:** March 09, 2012, 07:15:10 PM »

Yep, i deal with Sunscreen rebates for our customers all the time. I understand what u mean by playin by their rules

Just waiting till monday now

Don R · « **Reply #12 on:** March 10, 2012, 12:41:18 AM »

I bought a new furnace/AC when the tax deduct was available and the local power co. had one also. I bought the highest seer and % effeciency furnace I could. I did some of the simple work, it was shocking how cheap it ended up being.

heffay · « **Reply #13 on:** March 10, 2012, 07:24:44 AM »

Like how cheap? Our definitions might be different

We'll probably have to finance it, considering my job is severly lacking in the hours department

heffay · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2012, 04:37:09 PM »

Not cheap at all!!!

Just financed a $10,000 full system, 4 ton, 16 SEER, variable speed Rheem.

Cough, cough, choke, GASP!!

Prolly just got took, but if our numbers add up, the energy savings should be about equal to our min monthly payment.

Stev-o · « **Reply #15 on:** March 10, 2012, 05:20:39 PM »

Whoa....$10K?! Did you get more than 1 bid?

heffay · « **Reply #16 on:** March 10, 2012, 05:36:37 PM »

Yup, it seems that AZ is quite pricey for A/C, go figure.

Just don't point out faults or cheaper options, the deed is done

#$%* it, its only money

Gordon · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2012, 05:47:33 PM »

It was nice of you to get this taken care of before my visit. Have you hired the cabana girls yet?

heffay · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2012, 05:49:23 PM »

We got a sweet deal on the house last year.
Its an investment and I intend to make a buttload of cash off of it in 5 to 10 years after all the remods are done.
Just chalking it up to one of those necessary expenses that we knew we'd be forced to spend at some point. too bad I couldn't do it myself.
Its not top of the line, but better than most all the systems in this neighborhood.

heffay · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2012, 05:54:39 PM »

Yes, gordon... They are scheduled to wave you in on arrival and pamper you from head to, ummm, toe while you're here.

I couldn't get them to sign the no nudity clause tho, so you'll just hafta deal!

Amxsteve · « **Reply #20 on:** March 10, 2012, 06:26:10 PM »

since i aint around you. my cost 14 seer lennox R410 3 ton $1400 new variable dc 100K furnace 1850. add a bit of duct and venting its gonna cost $4500 plus labour and mark up. most rebates up here are a scam as the installers are just charging extra on the installs. I would think you should be able to get it all for around 7k if you can do the cash deal

heffay · « **Reply #21 on:** March 10, 2012, 06:32:27 PM »

No cash, no savings.

We've used it all compensating for my piece of #$%* job.

But, the sales guy is putting in a good word for me and told me to come apply. Also may have another solar installer job prospect too, both pay pretty well.

After all the financing house + a/c, we still only pay about 850/mo vs. the 1300/mo in rent we were paying in CO, trying to be positive, can u tell ?

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #22 on:** March 10, 2012, 06:41:04 PM »

Dude, that sucks. I had my condenser replaced a few summers ago... $800. I'm fighting my own nightmare right now too. A/C is a whole other ball game though, got refrigerant. I'm betting the hoses from the compressor run under the house just like mine.

Stev-o · « **Reply #23 on:** March 10, 2012, 06:44:21 PM »

Will bet the refrigerant lines do not run in the slab - his air handler is in the attic.

heffay · « **Reply #24 on:** March 10, 2012, 06:52:04 PM »

Both guys that came out so far guessed that our old 10 seer system is basically 5 or 6 seer at this point with the hail damage to the radiator fins and also its age... I'm ok with 3 times the efficiency! With 400$ summer bills previously, I'm hoping we can cut those close to half.

Also got 10 year warranty and 5 year service plan with semi annual tune ups, as well as a fancy touch screen

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Author Topic: HVAC guys HELP! Compressor died, home warranty sucks balls, out of pocket :( (Read 4474 times)