Help! My airconditioner is broken & repair co. causing headaches?

Question

So, my A/C has been out for 2 weeks now. It would turn on then put out (at about 1/2 it's usual force) warm/room temp air. So, we called a repair company. The repair guy came the next day and cleaned the unit & added A TON of freon. (it took about 1 hour and he had to heat it up to get it in even though it was in the 80s outside?) Then, 2 hrs & $350 after he leaves, the A/C stops functioning. The next am, we call the co & reschedule. They no show for the appt. We call & they say they have no freon and we need more-no explanation as to why they didnt call us! I've called all day & keep getting a machine. So, I try my other phone line, then I get through on the first try-manager's not there, receptionist knows nothing. (coincidence?) My question is does the work they've done/not done sound right? Also, how long do I wait till I hire someone else & take them to small claims court to get my money back? Any ideas on how to get my $ back or them here? Please help it's hot out!

The breaker is fine. We cleaned the filter before we called them. The unit was never frozen. The heating up bit was heating up the freon to force it into the system. I understand this could mean the system was already full?

We called the company again--from a friends number this time & they picked up on the first ring. This is after no answer from my lines. They're definately avoiding us! After hours of online research, I found their address...anyone know a reputable company in the Baltimore, MD area?

Oh, in response to one answerer, I never take stuff like this out on the receptionists--I've had jobs like that in the past!

Answer 1

It sounds like he overcharged the system. If the ambient temp was in the 80s he should have not had to heat the cylinder. Did he have the compressor running when he charged it?

Do yourself and your system a favor and don't call this fool back. A new compressor or whole system is not cheap, you don't need him destroying your system.

Get a competent tech out there and have them document everything for your small claims case.
Good luck.

Answer 2

I used to work at an HVAC company....here is my suggestion.
First, did you check to make sure the breaker near your A/C unit is not tripped? We had tons of calls like this-just make sure that isn't the case.
You have a refrigerant leak if the A/C is not blowing cold air....call the company and tell the receptionist that the company was just there and that the AC is not working despite what they did. The technician that was there, should think about a possible leak when you tell them this.
Tell them it is urgent that they return and that if nothing is done to repair the problem, you will file a complaint with the BBB. This should get their attention enough to return.
When you call them, tell them if they want your business, they need to return within 24 hours of your call, or you want a refund and will take your business elsewhere. I just beg of you to NOT take it out on the receptionist.....This was my job at the HVAC company I worked for. Often times it is the case that the repctionist doesn't have any info about the work, because the tech did not turn the service ticket in yet.
And about having to heat it up....was your A/C unit frozen over from running without a proper charge?? Often times this happens and it takes a while for it to thaw completely before the tech can do anything.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear. I have been servicing AC equipment all my life and have heard plenty of bad stories.

From what you told me the serviceman you had come out didn't know what he was doing. The only reason for heating up your house is to remove ice from your evaporator coil (indoor unit).

It sounds like you may have needed freon but from the length of the call and the fact they have no more freon it sounds like he may have put too much in which will damage your equipment.

My advice is to call someone who will come out and fix your AC. I know you are paying twice but get cool and then take that other company to court.........if they will not give you your money back.

P.S I except email if you choose.

Answer 4

sounds fishy!

slow blowing air...and he adds a ton of freon!

a normal pm of cleaning is about 2 hours to do...not book two hours...physically takes 2 hours. adding freon is another timeline..about an hour. in all this you did not mention you changed the filter...or did he/she. this too is a classic symptom of what you described.

if you can hold up with the heat conditions wait till they get to you. if its warm i figure they have a 100 other calls too. best if you go down to their office. and address it. my bet on a time to arrive is monday 10-11 am they have the weekend workload to adjust to and basically play catchup for the overload.

honestly on getting someone else...thats a new can of worms...when you visit...their office...ask them if you can get another company they recommend out to do the repair and have them pay for it. (get it in writing)

they obvioulsy didnt catch all the issues when they arrived and did the repair.

email if ya got more questions
gl
k

Answer 5

Adding to what has already been said, It sounds like his incompetence has caused a leak of significant magnitude.
He may be in violation of environmental laws or regulations and could receive a substantial fine and even loose his license or certification.
Incompetence and irresponsibility is NOT acceptable where refrigerant is involved!

Answer 6

If the hat is heavy, or the crown rests on the top of your scalp, or the brim obstructs your vision it certainly can cause a headache. As you say the hat is too bit it may well be resting on the crown of your head, this is a pretty sensitive area (mine is anyway) and having anything pulling on it for a while would definitely give me a headache.