Problem. AC installed prior to closing but doesnt work.liability?

Question

I closed on my first house with a freshly installed A/C. It hasn't worked properly since install. It is under warranty but after several visits the contractor is blaming the existing pipework (the 'line set' and drain line) and wants to charge me to replace the line set ($500). Who is liable? The rehab has been done here in Florida in August in a hot box. The rehab contractor already walked off the job once. Is there a governing body I can contact? After last nights conversation I need to pay him today to get the work done.

Details:

The house A/C was ripped out and sold in this foreclosed house. A new AC was installed in May to make the house habiltable for sale as a REO. The contractor used the existing  drain line and 'line set' and put in new air handler, thermostat and condenser. AC kept tripping off or blowing warm air continuously. After several visits the existing drain was found to be blocked and backing up tripping a float switch. After I blew it out and raised it to allow condensation to drip freely the problem remained.

So far the contractor has replaced a compressor (burned out) and the condenser (with a goodman rep involved, neither of which could figure out why as they are so reliable)

New line set to go in today for $500

who is liable for this and who can I talk to about it?

Thanks in advance!

Kelvin

Zach Quick · Answer

Kelvin J. For just a $500 fix I would just pay it, not worth the time to go after someone else to pay it, especially when they won't.

Kelvin J. · Answer

Sounds like I'm out $500, but will have working A/C...if it indeed fixes the problem. I guess it's just part of it.

Thanks for the advice all, I appreciate it your time.

JD Martin · Answer

If it's the same contractor, and he used the existing lines without checking them, he's either a shortcut artist or an idiot. I would use someone else based on this alone. As far as who's going to pay, it sounds like you will either have AC if you pay, or won't if you don't. That sounds like an easy choice - you could always try to sue the contractor and/or whomever you bought the house from in small claims court later if you're intent on getting the $500 back.

Aaron McGinnis · Answer

If the contractor didn't replace the line set, and the line set was the problem, and you bought the house as-is, it's yours to pay for.

What I would recommend is getting a second opinion on the problem.

Kelvin J. · Answer

blocked up and end was buried. Blew it out and raised it now it works. The contractor installed it and it hasn't worked properly since. I'm concerned with him not the bank.

Thanks

Wayne Brooks · Answer

No one is liable for it, it's yours.  It was a REO, and you absolutely bought it "as is".  I am curious though, why the drain lines "don't work"?

Samuel Sadler · Answer

I agree with Zach. There are better uses of your time for $500.

Problem. AC installed prior to closing but doesnt work.liability?

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