Anita of Buckner, MO, writes:
We built a new house, moved in 3/4/98. The very first really warm day, the A/C unit froze up, and we called Temp-Rite since they were the ones that installed and warranted the unit on behalf of the builder, Rob Washam Homes. They responded by coming out and checking said unit, indicating that it was low on freon, and charging it. When asked why a brand new Carrier Heatpump would be low on freon, their response was "they sometimes get shipped that way."

We go on about our lives until the next spring, and the same thing happens. This time when asked why a new unit that was charged just a year earlier would again be low on freon they tell me it's not unusual for the seasonal expansion/contraction of the pipes to allow leakage in the fittings. I specifically asked if there was any way to ascertain where the leak was, and was told "No, it could be underground. We've checked the fittings in the unit itself and cannot detect any freon leaking anywhere."

My response was that our previous home had a 15 yr old a/c unit and that only one time, during our 12th year there, did we have to have freon added to it. I asked if this unit could be faulty, and was told "No." I know freon is an environmental hazard, and I don't feel it should be taken lightly that an a/c unit should be constantly leaking freon. I've also been told that there are ways to detect exactly where the leak is by purging the system and putting in a dye that would show anywhere there is a leak.

This company refuses to stand up to their resposiblity on this piece of equipment. I maintain that if they cannot get it operating without leaking, it is not fixed. Instead they want to just keep coming out every spring and charging me for the service call now that the warranty period of 2 years has expired.

I maintain that not only do we have to have this unit recharged every year, but there is the concern that this leak is resulting in reduce efficiency of the unit most of the summer, and higher utility costs. Also there is the environmental concern of the freon leaking into our property, possibly our home.

Assuming Anita has documented the problems she describes, she should demand in writing (via certified mail, return receipt requested, that the unit either be repaired or replaced. If the company refuses, she can sue them in Small Claims Court.

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