WWYD service question- Update in Post

2 years ago we got a new CAC unit installed. When they came to give me the quote, the owner was here and told me how he is on every job, always checks everything over, etc. I told him how the upstairs of my house is always hotter than the rest of the house so he suggested that they install an attic fan. I said fine. Well he was never on the job and we had to have them out here a few times for different things and mentioned to them how the upstairs was still hot, but they gave me some story that it was original duct work, etc.

Last week I had an energy audit and the man who was here told me that the attic fan is not working. The vent in the hallway was even blowing out hot air.

I call the A/C company and tell them the fan is not working and they said it will cost 190.00 for them to come out and look at it. I said that is ridiculous and call back and speak to the owner. Of course he is making all these excuses about upstairs of houses being hotter, etc. The service man comes and says that the motor in the fan is seized and they will order the part and call me when it is in. Well today I get the call saying the motor is in and it will cost 210.00. I asked them why I would have to pay if it is only 2 years old. They said it is only covered for 1 year.

So basically my question is, does anyone think I should fight it and try to get them to cover it. I mean for all I know the fan may have never worked and that could be why it is hotter up there. We have no control over the thermostat since it is in the attic. I am just so mad that we spent so much money on all of this and they are saying it is not under any kind of warranty.

Part of me wants to tell them to do the work and then refuse to pay ( I know that sounds terrible). I want to call BBB on them.

Any advice?

Message edited 8/11/2009 9:50:47 AM.

Re: WWYD service question

Don't tell them to do the work and then refuse to pay.. that only makes you look bad and gives them the upper hand.

Do you have a receipt from them that the work was done and this fan actually installed properly?

I'm not sure what i would do.. maybe call the owner and remind him of the conversations he had with you where he assured you that you would be getting the best possible service etc. and that was what convinced you to go with them. Also ask him if the part is only warranteed for one year, does that mean that it's going to seize up every 2 years and you'll have to spend $200 every 2 years?
Have them explain to you why it seized up.. was it not lubricated properly? was that their fault?

sorry...

Re: WWYD service question

who installed the attic fan? A licensed electrician?

Re: WWYD service question

Re: WWYD service question

My CAC guys told me the same thing, regarding the upstairs would always be "hotter", since my upstairs was always 3-5 degrees warmer.

I didn't buy it. So I forced them to add an additional supply upstairs (against their will).

My upstairs is now just as cool (if not cooler) than my downstairs, thanks to the additional supply of cold air blowing up there. It's perfect now, and I don't even have a working attic fan.

In your case it sounds like they used additional ductwork so they probably didn't add any new ducts/supplies which is probably why you have the problem.

I would get them to add additional supply upstairs and that will most likely solve your problem. They probably won't do it for free though, since I am sure your original contract was priced on the fact that they were using existing ductwork.

Message edited 7/24/2009 12:18:32 PM.

Re: WWYD service question

A little update and yet another question.

I spoke to the owner again and he tells me that my house was hit by lightening and that is why the fan does not work anymore. He said he has seen a lot of this this season. Then in the next breath he tells me once he replaces the fan he will send the old one back to the company and see if it is defective. What are the chances it was hit by lightening? Anyone else have something like this happen? I am so upset over this and don't really feel like shelling out over $200.00 especially since it is only 2 years old? Any thoughts? They also sent me a bill saying I own $140.00 for the service call and that if I don't pay it I will be responsible for their lawyer fees as well.