[paulat585]

Hi, My home warranty people conducted my yearly HVAC inspection today. The tech found that oil/coolant had leaked and that the leak couldn't be repaired & that it had frozen & then thawed. It had leaked on my new filter, saturating it. The tech called the office and was told to add coolant(?) to the system and to advise me to wait until it "had issues" as they would not repair/replace it now. He did this and said it took 2 pounds (?) in an 8 pound system. The brand is Carrier.

In the past this warranty company has been cooperative. My questions:

1. Do I need to wait until it starts having issues to call them
2. What do I say to avoid the run around with them.
Thanks, Paula

[CarlR33]

Who/what company is your home warranty? I assume you’re talking about one you purchase and pay monthly for like American Home Shield?

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by paulat585

Hi, My home warranty people conducted my yearly HVAC inspection today. The tech found that oil/coolant had leaked and that the leak couldn't be repaired & that it had frozen & then thawed. It had leaked on my new filter, saturating it. The tech called the office and was told to add coolant(?) to the system and to advise me to wait until it "had issues" as they would not repair/replace it now. He did this and said it took 2 pounds (?) in an 8 pound system. The brand is Carrier.

In the past this warranty company has been cooperative. My questions:

1. Do I need to wait until it starts having issues to call them
2. What do I say to avoid the run around with them.
Thanks, Paula

You have issues now. The leak isn't going to repair itself, it's only going to get worse.

Dealing with Home Warranty companies is an adventure in itself. Good luck getting them to replace it.

[paulat585]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

Who/what company is your home warranty? I assume you’re talking about one you purchase and pay monthly for like American Home Shield?

Broward Silver

[paulat585]

Thanks, that's what I thought.

[retiredguy123]

Never, never, never, buy a home warranty.

[PhilR]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Never, never, never, buy a home warranty.

Had a long & foster (conch) warranty at my beach home in DE. Initially provided by the listing agent when I bought the home.
New refrigerator
New heat pump
Roughly 7500 k paid out by Cinch
No lack of cooperation from Cinch

[tjlee500]

Get a 2nd opinion on leak if your unit is not too old. Leaks can be fixed but sometimes hard to find. Some tecks just don't want to spend the time. It may just be in the line or junctures which takes less time. If in coil, could take longer. Also, as how much for coild replacement if that's the issue. You could get a new unit but still have a leak if leak is in line, anywhere from Condensor to air handler.

[dewilson58]

Insure what you can not afford. Period.

Warranty "insurance" is a money maker for the firms.

[MikeN]

Just tell them the system no longer works properly and needs to be replaced A leak that can’t be fixed is a terminal failure

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by MikeN

Just tell them the system no longer works properly and needs to be replaced A leak that can’t be fixed is a terminal failure

I agree. But, the problem with a home warranty is that you are locked in to one company who makes the decision when a system needs to be replaced. They make more money by delaying replacement for as long as possible.

The solution is to fire the warranty company and hire one of the very competent HVAC companies who will allow you to decide when to replace the system. Another problem with home warranties is that the warranty company will never hire a local competent HVAC company because those companies will not share their profit with a warranty company.

[ithos]

If your unit was still cooling when the leak was discovered then it is a minor leak.

Almost all leaks can be repaired. The hardest to fix are on the cooling coil but there are methods to repair them. Even on the tubesheet.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...t+leak+on+coil

Can you post a picture of where the leak is?

[Sgt Ed]

Originally Posted by ithos

If your unit was still cooling when the leak was discovered then it is a minor leak.

Almost all leaks can be repaired. The hardest to fix are on the cooling coil but there are methods to repair them. Even on the tubesheet.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...t+leak+on+coil

Can you post a picture of where the leak is?

How old is the Unit? All AC units have a 10 year mfr. warranty.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Sgt Ed

How old is the Unit? All AC units have a 10 year mfr. warranty.

Typically, a warranty company won't do any work on something that is under warranty.

[ithos]

Originally Posted by Sgt Ed

How old is the Unit? All AC units have a 10 year mfr. warranty.

Great point. It can be checked online.
How to Check Your HVAC System's Warranty | Ambient Edge.

If the leak is large enough it is required to be repaired by federal law.
Stationary Refrigeration Leak Repair Requirements | US EPA