[jimmy o]

Originally Posted by jrref

With all this talk about Munns increasing their maintenance prices 45%, how much are you paying, who's doing the maintenance, how many times a year, and from what you can tell, how long are they there doing the work?

If you don't do maintenance, tell us that too and tell us if your condenser has a "fur coat".

Also, if you had a capacitor changed, tell us how much it cost and which company did the work and if it was an emergency or not.

Also, tell us how old your system is. Let's see who has the oldest system running in the Villages.

Our original Carrier is 21 yrs old. Do the maintenance myself. Live in expanded Gardenia, just paid electric bill yesterday $199

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by JRcorvette

We use Kalos and have been for many years. They have several different Service Plans. As for replacing the Capacitor they cost under $20 and it is very easy for anyone who can use a screwdriver to do it yourself. I recommend keeping a spare on hand because that is the most common item to fail.

We had a maintenance plan with Kalos for one year, then had them install mini-splits in lanai and garage and a year later a whole house dehumidifier in the attic. We were very happy until the dehumidifier installation which they screwed up badly even after having three different techs come out to re-work it because none seemed to know what they were doing. Even though it works okay now at keeping humidity low it came at the expense of one of our guest rooms being warmer than it used to be. For some reason the dehumidifier is affecting the temp of the air coming out of that one register. We lost all confidence in them and no longer recommend them to our neighbors and friends.

All this to say we no longer have a maintenance plan with any company because we don’t know who to trust, or whether we even need one. Our home is three yrs old, and we have a Carrier unit. Hubby does the condensation drain line monthly, and the filter every six months.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by JRcorvette

We use Kalos and have been for many years. They have several different Service Plans. As for replacing the Capacitor they cost under $20 and it is very easy for anyone who can use a screwdriver to do it yourself. I recommend keeping a spare on hand because that is the most common item to fail.

I'm 100% positive, they didn't install a $20 capacitor. The "good" capacitors that last the longest are made in the USA. Amrad is one. They cost $65 + and will last 2-3 times longer than the $10-$20 capacitor you get on Amazon.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Teemotay

I just purchased my first ever maintenance plan from Sunshine AC after reading a few reviews of their business. I called them out just for some reassurance and to have them look at some work that was done by the installing company (no emergency).

The plan I chose was for 2 visits per year and I chose it after watching the technician do all his work and asking questions. My invoice was a few cents shy of $300.

The technician was here for a minimum of 90 minutes. He took before and after pictures of everything he cleaned and all readouts of testing he did on the capacitor etc. He cleaned the outside unit and the air handler unit in the garage including a thorough flush of the condensate line.

There was some “fur” on the inside of the air handler that really surprised me because I thought I was doing sufficient maintenance to keep that from happening (changing filters and treating condensate line).

Let me state that I know basically nothing about HVAC units but like to do DIY projects whenever I can providing that I feel I can do it without much hassle or questions about my results. To me, there are some things that I’d rather pay someone else to do and some things I would rather do myself. For instance, I won’t pay someone to mow my yard, fertilize it, treat it for pests or disease, trim my hedges and shrubs, treat weeds, etc.

The tech showed me the capacitor reading (41.42) and told me that it should be between 40-45 with a reading higher in the range being preferable. I chose not to replace it during this visit. He quoted me $141 to replace it and gave me the capacitor model number.

The plan I chose includes discounts on parts and labor for work done and some other terms I found beneficial to me.

My system is 5 years old and he sent me copies of every picture that he took and there were many.

I’m happy with all of it and I don’t have to mess around with something I know little about. That’s more free time for golf, fishing or yard work! 😎

You did the right thing going with a reputable company like Sunshine but you are wasting your money getting the 2x/year maintenance. 1x/year is plenty here in the Villages. They have the 2x/year plan for those that want it but it's not necessary. As far as the capacitor, it's still in tolerance but my guess is next year you will probably need to change it and $141 is a fair price because they use the $65+ Amrad capacitor and not the Chinese junk you get for $10 on Amazon or sometimes free from Ace Hardware.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by jrref

I'm 100% positive, they didn't install a $20 capacitor. The "good" capacitors that last the longest are made in the USA. Amrad is one. They cost $65 + and will last 2-3 times longer than the $10-$20 capacitor you get on Amazon.

Originally Posted by jrref

You did the right thing going with a reputable company like Sunshine but you are wasting your money getting the 2x/year maintenance. 1x/year is plenty here in the Villages. They have the 2x/year plan for those that want it but it's not necessary. As far as the capacitor, it's still in tolerance but my guess is next year you will probably need to change it and $141 is a fair price because they use the $65+ Amrad capacitor and not the Chinese junk you get for $10 on Amazon or sometimes free from Ace Hardware.

Do you have any data for that or is it just your opinion based on the lower price?

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy

We had a maintenance plan with Kalos for one year, then had them install mini-splits in lanai and garage and a year later a whole house dehumidifier in the attic. We were very happy until the dehumidifier installation which they screwed up badly even after having three different techs come out to re-work it because none seemed to know what they were doing. Even though it works okay now at keeping humidity low it came at the expense of one of our guest rooms being warmer than it used to be. For some reason the dehumidifier is affecting the temp of the air coming out of that one register. We lost all confidence in them and no longer recommend them to our neighbors and friends.

All this to say we no longer have a maintenance plan with any company because we don’t know who to trust, or whether we even need one. Our home is three yrs old, and we have a Carrier unit. Hubby does the condensation drain line monthly, and the filter every six months.

What is the temp difference between bedrooms after dehumidifier? Compared to temp monitors prior

Our house At comfort setting 77.
Front south facing bedroom (16x16’west facing 36’window) consistent 75. Should be hottest.
Middle two bedrooms (12’x15’ windows 36” width facing west) 76.
Master northeast (18.5’x19’ window 72” width) consistent 77. Master is the farthest from HVAC.

We are block with 10’ walls interior and exterior and 8’ interior and exterior doors

Temps hold steady for the last two years no matter the outside temperature.

Considering a whole house dehumidifier because of sliders opening in and out to pool.

[Teemotay]

Originally Posted by jrref

You did the right thing going with a reputable company like Sunshine but you are wasting your money getting the 2x/year maintenance. 1x/year is plenty here in the Villages. They have the 2x/year plan for those that want it but it's not necessary. As far as the capacitor, it's still in tolerance but my guess is next year you will probably need to change it and $141 is a fair price because they use the $65+ Amrad capacitor and not the Chinese junk you get for $10 on Amazon or sometimes free from Ace Hardware.

Yes, they do use the better capacitors. I have multiple reasons for taking the 2-visit plan, which I’m perfectly comfortable with. Peace of mind is one. Another is that I’m not wasting money paying someone to cut my grass! 😎

I’m also setting up a little test to see if the second visit is as comprehensive as the first and to see how much the capacitor declines after this summer’s power outages and going into the heating season. I don’t have to renew it so it’s money well spent in my mind. I’d only waste it on more bass fishing tackle or golf stuff.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Teemotay

Yes, they do use the better capacitors. I have multiple reasons for taking the 2-visit plan, which I’m perfectly comfortable with. Peace of mind is one. Another is that I’m not wasting money paying someone to cut my grass! 😎

I’m also setting up a little test to see if the second visit is as comprehensive as the first and to see how much the capacitor declines after this summer’s power outages and going into the heating season. I don’t have to renew it so it’s money well spent in my mind. I’d only waste it on more bass fishing tackle or golf stuff.

Sounds good. Just let us know how it goes. Maybe we can learn something.

As fas as the capacitor goes, the reason why these devices go bad is from heat. Eventually the heat breaks them down over time. You want to catch it because when they go below spec, the compressor and or the fan motor will be working harder shortening their life. So in the long run you will be damaging expensive components just to save a few bucks on a new capacitor. The Sunshine tech did the right thing letting you know the capacitor was on the low end of the spec but it's up to you to authorize the replacement and as I said, $141 is reasonable because the capacitor is probably $65-$75 to purchase then something for installation.

[bp243]

Originally Posted by jrref

Agreed which is why they should pay the price and have a reputable HVAC company check the system once a year or if they don't want to pay of feel the maintenance is not necessary, they need to know the facts and make the decision that's best for them.

If the word on the street is that MUNNS is increasing their service price, is there another HVAC company that anyone uses where the price will remain reasonable and the service is dependable? Would appreciate any feedback.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by bp243

If the word on the street is that MUNNS is increasing their service price, is there another HVAC company that anyone uses where the price will remain reasonable and the service is dependable? Would appreciate any feedback.

I think better to say Munns is increasing their prices to better align with the competition being Sunshine and Sunkool. Any of these companies should do a great job with the price they charge and from customer reports, all are reputable and honest so no need to worry.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by jrref

I think better to say Munns is increasing their prices to better align with the competition being Sunshine and Sunkool. Any of these companies should do a great job with the price they charge and from customer reports, all are reputable and honest so no need to worry.

I have had no problem with the overall quality of the work that Munn's did just thought them telling me they need a 45% price increase with no prior warning was out of line.

[Debset]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

Great post.

Last week Munns was to come for pm (scheduled 6 months in advance) and the day before get reminder and by the way we are raising your price by 45% and seems like we did not tell you.

Since they did not think to tell us about increase and we are long term customers asked them to hold price for this trip. Told us no.

Told them to cancel and we are looking for replacement.

Call Jeff Cabral, HONEST, great service, reasonably priced and very reliable. He's done annual maintenance for the last 4 years, very happy.
352-559-9558
Cabral Heating and Air Conditioning | Sumter, Lake & Marion County

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC

I have had no problem with the overall quality of the work that Munn's did just thought them telling me they need a 45% price increase with no prior warning was out of line.

Something happened at Munns because we recently found out they are also not doing HVAC installs in the new builds for the Villages any more.

I'm wondering, is it possible they had a lot of techs that didn't meet the new administrations requirements and now they have to hire more techs which is costing them more thus the price increase in-line with the rest of the industry? Just a thought.

[CarlR33]

Originally Posted by Battlebasset

I have DeSantis out once a year. But I replace my own filters, and pour hot water down my condensation line every couple of months.

Something else I have, and have been suggesting to people, is to pick up a cheap rolling window AC when Ollie's or someone gets them and puts them on sale. I had one up north and brought it with me. So if my AC dies, I can at least cool the bedroom until I can get someone out, and I am not feeling pressured to take whatever price is offered to get my whole house running again. Also, when it's really hot and my whole house AC is struggling to keep up, I can use this to supplement. Especially if we have a bunch of people over.

You can also get a window AC from most places and return it within thirty days (depending on the place) even if you used it. Had this happen up north one time and did this.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

You can also get a window AC from most places and return it within thirty days (depending on the place) even if you used it. Had this happen up north one time and did this.

Window AC units are not allowed in The Villages. Read your deed restriction document.