Old heat pump trashed

16 years ago

Here is the story... I bought a home in an area where there are few regulations & bldg codes.. I had a home inspection & the 70s heat pump was working at the time.. NOW 1 week later-the fiberboard ductwork is falling apart from moisture & the "duct tape" didnt hold. (no kidding).. This unit is in a crawl space.. I took a look & the unit is falling apart & the insides are rusted.. Here is the worst part, the unit is now sucking stinky smelly air from crawl space & pumping it into the house. low-avg radon levels ( but that is another story)... I have a "Home Warranty".. Before I file an official claim with warranty provider, what & how is my best chance for a total replacement ? Since asbestos duct work is not covered, I will pay for that. Also, I would want the new unit moved to the man floor in a utility closet. Main question is HOW do I improve my chances to get the home warranty guy to call for a "unit replacement" & me pay for the rest (ducts & relocation). Thanks for any ideas... Arlan

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Comments (5)

geesh
Original Author
16 years ago
I forgot to mention, the unit is very WET with condensation.. ALOT of water comming from unit ( humidity outside is about 85%) and even with a new thermostat when set to 74, occasionally it will not shut off & run until I shut it off at 67 degrees. I am thinking of IF they do not replace this unit, make sufficient repairs- I will pay to have ducts replaced at least it will be healthier that way.
tigerdunes
16 years ago
geesh

I would take a settlement from the home warranty company, go out and get a good matched system that qualifies for the tax credit. I think your chances of getting full replacement on new system is poor but I wish you luck and still would want a settlement.

here is some information that might be helpful.

these are my minimum specs for a new HP system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system.

15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF
best matching VS air handler
full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size
R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron)
scroll compressor preferred
electronic demand defrost preferred
thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature
staged backup heat strips
new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset

you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc.

any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed.

I would only use authorized dealers for the various brands that provide quotes. see mfg websites.

I would look at Trane/AmStd,Rheem,Carrier/Bryant.

IMO
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geesh
Original Author
16 years ago
tigerdunes ; Thank you for the information. I have not head of a "settlement" is that common with used home "Home Warranties" ?
zippyhvac
16 years ago
google your home warranty company's name to see what their policy is. Many home warranties are almost worthless in a situation like this. Was this a bank-owned "as-is" purchase, or was there a disclosure statement filed? Many times the seller would be on the hook for a major defect like this...
geesh
Original Author
16 years ago
"Was this a bank-owned "as-is" purchase, or was there a disclosure statement filed? " Disclosure stated that the furnace/Air conditioner was being repaired. BUT we did sign an "as-is" statement when closing... Probably screwed as the home warranty only covers "mechanical" repairs to unit. NO duct made from asbestos or fiberboard... live & learn...