Do you really think this is true?

[JR719]

Here's the problem. I had a new heat pump installed 8/05. July 06 it stopped working. The motor and variable speed control were rusty and shot. They said the control was mounted for an updraft (upside down) and was not draining water.
Warranty covered it, and the service folks said there have been only a couple similar problems with this model (American Standard, downdraft) and nobody knows why. So they said they would check with the company and try to figure it out.
They came back out to check the unit last week, sure enough, rust after a month. Phoned me today and asked about my aquarium and evaporation rate (I have it down to 1/4 to 1/2 gallon a day). Says that's more than likely the problem.
Anyone else run into this? Would that really cause this much damage in such a short time? I'm leaning towards a fault in the equipment allowing water to drip or drench the motor and controller.
I have a feeling the next call will be to tell me the warranty will no longer cover damage. Then the battle will begin, I need to read up on that now that I think about it.
The tank and sump are approx. 5 feet away (around a corner) from the return air intake.

 

[poke75]

Sounds like a poor design of hardware to me. All AC systems will get some condensation and should direct it away from sensative parts.

Thats why the grass by my evaporator drain stays so green (great place for plants that need water all summer)

Just had a thought, catch it and use it as top off water!!! jk!

Seriously, I bet there are other people that have the same problem. It might not show up as quick because of the added moisture from your tank, but I bet it is still a problem.

 

[JimmyS]

Sounds like excuses to me too. What would happen if you was using a humidifier/s that evaporated more than that? There will always be condensation. I would definitely read up on it.

 

[bbailey]

So what about the millions of people who live along the coast. Im sure they get lots of salty air in thier homes. I think they dont have your drain line ran right...

 

[Russ Braaten]

That is a load of bunk. The evaporator will cause a lot more moisture in your A/C system. If you had a humidifyer system added to your AC system it would add about 5 to 8 gallons of water to your home a day. If they start to head that way you may let them know you are talking to a lawyer about getting a system that works properly paid for by them.

The only way a salt water system would cause damage would be if you had the thermostat hung right above the tank and you had a salt creep problem. There is no way it would cause the trouble they say.

 

[dugg]

That is a lot of BS. I had my 75 gallon tank sitting less then 2 feet away from my air return vent for 14 years and never caused any problems at all. They are just looking for an excuse to place the blame on thier poor equipment, or poor workmanship on to you. What is the model number on the unit? I will do some searching for other people with this problem for you.

 

[JR719]

Thanks guys, that is exactly what I was thinking. And the living by the coast part really made me wonder. Guess I'll see what happens.
This should be interesting to say the least....

 

[MyMonkey]

I have a remark and a few questions.

Remark: Anything that leads a dealer of household goods or products away from warranty concerns in order to assign liabiilty to the homeowner, absent negligence, is a cover up. Be sure to record as much information from every contact you have with the manufacturer, installer, distributor, and everyone in between. It is best to begin using Certified mail and you might consider recording your phone conversations at this point.

Questions: How did you come to purchase the unit? I.e. Did you contact them, or did they contact you?

Who is the issuer of the warranty that covered the damage?
(implied warranties come to mind here)

What is the warranty period for the unit?

Was the warranty extended to cover the entire unit anew or only repairs?

I can think of several others, but that is a good start.

 

[Russ Braaten]

Another point to back up My Monkey, In Oklahoma you do not have to tell the person you are recording the call. As long as one of the people on the phone know it is being recorded it is legal and I suspect valid in court.

 

[JR719]

Russ, you are correct. As long as 1 person on the phone is aware of the recording, it is ok.

My Monkey, if things get ugly, I may give you a shout. I'll dig out the paperwork and PM you.

 

[MyMonkey]

Got it. Correct on both accounts regarding the recordings. Commonplace these days actually.