Question regarding "code violations"

[dapperntx]

My A/C Unit stopped blowing cool air, so I called my Home Warranty people, and they had a repair company out to my home. They told me the compressor is dead, and thankfully this is covered by my home warranty.

However, the technician said I had "code violations" which HAD to be fixed in conjunction with getting the new compressor put in. And these "code violations" would cost me $451 (not covered by home warranty).

Can anyone validate that these are indeed necessary? (I live in Texas BTW).

* $65 - Low voltage in seal tight
* $75 - high voltage in seal tight
* $189 - Change breaker to 15 Amp (he said my A/C unit was 30 amp)
* $122 - Repipe section line leading to my outdoor unit (he said it had been spliced from 5/8 inch to 3/8 inch and then back to 5/8 inch by the installers, and that was too thin, so he had to make it all 5/8).

I apologize if the terminology is off, as I don't know the first thing about this stuff. If anyone can help me out, I would be so grateful. I am hesitant to go along b/c this is the 5th techician to be at my place in the last 12 months, and the first to mention any of this.

Oh ya, my unit is a 1.5 ton Split System A/C Unit with the name "Comfort Range" on it. The tech said Nordyne was the manufacturer.

Thanks!

[Jay11J]

Did you ask the service tech of what was violating the code?? My guess is you don't have a disconnect outside of the house next to the unit??

[dapperntx]

No, I do have a disconnect outside next to the unit. He said something to the effect that since my breaker is 30 amp, and my A/C unit is 15 amp, I needed to change my breaker to 15 amp. Said that having it different could have led to the compressor shorting out and going bad.

[fstanley]

I think you have a 15 amp on the braker box and needs to upgrade to 30 amps
makes no sense replacing a 30amp breaker to a 15amp breaker when most units at your tonnage level draws out aprox 20amps. if this is the case you should look into the wire ga, you should have at min 12/2 or 10/2 for 30amps

Stan

[GWIZ]

Look at the name plate, most state the minimum breaker or fuse size, and the maximum breaker or fuse size.

[danski0224]

Probably not too much "code violations". Did you ask to see the codebook?

More like poor install practices.

Sounds like your warranty people got their money... eventually. Kinda like a free brake inspection :D

[Grady]

All of the 1-1/2 ton units I see in my catalogs specify a max of a 20 amp breaker. There may be 15 amp fuses in the disconnect. Code violation??? Poor installation practice, maybe. In any case the price is way high at least for around here.

Low & high voltage in seal tite: Demand to see code book. In most areas, UF wire for the high voltage is legal (not the best way, but legal). I've never seen or heard of putting the low voltage in seal tite. May be a local thing.

Tubing size: If what he is saying about the splice is true, this is probably what killed the compressor & it will kill another unless fixed.

Call the warranty company & complain bitterly. It may do you no good but try anyway. If you get no satisfaction from them, call your local, county, or state insurance commisioner's office & complain. They have the power to stop these home warranty company rip offs.

[mattison]

I would have them take care of the tubing size and tell them that you will handle the rest. It's none of their business whether or not you're up to code or not. They are not inspectors and are just trying to make some extra money.

He may be correct about the problems but unless it has to be inspected after he's done I don't see what gives hime a badge to tell you he can't replace a compressor without them being done.

I would also not waste much time checking the max breaker size rating on the tag of the outdoor unit.

[dapperntx]

thank you all for your replies. this helps tremendously. these techs are sharks, and i know that a lot of this is just to pad their wallets. i am going to follow up with the warranty company and complain as recommended. i will let you know how it turns out.....

[DNT1]

I hope you did not take the tech the wrong way maybe he was trying to help you out, he saw some stuff that needed fixing and offered you a price to take care of it. Heck if the price is to high either don't do it or get someone else, what are you going to complain to the home warranty company about? You are the one that bought the property with this preexisting condition sounds like you are lucky that they were willing to replace the compressor as a freebie and also lucky to have a tech trying to look out for you. Make sure the tubing sizing is corrected the other items probably do need to be done but probably will not have any affect upon compressor life. How do you expect this tech to be able to make his Hummer and Vacation home payments pony up now daddy needs a new inground pool yeehah.

[dapperntx]

Lucky they were willing to replace the compressor for free? It is called insurance. I paid the premium and they are covering it because they are contractually obligated, not because of luck.

Well maybe the tech was just trying to help me out. My problem is that the company will not replace the compressory as they are contractually obligated unless I pay for all these other "code violations". Maybe they are all legit, I have no clue to be honest. That is why I posted on here, to get some feedback from the obviously more knowledgeable people on this board. And all of you have helped me greatly.

[mattison]

I admit I do not know the local laws where you are. That would be great if he's looking out for you. Around here a compressor replacement does not require an inspection.

[lenny56769]

the big thing is how old is this system when was it put in it might fall under a grandfather and if it does the new codes dont apply unless you change it out

[DNT1]

Your so called insurance with the home warranty company has so many holes in it that it would never float, if these guys get wind of a preexisting problem with this unit that caused the compressor failure due to a bad install (line set sizing wrong) they will be contractually obligated to deny your claim LOL better be nice to this tech.