Hi folks-
This is hopefully my final post on the continuing saga of my interactions with AHS regarding my now-defunct 35 year old central AC.
Unlike the first hack they sent out, this AHS-sponsored tech was professional: called before he came out (early!), wore a uniform, drove a truck with HVAC license numbers...
Two minutes into the inspection, he agreed with my own prefered contractor that the compressor was shot and the condensor unit as a whole would need to be swapped out. Agreed that AHS would require crappy components be installed, and that there would be some delay while they are shipped. He said he could have AHS do a "cash out" in lieu of repair. He thought I would get ~$900; after we spoke to AHS it turns out they only will cash me out at $554. What a ripoff.
According to them, the labor they would pay this guy is ~$300, and the parts / tax just a bit more than $250. I asked them, "I know you get a volume discount and use bottom-of-the-line parts, but $250 for a condensor, refrigerant, etc.?" The nice lady on the other end said, "Yes, that's what it costs us."
I have no way to dispute this, without involving legal assistance that would be more expensive than the money involved.
So, I told her to send me my check for $554. A few minutes later, I had scheduled the installation of a whole new higher-efficiency system, by a really professional group, that I'm confident will do a first-rate job and stand behind it.
All told, the new system will cost me about $2200 plus my $554. Sigh. I'm out more than two grand, but at least I know I'm going to have a great, reliable, efficient system.
Was the home warranty worth it? Well, this year it cost me $435 to have the warranty. Given that I had a $50 visit fee to pay the AHS guy, I guess it adds up to $69 in my favor, presuming no other claims this year. Historically, over 4 years, I'm about $500 ahead, but only because AHS took a big hit when they had to swap out my furnace and couldn't wiggle out of it.
Dealing with the warranty companies involves aggravation and hassle versus using local trusted contractors, and it's hard to put a
Next summer, when my AHS warranty comes up for renewal, I'll laugh, and pitch the form into the trash. My opinion is that a home warranty made sense when I was a young (poorer) first time home buyer, but that going forward it makes more sense to bank that money yearly in expectation of the occasional repairs needed, and be able to use it to immediately call local, well-respected pros in.
Thanks to the group for your support. I would be interested to know just what sort of discount AHS gets from equipment providers to be able to replace a condensor (not just the compressor!) for $250 worth of pars.... Yes, I got screwed. But rather than fight it, I'm accepting that I'm ahead for the year, if just barely, and moving on with a happy life.
Marc