What do you think of this Install?

14 years ago

I just had a Carrier System installed by a Presidential Winner, etc, etc. company. I told the installers as they left I was not happy with several things. The followup supervisor is coming back next week. I would appreciate any comments.

First, I totally lost confidence in the installers when I found a small leak that was blowing oil near the condenser on the HP line. I had to catch the installers in the driveway as they left to fix it. Then I really started checking the installation. What are real issues and where am I being too picky?

1 the refrigerant lines are routed in front of the evaporator access doors on the air handler (split system).

2. The dryer is located indoors which means any future replacement requires brazing indoors. I have never seen one not located in the Condenser unit.

3. The Duct sealant tape is bridged and not fully contacting the duct at 90 degree seams. That seems likely to start leaking as the system ages.

4. The ductwork is dented where it was force fit. There are bends and buckles in the metal. It is not square, also.

5. The brazed joints are all globbed up. They look like someone sealed them with Play-Doh.

6. The condenser/compressor assembly was not leveled and rocks when touched.

7. The thermostat reads 4 degrees low

8. The Thermostat is not secure to the wall. It rocks when the adjustment buttons are pushed.

9. Stucco penetrations are not sealed

I appreciate any comments on how I should proceed. I have not paid for the system yet.

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Comments (3)

ryanhughes
14 years ago
Can you post pictures? Easier to visualize the situation. Pros at the forum hvac-talk.com are quick to point out things that need to be changed if you are looking for a punch list.

I'll give my thoughts on your concerns, which seem very legitimate:

1. May or may not be problematic for the future service tech. Did they have a choice to route them another route?

2. Probably not a problem. I think for at least some time this is what Carrier put in the installation instructions. Usually they are located outside though.

3. Not sure what you mean by "bridged." If tape has to be used (as opposed to mastic sealant, which I prefer), then it should be done professionally, and in this case it doesn't seem like it was.

4. Unacceptable.

5. May not be problematic, but the installers should have taken more pride in their work.

6. Unacceptable.

7. What kind of thermostat is it?

8. Again, unacceptable.

9. This should have been discussed before the job began.

Overall, sounds like you got a second-rate installation. Was this the lowest bid? I would withhold payment until you visit with the supervisor.
udarrell_2007
14 years ago
1. the refrigerant lines are routed in front of the evaporator access doors on the air handler (split system).

Reply. Not good practice

2. The dryer is located indoors which means any future replacement requires brazing indoors. I have never seen one not located in the Condenser unit.

R. Not a serious thing, as many put a liquid line dryer near the evaporator coil; we braze indoors a lot.

3. The Duct sealant tape is bridged and not fully contacting the duct at 90 degree seams. That seems likely to start leaking as the system ages.

R. should have used mastic.

4. The ductwork is dented where it was force fit. There are bends and buckles in the metal. It is not square, also.

R. Not good.

5. The brazed joints are all globbed up. They look like someone sealed them with Play-Doh.

R. May not have got the joints ht enough when brazing, can lead to leaks.

6. The condenser/compressor assembly was not leveled and rocks when touched.

R. Not good!

7. The thermostat reads 4 degrees low

R. Needs adjusting.

8. The Thermostat is not secure to the wall. It rocks when the adjustment buttons are pushed.

R. Needs to be secured.

9. Stucco penetrations are not sealed

R. should be sealed.

- udarrell

Here is a link that might be useful: Proper Sizing of Duct System & Units
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baldloonie
14 years ago
the only thing that doesn't bother me is #2, I like it that way to protect the metering device.

What do you think of this Install?

Comments (3)

ryanhughes

udarrell_2007

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