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Heating & Air Conditioning

A/C repair costs to bring up to code in Texas

14 years ago

American Home Shield has authorized the replacement of the evaporator coils in my central air system. Bowever, the company doing the work (empire mechanical) is quoting the following additional items as AHS won't cover items to bring an older unit up to code in Texas:

Volume Control Dampers (if needed) - $415

Mastic Seal (tape violates code) - $145

Hanging kit (current perforated straps supposedly don't meet code) - $105

Possible Emergency Drain pan (if needed) - $260

This comes to a whopping $925 and AHS is providing the coil. This seems extremely out of line.

Any informed users that could help me with insight as to what is reasonable charges on these items and do new codes require such would be appreciated.

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Comments (6)

baldloonie
14 years ago
Grandpaw has something to say about that. You shouldn't have to bring it up to code til it is replaced. At least that's the norm. Older stuff should be grandfathered in. What's likely the case: the warranty company is paying the dealer peanuts for doing the work so he's trying to make some money somehow.
paulbm
14 years ago
replacement of the evaporator coils is a repair, you should not need a permit therefore you should not have to update to new code. But i live in mi. not Taxas so i don't know there laws. later paulbm
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troys
14 years ago
ou do have to bring the system up to code with a evap coil replacement. As far as the cost, that is up to the company doing the work. With AHS you cannot get a second oppion due to the cost of non-covered items. That company goes off of the state code not city code due to state gives the lic. You can get another estimate from a non home shield customer and probally come out ahead. Lets say the non AHS company will replace it for 1400 and you get 600 from the cash out then you will only have to pay 800.
The "if needed" will become "needed" during the install just to let you know.
The hanging kit is the (4) straps that hold the coil - it has to be solid straps 1.5" wide.
Dampers - that one is questionable due to most vents have dampers on them
Drain pan - has to be 3" clearance past the coil on all sides.
I really am suprized how many people never question non covered items through AHS.
The only way you can get a second oppion through AHS is tell them you dont think the coil is leaking. You take your chances cause the next company might be higher. Hope this helps.
baldloonie
14 years ago
So just swap out an evap and you have to do all that? I'm staying outta TX
troys
14 years ago
Yes, in north Texas most citys require permit to be pulled and the system has to be brought to code. Anytime you modify (change out anything) A/H furnace or coil everything will have to be brought to code. Alot of companys do not pull the permit due to the increased cost to the customer. The codes required do benifit the h/o with saving the ceiling from overflow of water to efficenty (dampers,mastic seal). The big issue is how much cost is passed onto the customer. AHS does not pay that much to the contractor do the job and make any profit. Most of the contractors here talk to each other and stick to the same pricing so they can get top dollar and AHS cannot really say to much to each of them since the majority are close to the same. There are the low ballers that will have $100 non covered and then you have the rest that are $950-1300.
HU-17840201
2 years ago
what a scam, Texas has a lot of scams, it's worse than most Yankee states and California.

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