When you pay for a new air conditioner, the last thing you expect is a system that starts breaking down days later.

But that is exactly what one Arizona homeowner told AZFamily happened after installing a new unit, in a case that highlights an important reality for anyone considering an HVAC upgrade. 

Here's what to know

According to the station, Goodyear homeowner Wendi Sinclair said her newly installed air conditioner started having problems just nine days after it was put in.

"It was running non-stop and it was a 10-degree difference in here," Sinclair recalled to AZFamily. "My thermostat was set at 74 [degrees]. It was 84." 

Sinclair added the system continued to act up, including short-cycling, leaking, and failing to keep the house cool.

The station reported that Sinclair eventually brought in an independent contractor, who identified a list of problems with the setup, including an unleveled furnace coil and secondary pan, water damage, narrowed refrigerant lines, gaps in the ductwork, and insufficient airflow for the condenser.

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors also investigated the home and found multiple workmanship problems, according to AZFamily. The agency ordered Summer Heating and Air to make repairs and report back to the state. 

If you are considering an upgrade and want it to go smoother, Palmetto's Comfort Plan network can help you understand your HVAC options, slash your energy bills with new, efficient HVACs and heat pumps, and connect you with vetted installers.

More background

Sinclair said the problems escalated, as AZFamily detailed. After a replacement coil was installed in June, she said another replacement was needed in September. Then, in October, "my unit actually blew up outside and was smoking," which led to yet another compressor replacement.

Efficient electric HVAC systems and heat pumps can be a smart way to reduce energy waste and keep utility bills more manageable, particularly during extreme summer heat. However, installation quality is critical. Problems can erase the savings a homeowner hoped to gain from a new system.

Before choosing an installer, it can help to review license records, warranty terms, and inspection documents. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors says the company's commercial license was lost in 2018, while its residential license is still active and has two settled complaints, per AZFamily.

What can I do?

The ROC says contractors who do not comply with its orders can face citations, civil penalties, and action against their licenses. That may not fix a broken system right away, but it can offer homeowners a route to accountability.

For Sinclair, the case centers on a simple expectation. 

"It's an installation issue," she told AZFamily. "This should not happen to anybody else."

Experts often recommend asking for documentation upfront, keeping service records, and seeking an independent inspection if a brand-new unit begins failing.

Palmetto is also worth a look if you want help sorting through efficient replacement options. With Palmetto's Comfort Plan, if you're not ready to spend up front, there are $0-down options that can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 50%, and the plan includes 12 years of free maintenance.

You can also pair solar panels with electric appliances, including efficient HVACs, to drive your utility costs even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, potentially saving you up to $10,000 on installation costs.

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