Two large wet spots in the ceiling, especially if your air conditioning drain pan is located in the attic, will not make you a happy camper.
After further investigation, my husband and I realized our secondary drain pan was tilting sideways, it was full of water and the water was now flowing through the sheet rock. Last November, we hiring a local HVAC company (Austin Air Rescue) to investigate this same issue and the prognosis was the drain pan was not level and it was suggested to install a shut off switch - so if and when water should rise over a certain point... the entire unit would shut down. We proceeded with installing the switch. No more than 5 months later, we discover more wet water stains, yet our unit is still functioning. My first thought, "there is something wrong with this picture." I immediately contacted the company who installed the switch, requesting them to come investigate why did this occur when the installation was recommended to prevent this from occurring again.
A technician showed, when into the attic and came down to report the unit was coil was frozen solid and with the 100 degree temperature water was thawing and pouring into the pan. When I asked, why didn't the shut off switch disengage the unit, his response was, "everyone who worked at the company no longer works there because they didn't complete quality work." GREAT - the words I wanted to her - careless work! He also mentioned possible problems with the condenser (outside portion of the unit) and fled outside to investigate. After about an hour of poking and prodding, it was recommending we replace our entire unit since discovering several leaks that could not ever be repaired. The frozen coil was a result of the outside leak. So, I allowed this guy to humor me and provide me a quote for a full and partial replacement, knowing I'd never use this company ever again. I should probably remind you by this time it was Friday at 5 p.m. - so it was not possible to obtain a second or third company opinion until Monday or after. The technician placed a quote in front of me showing several prices (which included a full replacement & a partial replacement) and a full replacement was $9,300. Yikes!!!
After this fellow left our home, I immediately contacted a family member who is in the HVAC business in another city in Texas and reviewed the information. Red Flag Alert! The $9,300 unit should cost no more than $5,000. Needless to say.. the double whammy considering the company isn't professional enough to employ competent people. I obtained two other company names based on friend, family and colleague recommendations.
A second company (Climate Mechanical) was scheduled to appear within a four hour window on Monday. When they didn't show within their perscribed time frame, I phoned and was told they were running behind. I always provide and always expect great service in return...so when I was told they were running late... I asked, "when was I going to be notified of this?" Finally the gentleman arrived, analyzed the system and confirmed the previous reports - the system should be replaced. He recommended a different system for $6,337. Due to the companies lack of professional service and feeling as if the technician was trying to rush off to his next appointment - I thought... a third opinion was definately necessary.
Since, I already knew we needed a system replacement and knew of two systems we were happy with purchasing, I called the third recommended to us (Texas Air Conditioning Specialists). I explained our situation - we knew we needed a replacement (had already been visited by two other technicians), made him aware of the name of the system we wanted to steer clear of and the name of the two systems we'd gladly purchase. The representative, Brian, took the time to researched each model I provided, cross referenced each system to ensure it qualified for the federal tax credit (which that was a requirement for purchase) and actually listened and took care of all my requests. He quoted $5,998 for the same system the second company quotes us. The install was scheduled for 9 a.m. the following morning (given a window of 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for arrival), but two installers showed up at 9:15 a.m. and by 3:30 p.m. the entire system was in place. After taking a few hours to ensure the system was functioning and showing both of us how to operate the new control panel, it was after the close of business. The technician politely gave us a receipt and said, "call tomorrow to pay for the unit." What? Service First.... I love this company and I've never been excited to say - I'll ONLY call or refer is Texas Air Conditioning Specialists.
I hope if you have HVAC maintenance or repair you will give Texas Air Conditioning Specialists a ring. They can be reached at (512) 736-6839.
I do know another company that does Austin air conditioner repair and does it very well with quality. I can assure you that the best of the best kind of service will be given to you.
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