Bryant (Carrier) whole house AC unit #552A-030 - puron leak at 3rd season of use - labor not included in warranty

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on July 2, 2002:

From: Susi and Doug [ddorrer AT earthlink.net]

RE: Bryant (Carrier) whole house AC unit #552A-030 - puron leak at 3rd season of use - labor not included in warranty

I have had a Bryant whole house AC unit installed by a local installer. Unit Model #552A-030. This unit uses PURON, the "new" freon. This year, before beginning the 3rd cooling season after having used the unit sparingly for 1 1/2 seasons as it was installed in mid-season in 2000, I attempted to turn the unit on but it did not kick in. After checking all fuses and settings, I called the installer who came to diagnose and was informed that there was a freon leak and that the coil had to be replaced. That was all well or so it seemed, as there is a 5-year warranty on the unit. I requested from the installer to install the replacement coil free of charge and was informed that the warranty only covered parts. Replacement PURON and labor was not included. NOTE: Am I glad I didn't get suckered into purchasing an extended warranty--those border on consumer fraud anyway if you ask me....

The installer himself has stated that these new units of the same or similar model as mine have broken down often in our town lately (pop. less than 20,000), and he has also stated that the new PURON freon sucks as well as the fact that the machines' production is so automated that too high a number of duds go through to the consumer without being caught by a quality control check-point. I advised Carrier/Bryant to please cover the labor cost and my request was denied. I now have a faxed letter in to the Chairman & CEO, Mr. George David of United Technologies (Bryant parent company) to see to it that the labor is covered, but to no avail or response as of this writing. (July 2, 2002).

I have made several phone calls to see if I could get someone in Quality Control to make them aware of my complaint and see if same or similar models have been reported with problems, but there is no getting into the system to get anyone's attention. I have resolved myself to the fact that I was had. My advice: Skip Carrier, Bryant and any other United Technologies products. I will do my best to do better research now that I have the computer and will avoid their products if my life depends on it. I have no patience for anyone who does not stand behind their product. In addition, should the fancy ride me enough, I shall install a permanent sign attesting to my dissatisfaction of Carrier etc. onto my house for all to see!!! United Technologies' email address, please advise if it has been sent... corpsec AT corphq.utc.com Thank you

Comment On This

carrier really does not care about the home owner at all. they just want to sell the ac units and forget them.

my unit has had every part replaced ovr the past 7 years and guess what.........

carrier/bryant just says so what!

given time they will be out of business.