Complaint Review: Nordyne

Purchased a Tappan HVAC Unit in 2009, Model Q5RD-036K. In 2012 a Faulty Thermostat had to be replaced. in 2014 The Blower Motor had to be replaced. In March of 2015 a small leak developed towards the end of a brutal winter. Our electricty bills for 2 months soared. Heading into Spring the unit was having difficulty cooling the house. Out technician was called out and our Puron level (R-401 A) was empty. We were advised that the manufacturer was known to have issues with defective coils amongst other parts, and these issues were more prevalent after R-401A refrigerant was introduced into the market.

We had 6 lbs of refrigerant added, with labor at a cost of $215 and within 6 days that also leaked out. The biggest economic loss as a result of faulty equipment has been our increased electricty costs which in some cases trebled.

I spoke with Nortek customer service about these issues and was told that under the limited warranty they could do nothing. I advised them that we need a solution quick, and that I had spoken with a technician about using an A/C anti leak fluid, who was coming to inspect our unit again that afternoon - May 20. I requested a supervisor call me to authorize us 'patch' the leak however the supervisor did not call back until 5pm May 22nd.

The technician applied the A/C anti leak to the unit and then added more refrigerant and then proceeded to open the front panel to do a Nitorgen pressure check, he then realized a large leak on one of the pipes as a result of another it rubbing against another componenet within the unit. By that stage the added R-401a had already leaked out - again!

He fixed the leak, did a vacuum of the entire system, re-gassed again and then did a 20 minute pressure check. For the time being the issue is fixed at a cost of $262 labor and a total of 14 pound of refrigerant $350 and the $50 anti leak solution.

When I did finally speak to the supervisor/manager ashe offered no assitance whatsoever and suggested that the technician 'cut as a break' on the labor. I was even told that to replace the faulty coil which is reported on the internet as 'defective', was covered under warranty but we would have to pay $100 shipping and of course liable for labor and gas; not to mention the hike in our electricty bill.

To date we have spent probably close to 75% the cost of the original unit and installation $4800.

Our technician and ,as is evidenced by other internet forums, technicians in other states during the period 2008 - 2010 refused to install any more Nordyne units due to the large volume of warranty issues and consumer complaints.

The manager was very quick to defend Nordyne with a scripted response to our complaint. Consumer affairs claim they are a voluntary service and can do little (nothing) to make the maunfacturer responsible.

It would be up to the power of the people, and a collective submission of just how many defective units have affected consumers. I hope other will stand as we are prepared to and take legal action against them.

It seems its all to easy for them to hide behind a "limited warranty'