Complaint Review: Cross Country Home Services - Fort Lauderdale Florida

The 600 sq. ft. per ton (12,000 btu) formula is only a rough guidline, as you should know.  Oakwood Mobile Homes of this vintage all have thermostatically (automatic) controlled power ventilators in the roofs due to the fomaldehyde issue; basically they run nearly all of the time.  A healthy amount of condensate issues from the drain tube whenever the unit is in cooling operation.  

When the unit is first turned on after the home has been closed up and is very warm both inside and outside, the outlet temp. will actually dip into the mid '50s after the unit has been on for several minutes.  Once the home has been cooled down the the unit begins cycling normally, the outlet temp never goes below the low 60s.  It's 'right sized' and is (was) running correctly.

I received one final quote for a repair: $100 for the accumulator and $600 for additional parts and labor.  I've decided to go with the $1500 installed 2.5 ton, 13 SEER, R-22 outdoor unit made by Ducane.  Being installed this weekend.

Once the valves begin to freeze then the cycles get longer until they are barely effective.  I have lived in Texas and Oklahoma most of my life and can tell you that your system is too big for the square footage you have.  Someone must be feeding you a boat load or the insulation on your dwelling is non-existent, like leaving the doors and windows open all day.
Since you seem to be an expert on everything I will take my useless information and bow out.
I was only trying to help.

anonymous, you are a troll.  I bet you work for CCHS.

The accumulator units are covered with moisture whenever the heat pump is in the cooling mode.  It is almost unheard of that these units fail due to corrosion according to every service person I've spoken with recently.  

Yes, the contract does spell that out and yes, I didn't read it completely and/or failed to comprehend what it meant.  The component in question failed prematurely through normal use, making the heat pump inoperable.  This type of failure should be covered, but isn't for some unfathomable reason.

Go troll somewhere else.

An educational day yesterday.

Prices to repair the unit (parts and labor):  $1200 - $1500.  The accumulator is $250.

I can buy a brand new Norodyne SEER 12 or equivalent outside replacement condenser/ compressor unit (R-22) for $1200.  I can buy a brand new Norodyne SEER 13 R-410 split unit complete for $2200.

One contractor quoted $7500 for a brand new (unnamed) R-410 split unit installed.  The customer service rep kept harping about 'we don't cut corners'.  This is the big local co. with lots of tv commercials.

The balance of the quotes for the R-22 outside unit installed were between $1500 and $2300 installed for a Norodyne SEER 12 or equivalent.  Was quoted $2800 - $3000 for the Norodyne SEER 13 R-410 split unit complete installed.

Will most likely go with the outside replacement unit.  Every contractor I spoke with stated that an accumulator failing due to rust is an extremely rare event.

apparently you did not read your contract , since your on here trying to make cchs look bad..i myself get cursed at and treated like dirt allll day from people like you that don't read things and when something goes wrong you don't know why?? apparently your a man that does not know much about how a/c unit's work and for sure doesn't have any handy man exp. that's why you got the warranty in the first place. Good luck and high hopes to ya brother...you may also receive additional follow up contacts pertaining to your comment status , have a nice day

Inspector:

Your information is factually incorrect? A 2.5 ton high efficency heat pump split unit for a 14x80 (14x76 actual) mobile home is 'right sized', especially since the MH manufacturers typically spec 3 ton 'average efficency' units for these mobile homes here in The South.  No, the unit has never 'short cycled'; if anything, the cooling cycles seemed to be a bit long.  What is the real reason for your 'rebuttal'?

I've read the contract by now for sure.  I never imagined 'component failure from corrosion' would ever be an issue.  'Component Failure' for any reason not related to misuse and/or lack of maintenance seems reasonable.  The young woman I spoke with who attempted to get me to keep the policy was doing what she got paid for but why should I pay for a service that failed to perform in this instance?  

After reading numerous complaints concerning Cross Country I know I made the right decision and perhaps others will too before they have to learn the hard way, as I did.  The local Norodyne distributor is supposed to get back with me today regarding price and availability of the accumulator unit and the local contractors authorized by Norodyne/Intertherm.

While your getting quotes consider the fact that 2.5 ton for a 1030 Sq. ft. home is overkill.  This sometimes results in freezing and excessive cycling of the compressor.  It sounds like you were taken from the beginning.  Get an expert to evaluate the size of unit needed for your home and steer clear of those that try to upsell larger units to make more money.
I think you will find that a much smaller unit will provide better efficiency and last longer.  Good luck to you.

per the terms and conditions we cover the mechanical failure due to normal wear and tear. rust and corrosion are not covered. that's what it says in the contract?...did you read it? I read mine and everything is great ..you just got to understand what your paying for.it's a warranty not insurance.