Heating and air conditioning - Pay for a commercial blower motor we didn't need?

Author

Pay for a commercial blower motor we didn't need?

SteveG

2006-03-22, 11:21 am

We have a large Carrier 2-ton package unit on our appliance store roof
which our AC guy installed in 2002. We turned it on last week for the
first time and heard the fan come on, and then whine down and shut off
after 5-10 seconds. Our AC guy thought it might be a bad fan belt.
After inspection, he told us the bad news. The 2 H.P. 3-phase 4-amp
evaporator blower motor was bad, and it was a $500 motor. We gave him
the go ahead. After coming in and out of the store 3-4 times to switch
the breaker, he informed us that we have a problem with our 3-phase
breaker. He said he wasn't authorized to test it, as he was only
authorized to test residential electric. We got our independent
installer who part-owned a large AC business in S. Florida to help, and
he replaced the $130 breaker and we gave him $50 ($180) - and the AC
finally worked. The "wild" leg of the 3-phase was clearly bad. I
called our AC guy the next morning and asked for the old motor, and he
said it was tossed out, but that he'd try to get it. The next day, we
got a bill for a 2 HP 3 phase high static fan motor for $475, a SPDT
swithching relay for $18.75, and $260 in labor (4 hrs @ $65). What do
we owe him?

.p.jm@see_my_sig_for_address.com

2006-03-22, 12:21 pm

On 22 Mar 2006 07:11:04 -0800, "SteveG" <carolinesteve@prodigy.net>
wrote:

>We have a large Carrier 2-ton package unit on our appliance store roof
>which our AC guy installed in 2002. We turned it on last week for the
>first time and heard the fan come on, and then whine down and shut off
>after 5-10 seconds. Our AC guy thought it might be a bad fan belt.
>After inspection, he told us the bad news. The 2 H.P. 3-phase 4-amp
>evaporator blower motor was bad, and it was a $500 motor. We gave him
>the go ahead. After coming in and out of the store 3-4 times to switch
>the breaker, he informed us that we have a problem with our 3-phase
>breaker. He said he wasn't authorized to test it, as he was only
>authorized to test residential electric. We got our independent
>installer who part-owned a large AC business in S. Florida to help, and
>he replaced the $130 breaker and we gave him $50 ($180) - and the AC

Mighty fucking white of you.

>finally worked. The "wild" leg of the 3-phase was clearly bad. I
>called our AC guy the next morning and asked for the old motor, and he
>said it was tossed out, but that he'd try to get it. The next day, we
>got a bill for a 2 HP 3 phase high static fan motor for $475, a SPDT
>swithching relay for $18.75, and $260 in labor (4 hrs @ $65). What do
>we owe him?

753.75 plus tax.

Next time, insist that he add that number up for you so you
don't have to come here and ask stupid fucking questions, XXXXXXX.

--

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Paul ( pjm @ pobox . com ) - remove spaces to email me
'Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.'
'With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine.'
HVAC/R program for Palm PDA's
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CAVHBC

2006-03-22, 12:21 pm

"SteveG" <carolinesteve@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:1143040264.663116.295680@t31g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> We have a large Carrier 2-ton package unit on our appliance store roof
> which our AC guy installed in 2002. We turned it on last week for the
> first time and heard the fan come on, and then whine down and shut off
> after 5-10 seconds. Our AC guy thought it might be a bad fan belt.
> After inspection, he told us the bad news. The 2 H.P. 3-phase 4-amp
> evaporator blower motor was bad, and it was a $500 motor. We gave him
> the go ahead. After coming in and out of the store 3-4 times to switch
> the breaker, he informed us that we have a problem with our 3-phase
> breaker. He said he wasn't authorized to test it, as he was only
> authorized to test residential electric. We got our independent
> installer who part-owned a large AC business in S. Florida to help, and
> he replaced the $130 breaker and we gave him $50 ($180) - and the AC
> finally worked. The "wild" leg of the 3-phase was clearly bad. I
> called our AC guy the next morning and asked for the old motor, and he
> said it was tossed out, but that he'd try to get it. The next day, we
> got a bill for a 2 HP 3 phase high static fan motor for $475, a SPDT
> swithching relay for $18.75, and $260 in labor (4 hrs @ $65). What do
> we owe him?
>

$475 + $18.75 + $260 = $753.75

Simple Eh?

.p.jm@see_my_sig_for_address.com

2006-03-22, 1:21 pm

On Wed, 22 Mar 2006 10:58:13 -0500, "CAVHBC" <biteme@fuckoff.com>
wrote:

>
>"SteveG" <carolinesteve@prodigy.net> wrote in message
>news:1143040264.663116.295680@t31g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
>$475 + $18.75 + $260 = $753.75
>
>Simple Eh?
>

You forgot the tax.

--

Click here every day to feed an animal that needs you today !!!

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Paul ( pjm @ pobox . com ) - remove spaces to email me
'Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.'
'With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine.'
HVAC/R program for Palm PDA's
Free demo now available online http://pmilligan.net/palm/

Bubba

2006-03-22, 6:21 pm

On Wed, 22 Mar 2006 16:02:23 GMT, .p.jm@see_my_sig_for_address.com
wrote:

>On Wed, 22 Mar 2006 10:58:13 -0500, "CAVHBC" <biteme@fuckoff.com>
>wrote:
>
>
> You forgot the tax.

Plus the hand job and a 12 pack

Bubba

RSCamaro

2006-03-22, 9:21 pm

On 22 Mar 2006 07:11:04 -0800, "SteveG" <carolinesteve@prodigy.net>
wrote:

>What do we owe him?

You owe them a call to see if they will do anything with you on the
bill. Chances are very good that the motor was toasted anyway, so
don't hold your breath on getting a discount for the repair.

If there was a problem with the "WILD or HIGH" leg then the motor was
single phasing and when it stopped, as you described in the original
post, was probably smoked right then and there. I personally try and
show my customers the broken or burned equipment before leaving the
site, it stops the arguments before they can start.

...Ron
--
68'RS Camaro
88'Formula
00'GT Mustang

gofish@gonefishin.net

2006-03-23, 1:21 am

On 22 Mar 2006 07:11:04 -0800, "SteveG" <carolinesteve@prodigy.net>
wrote:

>We have a large Carrier 2-ton package unit on our appliance store roof
>which our AC guy installed in 2002. We turned it on last week for the
>first time and heard the fan come on, and then whine down and shut off
>after 5-10 seconds. Our AC guy thought it might be a bad fan belt.
>After inspection, he told us the bad news. The 2 H.P. 3-phase 4-amp
>evaporator blower motor was bad, and it was a $500 motor. We gave him
>the go ahead. After coming in and out of the store 3-4 times to switch
>the breaker, he informed us that we have a problem with our 3-phase
>breaker. He said he wasn't authorized to test it, as he was only
>authorized to test residential electric. We got our independent
>installer who part-owned a large AC business in S. Florida to help, and
>he replaced the $130 breaker and we gave him $50 ($180) - and the AC
>finally worked. The "wild" leg of the 3-phase was clearly bad. I
>called our AC guy the next morning and asked for the old motor, and he
>said it was tossed out, but that he'd try to get it. The next day, we
>got a bill for a 2 HP 3 phase high static fan motor for $475, a SPDT
>swithching relay for $18.75, and $260 in labor (4 hrs @ $65). What do
>we owe him?

I have a hard time believing a 2 ton pkg unit has a 2 hp evap motor,
even if it is a high static motor. 5 tons, yeah maybe. 2 tons is a
stretch of the imagination. but then again, you said it was a
carrier.....what does the nameplate on the side of the unit say?

If it were me paying the bill, I'd pay $18.75 for the relay and $260
for labor and hold off paying for the motor until they produced the
old one.

Now if you're real smart, you'll pay your commercial sparky to install
a 3 phase line voltage monitor/protector for all your ac units such
as an ICM400C.

The next time you have any ac repairs done, ask for a quote upfront,
unstead of complaining after the fact.

Bubba

2006-03-24, 8:21 am

On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 04:24:09 GMT, gofish@gonefishin.net wrote:

>On 22 Mar 2006 07:11:04 -0800, "SteveG" <carolinesteve@prodigy.net>
>wrote:
>
>
>I have a hard time believing a 2 ton pkg unit has a 2 hp evap motor,
>even if it is a high static motor. 5 tons, yeah maybe. 2 tons is a
>stretch of the imagination. but then again, you said it was a
>carrier.....what does the nameplate on the side of the unit say?
>
>If it were me paying the bill, I'd pay $18.75 for the relay and $260
>for labor and hold off paying for the motor until they produced the
>old one.
>
>Now if you're real smart, you'll pay your commercial sparky to install
>a 3 phase line voltage monitor/protector for all your ac units such
>as an ICM400C.
>
>The next time you have any ac repairs done, ask for a quote upfront,
>unstead of complaining after the fact.

That makes no sense, Fish.
If you are holding out paying for the motor then why would you be
willing to pay the $260 labor??
Either you pay him or you dont. Either way, the OP bitchin after the
fact is bullcrap. Once again, a perfect reason why Flat Rate Pricing
works.
A diagnostic fee is used and quoted BEFORE showing up.
The tech can take 10 minutes or 4 days to diagnose it. Its still the
same diagnostic fee quoted.
Once the tech makes his diagnosis, he goes to the OP, shows and
explains his total price in writing. If it is ok'd by the OP, the OP
signs it. Work begins and the price gets paid in full at completion.
The other option is the techs price is not agreed upon, the OP owes
the diagnostic fee and he is on his way down the road.
Bubba
Bubba

.p.jm@see_my_sig_for_address.com

2006-03-24, 9:21 am

On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 12:13:03 GMT, Bubba <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com>>
wrote:
[color=darkred]
>On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 04:24:09 GMT, gofish@gonefishin.net wrote:
>

You'd pay what the fuckin bill said, or you're discuss it with
their lawyers, and have a mechanics lien placed on your property.

End of fucking story.

--

Click here every day to feed an animal that needs you today !!!

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

Paul ( pjm @ pobox . com ) - remove spaces to email me
'Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.'
'With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine.'
HVAC/R program for Palm PDA's
Free demo now available online http://pmilligan.net/palm/

gofish@gonefishin.net

2006-03-24, 12:21 pm

On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 13:02:21 GMT, .p.jm@see_my_sig_for_address.com
wrote:

>On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 12:13:03 GMT, Bubba <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com>>
>wrote:
>
>
> You'd pay what the fuckin bill said, or you're discuss it with
>their lawyers, and have a mechanics lien placed on your property.
>
> End of fucking story.

you need to get out in the real world. For starters, I suggest you
do some research on California's "home improvement contracts" and how
they relate to residential hvac service work. and speaking of
lawyers, you might brush up on the 3-day 'right to rescind' law.

mechanics lien...hahaha is that the best you got pj?

gofish@gonefishin.net

2006-03-24, 12:21 pm

On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 12:13:03 GMT, Bubba <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com>>
wrote:

>On Thu, 23 Mar 2006 04:24:09 GMT, gofish@gonefishin.net wrote:
>
>
>That makes no sense, Fish.
>If you are holding out paying for the motor then why would you be
>willing to pay the $260 labor??
>Either you pay him or you dont. Either way, the OP bitchin after the
>fact is bullcrap. Once again, a perfect reason why Flat Rate Pricing
>works.
>A diagnostic fee is used and quoted BEFORE showing up.
>The tech can take 10 minutes or 4 days to diagnose it. Its still the
>same diagnostic fee quoted.
>Once the tech makes his diagnosis, he goes to the OP, shows and
>explains his total price in writing. If it is ok'd by the OP, the OP
>signs it. Work begins and the price gets paid in full at completion.
>The other option is the techs price is not agreed upon, the OP owes
>the diagnostic fee and he is on his way down the road.
>Bubba
>Bubba

I couldnt have said it better myself Bubba. Most consumers, when
presented with FRP, will choose it any day over T&M.

The point I was trying to make was that a prudent service tech will
leave the old parts with the consumer, unless they are hazardous
waste, such as mercury t-stats.

Bubba

2006-03-24, 1:21 pm

On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 15:39:43 GMT, gofish@gonefishin.net wrote:

>On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 12:13:03 GMT, Bubba <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com>>
>wrote:
>
>
>
>I couldnt have said it better myself Bubba. Most consumers, when
>presented with FRP, will choose it any day over T&M.
>
>The point I was trying to make was that a prudent service tech will
>leave the old parts with the consumer, unless they are hazardous
>waste, such as mercury t-stats.

That too is a big pain in da arse.
If you take the parts with you, they call and XXXXX that you took
their stuff.
If you leave the old dirty parts they call you back and XXXXX that you
left all that ol shit.
You cant win. I have no set rule on that. Most of the stuff I take
with me but I usually leave it in the truck for a few days in case
they do call. The big stuff gets to the dumpster as quick as possible.
I dont like ol chit in my van.
Bubba

Noon-Air

2006-03-24, 5:21 pm

"Bubba >" <<ReMoVe likealake@iname.com> wrote in message
news:5t8822te097k5qi0nv4qu84p4ord6bgpnf@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 24 Mar 2006 15:39:43 GMT, gofish@gonefishin.net wrote:
>
>
> That too is a big pain in da arse.
> If you take the parts with you, they call and XXXXX that you took
> their stuff.
> If you leave the old dirty parts they call you back and XXXXX that you
> left all that ol shit.
> You cant win. I have no set rule on that. Most of the stuff I take
> with me but I usually leave it in the truck for a few days in case
> they do call. The big stuff gets to the dumpster as quick as possible.
> I dont like ol chit in my van.
> Bubba

I give the customer the option of leaving it or not....
"Ma'am, Would you like for me to dispose of the old parts for you?"

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