Call me stupid, but I've been paying my AHS fees for more than 7 years now...
In 2004 I reported a loss of heating due to a leak in the compressor coil (I have a heat pump). The AHS assigned the Sunn Corporation (www.sunncorp.com) to take care of this problem. Two technicians showed up, pumped more freon into the leaking system, changed the thermostat and laughed at my request to fix the leaking coil. I called AHS to complain that the leak was not fixed, but was told that if the technician determined that there is no problem with the coil — then nothing can be done about it. For four years I was putting more freon into the system and paying outrageous electrical bills. Finally (it helps to be an informed consumer) I read that no freon should be put into the system BEFORE detecting and fixing a leak. Well, two weeks ago I called AHS again demanding to FIX the leak. When the customer service assigned the Sunn Corporation, I had to remind them that this exact company refused to perform the proper diagnostic procedures in 2004. So, UnitedAir (?) was sent instead. Once again, a technician shows up and without checking anything, unless opening and closing the filter access is a new way to diagnose the system, tells me that both of my units are in good condition and will run for another 10 years (my indoor unit is over 24 years old and the outdoor unit is pushing 15 years). Thus, the only thing he has to do is to put more freon into the system, and I'll be a happy camper once again. When I told him that the leak has to be fixed before putting more freon, I was somewhat politely told that I'm not an HVAC specialist, while he is, and AHS will not authorize anything but more freon anyway. It ended with me requesting the technician to leave my house w/o doing anything.
So, what comes next? AHS representative claims that they have to go with what the technician determines. After numerous calls explaining that not fixing a leak is a breach of our contract, I was told that the Sunn Corporation is the only other company to service my area. Following these lengthy conversations, AHS representative promised to make sure that this time the problem will be taken care off.
Within 15 min of his arrival, technician from the Sunn Corporation determines that the coil has too many leaks and too old to be fixed, so both units will have to be replaced. A week passes by (the temperature remains in 90s), I receive a phone call from the Sunn Corporation about replacing my heat pump. The deal is that I pay $1180 out of my pocket for the number of outrageously overpriced "code" upgrades and will get the most basic system or pay more than $4000 for an upgraded one. It seems like a good deal, right?! However, let's not forget that I was turned down by AHS four years ago with the same problem and my fees since then accumulated to about $2000. So, at this point the most basic system will cost me $3180 plus about $500 for servicing the dying unit, plus excessive electric bills for cooling/heating with the malfunctioning system, and I'm not even talking about the level of discomfort I had to put up with in these four years.By now, I am still waiting to hear how much my "cash out" option will be if I refuse to go along with extortion of $1180 by the Sunn Corporation.
AHS forces their contractors to lie to us, so no time is wasted on performing needed repairs/replacements or to rip us off on "not covered" expenses to offset the small amounts these contractors are getting from AHS for each service.
I believe it's time to explore the possibility of starting a Class Action Lawsuit against AHS. How many of you would be interested?
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