Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I realize that this is a bit subjective when it comes to opinions but I’m in a position where I’ll need to replace my a/c system in the near future and would appreciate some educated advice. I’m located in south Florida and presently have a 3.5 ton Trane air handler and condenser unit. The a/h has a slow coil leak. I understand that Trane is a quality brand but would really like to know what some of you would consider the top three manufacturers as far as quality and durability are concerned. Trane is a quality brand, so is all the others out there….maybe with the exception of Goodman..LOL If the system is under 5 years old, I would not consider another system, but replacement of the coil. Now, the 3? The one installed correctly The one installed correctly, and the one installed correctly. Personal experence here has been the local Trane/American Standard guys used to slap systems in …I have replaced TONS of them…but, so has everyone. In your area, they might be the best in the trade…we dont know. As far as what *I* feel is the best, I am biased, as the systems I sell I have used for many years, and had VERY little problems with, but the names not familiar outside of the commercial end like it could be. But, forget the name for a sec…forget shopping for a name brand…thats only a STARTING point. You are going to not be buying the equipment for the name. If you did, you bought the wrong stuff. You dont have to pay for someone to design the EQUIPMENT, as thats been done, you are paying for someone that knows what he is doing, to install it AS DESIGNED ALREADY. So, you look for someone thats not gonna come in, look at the old unit, and slap a price your way. You want someone thats going to take the time to make sure its sized correctly, ORIGINALLY, make sure the duct system in place is OK for the new system, and while you might not want to hear that its not, or changes need to be made, there isa good chance that all the installer is doing is taking YOUR interests first. Anyone can sell equipment…..not everyone can figure out how to make it work, and keep your interests long term in mind. Find some company thats looking out for you…not the bottom dollar. Thanks for your advice. This is Turtle. Let me add to this to be sure of the Message here. The one Installed Correctly! TURTLE

Did we say that the best one is the one installed correctly?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I realize that this is a bit subjective when it comes to opinions but I’m in a position where I’ll need to replace my a/c system in the near future and would appreciate some educated advice. I’m located in south Florida and presently have a 3.5 ton Trane air handler and condenser unit. The a/h has a slow coil leak. I understand that Trane is a quality brand but would really like to know what some of you would consider the top three manufacturers as far as quality and durability are concerned. Trane is a quality brand, so is all the others out there….maybe with the exception of Goodman..LOL If the system is under 5 years old, I would not consider another system, but replacement of the coil. Now, the 3? The one installed correctly The one installed correctly, and the one installed correctly. Personal experence here has been the local Trane/American Standard guys used to slap systems in …I have replaced TONS of them…but, so has everyone. In your area, they might be the best in the trade…we dont know. As far as what *I* feel is the best, I am biased, as the systems I sell I have used for many years, and had VERY little problems with, but the names not familiar outside of the commercial end like it could be. But, forget the name for a sec…forget shopping for a name brand…thats only a STARTING point. You are going to not be buying the equipment for the name. If you did, you bought the wrong stuff. You dont have to pay for someone to design the EQUIPMENT, as thats been done, you are paying for someone that knows what he is doing, to install it AS DESIGNED ALREADY. So, you look for someone thats not gonna come in, look at the old unit, and slap a price your way. You want someone thats going to take the time to make sure its sized correctly, ORIGINALLY, make sure the duct system in place is OK for the new system, and while you might not want to hear that its not, or changes need to be made, there isa good chance that all the installer is doing is taking YOUR interests first. Anyone can sell equipment…..not everyone can figure out how to make it work, and keep your interests long term in mind. Find some company thats looking out for you…not the bottom dollar. Thanks for your advice. This is Turtle. Let me add to this to be sure of the Message here. The one Installed Correctly! TURTLE Did we say that the best one is the one installed correctly?

The one that’s installed properly!!! Yes, now we have!!!!  "Turtle, CB, & KJ" kjpro

Response:

The install was good but the Trane components were/are junk!  The blower motors have at least 12 leads and special shafts and don’t last.  They’re very expenisvie and can’t be replaced with a generic unless a lot of rework is done.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I replaced my system and used Trane and will never use them again.  In the last 10 years 2 blower motors have failed and they go for over $500.00 becasue they’re "special" and ordinary $100.00 replacements can’t be used. On the heat side 2 regulator valves failed as well as several thermocouples. My expereince is that Trane is high maintenance junk. 73 hank This is Turtle. Your a good example of the phrase of : Any brand is Junk without it being installed correctly. Now some brands do have lemons. Trane has pro’s and con’s as to hvac people thinking of them. Now here is just a opinion here to speak of. I would have the worst brand known to man if it was installed by a good installer. Now to trane equipment :  I’m not a fan of trane but if i had a good installer I would love that brand. Now i do say again All brands are trash but try to get a good installer to keep your trash running good. TURTLE

Response:

The install was good but the Trane components were/are junk!  The blower motors have at least 12 leads and special shafts and don’t last.  They’re very expenisvie and can’t be replaced with a generic unless a lot of rework is done.

I carry one motor for them, and its not ALL that expensive..Emerson Rescue… I have yet to run into a Trane that you could not replace with a GE, or AOSmith generic. Seen plenty of older Rheem/Ruud units, and older Coleman units that will drive you insane.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I replaced my system and used Trane and will never use them again.  In the last 10 years 2 blower motors have failed and they go for over $500.00 becasue they’re "special" and ordinary $100.00 replacements can’t be used. On the heat side 2 regulator valves failed as well as several thermocouples. My expereince is that Trane is high maintenance junk. 73 hank This is Turtle. Your a good example of the phrase of : Any brand is Junk without it being installed correctly. Now some brands do have lemons. Trane has pro’s and con’s as to hvac people thinking of them. Now here is just a opinion here to speak of. I would have the worst brand known to man if it was installed by a good installer. Now to trane equipment :  I’m not a fan of trane but if i had a good installer I would love that brand. Now i do say again All brands are trash but try to get a good installer to keep your trash running good. TURTLE

Response:

He gives no model number on this Trane unit……but CB are you sure it’s not an ECM motor?? kjpro p.s. I’d say it’s a VS ECM motor by the price he gives.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The install was good but the Trane components were/are junk!  The blower motors have at least 12 leads and special shafts and don’t last. They’re very expenisvie and can’t be replaced with a generic unless a lot of rework is done. I carry one motor for them, and its not ALL that expensive..Emerson Rescue… I have yet to run into a Trane that you could not replace with a GE, or AOSmith generic. Seen plenty of older Rheem/Ruud units, and older Coleman units that will drive you insane.. I replaced my system and used Trane and will never use them again. In the last 10 years 2 blower motors have failed and they go for over $500.00 becasue they’re "special" and ordinary $100.00 replacements can’t be used. On the heat side 2 regulator valves failed as well as several thermocouples. My expereince is that Trane is high maintenance junk. 73 hank This is Turtle. Your a good example of the phrase of : Any brand is Junk without it being installed correctly. Now some brands do have lemons. Trane has pro’s and con’s as to hvac people thinking of them. Now here is just a opinion here to speak of. I would have the worst brand known to man if it was installed by a good installer. Now to trane equipment :  I’m not a fan of trane but if i had a good installer I would love that brand. Now i do say again All brands are trash but try to get a good installer to keep your trash running good. TURTLE

Response:

He gives no model number on this Trane unit……but CB are you sure it’s not an ECM motor?? kjpro p.s. I’d say it’s a VS ECM motor by the price he gives.

But…Trane didnt have those till……when….just a few years ago, and he stated in the last 10 years… I think his Trane dealers got as good a marketing techique in repairs as Tranes got in selling.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The install was good but the Trane components were/are junk!  The blower motors have at least 12 leads and special shafts and don’t last. They’re very expenisvie and can’t be replaced with a generic unless a lot of rework is done. I carry one motor for them, and its not ALL that expensive..Emerson Rescue… I have yet to run into a Trane that you could not replace with a GE, or AOSmith generic. Seen plenty of older Rheem/Ruud units, and older Coleman units that will drive you insane.. I replaced my system and used Trane and will never use them again. In the last 10 years 2 blower motors have failed and they go for over $500.00 becasue they’re "special" and ordinary $100.00 replacements can’t be used. On the heat side 2 regulator valves failed as well as several thermocouples. My expereince is that Trane is high maintenance junk. 73 hank This is Turtle. Your a good example of the phrase of : Any brand is Junk without it being installed correctly. Now some brands do have lemons. Trane has pro’s and con’s as to hvac people thinking of them. Now here is just a opinion here to speak of. I would have the worst brand known to man if it was installed by a good installer. Now to trane equipment :  I’m not a fan of trane but if i had a good installer I would love that brand. Now i do say again All brands are trash but try to get a good installer to keep your trash running good. TURTLE

Response:

The install was good but the Trane components were/are junk!  The blower motors have at least 12 leads and special shafts and don’t last.  They’re very expenisvie and can’t be replaced with a generic unless a lot of rework is done.

This is Turtle. Your saing here you had a blower motor go out and it was expencive to replace. One blower motor going out does not make a trashy brand. I can install universial type motors on 99.999% of all trane blower motor but the .001% is the unit that i have not seen yet in 40 something years. I’m not a trane fan but bring me up to date on other problem that would leed to calling them trashy and not just not installed correctly. What other trouble that you had , to say it is trashy brand? If not installed correctly. All brand are trash. TURTLE

Response:

Sorry CB, I didn’t pick up on the 10 yr old part. Just seen the price and jumped to conclusion. kjpro model #.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He gives no model number on this Trane unit……but CB are you sure it’s not an ECM motor?? kjpro p.s. I’d say it’s a VS ECM motor by the price he gives. But…Trane didnt have those till……when….just a few years ago, and he stated in the last 10 years… I think his Trane dealers got as good a marketing techique in repairs as Tranes got in selling.. The install was good but the Trane components were/are junk!  The blower motors have at least 12 leads and special shafts and don’t last. They’re very expenisvie and can’t be replaced with a generic unless a lot of rework is done. I carry one motor for them, and its not ALL that expensive..Emerson Rescue… I have yet to run into a Trane that you could not replace with a GE, or AOSmith generic. Seen plenty of older Rheem/Ruud units, and older Coleman units that will drive you insane.. I replaced my system and used Trane and will never use them again. In the last 10 years 2 blower motors have failed and they go for over $500.00 becasue they’re "special" and ordinary $100.00 replacements can’t be used. On the heat side 2 regulator valves failed as well as several thermocouples. My expereince is that Trane is high maintenance junk. 73 hank This is Turtle. Your a good example of the phrase of : Any brand is Junk without it being installed correctly. Now some brands do have lemons. Trane has pro’s and con’s as to hvac people thinking of them. Now here is just a opinion here to speak of. I would have the worst brand known to man if it was installed by a good installer. Now to trane equipment :  I’m not a fan of trane but if i had a good installer I would love that brand. Now i do say again All brands are trash but try to get a good installer to keep your trash running good. TURTLE

Response:

I am thinking the Trane variable speed DC drive motors have been around at least 10 years, maybe a bit longer.  I am not positive, but if my memory serves me right, we have been installing those things at least 10 years.  I am pretty sure I have a few XV 1500s that are out of the 10 year p&l warranty now. Bobby – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Sorry CB, I didn’t pick up on the 10 yr old part. Just seen the price and jumped to conclusion. kjpro model #. He gives no model number on this Trane unit……but CB are you sure it’s not an ECM motor?? kjpro p.s. I’d say it’s a VS ECM motor by the price he gives. But…Trane didnt have those till……when….just a few years ago, and he stated in the last 10 years… I think his Trane dealers got as good a marketing techique in repairs as Tranes got in selling.. The install was good but the Trane components were/are junk!  The blower motors have at least 12 leads and special shafts and don’t last. They’re very expenisvie and can’t be replaced with a generic unless a lot of rework is done. I carry one motor for them, and its not ALL that expensive..Emerson Rescue… I have yet to run into a Trane that you could not replace with a GE, or AOSmith generic. Seen plenty of older Rheem/Ruud units, and older Coleman units that will drive you insane.. I replaced my system and used Trane and will never use them again. In the last 10 years 2 blower motors have failed and they go for over $500.00 becasue they’re "special" and ordinary $100.00 replacements can’t be used. On the heat side 2 regulator valves failed as well as several thermocouples. My expereince is that Trane is high maintenance junk. 73 hank This is Turtle. Your a good example of the phrase of : Any brand is Junk without it being installed correctly. Now some brands do have lemons. Trane has pro’s and con’s as to hvac people thinking of them. Now here is just a opinion here to speak of. I would have the worst brand known to man if it was installed by a good installer. Now to trane equipment :  I’m not a fan of trane but if i had a good installer I would love that brand. Now i do say again All brands are trash but try to get a good installer to keep your trash running good. TURTLE

Response:

I replaced my system and used Trane and will never use them again.  In the last 10 years 2 blower motors have failed and they go for over $500.00 becasue they’re "special" and ordinary $100.00 replacements can’t be used. On the heat side 2 regulator valves failed as well as several thermocouples. My expereince is that Trane is high maintenance junk. 73 hank

This is Turtle. Your a good example of the phrase of : Any brand is Junk without it being installed correctly. Now some brands do have lemons. Trane has pro’s and con’s as to hvac people thinking of them. Now here is just a opinion here to speak of. I would have the worst brand known to man if it was installed by a good installer. Now to trane equipment :  I’m not a fan of trane but if i had a good installer I would love that brand. Now i do say again All brands are trash but try to get a good installer to keep your trash running good. TURTLE

Response:

I realize that this is a bit subjective when it comes to opinions but I’m in a position where I’ll need to replace my a/c system in the near future and would appreciate some educated advice. I’m located in south Florida and presently have a 3.5 ton Trane air handler and condenser unit. The a/h has a slow coil leak. I understand that Trane is a quality brand but would really like to know what some of you would consider the top three manufacturers as far as quality and durability are concerned. Thanks for your advice.

This is Turtle. Any brand is good if installed correctly, but now brand as far as brands go here is a list that have fair stuff but if installed poorly, They are trash , too. Rheem, Ruud, Trane, ArcoAire [ high end stuff], and other big manufactors. The key is a good installer and not the brand. All brands are trash now days. TURTLE

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I realize that this is a bit subjective when it comes to opinions but I’m in a position where I’ll need to replace my a/c system in the near future and would appreciate some educated advice. I’m located in south Florida and presently have a 3.5 ton Trane air handler and condenser unit. The a/h has a slow coil leak. I understand that Trane is a quality brand but would really like to know what some of you would consider the top three manufacturers as far as quality and durability are concerned. Trane is a quality brand, so is all the others out there….maybe with the exception of Goodman..LOL If the system is under 5 years old, I would not consider another system, but replacement of the coil. Now, the 3? The one installed correctly The one installed correctly, and the one installed correctly. Personal experence here has been the local Trane/American Standard guys used to slap systems in …I have replaced TONS of them…but, so has everyone. In your area, they might be the best in the trade…we dont know. As far as what *I* feel is the best, I am biased, as the systems I sell I have used for many years, and had VERY little problems with, but the names not familiar outside of the commercial end like it could be. But, forget the name for a sec…forget shopping for a name brand…thats only a STARTING point. You are going to not be buying the equipment for the name. If you did, you bought the wrong stuff. You dont have to pay for someone to design the EQUIPMENT, as thats been done, you are paying for someone that knows what he is doing, to install it AS DESIGNED ALREADY. So, you look for someone thats not gonna come in, look at the old unit, and slap a price your way. You want someone thats going to take the time to make sure its sized correctly, ORIGINALLY, make sure the duct system in place is OK for the new system, and while you might not want to hear that its not, or changes need to be made, there isa good chance that all the installer is doing is taking YOUR interests first. Anyone can sell equipment…..not everyone can figure out how to make it work, and keep your interests long term in mind. Find some company thats looking out for you…not the bottom dollar. Thanks for your advice.

This is Turtle. Let me add to this to be sure of the Message here. The one Installed Correctly! TURTLE

Response:

I replaced my system and used Trane and will never use them again.  In the last 10 years 2 blower motors have failed and they go for over $500.00 becasue they’re "special" and ordinary $100.00 replacements can’t be used. On the heat side 2 regulator valves failed as well as several thermocouples. My expereince is that Trane is high maintenance junk. 73 hank

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I realize that this is a bit subjective when it comes to opinions but I’m in a position where I’ll need to replace my a/c system in the near future and would appreciate some educated advice. I’m located in south Florida and presently have a 3.5 ton Trane air handler and condenser unit. The a/h has a slow coil leak. I understand that Trane is a quality brand but would really like to know what some of you would consider the top three manufacturers as far as quality and durability are concerned. Thanks for your advice.

Response:

I realize that this is a bit subjective when it comes to opinions but I’m in a position where I’ll need to replace my a/c system in the near future and would appreciate some educated advice. I’m located in south Florida and presently have a 3.5 ton Trane air handler and condenser unit. The a/h has a slow coil leak. I understand that Trane is a quality brand but would really like to know what some of you would consider the top three manufacturers as far as quality and durability are concerned. Thanks for your advice.

Response:

I realize that this is a bit subjective when it comes to opinions but I’m in a position where I’ll need to replace my a/c system in the near future and would appreciate some educated advice. I’m located in south Florida and presently have a 3.5 ton Trane air handler and condenser unit. The a/h has a slow coil leak. I understand that Trane is a quality brand but would really like to know what some of you would consider the top three manufacturers as far as quality and durability are concerned.

Trane is a quality brand, so is all the others out there….maybe with the exception of Goodman..LOL If the system is under 5 years old, I would not consider another system, but replacement of the coil. Now, the 3? The one installed correctly The one installed correctly, and the one installed correctly. Personal experence here has been the local Trane/American Standard guys used to slap systems in …I have replaced TONS of them…but, so has everyone. In your area, they might be the best in the trade…we dont know. As far as what *I* feel is the best, I am biased, as the systems I sell I have used for many years, and had VERY little problems with, but the names not familiar outside of the commercial end like it could be. But, forget the name for a sec…forget shopping for a name brand…thats only a STARTING point. You are going to not be buying the equipment for the name. If you did, you bought the wrong stuff. You dont have to pay for someone to design the EQUIPMENT, as thats been done, you are paying for someone that knows what he is doing, to install it AS DESIGNED ALREADY. So, you look for someone thats not gonna come in, look at the old unit, and slap a price your way. You want someone thats going to take the time to make sure its sized correctly, ORIGINALLY, make sure the duct system in place is OK for the new system, and while you might not want to hear that its not, or changes need to be made, there isa good chance that all the installer is doing is taking YOUR interests first. Anyone can sell equipment…..not everyone can figure out how to make it work, and keep your interests long term in mind. Find some company thats looking out for you…not the bottom dollar. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for your advice.

Response:

Question:

During the coldest months of the year we are having a moisture problem in our home. Our house is two years old and was built with energy standard specifications for our area.(Iowa) The biggest problem seems to be window condensation. The windows are Pella thermal pane low e. We try to be very conscious about running bathroom and cooking fans when needed. A local heating contractor said that he could eliminate the problem by installing an air exchanger, but a little pricy. Another option prescribed by another contractor that would  partially eliminate moisture is to install a fresh air vent to the return air duct on the furnace. Some specs on our house: furnace – Arcoaire Enviro Plus 90, about 92% efficient Housewrap – yes vapor barrier side walls – yes House square footage – 2300 Basement – full, insulated walls Insulation – 12" ceiling, 5.5" walls We would appreciate any advice  on this problem.

Response:

: During the coldest months of the year we are having a moisture : problem in our home. Our house is two years old and was built with : energy standard specifications for our area.(Iowa) The biggest : problem seems to be window condensation. The windows are Pella thermal : pane low e. We try to be very conscious about running bathroom and : cooking fans when needed. A local heating contractor said that he : could eliminate the problem by installing an air exchanger, but a : little pricy. Another option prescribed by another contractor that : would  partially eliminate moisture is to install a fresh air vent to : the return air duct on the furnace. : Some specs on our house: : : furnace – Arcoaire Enviro Plus 90, about 92% efficient : Housewrap – yes : vapor barrier side walls – yes : House square footage – 2300 : Basement – full, insulated walls : Insulation – 12" ceiling, 5.5" walls : : We would appreciate any advice  on this problem. Your HVAC people are going to be the ones that can help you the most on this, due to it is a ventilation problem. (noted you already taken steps) The problem isn’t window condensation as you suggest, windows are the *warning* sign of too much condensation in your home (usually the first visible surface for condensation to appear).  As homes are becoming more air tight, excessive humidity is an increasing problem. You are already taking steps to help reduce the condensation, running the kitchen/bath exhaust fans.  If you have a humidifier on the furnace, this is another factor you can control. Large number of plants, fish tanks bring the humidity up. Make sure the dryer is vented to the outside. Another resort you can take, is a dehumidifier can be run. (yes in the winter time) Make sure the attic and all crawl spaces are properly ventilated, vapor pressure (warm moist air) will pass through walls/ceilings/wood/brick towards colder dry air. A *temporary* solution is to open windows at opposite ends of the house, it brings in dry air and allows the humid air to escape. *Temporary* The key to reducing humidity is *control* & *ventilation* chip

Response:

During the coldest months of the year we are having a moisture problem in our home. Our house is two years old and was built with energy standard specifications for our area.(Iowa) The biggest problem seems to be window condensation.

You have to do something to make the windows a little warmer. The first thing is to keep curtains, blinds, and drapes away from you (insulated, I assume) widows. The second thing is to do something to keep the OUTSIDE of the windows a little warmer.   This can be anything from shutters, to old fashion storm windows, to temporary plastic. You might also consider setting the thermostat a few degrees warmer in cold weather. If you have a dishwasher, you might want to only use it during the warmest part of the day and consider "airing" the house out a little.

Response:

Question:

Our contractor just installed a Goodman Central Unit; CLJ36-1A is the model (it may be CLT; hard to read). I believe a different Mfg./Unit had been specified but we cannot find the quote. I did see some reference to a poor rating on their furnaces but cannot find anything on the central A/C units. If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. We’re also asking for a copy of the quote – if the brand was switched I will likely demand they install what they quoted unless this Goodman brand is equivalent to the other. Thanks, Ken M. in WI

Response:

If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. Thanks, Ken M. in WI

Response:

I am not a pro.  We have a Goodman unit outside with a Carrier air handler inside.  We bought the Goodman about 9 yrs. ago and one of the reasons we got that brand was because it worked with a Sears air handler.  We were replacing a Sears outside unit and didn’t want to use Sears again.  Anyway, the Goodman has worked fine and it runs year round.   Dorothy

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Our contractor just installed a Goodman Central Unit; CLJ36-1A is the model (it may be CLT; hard to read). I believe a different Mfg./Unit had been specified but we cannot find the quote. I did see some reference to a poor rating on their furnaces but cannot find anything on the central A/C units. If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. We’re also asking for a copy of the quote – if the brand was switched I will likely demand they install what they quoted unless this Goodman brand is equivalent to the other. Thanks, Ken M. in WI

This is Turtle. Goodman does not have a CLT-36-1A , so it must be a CJT-36-1A which is a 36,000 btu / 3 ton , New Louvered condenser unit with a rating of 12 seer. Now the rating of the Goodman CJT series , well they are not at the top of any rating list but they are not at the bottom either. On a scale of 1 to 10 , I would rate them at 4 or 5 with there being no 9 or 10 rating in the business. The don’t have 9 or 10 rating in my book. Now to compare this unit against any other brand or model it must be stated which other model or brand that your compairing it with. TURTLE

Response:

The reason it worked so well is that Goodman makes most Kenmore’s Sear’s brand.  Although it doesn’t say Sears it easily could have.

Response:

Thats kinda hard when the Kenmore brand here is a Tempstar… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The reason it worked so well is that Goodman makes most Kenmore’s Sear’s brand.  Although it doesn’t say Sears it easily could have.

Response:

I have one of those Goodman AC units, not sure it its the same as you model. Its junk.  The condenser went out on the second year. The sheet metal is very thin gauge – poor construction, that is. Hence the low bid. I should have paid a few $$ more for a better one but my HVAC contractor swears by Goodman. We don’t use him anymore. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Our contractor just installed a Goodman Central Unit; CLJ36-1A is the model (it may be CLT; hard to read). I believe a different Mfg./Unit had been specified but we cannot find the quote. I did see some reference to a poor rating on their furnaces but cannot find anything on the central A/C units. If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. We’re also asking for a copy of the quote – if the brand was switched I will likely demand they install what they quoted unless this Goodman brand is equivalent to the other. Thanks, Ken M. in WI

Response:

The reason it worked so well is that Goodman makes most Kenmore’s Sear’s brand.  Although it doesn’t say Sears it easily could have.

that is not true! sears kenmore brand is made by ICP, in tennessee they are the same people that make heil,arcoaire,tempstar and comfortmaker, goodman is made by goodman manufacturing in houston texas

Response:

If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. Thanks, Ken M. in WI

That sounds like a good idea on paper, but the people over at alt.hvac don’t like homeowners.  They see the newsgroups as some kind of "trade only" forum and either ignore homeowners or flame them for asking questions.  The policy was that any questions asked by non-professionals should be ignored or answered via email.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. Thanks, Ken M. in WI That sounds like a good idea on paper, but the people over at alt.hvac don’t like homeowners.  They see the newsgroups as some kind of "trade only" forum and either ignore homeowners or flame them for asking questions.  The policy was that any questions asked by non-professionals should be ignored or answered via email.

Oh really.?  Sounds like those pricks need a good dose of art james pissin in their soup for a while..  Or a moderated group they can all play with themselves in.

Response:

We would just ignore you…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. Thanks, Ken M. in WI That sounds like a good idea on paper, but the people over at alt.hvac don’t like homeowners.  They see the newsgroups as some kind of "trade only" forum and either ignore homeowners or flame them for asking questions.  The policy was that any questions asked by non-professionals should be ignored or answered via email. Oh really.?  Sounds like those pricks need a good dose of art james pissin in their soup for a while..  Or a moderated group they can all play with themselves in.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We would just ignore you… If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. Thanks, Ken M. in WI That sounds like a good idea on paper, but the people over at alt.hvac don’t like homeowners.  They see the newsgroups as some kind of "trade only" forum and either ignore homeowners or flame them for asking questions.  The policy was that any questions asked by non-professionals should be ignored or answered via email. Oh really.?  Sounds like those pricks need a good dose of art james pissin in their soup for a while..  Or a moderated group they can all play with themselves in.

Oh sure shit-nostrils.  Like you do now.  Besides we were referring to professionals.  That leaves you out swamp boy..

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Actually..some are like that, and others are not. The general consensus there is that Goodman/Janitrol suck, and for the most part, that’s true, but any unit can be like that. A Goodman/Janitrol, installed correctly, will be as good as any other unit, with a proper installation. It does the job, it does it as well as any other, and can go for a long time, just like any other. The new designs have helped, and as far as the condensing units go, they are fine. Its the furnaces that really had issues for a time, and the heat pump air handlers are as basic as you can get…the sheet metal is thinner, the design is totally basic, and in some installs, that’s great..in others not so good. With other units out there that are better quality overall, in design and construction for about the same money, its sometimes well worth it to shop around, or ask for a different brand during construction, as many, many builders are wanting these units due to price. All our new construction units are now Coleman, a division of York, and in many cases, we can get the units for less than a Goodman, now that one of the largest suppliers in the area went belly up.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. Thanks, Ken M. in WI That sounds like a good idea on paper, but the people over at alt.hvac don’t like homeowners.  They see the newsgroups as some kind of "trade only" forum and either ignore homeowners or flame them for asking questions.  The policy was that any questions asked by non-professionals should be ignored or answered via email.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Your mouth is amazing….never seen too many guys that claim to know so much show how little he knows with one sentence… Can you increase the class any higher? I doubt it. Keep on…more and more are learning that you are about as low as they get. We would just ignore you… If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. Thanks, Ken M. in WI That sounds like a good idea on paper, but the people over at alt.hvac don’t like homeowners.  They see the newsgroups as some kind of "trade only" forum and either ignore homeowners or flame them for asking questions. The policy was that any questions asked by non-professionals should be ignored or answered via email. Oh really.?  Sounds like those pricks need a good dose of art james pissin in their soup for a while..  Or a moderated group they can all play with themselves in. Oh sure shit-nostrils.  Like you do now.  Besides we were referring to professionals.  That leaves you out swamp boy..

There’s that nose of your’s again. Point proven. Now go clean the shitters in alt.hvac for the real experts over there swamp boy..

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Your mouth is amazing…. We would just ignore you… That sounds like a good idea on paper, but the people over at alt.hvac don’t like homeowners.  They see the newsgroups as some kind of "trade only" forum and either ignore homeowners or flame them for asking questions. The Oh really.?  Sounds like those pricks need a good dose of art james pissin in their soup for a while..  Or a moderated group they can all play with themselves in. Oh sure shit-nostrils.  Like you do now.  Besides we were referring to professionals.  That leaves you out swamp boy..

There’s that nose of your’s again. Point proven. Now go clean the shitters in alt.hvac for the real experts over there swamp boy..

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Your mouth is amazing….never seen too many guys that claim to know so much show how little he knows with one sentence… Can you increase the class any higher? I doubt it. Keep on…more and more are learning that you are about as low as they get.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We would just ignore you… If anyone has comments, good or bad, I’d appreciate them. Thanks, Ken M. in WI That sounds like a good idea on paper, but the people over at alt.hvac don’t like homeowners.  They see the newsgroups as some kind of "trade only" forum and either ignore homeowners or flame them for asking questions. The policy was that any questions asked by non-professionals should be ignored or answered via email. Oh really.?  Sounds like those pricks need a good dose of art james pissin in their soup for a while..  Or a moderated group they can all play with themselves in. Oh sure shit-nostrils.  Like you do now.  Besides we were referring to professionals.  That leaves you out swamp boy..

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Question:

I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

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: I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) : that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and : stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do : you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to : talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look : at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 : is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no : charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service : person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator : to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad : situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV : 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions? Ugh…you learned the hard way about Sears….contact your States Attorney General’s Office, and file a complaint…some States now have where you can do it over the net… chip

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Let me add, as long as your warranty implies *parts & labor*, otherwise, they might cover the parts, but not the labor…. chip

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I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) Any suggestions?

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I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

Seems to me the box has a 1 year guarantee and the compressor probably has a 5 year guarantee. Ignore the sales staff. They just peddle the stuff. Get your receipt and instruction book out and verify the sale date and the guarantees in the book. When you are satisfied that there is a problem and that you are covered, call the Sears repair service and just tell them what you have. "I have a model xxxxxxx fridge that I bought on such and such date so it is still covered under your guarantee. It is making an unusual knocking sound and it needs service. When will someone be out to the house? Charlie

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Agreed.  I have had good service from Sears. You spoke to the wrong person.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions? Seems to me the box has a 1 year guarantee and the compressor probably has a 5 year guarantee. Ignore the sales staff. They just peddle the stuff. Get your receipt and instruction book out and verify the sale date and the guarantees in the book. When you are satisfied that there is a problem and that you are covered, call the Sears repair service and just tell them what you have. "I have a model xxxxxxx fridge that I bought on such and such date so it is still covered under your guarantee. It is making an unusual knocking sound and it needs service. When will someone be out to the house? Charlie

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    The easy thing to do is just call Sears service.  On the other hand I have fun with this kind of thing.  I would go back with my paperwork and ask the salesman why he thought I wanted someone to look at it.  You can do that yourself.  You just want someone to repair or replace it.  You don’t want to pay extra for looking.  I would also do it kind of loud.  If you are in the right mood, you can have a lot of fun with this kind of foolishness.  How about going around and "looking" at all his floor models and then making out a bill for $85 dollars each, give him a 10% quantity discount.  Ask to see his boss, and ask how much his boss charges to look at your warrantee.  Then bring up the cost of all the food you lost while he gave you the run around. Ask how much he personally makes on the extended thing.  It may be more than selling the refrigerator itself.  How about sending a friend in to see that salesman and have them look at the most expensive thing around with the same salesman.  Have them ask what would happen if it broke two weeks after they get it. Have a good time. — Joseph E. Meehan 26 + 6 = 1  It’s Irish Math

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

Response:

Speaking to sales people about these things is an exercise in futility, BUT, you must start there. Then if you don’t get the right answer or service, demand to speak to a manager.  In most cases, the problem will end there.  If not, demand to speak to his/her manager etc. I have always had good service from Sears even if I had to go up the ladder to get to the right person which I expect to do in any case. I had an iron filter for over 18 months that was problematic during that time. I had no extended warrantee.  I called, spoke the salesperson and was not satisfied.  Spoke to a manager explained the problem and that I was not a happy customer and that I wanted Sears to take it back.  He agreed to send someone out to retrieve it and refund the entire cost…and the thing was well out of the warrantee period. Always insist on speaking to someone with enough authority to fix your problem. Alex

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     The easy thing to do is just call Sears service.  On the other hand I have fun with this kind of thing.  I would go back with my paperwork and ask the salesman why he thought I wanted someone to look at it.  You can do that yourself.  You just want someone to repair or replace it.  You don’t want to pay extra for looking.  I would also do it kind of loud.  If you are in the right mood, you can have a lot of fun with this kind of foolishness.  How about going around and "looking" at all his floor models and then making out a bill for $85 dollars each, give him a 10% quantity discount.  Ask to see his boss, and ask how much his boss charges to look at your warrantee. Then bring up the cost of all the food you lost while he gave you the run around. Ask how much he personally makes on the extended thing.  It may be more than selling the refrigerator itself.  How about sending a friend in to see that salesman and have them look at the most expensive thing around with the same salesman.  Have them ask what would happen if it broke two weeks after they get it. Have a good time. — Joseph E. Meehan 26 + 6 = 1  It’s Irish Math I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

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I have used my Sears warranty twice over the past several years as well as an appliance on a maintenance plan..  I called the 800-4my-home number (on the inside of your appliance near the serial number) and told them the problem.  The first was for the ice machine on my freezer and the other for my microwave.  In both cases, they came out within a week (due to my schedule) and their wsa no cost involved. I called them on my drier after we moved to have them replace the cord from a three prong to a four prong and to "install" the dryer in our new house.  They came out, did the work and said have a nice day. Overall, we have not had anyproblems whatsover. BTW, I did have a service call on my garage door opener many years agao when it didn’t work right after I installed it.  They came out, replaced a circuit board, and did the final adjustment on the door. Again, no problems. Hope this helps, Paulk A. "Homer" Simpson

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this is slightly ot but still deals with sears i am an independent hvac contractor , got a call last week from potential customer wanted a bid to replace his non functional central air conditoner went over and looked at his setup, sized a replacement and shot him a price, i sell "comfortmaker" brand equipment , made by intercity products in tennessee. they make hvac equipment and put several different stickers and paint jobs on the stuff, but inside it is identical, theiur brands include, Comfortmaker,Arcoaire, Heil, and Kenmore. when i had shot him a price he was amazed and asked me if there had been some mistake, i double checked and said no and he then told me that sears had bid the job with "kenmore" equipment , and it was almost exactly twice as much money ! same equipment,same work done, twice as much money . i guess i could charge more, but the question here is what are you paying for from sears? fancy truck? Clean uniform? (looks like they never pick up a tool) Nationwide advertising Campaign? Fancy handheld Computer? if i win this bid, i will make a fair profit, pay my taxes and cover my overhead, and extend a warranty on my work, just thought y’all would like to know rich dawson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got this off another NG that was posted today, looks like he had a better experience than you. Muff In 1971 I purchased a 7-1/4-inch Sears Craftsman circular saw, on sale, paid less than $25.00 for it.  It’s been a good friend since — built several decks, framed four vacation cabins, and completed uncounted smaller tasks, including inside cabinetry. Couple of weekends ago was helping a friend roof, 3 stories up.  We stripped the old roof and I was cutting away the sheathing along the peak for a ridge vent.  Finished one side and stepped across the ridge, only to slip.  I caught myself on the ridge and the safety rope tightened up but the saw went off the roof and bounced a couple of times. When I retrieved it, the cord was cut off and the base plate was bent – can’t cut with a bent base plate as you’ll never get anything square. Checked the Sears website and ordered the part — no longer available, discontinued.  Called them — discontinued — how old is that saw?  30 years.  That’s it — sorry, we can’t help. So, today, after a couple of gin and tonic, I said, what the hell, and hauled off to the local Sears store where I showed the hardware department manager my saw and told him the story and asked if he could help me find a base plate.  He did the usual checking and told me the base plate was no longer available, discontinued. Then he asked again "How old is that saw?"  When I told him what a good friend the saw had been for 30 years and all the things we had done together, he pulled off the rack a brand new Sears commercial duty circular saw complete with case and combination carbide-toothed blade, handed it to me and said "Come back in 30 years and I’ll give you another one." I damn near cried. — – - – Regards, Joe S. I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

Response:

I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

This is Turtle. First your refrigerator is covered for any problem for 1 year from date of sale. Anything that happens with in the first year is covered under Sears and not your problem. Sears is stuck with fixing it for 1 year, Period. Don’t let them do it to you. Second , You was talking to the wrong department at Sears when talking to sales people and store managers. You need to talk to the Sears Service Center usely not located in the same place. You need to see and find the Sears Service center located in your town and contact them and say .  I have a refrigerator that is less than 1 year old with a Rattling Compressor and when will there be a service tech to look at it. Now here is the thought you need to keep in mine here. "All parts" and "All Labor" is covered under the 1 year warrenty and do not accept anything less. Now it being Sears , your going to have to raise hell to get them to do right. If they do not charge and come out and fix it , fine. if they start backing up and telling you have to do this and pay for this. Stop the conversation and say " I feel this is a matter for the BBB and the city small claims court. Now if you have to file on them . Your going to win , but usely they will not want to get hit with the claims and do right. Now when dealing here do not expect them to be respectiable in the dealing and just deal with them as some company that will not do right unless they are pushed to doing it. Third ,  Look on the front of the refrigerator and see if it says Whirlpool on it and you can call Whirlpool and get the job done for free by Whirlpool with a refrigertor less than 1 year old. If it says Kenmore on it your stuck with Sears to do the job. Forth ,  If your good at raising Hell . You can get it done for nothing. If your weak , Get your Bilfold out. I have done warrenty work for Whirlpool in the past and seen Sears get away with your type problem a bunch of times. They did not start this till they like to have went bankrupt back about 10 years ago. When they reorginized they started this. TURTLE

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You got a salesman who didn’t want to deal with you because there’s no commission involved for him. I’ve run into that trying to pay the Discover bill at Sears. Call their repair line. They will come out and fix it, and will not charge you if it’s under warrantee.  Make it clear to them at the repair number that it is under warrantee, and you will not be paying for trip charges, or anything else. Any argument from them – there won’t be, but… – go to the Sears you bought it from, talk to the manager, and explain you are not satisfied, and ask what he/she can do to help you so you don’t have to exercise the Number One Sears Policy… Satisfaction Guaranteed Or Your Money Back. It’s on your receipt – no conditions listed, and it’s over every Sears door. They mean it too. I’ve exercised it twice over repair center issues. One was a roto-tiller belonging to my parents with an extended warrantee. 11 trips from the repair people during the first nine months they owned it. Problem was tremendous, break your arm kickback when starting. After they delivered a replacement engine to their porch, and told them that it would be a month to install it, off to Sears I went. Store manager didn’t want to refund it. A call to corporate by me from a cell phone resulted in me telling her – the manager – a name at corporate that said to refund it. She must have recognized it because there was an instant change in attitude. The other one was the Kenmore microwave recall. After waiting from October to April for them to come out and do the recall, they continued to tell me that they were "not scheduling repairs in my area yet". I showed up at Sears with it, and exchanged it for a new one. No questions asked. Of course, in both these cases, as is yours, there is documented problems, and it was/is a reasonable time after purchase.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

Response:

Call 1-800-4MY-HOME.  The Sears service line.  They have always been professional and helpful.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

Response:

I got this off another NG that was posted today, looks like he had a better experience than you. Muff In 1971 I purchased a 7-1/4-inch Sears Craftsman circular saw, on sale, paid less than $25.00 for it.  It’s been a good friend since — built several decks, framed four vacation cabins, and completed uncounted smaller tasks, including inside cabinetry. Couple of weekends ago was helping a friend roof, 3 stories up.  We stripped the old roof and I was cutting away the sheathing along the peak for a ridge vent.  Finished one side and stepped across the ridge, only to slip.  I caught myself on the ridge and the safety rope tightened up but the saw went off the roof and bounced a couple of times. When I retrieved it, the cord was cut off and the base plate was bent – can’t cut with a bent base plate as you’ll never get anything square. Checked the Sears website and ordered the part — no longer available, discontinued.  Called them — discontinued — how old is that saw?  30 years.  That’s it — sorry, we can’t help. So, today, after a couple of gin and tonic, I said, what the hell, and hauled off to the local Sears store where I showed the hardware department manager my saw and told him the story and asked if he could help me find a base plate.  He did the usual checking and told me the base plate was no longer available, discontinued. Then he asked again "How old is that saw?"  When I told him what a good friend the saw had been for 30 years and all the things we had done together, he pulled off the rack a brand new Sears commercial duty circular saw complete with case and combination carbide-toothed blade, handed it to me and said "Come back in 30 years and I’ll give you another one." I damn near cried. — – - – Regards, Joe S.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

Response:

Interesting, because I just had this happen to me.  I bought a large Maytag fridge at Sears 1 1/2 years ago ($1600.00).  It had things go wrong with it fairly regularly.  We had awful service techs show up from Sears.  We had awful& rude service techs and customer service from Maytag.  We had door hinge trouble, had door shelfs fall out constantly, had the liner replaced, and other problems.  Then finally the icemaker broke. I called the Sears store that sold it to us and pointed out that their Customer satisfaction return policy should cover this fridge.  I also told them that we had done $4500.00 worth of business with Sears within the last 2 years and most of it with their appliance dept. They really didn’t care, because- as you guessed, I had not bought the extended warrantly.  We called again and they told us we could come in and discuss it.  So began the game. We went in and they told me that it was too bad I didn’t have the receipt. If I had the receipt they would replace it with another refrigerator, different brand since I no longer wanted a Maytag.  Otherwise, I would have to pay a %50 restocking/usage fee.  So I went home and found the receipt. Came back with it and almost signed the papers to buy the new Kitchenaid when they told me that all I’d have to pay was $700.00!  They told me that all they could take off the sticker price of the new one was %50 even with the receipt since I had it so long and the manufacturers only would stand for that much after 60 days. I was so mad since they insisted that I misunderstood what they meant in the first place.  So, then I called the main customer service number for Sears. They were so inept that they told me that they were unfamiliar with Sear’s satisfaction or your money back policy. ( I was told later that Sears outsouces their national customer service help.  The outside company has no idea what Sears states about anything.)  I then called the Sears store manager and left a message.  I told them that their main guarantee covered everything.  Oh yes, it had wording that the item should be returned within a "reasonable amount of time" but then did not specify what that time length is.    It also promised that whatever arrangements that were worked out would leave me a satisfied customer.  The funny part is that this guarantee is printed all over the back of their receipts.  However, I am fair.  So even though, I should not pay anything aaording to their satisfaction guarantee, I told them that I would pay a small usage fee.  I ended up getting it down to %15.  I am happy with the new KitchenAid.  But most of this entailed lots of time, contacting higher-ups in Sears, and loud embarrasing antics in the appliance dept to get the right attention.  (The last part takes a lot of nerve but helps a lot.)  I wasn’t looking for a free ride.  I was just using their famous satisfaction guarantee. And that guarantee is what brought me into their store in the first place.  Now though, I understand how much you have to fight for satisfaction if you ever take them up on their guarantee.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

Response:

Speaking to sales people about these things is an exercise in futility, BUT, you must start there. Then if you don’t get the right answer or service, demand to speak to a manager.  In most cases, the problem will end there.  If not, demand to speak to his/her manager etc.

Why would you speak to someone in sales when your problem is with service? Call the service center.

Response:

The challenge with Sears is whether you can be more annoying to them than they are to you.  If you’re willing to push it, you can get a new fridge and probably a store credit for all of that food that went bad.  Always ask for a manager, and ALWAYS follow up with a letter recounting your discussion. I agree with everybody else that posted saying that any time spent dealing with a sales person on a service issue is a waste of time. Bob in TX trebor4258-at-yahoo.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have an 8 mo. old Kenmore bottom freezer refrigerator (Whirlpool?) that the compressor knocks almost all the time when it starts and stops.  I went into Sears and the salespeople asked me right away, "do you have extended warranty"?  I said no and they almost didn’t want to talk to me from then on.  They said it would be $85 to come and look at it.  My warranty says "repaired or replaced at no cost".  The $85 is about what I saved over a local dealer that would have come at no charge for warranty service.  The Sears salespeople said the service person would first check to see if I did anything to the refrigerator to make it fail.  This makes me feel like I’m in a pretty bad situation.  This is the first Sears appliance I have owned since a TV 25 years ago.  About the same problems then.  Any suggestions?

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