The compressor on my old R22 central air 4 ton condensing unit failed. I have the Total plan with Choice Home Warranty which covers central air systems. When I signed on with Choice, I explained to their Rep that my a/c system was the old R22 and he assured me that Choice Home Warranty would replace my entire system at no cost to me if one part failed. He stated that they are required to upgrade the entire system from R22 to R410A if one part of the sealed system has to be replaced.
Now, 5 months later, the compressor did fail so I filed a claim. Choice Home Warranty states that they are ONLY responsible for replacing the part that failed, but since my system is R22, they have to upgrade the entire system and replace both the inside coil, air handler, line set, etc. They state that I have to pay out of pocket $4522.75 for the additional equipment and labor since those parts (air handler and evap coil) did not fail.
I am 60 years old and disabled so I live pay day to pay day and by no means can afford that cost. That is the very reason I purchased a home warranty to begin with, because I cannot afford to replace even a dryer or fridge. I could not even afford a new window unit, so I picked up a used one which keeps it below 90 degrees in my house.
I think I am 'getting the shaft' here. Any opinions on what I should do would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Thanks and God Bless.

Well, I know Choice Home Warranty is not paying for much because I had my own local quote for a new system and it rang in at $5600. So CHW isn't paying much. And I think they are requiring the air handler replaced because it's so old that they don't want to pay to replace it later.
Also, I used to have American Home Shield and they do cover everything in my situation. Last year my neighbors condenser had to be replaced and AHS replaced the entire system for him and his total out of pocket was $327, which was for the additional freon because his line set was over 50 feet.

4 tons QUALITY total replace could be $16,000 using existing ducts
If you are tough enough, one outlaw solutions would be to DO IT
no out of pocket initial costs, then as you pay your bill later in.the.cool
send them $10/month while introducing them to the BBB Free Arbitration services
which may end your payments or reduce them

OP said: "Total plan with Choice Home Warranty", which led me to:

https://www.choicehomewarranty.com/user-agreement/

Quote:

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AIR CONDITIONING/HEATING/DUCTWORK COVERED: All components and parts of the following systems: ducted, central, electric, split and package units, forced air (gas, electric, oil), geothermal, wall-mounted units, mini-splits, heat pumps, floor furnace, hot water or steam circulating heat, and electric baseboard. Ducts (unless collapsed or clogged) from unit to point of attachment at registers or grills. If replacing, only the failed components and parts will be upgraded to meet government mandated guidelines.EXCLUDED: Outside or underground piping. Well pump, and well pump components for geothermal and/or water source heat pumps. Window units. Water towers. Chillers and water lines. Refrigerant line sets. Portable units. Fuel storage tanks. Chimneys. Pellet stoves. Cable heat. Wood stoves (even if only source of heating). Insulation. Collapsed/clogged ductwork. Damper motors. Service valves. Labor, refrigerant, and other costs related to failure of components that are covered under manufacturer's warranty. Legally mandated diagnostic testing when replacing heating or cooling equipment. We will not pay for any modifications necessitated by the repair of existing equipment or the installation of new equipment including, but not limited to, the required Replacement of air handlers when Replacing condensers, and condensers when Replacing air handlers.

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...and also - don't let the warranty company fix it. They use idiots.

Second on location?

Good chance someone in the AC industry is there (if in Texas) and frequents this board that could help.

You could always just replace the compressor and keep it r22...but that's like 2k to 3k and 0 protection it won't fail again or have another issue. R22 was the best refrigerant though...Gave you more degree differential. Some A/C shops that aren't national have a good supply of R22 still, but it is expensive.

Many cities and counties have programs to help folks in a situation like this in the form of a non interest bearing lien on the home. Call city/county ask if they have any assistance for this situation. Otherwise an option was mentioned earlier but it will kill your credit, could lead to other issues pending state re judgments.

OP where are you located??

Wolfceagle said:

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Well, I know Choice Home Warranty is not paying for much because I had my own local quote for a new system and it rang in at $5600. So CHW isn't paying much. And I think they are requiring the air handler replaced because it's so old that they don't want to pay to replace it later.
Also, I used to have American Home Shield and they do cover everything in my situation. Last year my neighbors condenser had to be replaced and AHS replaced the entire system for him and his total out of pocket was $327, which was for the additional freon because his line set was over 50 feet.

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I'm dealing with American Home Shield at this moment, they are telling me they will not pay for an upgrade so I'm looking at several thousand out of pocket. Now, 20 years ago AHS was great ant replaced my old unit for 100.00 deductible. Not so today

88agswin said:

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OP where are you located??

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Wondering the same. Update us OP.

You may also call your electric company to see if they happen to have any programs that could help you. If I recall correctly, Centerpoint used to have AC "insurance" that would cover repairs (not sure the amounts or caveats) and annual inspections. Seems like they want to ensure their customers' ACs are running as efficiently as possible so they can try to minimize waste (well, I'd like to think that's the case, but it's probably just a racket sold to customers just so they can increase their revenue). Like they mentioned above, call around and see if any companies offer financing or know of any assistance programs.

If the R22 didnt leak out, you may be able to find a local guy to evac/capture the R22, replace the compressor and then charge it back with the original R22. A new compressor + labor should be a lot cheaper than the full replace, especially if you get the buyout option for the warranty repair from CHW.

A friend of my dad's started one of the large home warranty companies. He didn't become a multi millionaire by paying out claims. It's designed to be a huge pain to get you from filing claims. Granted he wasn't as bad as the people he sold the company have turned it into.

Yep, home warranty companies aren't meant to lose money. What makes the customers think they'll come out ahead vs every other customer? I've gone back and forth in getting a warranty and could never the numbers to work out.

Wolfceagle said:

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Well, I know Choice Home Warranty is not paying for much because I had my own local quote for a new system and it rang in at $5600. So CHW isn't paying much. And I think they are requiring the air handler replaced because it's so old that they don't want to pay to replace it later.
Also, I used to have American Home Shield and they do cover everything in my situation. Last year my neighbors condenser had to be replaced and AHS replaced the entire system for him and his total out of pocket was $327, which was for the additional freon because his line set was over 50 feet.

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$5600 sounds like an amazing deal for an entire new system.