I live in a condominium that has a Bryant heat pump / AC. I was told today that it the compressor is toast, due to a short to ground. The gentleman told me it was either an "act of god" or due to lightning. The unit itself if 17 months old, so the compressor it covered by Bryant's warranty. However, new refrigerant (I think he told me about 8 lbs worth), the labor, and a surge protector (quoted at $150) will be $550.00.
I moved into this condominium last summer and the AC really hasn't worked right from the beginning. There was a coolant leak from a loose valve, at least that's what I was told. This was repaired a month ago, and now this. Up until now, everything has been covered. And, the guy servicing the AC unit told me that $550 was a good deal, that normally this type of service would cost upwards of $900, but since they want to do business with our condo complex, they scale back the costs.
I'm wondering why they didn't put a surge protector on to begin with, but I'm guessing it was just to cut costs. Anyone care to comment on the necessity of a surge protector?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I know I asked a lot of questions. I don't really have $550 laying around to spend on this, especially if I'm getting ripped off. If that's a fair price, though, then I'd be OK with it (although that's still a shock to the bank account)
Mike