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JULIE RHEA · Jan 15, 2010, 09:36 AM

I need a new a/c coil in my attic and the contractor who will do the work wants to charge me a $150.00 to dispose of it, says there is some kind of code law that only they can dispose of it. I told them that is a ridiculous amount to charge and that I would take it to the scrape yard myself. Does anyone know if I can legally dispose of it myself, I live in Texas? They suck out the freon before they leave so I see no reason why I can't take it to the scrapeyard myself. P.s. My home warranty company absolutely refuses to pay this amount!

smoothy · Jan 15, 2010, 09:59 AM

Sounds like a scam to milk more money out of you. Copper and aluminum are still bringing good prices at the scrap yards. They would sell it there and make you pay them to boot.

Call the scrap yard and ask them... I bet they tell you to just bring it by.

wmproop · Jan 15, 2010, 10:08 AM

Scam,, my thoughts,, keep it ,it may be an antique someday

KISS · Jan 15, 2010, 10:26 AM

If you take it to the scrap yard with a bill saying it was replaced they should not question it. People steal this stuff. That should CYA. Just take a copy of receipt that the freon was recovered.

There is no law saying you can't take it to salvage yourself, but people steal this stuff from other people's yards.

See: Complying With The Section 608 Refrigerant Recycling Rule | Ozone Depletion - Regulatory Programs | U.S. EPA

Are they billing the recycling fee for Freon separate?

smoothy · Jan 15, 2010, 10:27 AM

And if the scapyard tells you there is no such ordinance, and they would know, find a new A/C guy and warn your friends and neighbors.

They may ask for an ID to weed out the thiefs and cover their butts. As was mentioned above like pawn shops have to do.

Good point about the Freon recycling charge. I had assumed it was recovered and reused on that job. And we can't assume anything.

JULIE RHEA · Jan 15, 2010, 11:05 AM

Thank you for your responses, I agree there just trying to milk me for more money. The freon would be recovered and reused. I've been arguing back and forth with the contractor and my warranty company over this issue and neither one will give an inch! I'am totally frustrated, I have no choice but to use this contractor because my warranty company won't let me change contractors. To make matters worse the a/c contractor is charging me $275.00 for duct modifications that I have been told I absolutely do not need by 2 other contractors I called out on my own to get a second and third opinion. The contractor is also charging me $125.00 for a mastic seal and another $225.00 for difficult access, which is absurd, never been charged for that in the past for a total of $775.00 out of my pocket that the warranty company won't cover. I don't mind paying for something if I need it but don't try to charge me for something I don't need! I'm stuck with this contractor, any more thoughts?

wmproop · Jan 15, 2010, 11:44 AM

I believe I would forget the warranty company and the contractor,, get a estimate from another hvac company,, what are they doing,, just replacing the evap. Coil?

wmproop · Jan 15, 2010, 11:45 AM

Where do you live? I would like to be making that kind of money, I`ll move there

smoothy · Jan 15, 2010, 11:48 AM

Find out what it will cost at another place... sounds like it would be cheaper for you to pay out of pocket than use the crook they insist you use but won't pay for.

JULIE RHEA · Jan 15, 2010, 12:04 PM

i've already gotten 2 other estimates on my own and they range from $1,600 to nearly $3,000 for a new evap. Coil. So paying the $775.00 is still cheaper than dropping my warranty company, but i refuse to pay for something i don't need. My warranty company and the contractor just want me to go away because they are tired of arguing with me but i want them to fix it without these trumphed up charges. I wonder if there is some kind of legal help i could seek?

smoothy · Jan 15, 2010, 12:56 PM

Might be... sounds like the warranty company might have a kickback scheme with THAT guy because they demand one guy whom they seem to not want to agree with.

Read the contract of the warranty. I find it odd they can dictate who does the work. Usually its QUALIFIED techs... and customary charges.

I've heard of warranty companies doing this to avoid paying out what they were paid to cover. I'm not a lawyer... do you know one?

tkrussell · Jan 15, 2010, 01:03 PM

Trying contacting the agency in your state that license the trade your dealing with, to include the warranty company, Dept of Professional License, Board of Consumer Protection, or something similar to that, and explain the apparent over charges.

This seems it would be similar if I came to your location and charged you for the copper wire I removed to if I replaced your electric service.

Hhmmmmm, something to think about.