New Construction Homes in Schertz Face Hidden AC Installation Defects That Could Cost Thousands

Moving into a brand new home in Schertz should be an exciting milestone, but many homeowners discover costly HVAC problems lurking beneath the surface. Proper installation is key to the longevity and efficiency of your air conditioning system. Our highly trained technicians will install your system following the industry’s best practices, helping to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Unfortunately, not all contractors follow these standards, leaving new homeowners vulnerable to expensive repairs and warranty disputes.

Common Installation Defects in New Construction HVAC Systems

Incorrect HVAC installation often leads to airflow restrictions, improper thermostat wiring, or incorrect refrigerant charge. These cause poor heating performance and emergency heat failure. Inspect ductwork for leaks or blockages, verify thermostat settings and wiring connections, and check refrigerant levels. These installation errors can manifest in various ways that homeowners may not immediately recognize as defects.

Refrigerant line sizing represents one of the most critical yet overlooked installation aspects. If they installed it incorrectly with a 1/8 refrigerant line instead of a 3/8 to the reverse valve, how would we get that corrected? If the original installer won’t do it, would we have to pay someone else to fix it? This type of error can severely impact system efficiency and longevity.

Ductwork problems plague many new construction homes, particularly in rapidly growing areas like Schertz. Most importantly, an inspection will identify any small repairs, such as poorly installed ductwork, improperly installed rails, or cracks in your exterior that could be pesky for the homeowner. Improper duct installation leads to energy waste, uneven cooling, and premature system failure.

Understanding Your Warranty Coverage

New construction HVAC warranties operate differently than most homeowners expect. Coverage for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems is generally two years. However, this coverage comes with significant limitations that can leave homeowners financially exposed.

Labor – Labor is almost never covered under a manufacturer warranty. This means that even when parts are covered, homeowners often face substantial repair bills. Labor costs can be as much as 90% of the repair cost on small components and as low as 50% on larger, more expensive repairs.

The registration requirement poses another potential pitfall. To get full coverage, you usually have to register the system within 60 days of installation. Otherwise, coverage might be shorter. Many builders fail to complete this crucial step, as illustrated by one homeowner’s experience: They checked on the warranty and said it was installed in October 2013 with a standard one year warranty. There was a 5 year extended warranty but the builder/owner never registered the HVAC unit so the repair that’s needed isn’t covered by any warranty.

Red Flags to Watch For

Homeowners should remain vigilant for signs of installation problems during their first year of occupancy. Quality issues with the installation or the equipment will usually show up in the first heating and cooling seasons the system goes through. Early warning signs include inconsistent temperatures, unusual noises, frequent cycling, and higher than expected energy bills.

When problems persist despite multiple service calls, it may indicate fundamental installation errors. We had a company install a new HVAC system, but it hasn’t functioned properly since. We’ve had them out about seven times for the same issue. Finally, we sought a second opinion from another company, and they quickly identified the problem and pointed out several incorrect installation points.

Protecting Yourself from Installation Defects

Warranty paperwork usually requires that proper maintenance be performed at least once a year, or your warranty may become void. While in common practice they might not hold you to the requirement of being able to prove you have had regular maintenance performed, if you have an expensive failure within the first couple years that they consider to be unusual, there’s a good chance they’ll want to take a closer look at how it was installed and maintained.

Professional inspections provide crucial protection against hidden defects. For this reason, we recommend implementing internal quality assurance practices or working with a qualified consultant to create these. For example, conducting routine inspections during each phase of the construction process will identify any possible defects and issues that could be costly down the road.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you suspect installation problems with your new construction HVAC system, don’t hesitate to seek expert evaluation. For reliable ac repair schertz services, consider working with established professionals who understand the complexities of warranty issues and installation defects.

Texas Air Repair, a family-owned company with over 30 years of experience serving the San Antonio area, keeps families and businesses comfortable all year long for 30+ years. Expert heating and cooling solutions. As a company, we understand that our success comes from the satisfaction of our customers. From the time we show up to your home or business until the time that we leave, our licensed technicians will keep you informed and peace at mind.

The warranty is provided by the manufacturer, not the installer. Besides, who would want a warranty from such a poor installer? When dealing with installation defects, remember that manufacturer warranties remain valid regardless of the original installer’s performance, and seeking second opinions won’t void your coverage.