Warning of using AC Guys in Clermont, FL

I hired THOMAS A TOMARELLI D/B/A: A/C GUYS, INC. of Clermont, Florida to replace my AC unit. They install was on 7/11/2019. Since the second day of the installation, I had issues with workmanship of the technician and concurrent band aid fixes by the company. I have now have a very serious mold issues with improper install of the Coil Evaporator.

On the following days, I noticed the mastic sealing the top of the unit, was wet and dripping down the front of the unit. I noticed the front panel was not seated correctly, cold air was leaking from the seam, causing condensation build up on the unit. This buildup caused the mastic to not set properly and leak down the unit. Then mold started to grow on the mastic. See picture 1.

On 7/16/2019 AC Guys came out after I made them aware of the compliant. They placed duct tape over the seam on the panel. They didn’t even bother to clean up the old mastic or the mold. See picture 2.

On 8/12/2019 AC Guys came out after I made another complaint of the mold and AC unit would run 24 hours a day. This was due to air leaking and not properly cooling the house. They added some freon and redid the mastic.

Due to cooler months, the AC was not used much.

On 3/31/2020 AC guys came out due to the system not cooling again when it is hot out and running 24 hours a day. They noted the condensation build up and running a lot is due to the hot weather. The unit is functioning properly.

I disagreed with their assessment and contacted another AC company for a second opinion, they stated the unit is not running properly, the unit should not be leaking air, or have a build up on condensation. They recommended since it is under warranty to keep having AC Guys come out to fix it.

I contacted AC Guys again to come out to repair the unit. They refused to service and stated the unit is running correctly.

I disputed the charges with my bank on 3/31/2020.

On 4/20/2020 Ashli from AC Guys contacted me via text stating they received a dispute from my bank. They claimed they had no clue the mastic was leaking down the sides, mold growth, etc. They ordered a new front panel from Goodman.

On 5/07/2020 AC Guys came out with the new panel. They replaced the panel, redid the mastic, and claimed they sanitized the unit. I questioned why air was still leaking out but much less than previously. The technician claimed it was within manufacture guidelines that unit will leak a little air and due to the unit being in a hot garage it will have condensation build up on the unit, and to just spray bleach on any mold I see. Picture 4.

I advised my bank that AC Guys resolved my dispute and to release the funds.

Throughout rest of the month and early June I sprayed bleach once a week on the mold growing on the mastic.

In preparation of listing my house for sale, I had a home inspection done by a family friend. He stated everything AC Guys told to me was “full of shit” the AC should never be leaking air or have that much condensation. I called Goodman and inquired about the air leaking and I researched the install manual of the unit.

The manual states “To prevent cabinet sweating and airflow leak, apply field provided insulation tape along all joining surfaces between the coil, gas furnace, duct work, and panels. See picture 3.

On 6/29/2020 I contacted Ashli via text message of the new condensation and mold build up. They once again stated this is normal operation and just wipe any biological growth with any kind of regular cleaner and wipe off with a rag.

I shared a video of me holding a paper towel in front of panel showing the air leak blowing the towel. Video link here: https://youtu.be/TZKXWcZeIdU Ashli shared the video with the technician who once again said it’s normal to feel air flow coming out.

I advised Ashli that I contacted Goodman and they disagreed with the technician. She stated she will show the video to the owner “Thomas” and see what he says. A few hours later she responded that a technician can come out seal it with tape, but front panel is screwed shut and its common for a small amount of air to leak out. She advised a technician can come out tomorrow and service the unit.

7/8/2020 I did not hear from AC Guys since 6/30/2020. I sent a demand letter for full refund via email, text message and USPS with tracking. I once again disputed the account with my bank. I started complaints with local and state building services and licensing boards.

I have received nothing but excuses by AC Guys for their failure to professionally install the AC Unit.

7/13/2020 Ashli confirmed receipt of my demand letter and they only offer to come clean the mold off the unit and sanitize the unit for mold. They refuse to uninstall the unit and reinstall properly or switch it out with another unit.

I offered a settlement to refund me $2,000, so I can have another company professionally install a new Coil Evaporator unit. They refuse my settlement and stick by it was installed correctly.