Homeowner says new AC unit failed just days after installation; contractor’s work investigated

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — An Arizona homeowner says she has been dealing with air conditioner issues since purchasing a new unit last summer.

According to Wendi Sinclair, she bought the AC unit from Summer Heating and Air, but it failed within days of being installed and hasn’t worked properly in more than a year.

The first sign of trouble, Sinclair said, happened nine days after installation.

“It was running non-stop, and it was a 10-degree difference. My thermostat was set at 74 [degrees]. It was 84,” Sinclair said.

Over the following year, Sinclair said the problems continued.

“I heard my unit shutting off every minute, which meant it was short cycling, and then running nonstop. There was a leak,” she said.

Sinclair noted that the contractor attempted repairs dozens of times while hiring an independent contractor to inspect the system.

According to Sinclair, the inspection report identified multiple issues, including an unlevel furnace coil and secondary pan, water damage, restricted refrigerant lines, supply ductwork with multiple small air gaps, and insufficient airflow for the condenser to exhaust properly, creating excessive high pressure.

Sinclair said the problems escalated over the fall.

“We replaced the coil in September of last year, even though it was replaced in June,” she said. “And then in October my unit actually blew up outside and was smoking, so they had to replace the compressor again.”

Sinclair said she has no doubt the problems stem from the original installation.

“It’s an installation issue,” she said.

Sinclair reported Summer Heating and Air to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, with the state investigating the contractor’s work.

According to the ROC, the company’s commercial license was revoked in 2018. Its residential license is active with two settled complaints.

Vincent Sandoval from Summer Heating and Air declined an on-camera interview but said he stands by the company’s installation. He said the company is out thousands of dollars on the job due to Sinclair’s warranty claims.

An ROC investigator’s report confirmed multiple workmanship issues at the property.

Summer Heating and Air has been ordered to correct all issues and report back to the state by Aug. 21.

An ROC spokesperson said the registrar cannot comment on open complaints.

In a second phone conversation after the ROC’s report was issued, Sandoval said he would make the fixes but continued to say he did nothing wrong.

Contractors who do not comply with ROC orders could face citations, civil penalties and discipline of their license.

“This should not happen to anybody else,” Sinclair said.