Cooks Air Conditioning & Heating Specialists installed heat pump without pulling permit; performed electrical work without a license Lake City Florida

I wanted to have a new heat pump split system installed in my home. I obtained several estimates.

The estimates varied by a few thousand dollars. I went with the highest estimate and what appeared to be the most reputable company.
They offered a satisfaction guarantee.

One of the companies I had gotten estimates from were concerned that the new unit may not fit in the existing closet space due to the larger size unit. They were offering to make the necessary changes to the space, add on or move as needed.

Another said that the space was adequate and the unit would fit according to their measurements.

The third offered the option of a "open return" for the return ducts ( not connecting the returns directly to the unit, but use the open area in the closet to draw the air from the ducts) This option was offered due to space requirements of running the return ducts to the unit, but would allow us to use the existing space without any modifications.

When I received so many different descriptions of how the work would be accomplished, I started searching the Internet for more information on the installation process so I could make a more knowledgeable decision.

I decided I did not like the "open return" idea that was offered because I did not think it would be the most efficient way to cool or heat my entire home evenly.

Since I ruled out one of the estimates, I opted for yet another estimate.
The last company was the highest estimate, but assured me that the unit would fit and the returns would be connected to the unit or the necessary adjustments would be made to get it installed to my satisfaction. They also stated that they would upgrade the breaker box so the unit was adequately protected.

The last salesman spent hours at my home. He was determined to get the job. He was very knowledgeable and the company was very reputable. He stated that they did not have a licensed electrician for the electrical work, but would contract the work to a reputable electrician and convinced me that with their satisfaction guarantee, I could rest assured that the work would be done correctly.

I signed the contract and the next day they started the work.
The installers were at my home most of the day. It was late when the unit was finally running. The installer said he did not want to leave until I had air because the weather was still warm then. So far I was very pleased with the courtesy of the workers. The installers stated they would be back in the morning to install the new vents. The installer stated it was very warm in the house and the unit would run for quite a while until it cooled the house off.

That is the point the problems began. The unit was running but would not shut off. I called the company late that evening, but they told me it would be OK, and that they would look at it in the morning. It was 64 degrees in my home by morning. I figured out how to turn it completely off so I could take my coat off in the house.

The installer had neglected to remove a wire from the unit and apologized for any inconvenience, stating that it had been late the previous day and that in his haste to get the unit operating before he left, he hadn't checked to see that it would shut off.

Before I left to go to work, I asked the installers if I needed to move anything so they could install the new vents and duct work. They assured me that everything was fine and again, I could rest assured that they had everything under control.

The four vents and one new return got installed in the ceiling. At one end of the room the vents are as I would expect, they face each other from opposite sides of the room. The other two vents, in the same room, however, do not follow the same pattern. They both face the same direction, into the rooms center. They are not spaced the same distance apart as the ones at the opposite end of the room and they are installed at a 90 degree angle from the other two. This esthetically does not look very uniform.

The return duct was installed but not yet connected to the new unit. When I questioned this, I was told this would be done later.

I made multiple calls to the company. I was told my work was finished. On another call I was told they were waiting for the filter unit and would be out to install it when it arrived.

When the air conditioner comes on, the lights blink. Sometimes when I am in the room next to the wall were the electrical box is connected to the house, and the unit comes on , I can hear a noise that worries me. It is an electrical surge type noise and coincides with the lights blinking and the unit coming on. The unit started tripping the breaker. I made several calls requesting an appointment to speak with the owner.

Finally, Cooks came to my home and upgraded the breaker. When I questioned the installer if he was a licensed electrician, he stated "they were allowed to do that." This led me to believe that he indeed is not a licensed electrician.

I questioned him as to the installation of the vents and the positioning. He said they it was adequate and would work. When I requested to know when the return ducts would be connected to the unit, he stated that with the space available, the open return was adequate.

At this time the duct work was hanging out of the ceiling in my closet. I explained to the owner that I was promised that I would not have an open return by the sales person and if I had known this was the way they intended on doing the job, that I would never have contracted them to do it. He made a attempt to assure me it was OK by telling me he had an open return in his home also. I again stated that this was not OK with me and I wanted the work done as promised. He proceeded to tell me that this was the way he was going to do it. He said he was installing a grill to cover the open duct work. Even though I protested, he continued, making no more attempts to discuss the work being done.

The owner setup an appointment for what he called a "final walk through" of the "finished job", and to collect payment. At this time I asked him for the Building permit number so I could call and arrange an inspection. He informed me he could schedule "to come out with an inspector" if that is what I wanted. I declined his offer to setup the inspector and stated that I wanted the permit number so I could setup the inspection my self. He stated he was not in his office and would have to call back with the number later but went ahead and scheduled an appointment to come to my home. He did not keep this appointment. He called to reschedule. He did not keep the next appointment either, and has made no attempt to contact us further.

The last installer that came to my home and did the electrical work turned out to be the owner himself. He was not licensed to perform any electrical work.

He did not pull a permit on the work for the heat pump install either.

I notified code enforcement in my county. They assured me that the contractor would be fined and they would investigate further. It seems the contractor has been cutting corners and has not pulled permits on many of his jobs.The code enforcement office advised me to file a written complaint, which I faxed to their office, and they set up an appointment for both a building inspector and code enforcement officer to come to my home. They however, did not show up, either. As of this date, I have not heard why they did not keep their appointment.

My lights still blink when the unit comes on. It does not evenly cool or heat my home. The return ducts are not attached to the unit.

I am told that if the wiring connecting the upgraded breaker is not to code, then it will no longer trip the breaker, it can cause a fire and if this happens , my insurance will not cover it, as the contractor was not licensed to do the work.

Now, I am asking for your help. I have not paid for the complete job as of yet. This I feel is my only thread of hope to possibly getting what I paid for.
What is a consumer to do? I had to refinance my home in order to afford the work. I can't afford much more.

I can't begin to tell you the stress this has caused my husband and myself.

I am afraid that because the owner feels the job is complete, he will just proceed with collection process without attempting to contact us further.

I am at a loss as to how or what to do next.

I just want what I paid for.

Karen
Lake City, Florida
U.S.A.