Yet another improperly installed A/C component by Lennar – this time the air box caused condensation dripping. It’s been a constant fight with Lennar. Although Jim Yeadon indicated both A/C units would be replaced, he – along with the rest of the Lennar executives went silent. Nothing was done.
The air box vent that is just below the A/C unit in the utility room was improperly installed by the builder, which has further exasperated the countless HVAC issues. In the summer of 2015, and shortly after another A/C repair, I noticed water dripping out of the vent, although the A/C unit still seemed to be functioning.
Take a look through one of many Lennar reviews forums and you’ll see A/C is a general theme. Here’s just one with a quick search: Lennar – AC unit not cooling home properly. I’ve had 25 A/C malfunctions in just 4.5 years.
This one was yet another fight with Lennar (formerly WCI Communities) for years. After the repair company came in to inspect, here was the final cause – and yet another A/C repair bill for an improperly installed unit:
Lennar (formerly WCI Communities) did not install the A/C unit or air box correctly at 6111 Yeats Manor Drive in the Westshore Yacht Club neighborhood. Lennar has since agreed to replace both A/C units but has yet to make the repair.
Lennar (formerly WCI Communities) did not install the A/C unit or air box correctly. Lennar has since agreed to replace both A/C units but has yet to make the repair.
Here is the history on this issue that’s gone on for several years. The responses below have more to do with the A/C issues as a whole. It’s exhausting to read again. Notice how the issues go from “nope, it’s your fault” to “not a warranty repair” to “we’ll replace them.” Why does this builder insist on making every warranty item so difficult? I assume Lennar just wants you to give up after a while.
Note: As of the date of this publication, all the Lennar executives went silent and none of the construction repairs were ever made, including the promised replacements of two, improperly installed and defective A/C units causing extensive mold exposure and health issues.
Here’s the summary from all of construction issues I keep in a spreadsheet.
*Note: For simplicity, the Lennar and WCI Communities names here are used interchangeably as Lennar took over WCI in February of 2017.
A/C issues description
Air Conditioning Outage – this item relates to Item No. 40 above that WCI agreed to inspect. Mr. Fannin’s air conditioning system is once again having problems. In June, Mr. Fannin noticed that the temperature almost reached 80 degrees and that the air ran all night. This is the sixth outage for the system! Mr. Fannin has a maintenance contract with Bay Area who he called out to look at the problem. Bay Area charged Mr. Fannin a service cost of $185.44 and is returning to Mr. Fannin’s home this Friday. Bay Area has isolated the issue to a bad evaporator coil, which will cost approximately $800.00 to repair. This air conditioning system is only two years old yet it has been extremely overstrained including the compressor going out at least two times. Mr. Fannin renews his demand that WCI replace his air conditioning system. Update – Since the 6-16-15 letter from Mr. Fannin’s counsel, the air system experienced a failure (up to approximately 7 outages). Mr. Fannin had to retain someone to make an emergency repair.
Original response to the A/C issues Joel Fedora
None – this was recorded once the issues went to legal.
Lennar in-house legal response for A/C issues
Per 6-30-15 letter from WCI counsel, Mr. Fannin contracted with a third party that has performed repairs on the HVAC system. Having done so, the warranty on the unit is voided. There is nothing WCI can do. If Mr. Fannin had not allowed Bay Area to service the unit, it is possible that this issue may have been covered by the Manufacturer.
Amanda Buffinton legal response to Lennar about A/C issues
See Item No. 40 above where WCI agreed to inspect the issue. However, Mr. Fannin now demands that WCI replace his air conditioning system for failing over 7 times in 2 years. Further, as noted throughout Mr. Fannin’s previous letters with WCI, Mr. Fannin has had repeated problems in reporting home issues to WCI including the failure of WCI’s telephone system to correctly route Mr. Fannin to the appropriate repair person. WCI cannot delay in responding to Mr. Fannin’s emergency issues and then claim that Mr. Fannin voided his warranty. If WCI does not agree to replace the AC system, the parties are at an impasse on this issue.
Buffinton response to Lennar outside legal (prior to filing the 558)
Same as above.
Final WCI outside legal response to 558 complaint
The Homeowner contracted with a third party that has performed repairs on the HVAC system. Having done so, the warranty on the unit is voided. Also, this is not a construction defect.
Lennar executive’s response on 5/22/2017
Replacement of air handler in main home and guest retreat/office. Redesign condensate drain line with a trap installed. Replace supply and return air plenums. Seal connections at the air handler. Replace 5” media filter.
Although Lennar was only going to replace the A/C unit in the main house, Lennar’s Jim Yeadon indicated in August 2017 that Lennar would replace both the unit in the main house and the one in the guest retreat/office.
