Friedrich warranty

[bluedog225]

I was looking for a beefy window/wall mount air conditioner that I don’t have to mess with. Solar power so electricity is ”free.”

I thought Friedrich window units had a 5 year warranty on the sealed refrigerant system. Am I mis-remembering. Or have they cut it back to 2 years?

And this is nice. They will refund of the prorated value of the unit based upon the remaining warranty period. Well, that’s a ****** deal. 20 months into a 2 year warranty, they can refund maybe $400 on a $2,650 unit and walk away.

And this gem. “Providing a replacement unit of equal or lesser value.” No floor on lesser value.

And the details on diagnosis, removal, shipping, etc. Pay up.

I can’t see spending close to 3 grand when even the manufacturer won’t stand behind the product. They must have had enough claims that is was costing too much to go out 5 years. Great.

And apparently Austin is a no-go zone for authorized repair companies.

 

[dcg9381]

I thought Friedrich window units had a 5 year warranty on the sealed refrigerant system. Am I mis-remembering. Or have they cut it back to 2 years?

And this is nice. They will refund of the prorated value of the unit based upon the remaining warranty period. Well, that’s a ****** deal. 20 months into a 2 year warranty, they can refund maybe $400 on a $2,650 unit and walk away.

I know people there. These are not American built units anymore. America can't compete in manufacturing. We compete in brand.

With respect, I see MANY of their units still functioning 20+ years later in urban areas, but they were built before "modern times". I did install one of their PTAC units about 10 years ago and never had a problem.

Pro-rated warranty doesn't seem to be the standard for AC, but requiring an "authorized installer" or "authorized diagnosis" is. Enough to make it not worth it... That warranty has more holes than Swiss cheese.

I've got a leak in my central HVAC. R-22 system installed in 2020. Assuming I can find an "authorized dealer" to come diagnose it and find the "part" that went bad, it's the part that's covered, not the diagnosis or labor and then I have to wait for an R-22 part.... Basically even household HVAC suffers from this sort of thing.

Good job tearing apart this "complete ****" warranty. As this is a "single item" how about working around it by putting it on a credit card that has "warranty protection" with a bit of a lower bar. That's what I'd do...

35k is a big *** window unit.

 

[bluedog225]

Do we still have extended warranty credit cards? I haven’t seen one in a while, but I’d be willing to get it.

 

[bonneyman]

With respect, I see MANY of their units still functioning 20+ years later in urban areas, but they were built before "modern times". I did install one of their PTAC units about 10 years ago and never had a problem.

^^^THIS^^^

Freidrich used to be a good brand. (I didn't know their current status, so I thought they still were good). Most all new units (regardless of brand) have fallen into this mode. Selling on the longevity and history of the brand - not on construction and quality.
What I have done is scour estate sales and thrift stores. I still find old fashioned items (tools, clothes, bicycles, household appliances) that were discarded because they were "old", and the new owners think they're useless. If you're in the know, one can find all sorts of good stuff that - with a little knowledge - can be brought back to use and put you miles ahead of a newer, cheapie device.
Disclaimer: I'm STILL looking for a useable R-12 refrigerator.

 

[mngundog]

I know people there. These are not American built units anymore. America can't compete in manufacturing. We compete in brand.

With respect, I see MANY of their units still functioning 20+ years later in urban areas, but they were built before "modern times". I did install one of their PTAC units about 10 years ago and never had a problem.

We had one that died last year, it was used when we moved in the house 49 years ago.

 

[nh_yota]

Friedrich used to build indestructible window air conditioners back in the day, but they have fallen victim to globalization like everyone else. To the best of my knowledge no one builds small air conditioners in the States anymore. It's mostly due to manufacturing economies of scale in Asia and less so due to environmental regulations here in the States.

 

[bluedog225]

I’m a little surprised by these terms.

Looks to me like there’s not an meaningful warranty In any real sense.

I looked briefly and the extended warranty seems to me better than Friedrich’s. That’s a surprise.

but the extended doesn’t start till the original ends.

Too bad. They used to have a good product.