Mr. Cool Advantage - is this damage bad (see pic)

[tomsop]

Ordered this from Home Depot and the part in question is this little clear tube with a wires in the middle - the instructions say nothing about it but it looks like it got smashed against the thin metal fins of the condenser unit - please ID what this piece is and it looks like the plastic is maybe supposed to slide between the fins and hook onto the horizontal coooper tube inside - I am assuming this is some water escape - but I know it is not the drain - that is on the bottom.

It looks like I can bend some of these back - but not sure if this is just cosmetic or functional damage that means I need to return this unit.

 

[jabelding]

That is probably the defrost sensor I believe it is suppose to be attached to the fins I would probably request a replacement. If it got banged around that much there may be other issues.

 

[3rdgendslmech]

It looks like just the fins are bent a little. ( pretty much every automotive evap or condensor I've replaced comes with a little damage like this) The maint thing is that sensor, if it looks like that wire is broken you're gonna want to send it back. Thats your frost sensor.

 

[chrispyny]

It’s brand new. You wanna potentially deal with freon leaks on a new install? Send it back.

 

[tomsop]

Thanks - I am going to return it - I have no idea about that sensor - I can't find pics of what that piece is supposed to look like - they only show pics of the front of their unit for marketing. I am going to search for a diagram as well.

 

[tomsop]

Here is a screenshot from a YT video showing the sensor on a similar unit

 

[tomsop]

Thanks for all replies - Just FYI I ordered through HD and they offer free delivery if you pick up there. I think next time I will order for home delivery - the person who did the curbside when picked up said it took awhile because the box was towards the bottom of a pallet. I am assuming the package will get better treatment if not bundled with whatever else gets shipped to HD instead of going to a UPS terminal for delivery - but who knows. Thanks again.

 

[tomsop]

I forgot to say HD accepted and processed my return - very good customer service other than handling of a product that was shipped to their store.

 

[justinjoyal]

Unless the sensor is damaged, I would definitely not bother returning it... this is a common occurence and a very minor issue.

 

[Zmann]

Home depot home delivery usually means I will be going to the store to return a mishandled product and repurchase

 

[Will S.]

edited:
I bought mine at Costco 2 years ago, buI just checked, & they don't have them listed right now.