Faulty Air Con' unit - some advice please

Ban5hee

Hello folks, I've had a look around and whilst there are similar queries could I have some advice please. I purchased a air-conditioning unit (henceforth, ACU) from an online retailer in late May. I used 4-6 times over the following months. Early this month (August), I noticed that there was a pool of water on the floor. I switched it off and disconnected it. Further investigation revealed the plastic base of the unit now had a crack along one side of it. ( I assume and it's only an assumption that there might have been a hairline crack and the use of the unit caused the more serious problem, or exacerbated it). I called the supplier. In the first instance they asked me to use their automated returns system. I did. The return was rejected. Following a phone call, I was advised that because I did not advise them of the 'fault' within 4-5 days or so, they wanted nothing to do with it and wouldn't offer a replacement, refund or anything.

Finding a similar situation on another forum I sent off a business-like letter demanding a refund under SOGA (I realised later, after reading yet more forums, that I should have requested a replacement). My error.

However, I've heard nothing from the company in question. So where does this leave me? I did pay by credit card.

Now I don't wan't to be a stirrer for the sake of it but what can I do to get them to either refund me or replace the unit. (Based on my recent past experience with them this is unlikely). Should I re-approach the retailer? Should I approach my credit card company to try and obtain a refund? And would it be appropriate to have a word with the Trading Standards Agency? Thanks for taking the time to read this. All help gratefully received.

vikingaero

We have a portable ACU. The crack may only be cosmetic and given the weight of the things it's possible to damage the casing quite easily.

As you have used the unit a few times, have you emptied the condensate drain hose? It may simply be overflowing.

Ban5hee

Thanks vikingaero. This unit (Amcor 12000E) doesn't have any external hoses apart from the air outtake. I assume that the condensate drain hose would be external? I'm re-reading the manual and the water should collect in the water container at the bottom and be drained when instructed by the system. Obviously it never gets that far . If Ive mis-interpreted your answer, let me know. Thanks for your time.

muckybutt

Sounds similar to our ACU, when our condensate tank fills up it stops the AC and sets it back to a normal fan mode.

If the unit isnt switching off the condensate pump then its a fault so should be repaired by the company who manufactured it.

If no luck with them i'd go down the credit card route and claim a refund that way.

Ban5hee

Thanks all. As the on-line retailer won't help then I guess I'll have to go the credit card route.

chris1973

I assume that the condensate drain hose would be external?

Not always. I have a unit which has a little side compartment hidden under a grille molding, inside there is a 1 litre container with a hose feeding into it. You can remove the hose and connect an external adaptor kit to it, in order to make it external, but that kit is an aftermarket purchase.

When this container fills, it is normal for the compressor to turn off, however it all depends on the quality of the float switch used. When I first took delivery of mine, it was possible for the container to overflow because the float switch lever needed bending down more!