I need your advice

[Judy Garland]

Ok, some of you heard my ranting about an air conditioner falling out the window. It was replaced free of charge. Thing is, the new one has a leak in it's lines and it isn't going to last (it's already struggling to keep 75 in 88 degree weather. (My apartment is always 10 degrees hotter than outside because of the Sun. If it's 90 outside, it's pushing 100 inside) The HVAC place isn't going to replace this one, they haven't even called me back. Now, it's just about June and the Summer hasn't even started. I only have about $600 to my name. Should I spend the $300 it costs for a new air conditioner for the summer? I might be evicted in December, I don't have a car and if I'm evicted, then I only used the air conditioner for 3 months and I'm out $300. I was planning to die very soon, in a few weeks. Now I'm afraid to take my SN because of a report about a woman who kept waking up and hearing her brain pop and fizz like bacon on a skillet. I'm on Public Assistance, and a program called Shelter Plus Care, and they take care of rent. I know I'm pitiful, I'm an Invalid...I can't help it. I don't' know if they will be paying the rent past December. What would you do in my situation? Would you just deal with the summer heat and use the AC as long as it can work (with a leak of freon) or would you say, "Fuck it, I'll buy a new one and if I end up being alive, hopefully I'll use it more than one season". $300 is a lot of money to me. And Temporary Assistance with Shelter Plus Care doesn't last forever. I'm so tired of having to weigh pros and cons. I'm so tired of everything turning to shit around me. Seriously, everything has been breaking of mine. There is also a chance, that if I do order an AC (online from the hell called Walmart), it could be damaged in transit--and I don't have a car to get a refund. So what would you do. Any advice? Should I flip a coin? I did and it said Heads for buying a new AC....but I'd like your advice.

 

[Lullaby]

Personally, I can't deal with the heat.

My portable AC stops working when it gets full. It hadn't cut off on me for a year until last night, and I felt like crying, even for this tiny nonsensical thing. Luckily, all I have to do is drain it, but I would fall apart if something happened to it.

If I were in your position, I would keep hounding these HVAC people. If they really can't do anything, I would get a new AC. You could even get a used portable one for cheaper on places like FB marketplace, Mercari, etc. I've seen them for $180, and there might be some even less than that.

If you need the money again at some point, you can always try reselling it to get some funds back.

Summer is already hard enough for people who don't struggle like we do, so imagine adding the horrible heat on top of other issues we deal with. It's too much.

 

[Judy Garland]

I

Personally, I can't deal with the heat.

My portable AC stops working when it gets full. It hadn't cut off on me for a year until last night, and I felt like crying, even for this tiny nonsensical thing. Luckily, all I have to do is drain it, but I would fall apart if something happened to it.

If I were in your position, I would keep hounding these HVAC people. If they really can't do anything, I would get a new AC. You could even get a used portable one for cheaper on places like FB marketplace, Mercari, etc. I've seen them for $180, and there might be some even less than that.

If you need the money again at some point, you can always try reselling it to get some funds back.

Summer is already hard enough for people who don't struggle like we do, so imagine adding the horrible heat on top of other issues we deal with. It's too much.

I can't take the heat either. I just stepped outside and was blown away (it is 88 and humid here in Upstate New York). Ok, there's one check for "Get one". Anyone else?

 

[Doombox]

I'm sitting here in an 87 degree room with a broken air co in the window that I won't even bother turning on, so my vote is, if you have the resources to get a new one, go for it. I wouldn't hesitate if I had the money and a way to have it installed.

 

[Seeking_Peace]

I'd buy an air cooled fan if my money is tight. Rather have a place than be evicted for convenience. Just my 2cents.

 

[Judy Garland]

I'd buy an air cooled fan if my money is tight. Rather have a place than be evicted for convenience. Just my 2cents.

I wouldn't be evicted from having an air conditioner. Air cooled fan or a swamp cooler type (fans that use moisture to cool) are a no go here in New York State. So I'll take that as a yes from you.

 

[Seeking_Peace]

I wouldn't be evicted from having an air conditioner. Air cooled fan or a swamp cooler type (fans that use moisture to cool) are a no go here in New York State. So I'll take that as a yes from you.

You've having money issues so every dollar is precious. To each their own.

 

[Cathy Ames]

I thought of you earlier when I got overheated, @Judy Garland. I hate that this is happening to you.

Take it for what it's worth, but I recommend you get the AC (or get this one fixed?) so you can be comfortable and eke out whatever amount of enjoyment you can during your remaining time. Are you able to do things like tape foil to the inside of the window (with cardboard behind it) to maybe reflect some of the sun and heat away? Emergency food assistance seems easier to get than emergency cooling assistance.

 

[outatime_85]

What about purchasing a simple 18" 3-Speed Fixed Industrial Floor Fan? It might be cheaper and still keep you cool.

Also, if you know where the leak is, you can try to repair it with self-fusing silicone tape as a temporary fix if it is a low-pressure line.

 

[Judy Garland]

What about purchasing a simple 18" 3-Speed Fixed Industrial Floor Fan? It might be cheaper and still keep you cool.

Also, if you know where the leak is, you can try to repair it with self-fusing silicone tape as a temporary fix if it is a low-pressure line.

I think it is in the low pressure line (it sounds like it's coming from the pipes that are cold near the filter) if that's low pressure. It seems like it's a small leak because the air conditioner still cools. Do you think it could last the summer? The pipes haven't frozen yet...I've been checking, and I know that is a sign of low refrigerant. I don't have the tools to open it up unfortunately...yeah a screw driver. And I wouldn't know where to begin.

 

[outatime_85]

I think it is in the low pressure line (it sounds like it's coming from the pipes that are cold near the filter) if that's low pressure. It seems like it's a small leak because the air conditioner still cools. Do you think it could last the summer? The pipes haven't frozen yet...I've been checking, and I know that is a sign of low refrigerant. I don't have the tools to open it up unfortunately...yeah a screw driver. And I wouldn't know where to begin.

You would have to first determine if your ac leak is refrigerant or water.

That being said, if you're not comfortable fixing it, you might be better off leaving it alone.

Also, I think you would need some tools to really get inside, which if you don't have, leaves you back at square one.

Since you are having such bad luck with ac's, I think your options are to find a large and cheap floor fan and try to get someone to come look at your current ac, and if it is under warranty, file for repair using that.

 

[Judy Garland]

I'm going to order one most likely. I'm taking a risk. I'm have paranoid thoughts that it's going to get ruined in the mail (it will probably be delivered FedEx). I haven't made the order yet. This is going to be it guys. If I order an AC and it arrives broken, I'll have no means of returning it (don't have a car anymore). I'll be out $300 and life will be telling me, enough, don't wait through the summer to die, you aren't supposed to be here. FUCK!

 

[Well-Edited Chaos]

The HVAC place isn't going to replace this one, they haven't even called me back.

Can you borrow a fan from someone for a few days? That would give you time to keep calling the HVAC place and try and get some action out of them before you splash out half of your savings.

I know the HVAC place hasn't given you the greatest service, but they should at least fix the leak. And if they do that, maybe the unit you have won't need to be replaced. They shouldn't be able to get away with providing broken crap to people.

 

[Judy Garland]

Can you borrow a fan from someone for a few days? That would give you time to keep calling the HVAC place and try and get some action out of them before you splash out half of your savings.

I know the HVAC place hasn't given you the greatest service, but they should at least fix the leak. And if they do that, maybe the unit you have won't need to be replaced. They shouldn't be able to get away with providing broken crap to people.

I'll call CS Heating and Air tomorrow morning. This is the unit they replaced my broken unit with, so they've done a replacement and are sick of me most likely. I even told the employee who installed it that I didn't have a good feeling about it because of a few dents in the back grill dented right on the coolant pipe. I told him "now if this leaks because of those dents, can I call you again?". He said, Harry (the owner of the business) isn't going to replace my air conditioner again". I knew something wasn't right when I saw the unit, and the employee thought I was crazy and being paranoid. Nope! I was right! It fucking has a leak! You can hear it when the compressor turns on. I'm going to call them tomorrow. I also have therapy tomorrow and am going to ask my therapist what she would do in my situation. I do have a fan, it's a stand alone. Luckily though it's only going to be in the 70s for the next few weeks. They think I'm crazy, because I specifically told Tylan (the man who installed it) "If this leaks, can I call you because I don't like those dents in the back grille". They gave me a bad feeling, and I was RIGHT. So literally when I call (I've already left a message, they never called back) they think I'm a nut bag. Isn't life wonderful! Don't you all LOVE living on Earth!? @.CTB HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAAH FUCK! (and I know you'll read that right CTB).

 

[Shu]

I'll call CS Heating and Air tomorrow morning. This is the unit they replaced my broken unit with, so they've done a replacement and are sick of me most likely. I even told the employee who installed it that I didn't have a good feeling about it because of a few dents in the back grill dented right on the coolant pipe. I told him "now if this leaks because of those dents, can I call you again?". He said, Harry (the owner of the business) isn't going to replace my air conditioner again". I knew something wasn't right when I saw the unit, and the employee thought I was crazy and being paranoid. Nope! I was right! It fucking has a leak! You can hear it when the compressor turns on. I'm going to call them tomorrow. I also have therapy tomorrow and am going to ask my therapist what she would do in my situation. I do have a fan, it's a stand alone. Luckily though it's only going to be in the 70s for the next few weeks. They think I'm crazy, because I specifically told Tylan (the man who installed it) "If this leaks, can I call you because I don't like those dents in the back grille". They gave me a bad feeling, and I was RIGHT. So literally when I call (I've already left a message, they never called back) they think I'm a nut bag. Isn't life wonderful! Don't you all LOVE living on Earth!? @.CTB HAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAAH FUCK! (and I know you'll read that right CTB).

Try posting your situation on craigslist or facebook.. wait you don't have FB.. id explain on craiglist maybe someone will be willing to help you out.

 

[wljourney]

Can I ask who paid for the unit that is in there now?
Was it originally purchased by your landlord/housing provider?
If they are the ones who paid for it, they should also be the ones to fight with the HVAC company.

If they deliver a broken unit that is insufficient, they have to fix it by installing an appropriate replacement.

Giving you something they had laying around is not ok.

If they won't we will all bombard them with phone calls from all over the world.

 

[Judy Garland]

Can I ask who paid for the unit that is in there now?
Was it originally purchased by your landlord/housing provider?
If they are the ones who paid for it, they should also be the ones to fight with the HVAC company.

If they deliver a broken unit that is insufficient, they have to fix it by installing an appropriate replacement.

Giving you something they had laying around is not ok.

If they won't we will all bombard them with phone calls from all over the world.

Ready for this? I received the unit as part of the HEAP energy assistance program. So I wasn't charged, HEAP paid for it (in my name of course). You only are allowed HEAP assistance once every five years (for cooling), and they say that once I receive the air conditioner, it is my responsibility to take care of, and maintain it. Which I completely agree. I am very grateful for the HEAP program. I called Frigidaire directly and to receive a replacement from them I have to provide a receipt from a verified dealer of Frigidaire, which CS Heating and Air is not a dealer, they're just filling orders for HEAP.
I'm at their mercy. They think I'm nuts. To their defense, it was all new in the box and everything. And it was, but it had those dents on it which means those dents happened at the factory. That's why I'm paranoid that if I just eat the cost and order one for myself, what happens if it's damaged from the factory again. That's another headache. Truly, if I pay $300 and I get another dud....I'm not going to make it through the summer. It'll be a big sign that life wants me to drink my SN. Oh, but I just read a report that someone's SN didn't work, so add that to the list of paranoia and anxiety. I just can't win in this world. I've spent money to maintain the tiny, little meagre existence that I have here. Nothing is lasting. Even my pair of glasses is messed up....right from the factory, they gave me the wrong prescription and that's yet again, another headache. My portable washing machine leaks now too. I'm tired of fighting for everything that should just be normal. I see people around me who don't have a care in the world...and they drive their cars, talk on their phones and are able to live. I'm not asking for much.

 

[wljourney]

No you are not asking for too much.

So HEAP paid. Who installed the original unit? The hvac company? And that's when it broke and fell out the window? And that's why they agreed to replace it? Because they did shoddy work in the beginning?

Have you contacted HEAP and explained the issue?

I know this shouldn't all be on you. But sadly that's what happens when multiple sources are involved. I just went through this w my sister and her stove.

I would go on record with HEAP so they know there is an issue. Shoddy work has to be fixed and appropriately. Not your fault.

***
Oh and one more thing:
I would wait and see what the OP says about her SN.
I asked her to weigh the bag w remaining contents. If she actually used 20g the bag should be half full.
She is watching the thread but hasn't replied in an hour (granted it's 10 pm now in the UK). But honestly… weigh the damn bag and let us know!! Ugh!!

Post in thread 'failed SN - not sure why?'
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/failed-sn-not-sure-why.92077/post-1627695

 

[WanderingWater]

The leak in the a/c could be condensation on the line from humidity in the air.

IF the line has oil on the line or compressor, then it will be a freon link.

IF you turn up the thermostat and it does not get colder, it could be the thermostat is bad.

You may need to check your filter from the inside or perhaps clean the coils with a water hose in the back.

Is the compressor "kicking in"?

A few checks ... Hope this helps...

 

[Judy Garland]

The leak in the a/c could be condensation on the line from humidity in the air.

IF the line has oil on the line or compressor, then it will be a freon link.

IF you turn up the thermostat and it does not get colder, it could be the thermostat is bad.

You may need to check your filter from the inside or perhaps clean the coils with a water hose in the back.

Is the compressor "kicking in"?

A few checks ... Hope this helps...

The air conditioner is brand new. :-( And the low hissing sound only happens when the compressor is on, when the compressor shuts off the noise stops. It's a constant hissing sound for as long as the compressor runs. I've heard water on the lines before with it and it sounds different. When the air conditioner was taken out of the box I noticed it had dents in the grill right where the pipes are. I said something and Tylan (the worker from CS heating and air) looked at me like I was paranoid and crazy. I called them yesterday and they think I'm nuts. I'm going to end up paying $300 for a new one. I'm worried that a new one will get ruined in transit by being thrown around. I'm so tired of my mind reeling with these possibilities. Thank you for your help. I wish I could check the lines for oil, but I don't have access to it like that. :-(

 

[Klo]

Ok, some of you heard my ranting about an air conditioner falling out the window. It was replaced free of charge. Thing is, the new one has a leak in it's lines and it isn't going to last (it's already struggling to keep 75 in 88 degree weather. (My apartment is always 10 degrees hotter than outside because of the Sun. If it's 90 outside, it's pushing 100 inside) The HVAC place isn't going to replace this one, they haven't even called me back. Now, it's just about June and the Summer hasn't even started. I only have about $600 to my name. Should I spend the $300 it costs for a new air conditioner for the summer? I might be evicted in December, I don't have a car and if I'm evicted, then I only used the air conditioner for 3 months and I'm out $300. I was planning to die very soon, in a few weeks. Now I'm afraid to take my SN because of a report about a woman who kept waking up and hearing her brain pop and fizz like bacon on a skillet. I'm on Public Assistance, and a program called Shelter Plus Care, and they take care of rent. I know I'm pitiful, I'm an Invalid...I can't help it. I don't' know if they will be paying the rent past December. What would you do in my situation? Would you just deal with the summer heat and use the AC as long as it can work (with a leak of freon) or would you say, "Fuck it, I'll buy a new one and if I end up being alive, hopefully I'll use it more than one season". $300 is a lot of money to me. And Temporary Assistance with Shelter Plus Care doesn't last forever. I'm so tired of having to weigh pros and cons. I'm so tired of everything turning to shit around me. Seriously, everything has been breaking of mine. There is also a chance, that if I do order an AC (online from the hell called Walmart), it could be damaged in transit--and I don't have a car to get a refund. So what would you do. Any advice? Should I flip a coin? I did and it said Heads for buying a new AC....but I'd like your advice.

I have found a perfectly good ac on Ebay a while ago and I'm pretty sure it was under $200. It won't be good if you need to return it though. I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I know being unwell without ac is both miserable and dangerous. I hope you can find a solution. If you have other social media outside of ss you should try a GoFundMe. I had one early on in the pandemic and it helped with a few expenses once I was homebound.

 

[Judy Garland]

No you are not asking for too much.

So HEAP paid. Who installed the original unit? The hvac company? And that's when it broke and fell out the window? And that's why they agreed to replace it? Because they did shoddy work in the beginning?

Have you contacted HEAP and explained the issue?

I know this shouldn't all be on you. But sadly that's what happens when multiple sources are involved. I just went through this w my sister and her stove.

I would go on record with HEAP so they know there is an issue. Shoddy work has to be fixed and appropriately. Not your fault.

***
Oh and one more thing:
I would wait and see what the OP says about her SN.
I asked her to weigh the bag w remaining contents. If she actually used 20g the bag should be half full.
She is watching the thread but hasn't replied in an hour (granted it's 10 pm now in the UK). But honestly… weigh the damn bag and let us know!! Ugh!!

Post in thread 'failed SN - not sure why?'
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/failed-sn-not-sure-why.92077/post-1627695

Well, I was probably annoying but what can I do? I just called CS Heating and Air again and this time they took down my information and said they would get back to me. We'll see what happens. If nothing happens and they don't replace it I might just buy a 5,000 BTU for $179. Thank you, your post really helped with my anxiety. I kept repeating to myself "Be annoying, what's the worst that can happen, they say no? This isn't your fault, they need to take a look at it". I hope your sister has her stove in good working order now. Doesn't it feel awful when this stuff happens upon receiving something new?
Well, just got a call, they're on their way.

 

[wljourney]

Well, I was probably annoying but what can I do? I just called CS Heating and Air again and this time they took down my information and said they would get back to me. We'll see what happens. If nothing happens and they don't replace it I might just buy a 5,000 BTU for $179. Thank you, your post really helped with my anxiety. I kept repeating to myself "Be annoying, what's the worst that can happen, they say no? This isn't your fault, they need to take a look at it". I hope your sister has her stove in good working order now. Doesn't it feel awful when this stuff happens upon receiving something new?
Well, just got a call, they're on their way.

Yay! Bravo!
You advocated for yourself and it will pay off. I am so happy and proud of you!
Let us know how the story ends, but this is good news!

 

[Judy Garland]

Yay! Bravo!
You advocated for yourself and it will pay off. I am so happy and proud of you!
Let us know how the story ends, but this is good news!

Guess what, no call no show. He didn't show up. So I'm calling at 8:30am tomorrow morning when they open.

 

[wljourney]

Give them hell!!
They work for you not the other way round!
Hugs!

 

[Judy Garland]

Give them hell!!
They work for you not the other way round!
Hugs!

Ready for this? They think I'm nuts. So the guy comes out and on the phone first thinks it's just water in the pan. it is not and I told him so. So he comes in to listen to the Air Conditioner. It makes it's ssss sound (like water trickling through a pipe). He says it's normal, that it is possible to hear the coolant going through the pipes. Assures me that it would be spitting out oil if it had a leak. (which @WanderingWater you also told me about :-) thank you)
He also said that after using it twice (when the heat was above 80), if it were leaking coolant that it would no longer be cooling. "Even if it's a really small leak?" I asked him. "Yes", he said. So I said, "ok well if this stops cooling in a month or so...", he told me to call them back and they would take care of it. But he didn't think anything was wrong. And on his report he wrote one sentence "Everything looks ok".
So ok, so I'll take them for their word, and if it stops cooling. I'm not going to be happy, and one of the things I"ll say is "Told ya' so!". But really I'll take them for their word because they were kind to me before with replacing it. And you bet that I'll revive this thread and let everyone know if this unit stops cooling.
And yes, I just kissed it (the ac) (three times) and told it I loved it.

 

[wljourney]

Mmmhhh…. Well let's hope it does keep doing its job!

Remind me again: did you at any point run the thing and it leaked coolant? Or was it all water?

Just fyi:
My car's AC has a leak. It stopped working. So I brought it in. Technician added a dye to the cooling liquid to find the leak and topped it off. It now runs fine and cools. But he can't tell me for how long. Until it loses too much coolant. It will - over time - cool less efficiently until it just blows warm air.

So… I don't think it's quite true that it wouldn't cool at all if there was a small leak.

But for now let's hope it all works out. Keep the copy of the service report. That will be essential if you have to complain again. It'll be your word (I told you it was defective) against their word (it was fine when we installed it and the warranty has now passed).

Let's cross fingers.

The worst thing is: I have an extra window AC unit here right now but can't just drive it over to you. Too far. will be donating it to the local re-store before it gets hot.

 

[Judy Garland]

Mmmhhh…. Well let's hope it does keep doing its job!

Remind me again: did you at any point run the thing and it leaked coolant? Or was it all water?

Just fyi:
My car's AC has a leak. It stopped working. So I brought it in. Technician added a dye to the cooling liquid to find the leak and topped it off. It now runs fine and cools. But he can't tell me for how long. Until it loses too much coolant. It will - over time - cool less efficiently until it just blows warm air.

So… I don't think it's quite true that it wouldn't cool at all if there was a small leak.

But for now let's hope it all works out. Keep the copy of the service report. That will be essential if you have to complain again. It'll be your word (I told you it was defective) against their word (it was fine when we installed it and the warranty has now passed).

Let's cross fingers.

The worst thing is: I have an extra window AC unit here right now but can't just drive it over to you. Too far. will be donating it to the local re-store before it gets hot.

It didn't leak coolant right or water right onto the floor, the first air conditioner wasn't put in right, and it was holding water keeping the fans from spinning. He didn't give me a copy of the service report BUT I did write it down to keep at what time he came and when, also his name. He said the sound was normal, and he better be right. Oh and luckily it's got a year warranty on it so they have to replace it if it does die on me this summer.

 

[wljourney]

It didn't leak coolant right or water right onto the floor, the first air conditioner wasn't put in right, and it was holding water keeping the fans from spinning. He didn't give me a copy of the service report BUT I did write it down to keep at what time he came and when, also his name. He said the sound was normal, and he better be right. Oh and luckily it's got a year warranty on it so they have to replace it if it does die on me this summer.

Perfect! Well done!! You have everything you should need if anything happens, but let's hope all is well and you don't have to worry about this for a while!