How do I sue an HVAC company?

Author: Gilberto Feest  |  Last update: Friday, October 31, 2025

You can sue for up to $11k in small claims court in your state. If you need to sue for more, you can sue in state court which is a similar procedure just a different court. You can do this by going to your local small claims court and filling out the complaint packet. You will then file it and serve it on the company.

Can you sue a company for not having AC?

The answer is no. However, you do have options that have been explained to you. One option is an anonymous report to OSHA regarding the hazardous workplace. This might cause OSHA to come in and force the employer to change the workplace to make it non-hazardous. Another option is to file a workers compensation claim.

How many HVAC installs are done incorrectly?

Improper HVAC installation is surprisingly widespread. As much as 90% of HVAC systems are installed with some form of error, according to studies. Errors range from minor issues, such as incorrect thermostat placement, to major problems like improperly sizing the HVAC system.

What is the failure rate of HVAC companies?

Approximately 20 percent of HVAC contractors fail across the industry every year, with 70 percent of new HVAC businesses failing in their first year of operation.

Is HVAC company liable for water damage?

If the contractor came to do work they are liable for the work they actually did. If their work caused the leaking and they did not check to make sure their work was done properly, that is negligent workmanship.

#6 - Sub Contractors for small HVAC Company

Can I sue my HVAC company?

Suppose an HVAC contractor installs a new system during a home remodel. An indoor air quality problem may be traced back to the improper installation or negligent maintenance of an HVAC system. In this case, a business or an injured party can sue an HVAC company.

Should I file insurance claim for water damage from AC?

Your homeowners insurance may cover AC unit leaks that cause water damage. Typically, homeowners insurance will not cover the cause of the leak but will pay for the damage the leak causes. For example, if a pipe bursts and causes water damage, the damage is often covered, but the pipe replacement will not be covered.

What is the number one problem with HVAC systems?

Dirty Filters

Perhaps the most common of all HVAC problems, and one that is easily fixed, is a dirty filter. Dirty filters will block airflow and cause your furnace to work harder to maintain an ideal temperature. This overburdens the unit, which could cause overheating, premature wear, and HVAC airflow problems.

Can you negotiate with HVAC companies?

Give them a little time to come up with it, but normally the price you'll get back is the lowest price they are willing to do it for. It may not be the lowest price out of all the quotes you receive, but better contractors know their value and know their cost structure and won't give away their work.

What is the average life of HVAC?

A heating or cooling system is a significant investment, and it only makes sense to get as much use out of it as possible. In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable.

What is the most overlooked part of an HVAC system?

Now, as promised, this month I'll talk a bit about the most common thing we see neglected in our HVAC systems…and that's the system air filter. Every year we get an abundance of calls, both residential and commercial, about the furnace not working properly.

What is the total cost to replace HVAC system?

According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.

How many quotes should I get for HVAC replacement?

Most experts recommend getting three to five HVAC quotes from licensed, insured, reputable local heating and cooling companies. Getting multiple detailed HVAC quotes (but not too many) lets you compare the equipment, services, and prices of several contractors without being overwhelmed by options.

What is required to sue a company?

To sue a company, you must file legal paperwork in the appropriate jurisdiction, which could be the court in the county where you reside or the county where the company does business. In addition, filing a complaint requires that you also pay a fee to purchase an index number for the case.

Is having no AC an OSHA violation?

OSHA does not require employers to provide heat or air conditioning for work spaces. OSHA does recommend temperature control in the range of 68-76°F.

Can a customer sue a company?

However, there are many reasons why individuals may be able to sue a business and win. Most often, those who sue corporations are employees, customers, or stakeholders. Other instances of someone suing a company may be if an employee of the business does harm to a bystander while on the job.

What time of year is it cheapest to buy HVAC?

Likewise, when the temperatures are milder in the spring and fall, the rates are lower. Not only that, you don't want to suffer through a few weeks of winter without heating because installation times are longer due to this added demand. The best time to buy an HVAC system is right as spring or fall begins.

Where do HVAC installers make the most money?

Washington is the top state where HVAC technicians earn the most. The average salary here is around $63,283 per year. Factors contributing to this high salary include the state's high cost of living and the consistent demand for HVAC services due to varying climates across the state.

Why are HVAC systems so expensive right now?

The global rise in fuel and energy prices has also increased the cost of manufacturing and transporting HVAC equipment, thus driving up HVAC prices for consumers. Changing environmental regulations also push the market towards newer, more expensive products as manufacturers work to comply with evolving standards.

What is the most common part to fail on HVAC?

#1 Most Common Air Conditioning Repair – Bad Capacitor

If your thermostat seems to be working properly, air is blowing from your vents but it's just not cold, find your outside unit (condenser) and see if it's working.

Can you claim HVAC on homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.

Is it worth claiming on home insurance?

Having a claim on your record can mean the cost of your home insurance goes up – but not always. Larger claims, such as repairs after extensive storm damage, are much more likely to cause an increase. On the other hand, smaller claims such as replacing a damaged laptop, will have little or no impact.

Why would a water damage claim be denied?

Reasons for denial can range from the nature of the damage itself—such as gradual damage that occurred over time—to issues with how the claim was filed, including missed deadlines or insufficient documentation. Furthermore, unreported property modifications can also lead to complications during the claims process.

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