Certified Mechanical installed a non-functioning defrost timer that lead to the refrigerator icing up, slowly warming up and ultimately reaching a dangerously high temperature a few months later. After taking out the defrost timer that Certified Mechanical had installed, I noted that it had the word "BAD" marked in permanent marker (see photo). In January, Certified Mechanical was hired to repair a refrigerator that had stopped running. The technician got the refrigerator running again by fiddling with the temperature dial. To prevent the issue from re-occurring, the technician suggested replacing temperature control thermostat and the defrost timer. I agreed. In June, I noticed that both the refrigerator and freezer were considerably warmer than they should be. Emptying the freezer, I found a thick layer of frost. I took out the back panel and found the entire heat exchanger encased in ice, suggesting a defrost issue. I removed the defrost timer that Certified Mechanical had installed. Using a multimeter, I tested the timer for continuity in the two modes, which it passed. However, when plugged in place, it is clear to see that the timing mechanism does not run. More incredible, written on the side in black permanent marker was the word "BAD". It appears that the technician had installed a used, malfunctioning timer. I paid over 300$ for this service. Luckily I had kept my original defrost timer, so I tested it for continuity and tested that its mechanism activated correctly when plugged in. After letting the freezer cool down, I forced it into defrost mode and confirmed that the defrost heater was functioning. I put everything back together and now have a working refrigerator again. I contacted Certified Mechanical by email and explained what had happened, and received no response. While I understand that mistakes happen, it is difficult to imagine how a clearly deffective, used defrost timer came to be installed. Is it standard policy to install used parts? Furthermore, as I learned, testing a defrost timer takes less than 2 minutes. A test would have shown quickly that the newly installed timer did not function. This lack of professionalism is not worth the cost of the service, not to mention the health risks posed by a warming refrigerator. I'm hoping this review helps Certified Mechanical rectify the problems that lead to this situation, or that at the very least, it informs future customers. Job No. 5579 ------EDIT------ The technician only came once, and there was no ice build-up at the time. The details below are incorrect or belong to another customer. ----UPDATE---- I called Certified Mechanical, and they apologized for the situation and offered to fix the issue, though since I have already fixed it myself, there is nothing left to do. Still, I appreciate the sentiment. I leave my original review as-is as it still represents the facts. Hopefully this type of issue will be avoided in the future.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $300.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Company Response
Hi JF,
Thanks for your email , as we checked this work order , we found out the tech repaired your fridge last January and he found out the freezer was full of ice buildup , he spent 2 plus hours to defrosted the ice and replaced the defrost thermostat . Then you call back again after 3-4 days and said the the fridge is not working again , so we send him back and he said , he replaced the defrost timer and test the unit again , it's ok . He wasn't aware that the timer he installed was used. He never charged you for that timer and the 2nd visit anyway because we are honouring our warranty
You said you email us about the issue again but we have receive any email from you. If you just call us we definitely correct this issue again for you like what we did when you call us back last January. Without any cost to you. I'm sorry for this miscommunication, just call us if you have any concern, thanks.