Last summer was extremely hot, and it wasn't a good time to have an air conditioner break down. A young family found themselves in that predicament, and their home warranty turned out to be no guarantee at all.
Jerome Ellis says they got fans to keep cool, and kept windows open.
"At night it cools down a little, but not that much," said Ellis.
The good news is that he and his wife had a back-up plan: Arkidus Home Protection, a home warranty that offered for an annual fee for repairs, service and even replacement. Arkidus sent out a repairman who told him his air conditioner was dead. Ellis says that's the last visit he had from anyone representing Arkidus.
"From that point until the end of the summer, 'My manager is going to call you. Somebody will get back to you. We'll call you back,'" said Ellis.
While the heat index spiked, his responses from the Florida-based home warranty company dropped. Finally the Ellis' started to get answers from the Florida Insurance Commissioner's office who wrote, "they are not licensed to sell home warranties."
"We've had no return calls. We have not been able to get in touch with anyone," said Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens.
Hudgens believes the company has shuttered its doors and moved on. Still, Hudgens' office has issued a cease and desist order.
"If they do anymore business in Georgia we'll prosecute them," Hudgens said.
That doesn't help the Ellis' much now, but as they set out to find another home warranty company, Hudgens says to make sure the company you've picked is backed by an assurety bond or an insurance company. Better yet, he says, calls his office to make sure the company is OK'd to operate in the state.
In the meantime, Ellis is spending this very cold winter looking for a good deal on an air conditioner.
According to the commissioner, unlike auto warranties, home warranty companies do not have to register with the state. So it is up to you to do your homework when looking for a company with a reputable name. If you need help, ask your realtor for a recommendation.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:38:42 GMT
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:03:25 GMT
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:13:04 GMT
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the FTC has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off on its strong health claims.
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the Federal Trade Commission has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off some pretty strong health claims.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
