| Complainant: |
Mr
M Gayler |
| Town/City
of Residence: |
Bicester |
We purchased a Beko Fridge Freezer from Comet on 12th Aug 2002.
It has been working fine until the recent heatwave when it has
become patently evident the fridge cannot cope with warm weather.
In the past six weeks, the fridge has been unable to keep cool
and continually warms up above 9deg C triggering the fridge alarm.
Even without use and being left overnight, the fridge struggles
to maintain a temp below 9deg. We are regularly having food spoiled
and we have thrown away a great deal of perishable food which
is frankly not safe to eat.
On Aug 13th, we contacted Comet to request an engineer to look
at the fridge (we have an extended warranty valid until 11th Aug
2005). The engineer arrived on Aug 17th looked at the fridge,
and agreed that the fridge is located in a cool spot in the kitchen
(which is airated by two big french doors) and that it should
be able to cope quite adequately. He decided that the fridge didn't
have enough coolant and so drained and replaced all the coolant.
Since the engineer left, the fridge has remained maxed out continuously
and is not keeping our food cold. On Aug18th we contacted Comet
to request a replacement refrigerator (since the engineer was
obviously not able to fix it).
We were told that replacements are not given until 'cost of the
engineer call out exceeds the cost of the fridge'. We have been
given a date of Aug 26th for the next engineer to visit. Aug 26th!!!
We now have to endure at least a further week (and probably more)
of no refrigeration and spoiled food before an engineer comes
out who is likely to be unable to fix it. Requesting to speak
with a Customer Service Mgr we were told 'this is a big problem,
we don't have enough engineers, you'll have to wait' - SO WHY
NOT JUST REPLACE THE FRIDGE THEN?
We pointed out that food was spoiling and this was a hygiene
and health hazard, not to mention costing us a pretty penny. We
were told 'save the spoiled food and submit a bill'. REALLY!!!
Save spoiled, rotting food in a house with NO REFRIGERATION -
surely this contravenes health and safety laws, doesn't it?
We are now reduced to freezing ice and ice packs and placing them
in the fridge to at least provide a cool area but our food is
still spoiling and our neighbours are providing a shuttle service!
Can anyone advise how we might get out of this mess!
Other
Comet Complaints
update from Mr Gayler on 2 October
2003:
"26th Aug - engineer revisits and is unable to fix fridge/freezer.
We are told we 'must wait 28 days' before Comet will even consider
replacing appliance 'in case problem rectifies itself'-!!! Have
now lodged complaints with Association of British Insurers Landmark
Insurance, and Financial Ombudsman (as per Comet T&Cs), and
Enfield Trading Standards." Mark Gayler
=================================
I bought a zanussi fridge freezer
from comet with an extended warranty.the first one
broke down completley and was replaced the new one which i had to
pay 30.00 more for!!!! has broke down on three occasions now with
the fridge just not working comet will not replace but keep sending
a company called service force to repair it... so far we have had
a new motherboard new fan and an engineer has even used my hairdryer
on it......comet always pass the buck its like talking to a brick
wall ... Julie Whalley ... 6 April 2004
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This act solved my problem in a couple of days:
The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. Click Here for details.
Stacy Macintyre ..11 June 2004
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Hi, i understand the process involved, and can see
you are having trouble. you are leaglly entitled to a replacement,
as long as the engineer can diagnose the fault, i have had a comet
colleuge explain this to me regarding my washer. it is worth mentioning
to your local store.
MP ... 3 October 2003
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The extremes of English weather create
temperatures outside the regular operating temperatures of many
refridgeration products. See these in your instruction
booklet. Also refridgeration products are classed for their climate
suitability with a code on the product plate inside (the fridge
section of a fridge freezer) to the left of the veg drawer. Unfortunately
to best of my knowledge none of the four climate classes correspond
with the entire range of temperatures experienced in the UK.
If the extreme heatwaves continue then i would suggest you buy a
unit with a dual compressor (these are more expensive though) as
used in the far east.The temperatures affect the way the coolant
circulates through the compressor and back through the unit.
Paul Mckenzie ... 9 December 2003
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I have recently had a similer problem, My washing machine has broken down constantly and the engineers
never seem to fix the problem, in fact they cause more problems,
Comet, AON & Landmark just keep telling me that under the 5
Year warranty they will just keep repairing the machine unless the
cost of the repair is more than the purchase price.
I have found out that to replace a motor to a machine costs over
150 (I have had 3 Motors) Imagine my surprise when Landmark told
me that they have never received a claim from Comet for over 50,
Financial Ombudsman Service are now taking up the claim.....PS.
I purchased the Machine for 370 yet Landmark Insured it for 499
leaving little chance of any repair meeting the insured price
Robin Scally .. 15 December 2003
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