Galveston resident sues over HVAC installation

GALVESTON - A Galveston resident is suing the companies that installed an air conditioner and heating unit at his home, alleging the job was not completed.

Chris Arneson filed suit against Standard Renewable Energy, SRE3 GP and Gridpoint Inc. on Sept. 9 in Galveston County Court at Law No. 3. Arneson states the companies sought to recover the full contract price plus 33 1/3 percent from him.

Arneson originally contracted with Standard to obtain distributed energy services in an effort to save on costs, the suit says. He entered into an agreement with the business in October 2009 for the purchase and installation of a water furnace HVAC system.

Standard agreed to supply labor and materials in exchange for $29,823.

The original petition shows that both parties had previously entered into a contract for a solar power system, but the transaction was nixed when the utility rebate first promised to Arneson fell through.

The plaintiff requested his previous down payment of $8,621 be applied to the HVAC system contract instead.

According to court papers, Standard made communication difficult.

They claim the company frequently ignored the complainant's e-mails and would fail to follow through with its representations when it tended to the messages.

Standard delivered and set the water furnace units as well as partially installed duct work and piping in late 2009 while one of its subcontractors completed the piping installation and performed necessary drilling work.

The suit says Standard failed to finish the installation within a 45-day window, adding Arneson was forced to rely on heat strips to keep his house warm during the winter.

Defendant Gridpoint acquired Standard in early 2010 though the latter did not perform any work under the HVAC contract, the complaint states.

Arneson asserts that he was compelled to hire another company to finish the job, which was done in four weeks to the tune of $11,444.

The plaintiff further states he paid $437 for supplies and brought in a supervisor from his own building company to oversee the subject project for approximately $6,000.

He even paid the subcontractor $3,046 to avoid a lien against his property, the suit says.

A few months ago, Gridpoint sent Arneson a collection notice demanding $41.420, which he presently disputes.

A jury trial is requested.

Mills Shirley L.L.P. is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County Court at Law No. 3 Judge Christopher Dupuy is presiding over the case.

Cause No. 65,971