Mantis fireplace with chronic problems – anyone else?
Hi all, I’ve had a Mantis G Class, mady by Empire Systems, fireplace for almost 3 years and have had a series of problems with it, right from the beginning, including needing to replace the thermister, once needing to replace the hot surface igniter, and one time needing a new remote.
My thermister broke yet again and I’m fed up with it, and am concerned that I bought a lemon that is going to need a new part every 6 months. Since my 3 year warranty is coming up, I’m in the process of seeing if I can have the manufacturer take it back. I’m getting all sorts of push back from the general contractor who installed it, and the distributor, who both say it will be nearly next to impossible for me to get them (Mantis) to agree to do this.
Apparently, the distributor says that they can take it out and ship it out to Mantis, who will look it over and if they only find out that it needs a part replace, they will ship it back to me and not take it back. I’m trying to look into what my consumer protection rights are here. All told this fireplace cost over $5000. and I didn’t knowingly buy something that was going to require so much repair work. Obviously I know mechanical things need regular maintenance and repair, but not parts that break so often.
Anyone with similar problems, experience or advice? Thanks
Replies
Welcome to homeownership. Things break. Sometimes they break often. Sure, it can be frustrating and you may have purchased a lemon. But your contractor did not manufacturer the unit. The warranty terms are up to the manufacturer; not you. If you didn't like them, then you should never have purchased (or accepted) the product in the first place. BTW, almost any item can be returned within 30 days, no questions asked.
I'm betting your push back from your contractor stems from you wanting them to take the time and handle your manufacturer's warranty claim for free; right? If so, is that service warranty that you want extended (apparently for 3 years on installed items) in your orginal contract with your G.C.?
Geez, those are minor problems. Companies sometimes make things that have problems, but if it's a recurring problem, they generally will revise, re-source suppliers, substitute etc the offending problem parts. So your new thermister may be a better part that will last the life of the fireplace.