Horrible Customer Service from Westinghouse
I purchased a Westinghouse generator model 5300DFCV through Home Depot earlier this year. It was delivered to my home and after I carefully assembled it following all instructions it would not start. I tried several times, checking and rechecking the instructions, and could not get it to start. On June 16 I contacted Westinghouse customer service. They began sending emails with suggestions on how to get it to start. I tried every suggestion over the course of 8 emails and videoed myself attempting the suggestions as per their request. The unit is to be run on propane and they then suggested that I put gasoline in it which I was not willing to do as I do not plan to ever use gasoline in it. After 3 more emails they suggested that I needed a high altitude kit. I bought the kit and let them know that I was taking the unit in to a service center. They stated that the cost of the kit and installation would not be covered and that they would cover up to $300 "if the issue is not deemed customer-caused or maintenance related." The service center installed the kit and the unit still would not start. They did troubleshooting and identified a "blockage at the regulator" as the problem and subsequently got it to start. I was charged $297.31. I submitted the invoice and Westinghouse responded that "the work done is considered maintenance work and would not be covered." Remember, this is a unit that had never started since purchased new. I was contacted by a customer service rep named Jasmine who stated that anything involving the kit would not be covered but if I submitted a more detailed, itemized invoice the other work might be covered. I submitted this and on 8/26. I received a response that I was being denied any reimbursement. So after 25 emails over the course of 2 months, and countless hours wasted, Westinghouse is taking no responsibility for a product that did not work when purchased new. I know we have all experienced some poor customer service these days, but this is just outrageous. I will never buy anything from Westinghouse again and I would strongly caution anyone who is considering buying one of their products.








