My Air conditioner was never bolted down, should i be mad?

[cheddarinagoat]

      My air conditioner is only three years old, but it's broken down twice, this time because the condensor grounded itself.  I've been told twice now that it's not "normally" required to bolt it down, but that defies common sense, we had 40+ mile and hr winds and now they want me to pay $250 of the repairs.  Also the unit is only 5" from the wall, instead of 10" - 12"

     Are you a technician?  is your air conditioner bolted down?
 Would you pay for repairs to a job the was never up to code?  I wanna hear both side of the story before i decide what i'll do.  Thanks for you opinion.

amana distinctions, 36,000 btu 13 seer condensor,
    

[jumptrout51]

Some codes require bolting in place others do not.
In my area the building code requires securing the condensing unit to the pad.
Your units parts are under warranty. The labor is your responsibility unless the installer gave you extended warranty on labor.

When you say "grounded" exactly what is grounded? Compressor,fan motor??
What other issues have you had with this unit?

[cheddarinagoat]

     It was always on the noisery side,  didn't preform better then the 20 yr old 2.5 ton unit it replaced, and it was hard to clean the side next to the wall.

     We have alot of varying codes in our area, but i've only used california standards, if it'll work there it'll work anywhere, no problems with inspections, and it's just how you want your home built when you know the difference. 

     Where can i find these building codes on securing condensors?
     
     Thank-you very much

[jumptrout51]

Contact your local building department for information on your specific requirements.
Since you replaced a 20 year old system was the air handler and duct work changed also?
What refrigerant is in the new system,410a or R-22?
Were the refrigerant lines changed?

[shieldcracker]

I don't understand what do you mean by my "condensor is grounded".
Anyway check the condensing unit installation manual and use that as your guide.
Building codes "yield" to manufacturers recommendations when it comes to the installation of equipment. In the fact if code does not explicitly say outdoor units be bolted it does not mean that the installation is code compliant if the unit was not bolted because building codes usually state that all installations shall be done following the manufacturers recommendations.

[JWWebster]

Around my neighborhood you had best bolt down everythang you got.
Thieves have stolen the condenser unit next door from me and across the street.

[cheddarinagoat]

       I found the true problem to be the plastic pan isn't suitably level.  there is a railroad tie supporting one corner that it 1/2" above the concrete pad that supports the rest of it.

  when i put force in one direction it feels quite firm, the plastic pan grips the machine well, and i can see why a level installation doesn't need to be bolted down.  But if i rock it in the other direction it shakes and wobbles easily with very little force, like a chair on uneven legs.

      So I'm going to take the warped plastic pan, place it on flat concrete, prove my point, and not pay a thing, infact their getting a bill, i should not have to educate myself in home repairs to get a quality job the first time, thanks everyone for your help.