A homeowner’s heat-pump bid checklist
Questions that expose whether two heat-pump proposals are actually comparable.
Compare capacity, not just model numbers
The useful question is whether the proposed system can meet the home’s heating and cooling loads under local design conditions. Nominal tonnage alone does not show performance at cold outdoor temperatures.
Ask for the design temperatures, calculated loads and the selected equipment’s capacity at those conditions. If backup heat is proposed, understand when it runs and how that affects operating cost.
Include the whole installation
A bid should identify indoor and outdoor units, line sets, controls, condensate management, permits, electrical work and any duct modifications. Seemingly cheaper bids often exclude work that appears later as a change order.
For ducted systems, ask how airflow and static pressure will be checked. For ductless systems, review head locations, drainage and how closed rooms will receive heating or cooling.
Plan for commissioning and service
Commissioning should verify refrigerant charge, airflow, temperature split, control settings and defrost operation. Request the final readings rather than accepting a simple statement that the unit turns on.
Confirm labor and parts warranties, installer registration duties and local service availability. The best equipment is a poor value when qualified repair support is hard to obtain.