Reading a heat pump quote line by line

What should a heat pump quote start with?

The first thing to look for is the load calculation. A cold-climate heat pump has to be matched to the heat your house loses at your local design temperature, and the answer depends on insulation, windows, air leakage and layout. A quote based on floor area alone is a guess. Ask to see the calculation or at least its result, and ask which design temperature was used for your city. Our guides on cold-climate sizing and the home energy audit explain what a sound input looks like.

Then check whether the contractor considered the balance point, the outdoor temperature below which the heat pump alone cannot cover the load. The quote should say what supplies the remaining heat: electric resistance strips, an existing furnace or boiler, or a larger unit chosen to cover the whole load.

What equipment details belong on the quote?

Look for the brand and model number of both outdoor and indoor units, the rated capacity at a low temperature (not only at a mild one), the heating efficiency rating, and whether the unit is a cold-climate model. Capacity at the temperature you actually experience in January is the number that matters. Ratings are published by the manufacturer, and a contractor should be able to show the table for the exact model.

For ducted systems, the quote should say whether the existing furnace blower or a new air handler is being used, and whether the duct system was assessed for airflow. A heat pump moves a larger volume of lower-temperature air than a gas furnace, so small or leaky ducts show up quickly. Ductless systems need the number and location of indoor heads, line-set length and where the condensate drains. The cold-climate heat pump guide covers the technology in more detail.

Does the quote cover electrical and site work?

This is where otherwise similar quotes drift apart. Check for breaker and wiring upgrades, a possible panel upgrade, the outdoor pad or wall brackets, a disconnect, line-set cover, and condensate or defrost drainage. Ask how the outdoor unit will clear snow and where meltwater will go. Placement also affects noise, which the defrost and noise guide discusses.

Panel capacity is worth asking about directly. If the quote assumes your panel can take the load, ask how that was checked. If it includes an upgrade, ask whether a load calculation supports it. Permits and electrical inspection should be listed too.

What happens after the unit is installed?

Commissioning is the part buyers often forget to price. The installer should evacuate the lines, weigh in or confirm refrigerant charge, check airflow and temperature split, set up controls and teach you how the thermostat and any backup heat work. Ask for a commissioning report or checklist in writing.

Also ask what the labour warranty covers, how long equipment warranties last, and whether a first-year service visit is included. A maintenance checklist helps you hold up your end of those warranties. If the quote includes a smart thermostat or lockout settings for backup heat, make sure the settings are explained and not left at factory defaults.

How do I compare two heat pump quotes fairly?

Line them up on four things: the load figure, the capacity at low temperature, the backup heat plan and the electrical scope. Costs vary by region, house type and equipment grade, so use the heat pump cost guide for what drives the spread, and let your own quotes set the actual figures.

Incentives change over time. Check the Government of Canada energy-efficiency pages, your provincial energy ministry and your electricity or gas utility for current programs, and ask whether any require a pre-installation audit or a registered contractor before work starts. The rebate checking guide walks through the steps.

One more point of reference: the heating loop at Drake Landing ran at low supply temperatures because the houses lost so little heat. A tight, insulated house is easier and cheaper to heat with any heat pump, so improvements before installation can shrink the equipment you need.

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