THE HEAT-PUMP ESTIMATE CHECKLIST
The equipment is one part.
The work around it matters, too.
This checklist covers ducted and ductless air-source heat-pump proposals. It is not a geothermal, boiler, or heat-pump water-heater checklist. If you’re still weighing the recommendation, begin with heating repair-versus-replace questions or cold-weather heat-pump guidance. Clear paperwork cannot confirm a diagnosis or prove that new equipment will solve the problem.
Which system is actually included?
Ask for the manufacturer and model numbers of the outdoor unit, indoor equipment, and controls, plus the written explanation of how they work together. For ductless proposals, ask which rooms and indoor units are included. Clarify whether the proposal replaces existing heating, keeps it as support, or serves only part of the home.
“Which exact components are included, which remain, and what supports this proposed combination?”
How does the proposal fit my home and winter conditions?
Ask what professional assessment supports the heating and cooling selection, and what model-specific performance information the contractor used for the conditions they are designing around. A nominal size, square footage, or a cold-climate label alone cannot establish suitability. Ask which assumptions remain to be checked on site.
“What home assessment and equipment performance information support this selection?”
What is the plan for supporting heat and controls?
Ask whether supporting heat is included, retained, or proposed separately; when it is intended to operate; and who documents the control plan. If an existing furnace remains, ask how the systems will work together. Do not change installer, backup-heat, or defrost settings yourself. An estimate review cannot choose safe operating settings.
“What supporting heat and controls are included, and who will explain their intended operation?”
Which related installation work is included?
Clarify ducts or indoor-unit placement, electrical work, refrigerant-line work, drainage, outdoor-unit location, access, and removal of old equipment as applicable. Ask who handles required permits and inspections. Keep any electrical or fuel-system changes with qualified professionals. TrustPoint cannot inspect the site or certify code compliance.
“Which related work and approvals are included, and what could be charged separately?”
What happens before handover—and afterward?
Ask which manufacturer-required startup checks will be recorded, who performs them, and what operating instructions and results you will receive. Read equipment and labor warranty coverage separately, including exclusions, registration responsibilities, and how to request service. A system turning on is not a complete handover record.
“What completion records, operating explanation, and written warranty coverage will I receive?”
What could change the total or the promised savings?
Read exclusions, payment terms, change approval, and any separate financing agreement. Ask what assumptions support an operating-cost estimate; a lower bill is not guaranteed. If a proposal includes an incentive, verify current eligibility, availability, and responsibilities with the relevant program before relying on it. A quote total cannot establish a fair local price.
“What is included now, what remains conditional, and how will additional work and charges be approved?”
Installation quality depends on professional design, equipment selection, and installation—not just the equipment name. Read the Department of Energy’s quality-installation overview. Use the instructions for the actual proposed model and qualified local professionals for your home’s requirements.
FICTIONAL EXAMPLE / NO PRICE BENCHMARK
Two heat-pump proposals.
One missing explanation.
One proposal names an outdoor unit and lists supporting heat as “if needed.” Another identifies indoor and outdoor equipment and describes a supporting-heat plan. Ask the first contractor what has been assessed, what is included now, and how any additional work would be approved. Ask the second to explain how the complete selection fits the home and design conditions.
The clearer document helps you ask a better question. It does not prove the design, diagnosis, local price, or promised savings are correct. A qualified professional needs to assess the actual home.
YOUR HOME / YOUR DECISION
You can start with
what you have.
Bring your written heat-pump estimate for help organizing documented scope, missing details, and useful contractor questions. TrustPoint provides preliminary online guidance; it does not inspect your home, certify the diagnosis, or establish a fair local price.
Sign-in is required for supported document reading; no purchase is needed for a first look. Plus adds a full proposal review and saved originals. See current access and pricing · Understand the limits.
Put an HVAC quote in context · Explore the broader HVAC checklist · Find more heating-season guidance · Explore homeowner resources