Heat Pump Installer Checklist (9-Point Vetting Guide)

Actionable process: Manual J, Manual S, Manual D/ESP test, AHRI match, low-ambient capacity proof, electrical specs, strip kW sanity, controls/lockout plan, commissioning checklist.

Key Takeaways

  • Manual J load calculation is non-negotiable for proper sizing
  • Ask for AHRI certificate matching exact indoor+outdoor+coil combo
  • Verify low-ambient capacity at 5°F/−5°F from manufacturer submittals
  • Commissioning should include airflow, charge, and controls validation
  • Get 3+ quotes and check references from recent heat pump installs
🔍 Analyze Your Quote

Manual J • Manual S • Manual D/ESP Test

  1. Manual J: Will you provide a written load calculation showing room-by-room heat loss/gain?
  2. Manual S: How do you select equipment to match the calculated load at design temperature?
  3. Manual D/ESP: Will you test static pressure and resize ducts if needed for proper airflow?

AHRI Match • Low-Ambient Capacity Proof

  1. AHRI Certificate: Can you provide the AHRI reference number for the exact indoor+outdoor+coil combination?
  2. 5°F/−5°F Capacity: Show me the manufacturer submittal with heating capacity at my design temperature.

Electrical/MCA/MOP • Strip kW Sanity

  1. Electrical Specs: What are the MCA, MOP, breaker size, and wire gauge requirements?
  2. Strip Heat Strategy: How many kW of backup strips and what triggers their operation?

Controls/Lockout Plan • Commissioning Checklist

  1. Thermostat Setup: How will you configure O/B wire, staging, and lockout temperatures?
  2. Commissioning: What specific steps verify airflow, refrigerant charge, and system controls?

🚩 Red Flags

  • No load calc: "Rule-of-thumb" tonnage without proper sizing
  • No duct inspection: Skipping static pressure testing
  • Vague on performance: Can't explain low-temp capacity or backup strategy
  • No commissioning: "We'll just start it up and leave"
  • Lowest bid focus: Significantly underpriced compared to others
  • Pressure tactics: "Sign today for this price"

What Good Answers Sound Like

  • Manual J: "We use [software name] and provide a detailed report showing room-by-room loads"
  • Ducts: "We test static pressure and will seal/resize ducts if needed"
  • Cold Climate: "For your area, we recommend [specific model] rated for [temperature] with [capacity] at 5°F"
  • Commissioning: "We follow ACCA Quality Installation standards and provide documentation"
  • Support: "We schedule follow-up visits at 30 days and before next heating season"

Before You Sign

  • Get at least 3 quotes from licensed contractors
  • Verify licenses, insurance, and Better Business Bureau ratings
  • Ask for local references from recent heat pump installations
  • Confirm rebate eligibility and who handles paperwork
  • Review warranty terms and what voids coverage
  • Understand payment schedule (avoid large upfront payments)
🔍 Analyze Your Quote

Vetting Process

Get 3+ Quotes
Licensed, insured, heat pump experience
↓
Ask the 9 Questions
Manual J/S/D, AHRI, commissioning
↓
Red Flags
→ Keep looking
Good Answers
→ Check references
↓
Final Decision
Quality + price + gut feeling

Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an installer is qualified?

Look for proper licensing, insurance, manufacturer certifications, and references from recent heat pump installations. Ask about their experience with your specific equipment brand.

What should I expect to pay for a quality installation?

Quality installations typically cost 10-20% more than the lowest bid, but proper sizing, commissioning, and warranties protect your investment long-term.

How long should installation take?

Most residential heat pump installations take 1-3 days depending on complexity. Rushed installations often skip important commissioning steps.