What You Need to Know 
When Selecting A Heat Pump Contractor 

Choosing a contractor to install the system is the most important decision you will make when buying a heat pump.  This, even more important than brand name and price, can have the greatest impact on the life and efficiency of the system because most problems with heat pumps result not from poor equipment but improper installation.

 
Use the following check list to evaluate contractors who are bidding on installing a heat pump.  And remember that the lowest bid will not necessarily be the one you should accept. 

A thorough heat-gain/heat-loss calculation is highly recommended to assure proper sizing of the heat pump system.  It should also include a cost of operation analysis. 

 Check List 

Will the contractor do a heat-gain/heat-loss calculation and show you the results before installing the heat pump system?    Yes___    No___ 

Ask the contractor their personal opinion of heat pumps.  Do they speak favorably of them and sound as enthusiastic about them as you are?  Yes___    No___ 

A properly designed heat pump system requires precisely designed ductwork.  Did they clearly explain the ductwork they will install?    Yes___    No___ 

Does the ductwork need to be insulated?    No___    Yes___ 

Do they offer a guarantee of satisfaction upon completion of the installation?    Yes___    No___ 

Have they explained what parts and labor the warranty covers and for how long?    Yes___    No___ 

Do they offer an extended warranty?    Yes___    No___ 

Do they provide 24-hour emergency service?    Yes___    No___ 

Will they provide an owners manual and clear instructions for homeowners maintenance, especially air filter replacement/cleaning?    Yes___    No___ 

Have their installers received certification for the installation they will be making?    Yes___    No___ 

When was the last training seminar attended?    Date:_____________________ 

The contractor should be installing or subcontracting all associated water line connections so this is included in the installation cost of a ground-source heat pump.  Has this been included?    Yes___    No___ 

To receive the most benefit from a desuperheater on a ground-source heat pump, a storage tank should be installed in addition to the electric water heater.  Did they suggest or include a storage tank in the estimate?    Yes___    No___ 

Heat pump installers are typically not licensed electricians and therefore do not include the cost of wiring required to make it a 'turn-key' operation.  Have they listed this and all other requirements that will be the homeowner's responsibility?    Yes___    No___ 

The contractor should supply at least five local references for you to visit with.  List them below, then contact them. 

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Heat Pump Information 
Brand Name____________________ 
Size in Tons_____________________ 
Auxiliary Heat kW________________ 
SEER/EER Rating ________________ 
Open Loop_____ Closed Loop______ 
Total Bid Price $__________________