Heat pump buying checklist

Before you sign, get these items in writing. ENERGY STAR's advice is to "get written, itemized estimates" and "compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties."^{[Source 2]} ENERGY STAR's contractor guide also says the contractor should "provide documentation of installation procedures, including sizing calculations, AHRI certificate, and records of any measurements or testing."^{[Source 1]}

1. The exact equipment

• Every component by brand and full model number: outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler, furnace if it is a dual fuel system, and thermostat. ENERGY STAR says a proposal should "specify all products by quantity, name, model number, and energy ratings."^{[Source 1]}
• The refrigerant (see Heat pump refrigerants: R-410A, R-32 and R-454B).
• Compressor type: single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed (Variable-speed vs single-stage heat pumps).

2. The AHRI certificate

Ask for the AHRI Certified Reference Number for the exact matched combination. AHRI's advice: "The easiest way to verify that the system is properly matched is to ask your installer for an AHRI Reference Number."^{[Source 3]} Look it up yourself and check that every model number matches the quote. ENERGY STAR's guide adds: "Install a properly matched indoor coil when replacing an outdoor unit."^{[Source 1]} See Heat pump ratings explained: SEER2, EER2, HSPF2 and AHRI certificates.

3. A load calculation and equipment selection

• A Manual J load calculation for your house, with the design temperatures used. ACCA says Manual J is "required by national building codes and most state and local jurisdictions."^{[Source 4]}
• The Manual S selection: the chosen unit's capacity at your design temperatures, and how backup heat covers any gap.
• ENERGY STAR: "A contractor should size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows."^{[Source 2]}

If the size came from square footage alone, ask for a calculation. See Manual J, Manual S and Manual D explained.

4. The line set plan

• Whether the existing refrigerant lines will be reused or replaced, and why.
• The line length and height difference, compared with the manufacturer's limits.
• How the lines will be pressure tested and evacuated, and whether you will get the readings. See What a good heat pump installation looks like.

5. Electrical scope

• The outdoor unit's MCA and MOCP, and the wire and breaker size for each circuit (MCA and MOCP).
• Whether the panel has capacity, based on a load calculation, and who does the electrical work.
• The disconnect location.
• Whether any panel or service upgrade is included or excluded. See Heat pump electrical requirements.

6. Ducts and airflow (ducted systems)

• Whether existing ducts will be tested for static pressure and leakage, and what changes are included.
• The filter location and size.

7. Backup heat and controls

• Backup type and size (electric heat strips, furnace or none).
• Thermostat model and the lockout settings the installer will program. See Heat pump backup heat and lockout temperatures.

8. Outdoor unit placement

• Location, pad or wall bracket, and stand height above expected snow.
• Clearances from walls, windows and neighbors. See Heat pump noise.

9. Permits, licenses and certification

• Who pulls the permit, and that it is included. See Permits and inspections for heat pumps.
• The contractor's license and insurance.
• Refrigerant work must be done by technicians certified under EPA Section 608; EPA requires that "technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants" be certified.^{[Source 5]}

10. Warranty and registration

Manufacturer warranties often require online registration within a set window to get the longer term. The window and terms differ by brand and change over time. As published on manufacturer sites, accessed October 2026:

Brand	Registration window	Notes
Carrier	90 days	Without registration, a standard 5-year parts warranty; with registration, longer coverage options[Source 6]
Trane	60 days	Registration extends the base 5-year coverage; labor is not included[Source 7]
Lennox	60 days (except California and Quebec)	Registration extends parts and compressor coverage on select models[Source 8]
Daikin (DMVT/DMVE/DFVE)	60 days	Up to 12 years on parts with registration; California, Florida and Quebec residents do not need to register[Source 9]
Mitsubishi Electric	90 days	12-year parts and compressor coverage when installed by its qualifying contractor networks in a single-family home[Source 10]

Ask:

• Will the contractor register the equipment, and will you get the confirmation? ENERGY STAR's guide lists completing and submitting the warranty information "on your behalf" among a reputable contractor's tasks.^{[Source 1]}
• What labor warranty does the contractor give, and for how long? Manufacturer warranties often cover parts but not labor.^{[Source 7]}

11. Incentives

• Which rebates the quote assumes, who applies, and what happens if one is denied. See Heat pump rebates and incentives.
• The federal 25C tax credit is not available for equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025 (Federal tax credit for heat pumps (25C)). A quote that lists it for a 2026 install is out of date.

12. Payment and schedule

ENERGY STAR lists warranties, payment schedule, start and completion dates, dispute resolution, insurance and licenses, and permits as items a written proposal should cover.^{[Source 1]}

For how to compare two quotes line by line, see How to read a heat pump quote.