Choosing a contractor to install the system is the
most important decision you will make when buying a
heat pump. This--even more 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.
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Will the contractor do a heat-gain/heat-loss
calculation and show you the results before installing
heat pump system? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Ask the contractor his personal opinion
of heat pumps. Does he 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 he clearly
explain what ductwork he will install? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Does it need to be insulated? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Does he offer a guarantee of satisfaction
upon completion of the installation? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Has he explained what parts and labor
the warranty covers and for how long? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Does he offer an extended warranty? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Does he provide 24-hour emergency
service? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Will he provide an owners manual and
clear instructions for home owner maintenance--especially
air filter replacement/cleaning? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Has he and his installers received certification for
the installation they will be making? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
When was the last training seminar
attended? Date: _____________________ |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
The contractor should be installing
or sub-contracting 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 he suggest or include a storage
tank in his estimate? |
| Yes ___ |
No ___ |
Heat pump installers are typically
not licensed electricians and therefore do not include
the cost of the wiring required to make it a 'turn-key'
operation. Has he listed this and all other requirements
that will be the homeowner's responsibility? |
The contractor should supply at least five local references
for you to visit with. List them below; then contact
them.
