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? |
List them below; then contact them.
| Brand Name: | _________________________________ |
| Size in Tons: | _________________________________ |
| Auxiliary Heat kW: | _________________________________ |
| SEER/EER Rating: | _________________________________ |
| Open Loop: | _________________________________ |
| Closed Loop: | _________________________________ |
| Total Bid Price: | _________________________________ |