Questions to Ask an HVAC Contractor

Start with the basics. Ask for their Massachusetts refrigeration license and their home improvement contractor registration. Both are required for heat pump installation in this state. Verify these numbers on the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs website. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers compensation. A legitimate contractor carries both and will provide the certificates without hesitation. If they hesitate, move on. Ask if their technicians are NATE certified. NATE is the national standard for HVAC competence. It is not required by law, but it shows the installer has passed a rigorous exam. Ask who handles the electrical work. Some contractors subcontract this out, which is fine as long as the electrician is also licensed and insured. Get it in writing.

Ask for a detailed written estimate that includes the equipment model numbers, the scope of work, and a start and finish date. Vague quotes are a red flag. Ask about the Manual J load calculation. Every installation should start with this calculation that determines the right size heat pump for your home. Contractors who skip this step often oversize the system, which leads to short cycling, poor efficiency, and premature failure. Ask how they will handle the electrical panel. Heat pumps often require a dedicated circuit or panel upgrade. Your quote should include this if needed. Ask about the warranty. Who covers what, and for how long. The manufacturer covers the equipment for 10 to 12 years typically, but the contractor should also warranty their labor for at least one year.

Ask how many heat pump installations they have completed in the past year. The technology is different from traditional furnaces and ACs. Experience with specifically cold-climate heat pumps matters. Ask for references from customers who had a similar system installed at least one year ago. Call one or two of those references. Ask them if the system performed as promised and if there were any issues. Ask if the contractor handles the Mass Save rebate paperwork. The best contractors submit everything for you and deduct the rebate from your final bill. If they tell you to handle the rebate yourself, that is a warning sign they may not be an approved Mass Save installer.