🔨Contractor Visit Cheat Sheet
At this point, you’ve got a contractor in mind for the install. But before you sign the papers, run through this pre-install checklist with them. It’s full of important little details that need to be tackled regardless of the model or price of your heat pump.
This section is not meant to scare you—these are lessons learned from other homeowners who hit speed bumps before and after their installation.
Getting these figured out before you sign anything with your contractor puts you way ahead of homeowners who dive in unprepared.
Equipment. Your installer might have preferred brands. Ask them:
Do you offer an extended warranty with any manufacturers?
Are you certified to install by the manufacturer you are recommending?
Unit Placement. Where will the outside compressor unit go? It should be:
Away from bedroom windows & outdoor sitting areas (though the units are much quieter than most air conditioners).
Easy to clear of snow or under shelter.
Clear of barriers for good airflow.
Placed to anticipate that meltwater from the defrost cycle will refreeze on the ground below the unit without causing a slipping hazard.
Easy to reach for future maintenance visits. In other words, rooftop placement is a last resort.
Thermostat. Way too often, we hear about contractors installing a new thermostat, then not teaching homeowners how to use it! This leads to callbacks and frustration. Make sure:
They are willing to help you set up your new thermostat (if a new one is required).
That you know what features it has.
This is especially important if you install a hybrid system! Thermostats are your heat pump’s brain.
Commissioning. This is when the installer returns to your home a few months after installation to make sure your heat pump is working at its peak efficiency. Before signing a contract, make sure that:
There’s a plan to return.
They do performance measurements (not just a visual inspection).
They do the first maintenance check, which includes:
A thorough inspection of the heat pump.
Refrigerant pressure tests.
High-voltage wiring checks.
Heat exchanger cleaning.
Full system inspection to get ready for summer or winter.
Commissioning can really boost your heat pump’s performance—it pays to ask for it.
That’s a lot of technobabble! The goal isn’t for you to learn the intricacies of HVAC installation—that’s your contractor’s job. The goal of this checklist is to level the playing field.
With these questions in hand, you can make sure your contractor isn’t taking shortcuts with your installation. Your comfort is key. Good contractors will welcome your interest in their work.