Updated July 30, 2026: Heat pump equipment, rebate requirements, permits and contractor requirements can change. A quote should identify the actual project being proposed, while current incentive and regulatory requirements should be confirmed before installation begins.
A good heat pump installation quote should describe much more than the brand, tonnage and total price. It should make clear what equipment will be installed, how it was selected, which rooms it will serve, what duct, electrical, drainage and control work is included, what permits are required, how backup heat will work and how the completed system will be commissioned.
Two quotes with similar equipment prices can represent very different projects. One may include duct modifications, electrical work, permits, controls and commissioning while another leaves those items outside the contract.
The goal is not to choose the longest quote. The goal is to understand exactly what you are buying and what additional work could still appear later.
What Should a Heat Pump Installation Quote Include?
At minimum, a useful quote should identify:
- The contractor and installation address
- Exact equipment models
- System type and capacity
- Sizing approach
- Duct or room-distribution scope
- Indoor and outdoor equipment locations
- Electrical work
- Backup heating
- Controls
- Refrigerant piping
- Drainage
- Permits
- Equipment removal
- Commissioning
- Warranty
- Total price
- Taxes
- Payment terms
- Known exclusions
Why Exact Scope Matters
A quote saying only:
“Supply and install 3-ton heat pump: $18,000.”
does not tell you enough to evaluate the project.
You still do not know:
- Which exact equipment is being installed
- Whether three tons is appropriate
- Whether ducts need modification
- Whether electrical work is included
- Whether backup heat is included
- Whether permits are included
- Whether the system will qualify for a planned rebate
Heat Pump Quote vs Estimate: What Is the Difference?
Contract terminology varies, so do not assume the heading alone determines what is legally included.
Estimate
An estimate generally communicates an expected project cost based on the information available at the time.
Quote
A quote commonly describes a more specific scope and price, subject to its stated:
- Terms
- Assumptions
- Allowances
- Exclusions
- Expiry date
Read the Contract Terms
Ask what circumstances can change the final price.
Possible examples include:
- Hidden electrical deficiencies
- Unexpected asbestos or hazardous materials
- Concealed duct damage
- Strata requirements
- Additional structural work
The word “quote” is not a magical force field against every unknown condition inside a fifty-year-old house.
1. Contractor Identity and Project Address
The quote should clearly identify the company proposing the installation.
Look For:
- Company name
- Business address
- Phone or email
- Installation address
- Quote number
- Date
Why the Installation Address Matters
It makes clear which:
- Home
- Suite
- Strata lot
- Building
the proposed equipment and scope refer to.
Contractor Qualifications
Confirm that regulated work will be completed by contractors and workers with the qualifications required for the actual scope.
Rebate programs can impose additional contractor requirements beyond ordinary trade licensing.
2. Exact Outdoor and Indoor Model Numbers
Do not accept only a brand name or product-family name when comparing final proposals.
The Quote Should Identify:
- Outdoor model number
- Indoor model number or numbers
- Air handler where applicable
- Indoor coil where applicable
- Furnace where applicable
Why Exact Models Matter
Different models under the same brand can have different:
- Capacity
- Efficiency
- Low-temperature performance
- Sound ratings
- Electrical requirements
- Warranty
A Product Series Is Not Enough
“Premium cold-climate system” is marketing language.
The model number identifies the actual equipment being purchased.
3. Heat Load Calculation and Sizing Approach
The quote should explain how equipment capacity was selected.
Do Not Accept These as Complete Sizing Methods:
- Square footage alone
- Old furnace input
- Old air conditioner tonnage
- Neighbour’s heat pump size
Natural Resources Canada Provides Canadian Sizing Tools
NRCan’s current sizing and selection toolkit is intended for Canadian residential new construction and retrofit applications.
For Whole-Home Projects
Ask for documentation showing:
- Design heating load
- Cooling load where applicable
- Relevant sizing assumptions
Planned Renovations Matter
Tell the designer about confirmed:
- Insulation work
- Air sealing
- Window replacement
- Additions
before final sizing.
4. Low-Temperature Heating Capacity
A heat pump used for BC winter heating should be evaluated by more than nominal tonnage.
Ask:
How much heating capacity does this exact system provide when outdoor temperature falls?
Compare:
- Home heating load
- Heat pump capacity at relevant conditions
- Supplementary heat requirement
Do Not Assume Two Three-Ton Systems Are Equivalent
Low-temperature output can differ between equipment families and matched combinations.
The Quote Does Not Need a Physics Textbook
But the contractor should be able to explain the selected system’s winter-capacity strategy in understandable terms.
5. Exact System Configuration
The quote should state what kind of system is being proposed.
Examples Include:
- Single-zone ductless
- Multi-zone ductless
- Central ducted
- Concealed ducted
- Full-electric central
- Dual fuel
- Air-to-water
For Multi-Zone Systems
Identify:
- Number of indoor units
- Indoor model in each room
- Outdoor system serving them
For Central Systems
Identify whether the project retains or replaces:
- Furnace
- Air handler
- Indoor coil
- Thermostat
6. AHRI Reference and Equipment Match
Indoor and outdoor equipment operate as a complete system.
For Applicable Projects, Ask for the AHRI Certified Reference Number
This can document the certified matched equipment combination and associated performance information.
Why It Matters for Rebates
Current BC incentive programs can require the exact heat pump combination to:
- Have an AHRI certified reference number
- Appear on the applicable qualifying equipment list
A Brand Is Not Rebate Eligibility
One manufacturer’s qualifying system does not automatically make every indoor and outdoor combination from that manufacturer eligible.
Verify Before Installation
Especially when the expected rebate materially affects the purchase decision.
7. Ductwork and Airflow Scope
Central heat pump quotes should explain what happens to the existing duct system.
Possible Scope Includes:
- Reuse existing ducts as-is
- Add return air
- Enlarge return duct
- Modify supply transitions
- Repair damaged ducts
- Seal ducts
- Balance airflow
Ask Whether Static Pressure Was Evaluated
Existing furnace ducts may not be well suited to the airflow required by the proposed heat pump.
Filter Arrangement Matters
The quote should make clear whether the project includes:
- New filter rack
- Media cabinet
- Existing filter reuse
Do Not Let “Existing Ductwork” Hide an Assumption
If the project price depends on ducts being adequate, understand how that adequacy was determined.
8. Indoor-Unit Locations and Room Coverage
Ductless quotes should identify exactly where every indoor unit will be located.
The Quote or Design Should Address:
- Main living area
- Bedrooms
- Basement
- Suite
- Upper floor
as applicable.
Ask What Rooms Are Not Served
This question can be more useful than asking only what rooms are served.
Closed Doors Matter
A single living-room head should not be treated as reliable whole-home distribution merely because its nominal capacity equals the home’s calculated load.
Clarify Retained Heating
If baseboards or another heater will remain in unserved rooms, the quote should make that strategy clear.
9. Outdoor-Unit Location and Mounting
The proposed outdoor-unit location should be identified before the contract is signed.
Clarify:
- Exact location
- Ground stand or wall bracket
- Vibration isolation
- Clearances
- Service access
- Sound considerations
- Defrost-water drainage
For Strata Properties
Do not assume the proposed location is approved simply because it appears on a contractor quote.
For Detached Homes
Consider proximity to:
- Bedroom windows
- Property lines
- Walkways
- Roof runoff
10. Refrigerant Piping Scope
The quote should identify the intended refrigerant line-set route or describe the scope clearly enough to understand the installation.
For Ductless Systems
Clarify:
- Exterior line-cover route
- Number of wall penetrations
- Approximate routing
- Indoor and outdoor termination points
For Central Replacement Projects
Ask whether:
- The existing line set will be reused
- New piping will be installed
If Existing Piping Is Reused
It should be suitable for the new equipment regarding:
- Size
- Condition
- Cleanliness
- Routing
- Manufacturer requirements
11. Condensate and Defrost-Water Drainage
Every cooling indoor coil produces condensate.
The Quote Should Identify the Drainage Approach
Depending on the project, this may include:
- Gravity drain
- Condensate pump
- Drain piping
- Drain termination
Ductless Condensate Pumps
If a pump is required, clarify:
- Where it will be located
- Whether it is included
Outdoor Defrost Water
Winter water should not create:
- Icy walkway
- Water at a basement entry
- Drainage onto another strata lot
Drainage Is Part of the Installation
It should not first become a design topic when water appears on the floor.
12. Electrical Work
One of the largest differences between two quotes can be electrical scope.
Ask Whether the Quote Includes:
- New heat pump circuit
- Breaker
- Outdoor disconnect
- Indoor equipment circuit
- Electric heat-kit circuit
- Control wiring
- Panel changes
- Sub-panel
- Electrical service work where required
Do Not Assume Electrical Work Is Included
Some HVAC proposals exclude electrician costs entirely.
Ask Who Performs the Work
Heat pump electrical work in BC is regulated.
Ask Whether Electrical Capacity Was Assessed
Particularly for:
- Full-electric conversion
- Large resistance backup
- Homes with EV charging
- Homes with electric water heating
13. Backup or Supplementary Heating
The heating quote should state how the home is served when heat-pump capacity alone is insufficient or the heat pump is unavailable.
Possible Strategies Include:
- Electric resistance heat kit
- Gas furnace
- Retained electric baseboards
- Another designed heating source
Ask for the Capacity
Do not accept simply:
“Backup heat included.”
Ask How It Is Controlled
For example:
- Automatic supplementary heat
- Dual-fuel changeover
- Emergency Heat mode
Electrical Backup Can Affect the Entire Project
Large resistance heating loads can affect:
- Panel capacity
- Service capacity
- Installation cost
14. Thermostat and Controls
The quote should identify the thermostat, controller or remote supplied with the system.
For Central Systems
Clarify:
- Thermostat model
- Heat-pump staging
- Auxiliary heat control
- Dual-fuel control where applicable
For Communicating Equipment
Manufacturer-specific controls may be important to access the intended capacity modulation and diagnostics.
For Ductless Systems
Clarify included:
- Handheld remote
- Wall controller
- Wi-Fi control
Do Not Assume a Smart Thermostat Is Automatically Compatible
Compatibility should be confirmed for the actual heat pump configuration.
15. Permit Responsibilities
The quote should clearly state what permits are required and who obtains them.
Technical Safety BC Current Guidance
Residential heat pumps are regulated electrical equipment in BC, and most residential installations or upgrades require an electrical permit.
Authority Can Vary by Location
The applicable authority having jurisdiction may be:
- Technical Safety BC
- Municipality
- Another local authority as applicable
Gas Equipment Removal
If the project removes or modifies a natural gas furnace or boiler, applicable regulated gas work and gas permitting must also be addressed.
The Quote Should Clarify:
- Permit type
- Who applies
- Whether permit fees are included
Do Not Assume “Permits Extra” Is a Minor Detail
Ask what that phrase can actually add to the project.
16. Existing Equipment Removal
The quote should state what happens to the old equipment.
Possible Existing Equipment Includes:
- Air conditioner
- Heat pump
- Gas furnace
- Electric furnace
- Boiler
- Oil equipment
- Electric baseboards
Clarify:
- Removal
- Decommissioning
- Disposal
- Old refrigerant handling
- Old outdoor pad or stand
Fuel Conversion Projects Need Extra Attention
Some current incentive pathways require specific removal or decommissioning of existing heating equipment.
Do Not Assume Everything Visible in the Mechanical Room Is Included
The contract should identify what stays and what leaves.
17. Commissioning and Testing
The quote should describe what happens after physical installation is finished.
Commissioning Can Include:
- Heating operation
- Cooling operation
- Controls
- Backup heat
- Refrigerant-system verification
- Condensate drainage
- Airflow
- Static pressure
- Fault checks
Ducted Systems
Ask how airflow will be verified.
Dual-Fuel Systems
Ask whether both:
- Heat pump heating
- Furnace heating
and their control transition will be tested.
Ductless Systems
Each indoor zone should be verified.
“Startup Included” Is Not Very Specific
Ask what will actually be measured, checked and demonstrated.
18. Warranty and Service Support
The quote should separate manufacturer warranty from contractor labour warranty.
Ask About:
- Parts warranty
- Compressor warranty
- Labour warranty
- Warranty registration
- Service-call process
Parts and Labour Are Not the Same
A covered replacement part does not automatically mean:
- Diagnosis
- Labour
- Refrigerant
- Materials
are also covered.
Ask Who Handles Manufacturer Warranty Claims
The answer matters several years after the sales conversation has lost some of its original poetry.
Keep Documentation
Retain:
- Final invoice
- Model and serial numbers
- Warranty records
- Registration confirmation
19. Price, Payment Schedule and Change Orders
The quote should clearly state the financial terms.
Look For:
- Equipment and installation price
- Applicable taxes
- Total contract amount
- Deposit
- Progress payments
- Final payment
- Quote expiry date
Ask What Can Change the Price
Possible examples include:
- Unexpected electrical work
- Hidden duct damage
- Structural repair
- Hazardous-material remediation
- Customer-requested scope changes
Require Approval for Changes
A good change-order process should document:
- New work
- Additional price
- Schedule impact
before additional work proceeds where practical.
20. Rebates, Documentation and Exclusions
A quote should distinguish the installation price from any expected rebate.
Do Not Treat a Rebate as Guaranteed Unless Eligibility Is Confirmed
Current BC programs can depend on:
- Existing heating system
- Property type
- Household eligibility
- Contractor status
- Equipment match
- AHRI reference
- Load calculation
- Pre-registration or pre-approval
Better Homes BC Energy Savings Program
Current requirements effective for invoices dated on or after July 6, 2026 require participants to pre-register and confirm eligibility before installing upgrades.
Eligible heat pump work must use an approved Registered Contractor under that program.
BC Hydro Home Renovation Rebate Program
Current heat pump rebate projects require eligible contractors, qualifying equipment and supporting documentation.
Ask What Documentation the Contractor Provides
Possible documents include:
- Heat load calculation
- AHRI information
- Final paid invoice
- Permit information
- Equipment documentation
- Rebate documents
Read the Exclusions
Typical exclusions can involve:
- Drywall repair
- Painting
- Hazardous-material removal
- Major structural work
- Utility service charges
- Strata engineering
depending on the project.
How to Compare Two Heat Pump Installation Quotes
Do not start by comparing totals.
Step 1: Compare the System Design
Are both contractors proposing the same:
- System type
- Areas served
- Backup strategy
Step 2: Compare Exact Equipment
Check:
- Outdoor model
- Indoor model
- Capacity
- AHRI match
- Winter performance
Step 3: Compare Installation Scope
Check:
- Ducts
- Electrical
- Drainage
- Line sets
- Controls
- Permits
Step 4: Compare Commissioning
One contractor may include meaningful testing while another includes only equipment startup.
Step 5: Compare Warranty and Support
Consider what happens after installation.
Step 6: Compare Total Price
Now the price comparison means something.
A $2,000 difference is difficult to evaluate until you know whether one proposal quietly omitted $4,000 worth of actual project.
What Should a Central Ducted Heat Pump Quote Include?
Equipment
- Outdoor unit
- Air handler or indoor coil
- Furnace if retained or replaced
- Thermostat
- Backup heat
Duct Assessment
Clarify:
- Existing duct condition
- Return-air requirements
- Static-pressure concerns
- Required modifications
Filter Arrangement
Identify the final:
- Filter size
- Filter location
- Filter cabinet where applicable
Airflow Commissioning
The quote should address final blower setup and appropriate verification of ducted operation.
What Should a Ductless Heat Pump Quote Include?
Exact Indoor and Outdoor Models
Identify every component.
Indoor Head Location
Ideally supported by:
- Photo
- Sketch
- Clear written description
Line-Set Route
Clarify exterior line cover and wall penetrations.
Condensate
Identify whether each indoor unit uses:
- Gravity drainage
- Condensate pump
Electrical Scope
Identify new circuit and disconnect work.
Room Coverage
Clarify which rooms still depend on existing heating.
What Should a Multi-Zone Heat Pump Quote Include?
Each Indoor Unit Should Be Listed Separately
Include:
- Room
- Model
- Nominal capacity
Outdoor Unit
Identify the exact multi-zone condenser.
System Matching
Confirm the proposed combination is approved for the equipment and, where applicable, rebate program.
Line Sets
Multi-zone projects can involve significant:
- Piping length
- Wall penetration
- Line-cover work
Small-Zone Performance
The contractor should consider how the outdoor system operates when only a small zone needs heating or cooling.
What Should a Dual-Fuel Heat Pump Quote Include?
Heat Pump Equipment
Exact indoor and outdoor models.
Furnace
State whether it is:
- Existing and retained
- New and included
Compatibility
The project should account for:
- Indoor coil
- Furnace blower
- Airflow
- Controls
Changeover Strategy
Explain how the system decides when to use:
- Heat pump
- Furnace
Gas Work
If existing gas equipment is changed or replaced, identify regulated gas scope and permits.
What Should a Full-Electric Heat Pump Quote Include?
Heat Pump Capacity
Review winter performance relative to building load.
Electric Supplementary Heat
If included, identify:
- Heater capacity
- Control strategy
- Electrical requirements
Electrical Capacity
Clarify whether the project requires:
- Panel changes
- Service upgrade
- Load management
- No major service change
Gas Removal
If the project converts from gas, the quote should state:
- What gas equipment is removed
- Who performs gas work
- Permit responsibility
What Should a Condo or Townhouse Heat Pump Quote Include?
Equipment Locations
Clearly identify:
- Outdoor unit
- Indoor units
- Line-set route
- Drain route
Useful Strata Documentation
The contractor may need to provide:
- Model numbers
- Equipment dimensions
- Sound data
- Mounting details
- Electrical scope
Approval Is Separate From the Quote
The homeowner should obtain required strata or property approval before installation.
Do Not Order Equipment Based on an Unapproved Balcony Location
A revised location can change:
- Piping
- Drainage
- Electrical work
- Equipment suitability
- Price
Heat Pump Quote vs Final Invoice and Rebate Documentation
The quote helps define the project before installation.
The final invoice documents what was actually installed and charged.
BC Hydro’s Current Program Process
BC Hydro currently instructs rebate applicants to keep the final installation invoice and supporting documentation.
For whole-home heating projects, the contractor also needs to provide a completed heat load calculation summary form and heat load report.
BC Hydro’s Heat Pump Sample Invoice Identifies Items Such As:
- Contractor company information
- Contact information
- GST number
- Invoice date
- Customer and installation address
- Heat pump type
- Make and model numbers
- AHRI reference
- System capacity information
- Applicable fossil-fuel removal information
- Cost
- Proof of payment
Why This Matters Before Installation
If your planned rebate requires documentation, make sure the contractor knows those requirements before the system is installed.
Do Not Wait Until Application Day
Finding out later that the invoice says only “HVAC installation, paid in full” is an unnecessarily creative way to spend an afternoon.
Heat Pump Installation Quote Red Flags
No Exact Model Numbers
You should know what equipment you are buying.
No Explanation of Sizing
A capacity recommendation should have a basis.
No Winter Performance Discussion
For a heating system in BC, this is not an obscure optional detail.
Existing Ducts Are Assumed Perfect
Ask how airflow was assessed.
Electrical Work Is “By Others” With No Further Explanation
Determine who, what scope and what cost.
Permit Responsibility Is Unclear
Resolve this before work begins.
Rebate Is Subtracted Without Eligibility Verification
Expected incentive and contract price should be distinguished clearly.
No Backup-Heat Strategy
Whole-home heating design should explain peak and failure conditions.
No Condensate Plan
Water will eventually insist on participating in the project whether the quote acknowledges it or not.
No Commissioning Description
Startup alone does not establish correct system performance.
Warranty Is Described Only as “10 Years”
Ask:
- Ten years on what?
- Parts?
- Compressor?
- Labour?
Large Deposit With Unclear Terms
Understand:
- Payment schedule
- Cancellation terms
- Equipment-order terms
Verbal Extras Are Missing From the Written Quote
If an item matters to the purchase decision, have it documented in the contract.
Heat Pump Installation Quotes in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley
Bernoulli Heating and Cooling provides free estimates for new heat pump installation and replacement projects across Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley.
An installation assessment can consider system sizing, equipment selection, duct or zone design, indoor and outdoor locations, electrical requirements, backup heating, condensate drainage and other project-specific installation requirements before equipment is selected.
New heat pump installation estimates are free.
The $135 diagnostic appointment charge applies to troubleshooting an existing heat pump. Repair labour, replacement parts, refrigerant and additional materials are separate.
Call 604-518-4438 or email heatingbernoulli@gmail.com.
Explore local heat pump installation information:
Heat Pump Installation Quotes: Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a heat pump quote?
A detailed quote should identify exact equipment, sizing, installation scope, electrical work, backup heat, controls, permits, drainage, commissioning, warranty, price and exclusions.
Should a heat pump quote show model numbers?
Yes. Exact indoor and outdoor model numbers allow you to compare equipment, performance, compatibility and rebate eligibility.
Is the brand name enough?
No. One brand can offer many systems with different performance and price.
Should the quote show the outdoor-unit model?
Yes.
Should it show the indoor-unit model?
Yes. Every included air handler, coil or ductless indoor unit should be identifiable.
Should multi-zone quotes list every indoor head?
Yes. Each indoor unit and intended room should be clear.
Should the quote include an AHRI number?
It is useful and can be required for applicable rebate programs and certified system matching.
What is an AHRI reference number?
It identifies a certified combination of HVAC components and associated performance data.
Does the same brand guarantee an AHRI match?
No. The exact indoor and outdoor combination needs to be verified.
Should a heat pump quote include tonnage?
Capacity information can be included, but nominal tonnage should not replace actual sizing and winter-performance information.
Should the quote include a load calculation?
For whole-home heating, the system should be selected from an appropriate load calculation. Applicable rebate programs can also require supporting heat-load documentation.
Does BC Hydro currently require heat-load documentation?
For current whole-home heating rebate projects, BC Hydro states that the contractor must provide a completed heat load calculation summary form and heat load report.
Can a contractor size from square footage?
Square footage alone does not account for insulation, air leakage, windows, orientation and other load factors.
Can the old furnace size determine the new heat pump?
No. Existing furnace capacity is not the same as current building heating load.
Should the quote include low-temperature capacity?
The contractor should at least be able to document and explain whether the selected system provides the intended heating capacity at relevant winter conditions.
Should HSPF2 and SEER2 be listed?
They are useful efficiency metrics, particularly when comparing exact eligible systems, although installation design and capacity remain important.
Should minimum capacity be discussed?
It can be important for variable-speed systems, especially in small homes and multi-zone projects where low-load cycling is a concern.
Should ductwork be included in the quote?
Any necessary duct modifications should be documented rather than assumed.
What if the quote says existing ducts will be reused?
Ask whether airflow, static pressure, return capacity and duct condition were evaluated.
Should static-pressure testing be included?
It can be particularly useful in central retrofit projects to determine whether existing ducts support the required airflow.
Should a new return duct be listed separately?
Yes when it is part of the proposed installation.
Should duct sealing be included?
If duct sealing is part of the agreed project, it should be written into the scope.
Should balancing be included?
If airflow balancing is needed to achieve the intended room distribution, clarify whether it is part of commissioning or installation.
Should a ductless quote show indoor-unit locations?
Yes. Location materially affects comfort, piping, drainage and appearance.
Should I approve a ductless quote before knowing the line-set route?
Ideally the intended routing should be clear before installation because it affects appearance, wall penetrations and installation complexity.
Should line covers be included?
If exterior line cover is part of the proposed installation, identify it in the quote.
Should the colour of line cover be specified?
It can be useful, especially for visible façades or strata projects.
Should wall penetrations be included?
Yes. The proposed installation should include required equipment penetrations and appropriate sealing.
Should the quote include condensate drainage?
Yes. Indoor cooling condensate needs a defined drainage route.
Should a condensate pump cost extra?
It may be included or priced separately. The important point is knowing before signing whether one is required and included.
Should outdoor defrost drainage appear in the quote?
The outdoor location and mounting design should address how normal winter water will be managed.
Should electrical work be included in a heat pump quote?
It can be included directly or clearly identified as separate subcontracted work. Do not assume it is included unless the quote says so.
Should the electrician be named?
Not necessarily at initial quotation, but the contractor should make clear who is responsible for regulated electrical work and associated permits.
What electrical items should be listed?
Depending on the project: circuit, breaker, disconnect, indoor equipment circuit, heat kit, panel work, sub-panel or service work.
Does every heat pump require a panel upgrade?
No. Electrical requirements depend on the actual home and system.
Does every heat pump need 200-amp service?
No. A load assessment should determine whether the existing service is adequate.
Should electrical service upgrades be quoted separately?
Yes when required, particularly where utility and electrical-contractor work are involved.
Should backup heat be listed?
Yes for systems that use supplementary heating.
Should the quote state heat-kit size?
Yes when electric resistance backup is included.
Should dual-fuel quotes explain furnace changeover?
Yes. The control strategy is part of the system design.
Can an old furnace be retained?
Possibly, when condition, airflow, controls and compatibility support the proposed dual-fuel design.
Should a retained furnace appear on the quote?
Yes. The proposal should make clear which existing components remain part of the finished system.
Should a thermostat be included?
The controls supplied with the installation should be identified.
Can I use my existing thermostat?
Possibly, but compatibility with the proposed heat pump and backup configuration should be confirmed.
Should Wi-Fi controls be listed?
Yes when they are included in the price.
Should permits be included in the quote?
The quote should identify permit responsibility and whether applicable fees are included.
Do heat pumps need electrical permits in BC?
Technical Safety BC states that most residential heat pump installations or upgrades require an electrical permit.
Who issues the electrical permit?
The authority depends on the property location. Some municipalities administer electrical permits directly, while Technical Safety BC has jurisdiction in other areas.
Who applies for the permit?
When a licensed contractor performs the regulated work, that contractor generally applies for the applicable permit.
Does removing a gas furnace require gas work?
Yes. Technical Safety BC states that removing or modifying regulated gas equipment must be handled according to applicable gas requirements and permitting.
Should gas removal be included in the heat pump quote?
If the project includes removal or modification of a gas furnace or boiler, the scope and responsibility should be clear.
Should old AC removal be included?
Yes when that equipment is being replaced as part of the project.
Should old refrigerant disposal be included?
Handling the existing refrigeration system should be part of the professional replacement scope where applicable.
Should disposal of old equipment be listed?
Yes if removal and disposal are included in the contract.
Should drywall repair be included?
Not necessarily. Many HVAC contracts exclude finishing work, which is why exclusions should be read carefully.
Should painting be included?
Only if specifically stated.
Should asbestos remediation be included?
Do not assume it is. Suspected hazardous-material work may require a separate qualified contractor and scope.
Should the quote mention strata approval?
For strata properties, the proposal should provide useful installation details, while obtaining the required property approval remains a separate requirement.
Should I sign before strata approval?
Avoid committing to a design that depends on an outdoor-unit location or penetration that has not received the required approval.
Should the quote include outdoor-unit location?
Yes.
Should it include a wall bracket or stand?
Yes when that mounting method is part of the project.
Should vibration isolation be included?
The mounting design should address vibration appropriately for the selected location.
Should equipment sound be considered before signing?
Yes, particularly when the outdoor unit is close to bedrooms, patios or neighbours.
Should the quote show the installation timeline?
A projected schedule can be useful, but actual timing can depend on permits, equipment availability and other project conditions.
Should it say how many days installation will take?
A contractor can provide an expected duration, but complex electrical, duct or strata work can change the schedule.
Should equipment availability be confirmed?
Yes before relying on a specific installation date.
Should I pay the full amount before installation?
Review the contractor’s payment terms carefully. Deposits and progress-payment structures vary.
Should the quote show tax?
The contract should make clear whether quoted totals include or exclude applicable taxes.
Should permit fees be included in the total?
Clarify whether they are included or additional.
Should rebate amounts be deducted from the quote?
Only with clear explanation of how the particular program handles the rebate. Eligibility should be confirmed rather than assumed.
Can the contractor guarantee a government rebate?
Be cautious with guarantees. Program eligibility depends on current rules and required documentation.
Does the CleanBC Energy Savings Program currently require pre-registration?
Yes. Current requirements for invoices dated on or after July 6, 2026 require participants to pre-register and confirm eligibility before installing eligible upgrades.
Does the current Energy Savings Program require a Registered Contractor?
Yes. Eligible heat pump upgrades must be purchased, supplied and installed by a Registered Contractor approved for that program.
Does BC Hydro recommend getting multiple quotes?
Yes. BC Hydro’s current Home Renovation Rebate guidance recommends obtaining three contractor quotes before selecting a heat pump contractor.
Does BC Hydro need a final invoice?
Yes for applicable rebate applications. The current process requires installation invoices and supporting documentation.
What should the final heat pump invoice contain?
BC Hydro’s sample heat pump invoice identifies contractor details, installation address, model numbers, AHRI information, project description, costs and proof of payment among the required information.
Is a quote the same as the final rebate invoice?
No. The quote defines the planned project while the final invoice documents the completed installation and payment.
Should model substitutions be documented?
Yes. Do not assume another model has identical performance, compatibility or rebate eligibility.
What happens if the contractor cannot get the quoted heat pump?
Any proposed substitution should be reviewed before installation for capacity, efficiency, controls, warranty and applicable program eligibility.
Should change orders be written?
Yes. Additional scope and price should be documented rather than relying on verbal agreement.
What is an allowance?
It is an amount included for work or materials whose final selection or cost has not yet been established. Read how differences from the allowance will be handled.
What does “by others” mean?
It generally means the listed work is not being supplied under that contractor’s scope. Determine who will complete it and what it will cost.
What does “existing electrical assumed adequate” mean?
It means the price may rely on an assumption that could create additional work if the existing electrical system is not adequate.
What does “duct modifications extra” mean?
It means the quoted price may not include distribution changes that later prove necessary. Ask how existing ducts were assessed.
Should commissioning be included?
Yes. The completed system should be tested and configured for the actual installation.
Is turning the heat pump on commissioning?
No. Commissioning involves verifying relevant equipment, controls, airflow, refrigeration and other system functions.
Should static pressure be measured after installation?
It can be particularly important for ducted systems to confirm that airflow resistance is appropriate.
Should cooling be tested during a winter installation?
Testing procedures depend on outdoor conditions and manufacturer requirements. The contractor should follow appropriate commissioning procedures rather than forcing operation outside permitted conditions.
Should backup heat be tested?
Yes, where applicable.
Should condensate drainage be tested?
Yes. The installed drainage system should be verified before handover.
Should every ductless head be tested?
Yes. Each installed indoor zone should be checked.
Should the contractor teach me how to use the system?
A proper handover should explain normal operating modes, controls, filter maintenance, defrost and backup heating where applicable.
Should the quote include warranty information?
Yes.
Is manufacturer parts warranty the same as contractor labour warranty?
No.
Should the compressor warranty be identified?
It can be useful because compressor coverage may differ from other parts. Verify the exact manufacturer terms for the proposed model.
Does warranty registration matter?
It can. Some warranty terms depend on registration, so responsibility should be clear.
Should I keep the original quote after installation?
Yes. Keep the quote, signed contract, change orders, final invoice, permits and warranty documents together.
What is the most important question to ask about a low quote?
Ask what is not included.
What is the most important question to ask about an expensive quote?
Ask what additional design, equipment or installation scope justifies the difference.
Should I choose the lowest quote?
Not automatically. Compare the complete design and scope first.
Should I choose the highest quote?
No. Price alone does not establish quality.
Should I choose based on brand?
No. Brand is one factor alongside correct sizing, installation, local service support and system performance.
Can two contractors quote the same model but different projects?
Yes. Ductwork, electrical, controls, mounting, drainage, commissioning and warranty scope can differ substantially.
Does Bernoulli charge for a new heat pump installation estimate?
No. New heat pump installation and replacement estimates are currently free.
Is Bernoulli’s $135 charge part of a new installation quote?
No. The current $135 diagnostic appointment charge applies to troubleshooting an existing heat pump. New installation estimates are free.
What costs are separate after an existing-system diagnostic?
Repair labour, replacement parts, refrigerant and additional materials are separate from the diagnostic appointment charge.