Heat Pump Installation Red Flags: What to Watch For

Identify bad installers before they damage your home: unlicensed contractors, no Manual J, poor commissioning, and other critical red flags.

The Cost of a Bad Installation

A poor heat pump installation doesn't just waste money—it can damage your home, void your warranty, and leave you with a system that barely works.

Real consequences:

• Refrigerant overcharge: Reduces efficiency by 20%, increases compressor wear, voids warranty
• Improper ductwork: 30-40% energy loss, uneven heating/cooling, comfort complaints
• No commissioning: System never optimized; you never know it's underperforming
• Unlicensed work: Voids warranty, creates liability if something fails
• Poor electrical work: Fire hazard, system shutdowns, expensive repairs

The difference between a quality installer and a bad one? Often just $500-$1,000 in the quote. But the cost of fixing a bad installation can be $5,000-$15,000.

This guide shows you the red flags to watch for—before you sign a contract.

Red Flag #1: No Licensing or Credentials

Why it matters: Unlicensed work voids warranties, creates liability, and often indicates corner-cutting.

What to do:

• Ask for proof of HVAC license (call your state licensing board to verify)
• Ask for EPA 608 certification card
• Ask for proof of liability insurance
• If they refuse or can't provide, walk away immediately

Red Flag #2: No Manual J Load Calculation

Why it matters: Without Manual J, the system is likely oversized or undersized. Oversizing wastes $2,000-$4,000 and reduces efficiency. Undersizing leaves you cold in winter.

What to do:

• Require a written Manual J calculation before signing
• Ask to see the heating load (BTU/h) and cooling load (BTU/h)
• Ask how design temperatures were determined
• Compare sizing across multiple quotes

Red Flag #3: Vague or Missing Commissioning Plan

Why it matters: Commissioning ensures the system is optimized and performs as designed. Without it, you'll never know if it's underperforming.

What to do:

• Require a detailed commissioning plan in writing
• Should include: refrigerant charge verification, airflow testing, thermostat programming, performance verification
• Should specify who performs commissioning (installer, not subcontractor)
• Should include post-installation follow-up (30-day check-in)

Red Flag #4: Significantly Lower Price Than Competitors

Why it matters: Drastically lower prices usually indicate corner-cutting: cheaper equipment, no commissioning, rushed installation, or unlicensed work.

What to do:

• Compare quotes line-by-line (equipment, labor, commissioning, warranty)
• If one quote is 20%+ lower, ask why (cheaper equipment? Less labor? No commissioning?)
• Be suspicious of prices that seem too good to be true
• Remember: you get what you pay for

Red Flag #5: Pressure to Decide Immediately

Why it matters: Professional installers give time to compare quotes. Pressure tactics are a sign of desperation or poor business practices.

What to do:

• Take your time. Get multiple quotes (3-5 minimum)
• Compare carefully. Don't rush.
• If an installer pressures you, walk away
• Legitimate installers will respect your decision-making process

Red Flag #6: No Warranty Details or Vague Terms

Why it matters: Vague warranty terms mean you won't know what's covered if something fails. You could be stuck with a $5,000 repair bill.

What to do:

• Get warranty terms in writing before signing
• Clarify: equipment warranty (manufacturer) vs labor warranty (installer)
• Ask: what's covered? What's not? How long?
• Longer labor warranties (5 years vs 1 year) are worth paying for

Red Flag #7: Ductwork Issues Ignored

Why it matters: Poor ductwork reduces efficiency by 20-40%. A quality installer will identify and fix duct issues.

What to do:

• Ask installer to inspect ducts and provide written assessment
• If leaks are found, ask for duct sealing estimate
• For ductless systems, ask about indoor unit placement and installation quality

Red Flag #8: No References or Poor Online Reviews

Why it matters: References and reviews reveal patterns. Multiple complaints about poor work or communication indicate systemic problems.

What to do:

• Ask for 3-5 recent customer references (within last 2 years)
• Call them and ask: Was work completed on time? Any issues? Would you hire again?
• Check Google, Yelp, BBB, and contractor review sites
• Look for patterns in reviews (not just one bad review, but multiple complaints)

Red Flag #9: Doesn't Ask About Your Home

Why it matters: A quality installer asks detailed questions to understand your home and needs. Quick quotes without investigation are often inaccurate.

What to do:

• Expect installer to spend 30-60 minutes assessing your home
• They should ask about insulation, ductwork, current system, and comfort issues
• They should explain how findings affect sizing and recommendations

Red Flag #10: Doesn't Mention Cold-Climate Performance (If You're in a Cold Zone)

Why it matters: In cold climates, system selection is critical. Wrong choice = poor winter performance and high backup heating costs.

What to do:

• Verify your design temperature (ask installer or check our cold climate guide)
• If design temp is below 15°F, require cold-climate rated model
• Ask about balance point and backup heating strategy
• Verify AHRI ratings for your climate

The Vetting Checklist: Before You Sign

Key Takeaways

Ready to find a quality installer? Get matched with certified installers who pass all these vetting criteria.