I have been getting bids to install a heat pump to replace outdated equipment in my old house. Everyone sees the same old system and the bids vary by thousands of dollars. How do I know what the difference is between what I NEED and what is just added on to raise the price. It is pretty scary, each one has been recommended by friends and family

Do your homework. Go on Google and find out as much information as you possibly can. The internet is a wonderful thing!

Let me know what extras have been added to you contracts. Such as t-stats humidifiers, filters, also do you have a heatpump now? And are you going with all electric or do you have gas also?

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Originally Posted by Joshdta

let me know what extras have been added to you contracts. such as t-stats humidifiers, filters, also do you have a heatpump now? And are you going with all electric or do you have gas also?

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Each one has filters ,t-stats, compressor outside ,and using 1.68 ton for a 1130 sq.ft home. Do you have a preferred brand for easy maintenance . The price range is from $5000 to $12,500.Labor is pretty close.

I`D SAY YOUR NEXT MOVE IS TO ASK FOR REFERANCES,and when you get them check them out,, the installation quality is the very most important thing. Also check with your local BBB. See if there are any complaints,, as far as the brand of equipment you will want to ask and make sure that down the road the cost of parts are reasonable and that they are near by ,not something the repairman will have to order,and make you sit around and freeze/cook because the parts are hard to get.
Just because the equipment is a big fancy name brand doesn`t mean there equipment is any better
Warranty,, who has the best? Warranty on parts and labor for down the road needs

Beware of anyone that tell you these items are not important

What brand units have you been quoted, this is probably a lot of your difference.

Which ones are "firm" bids and which ones are estimates.

Also how long have the companies been in business

Are they insured, do they have a business license

And most important references

Is most likely if the people didn`t have a company or a business license the BBB would have access to information

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Originally Posted by baffledbyme

I have been getting bids to install a heat pump to replace outdated equipment in my old house. Everyone sees the same old system and the bids vary by thousands of dollars. How do I know what the difference is between what I NEED and what is just added on to raise the price. It is pretty scary, each one has been recommended by friends and family

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See this

I am a contractor and I often get referals through the local supply houses. These guys know who is honest and who is constantly having problems with customers. Find a supply house near you and ask for a couple of names.
I would stay away from any unit that has the style of condenser coils that are on Trane units unless you live in a very clean environment. I have replaced more compressors on those units than on all others combined.
Good luck

Thanks. My highest bid is a trane and we live in a very dusty and windy place.