Pricing Guide
What HVAC Work Actually Costs — and Why
No games, no teaser numbers. Here's exactly what moves the price of a furnace, AC or heat pump project, and how to compare quotes like a pro.
Every HVAC company gets the same question first: "what does it cost?" The honest answer is that the number is built from six things — and any quote that skips one of them is hiding it, not saving it. Here's the anatomy of a real price, so you can judge any quote (including ours) with clear eyes. If you're weighing whether to spend at all, start with our repair-or-replace guide; if you're comparing system types, the sizing explainer shows why the load calculation is where value is won or lost.
What Moves the Number
Sizing (the load calculation)
The single biggest driver. A real Manual J load calculation sizes equipment to YOUR home — envelope, windows, orientation — not a square-footage rule of thumb. Oversized systems cost more up front and run worse forever.
Equipment tier & brand
Single-stage, two-stage or variable-speed; standard or cold-climate heat pump; value or premium brand. Each step buys real comfort and efficiency — and we'll tell you honestly when the cheaper tier is the right call for your home.
Ductwork condition
New equipment pushed through leaky, undersized ducts wastes the money you just spent. Sealing, resizing or (in no-duct homes) going ductless changes the project scope — and the outcome.
Electrical & site work
Heat pump conversions can need a new circuit, occasionally panel work; line set routing, condensate handling and equipment placement all vary house by house. We scope this in the quote, never on install day.
Permits & commissioning
Legitimate quotes include mechanical permits, inspection and full commissioning (verified charge, airflow, thermostat setup). Quotes that skip these aren't cheaper — they're incomplete.
Warranty & follow-through
Manufacturer warranties require registered, properly commissioned installs. Our labor warranty and maintenance plans are part of the price — and part of why the price means something.
Rebates and Financing Do Real Work
For qualifying heat pumps, the sticker price isn't the real price: your electric utility's rebate comes off the project, the federal 25C tax credit returns 30% (annual caps apply) at tax time, and approved-credit financing spreads the rest.
Brands We Install
From premium cold-climate heat pumps to value workhorses — the tier that fits your budget and your plans for the house, installed and commissioned to the same standard.
Pricing Questions, Answered
Why don't you publish flat prices online?
Because two identical-looking homes can need meaningfully different work — sizing, duct condition, electrical, refrigerant line routing. A published flat price is either padded to cover surprises or a teaser that grows on install day. We'd rather give you a written, itemized quote that doesn't move.
How do I compare quotes from different companies?
Compare scope, not just totals: Was a load calculation performed? Is ductwork evaluated? Are permits, commissioning and rebate paperwork included? What are the equipment tier and warranty terms? A lower number that skips permits and commissioning is a different — and worse — product.
Does a bigger system cost more but work better?
Bigger costs more and usually works WORSE. Oversized equipment short-cycles: more wear, worse humidity control, uneven rooms. Right-sized is the goal, which is why the load calculation matters more than the brand.
How do rebates and financing change the real cost?
Substantially, for qualifying heat pumps: utility rebates come off the project, the federal 25C credit returns 30% (capped) at tax time, and approved-credit financing spreads the remainder. Every quote shows the full stack in writing.
Get the Number That Doesn't Move
A written, itemized quote with sizing, scope, rebates and warranty spelled out — free, and honest enough to compare against anyone.