Heating & Cooling · Hiring and comparing quotes · Updated November 2026
What Should an HVAC Replacement Quote Include?
Two HVAC quotes can list similar prices and very different jobs. A complete quote names the equipment, explains how it was sized and lists the work around it.
The checklist
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Load calculation | A room-by-room heating and cooling calculation (Manual J), not just "same size as before." |
| Equipment | Brand and full model numbers for the outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler, and furnace. |
| Efficiency ratings | SEER2 for cooling, HSPF2 for heat pumps, AFUE for furnaces. A matched-system certificate shows the combination is rated together. |
| Ductwork | Whether ducts were inspected, and any sealing, repair or resizing. Full replacement averages about $3,500. |
| Electrical | New disconnect, wiring or breaker changes if needed. |
| Refrigerant lines | Replaced or reused, and how they will be tested. |
| Thermostat | Model included ($120–$260 for the device). |
| Permit and inspection | Who pulls it. |
| Removal | Disposal of old equipment and proper refrigerant recovery. |
| Warranty | Parts warranty term, whether it requires registration, and the contractor's labor warranty. |
Typical costs from our HVAC cost guide.
Questions to ask
- How did you size this system?
- Why this efficiency level for my climate and how I use the house?
- Do my ducts need work for this system to perform well?
- Will you register the warranty?
- What maintenance does the warranty require?
Compare quotes side by side
Use our quote comparison worksheet and choose "HVAC" to add these questions to the comparison.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our heating & cooling cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor. Calls connect you with an independent service provider in our network. FixFinch is not a contractor and does not perform the work.