Questions to Ask a Heat Pump Installer in New Hampshire
Comparing heat pump estimates in New Hampshire? Start with what each proposal includes, not just the price at the bottom. Two quotes can describe very different projects, even when the equipment looks similar.
NHSaves publishes questions for heat pump installers covering design, timing, qualifications and cost. Use that sheet alongside the practical proposal checks below. For help choosing equipment first, start with our New Hampshire heat pump buyer's guide.
How will you size the heat pump for my home?
Ask the contractor to explain the heating and cooling needs behind the recommendation. Be clear whether you want to heat the whole house, improve a few rooms or mainly add cooling. The proposal should identify the equipment and the areas it is intended to serve.
A.J. LeBlanc Heating performs a Manual J load calculation for every new-construction heating and air-conditioning system. For existing-home projects, we use sizing and load analysis appropriate to the scope. We do not choose equipment from square footage alone.
Will I use ducts, wall units or another indoor option?
Have the proposed indoor equipment and room locations written down. If a quote relies on existing ducts, ask what was checked and whether duct repairs or changes are included. With ductless equipment, discuss the appearance and placement of each indoor unit before installation day.
Our ductless mini-split installation page explains the service options. A lower quote with fewer rooms covered is not the same project.
Where will the outdoor equipment, piping and drainage go?
Ask for a placement plan you can understand. It should address the base or stand, snow and roof runoff, service access, visible piping and where water will drain. The NHSaves quality installation checklist is a useful conversation starter for mounting, airflow, protected line sets and sealed wall openings.
That handout is not a substitute for the selected model's installation instructions or applicable codes. Do not assume one clearance or mounting height works for every home.
How will the heat pump work with my current heating system?
Ask which equipment will heat the home and how you will control it. If a furnace or boiler stays, the written plan should explain its role and how the controls coordinate the two systems. Do not assume a new thermostat automatically provides the intended backup strategy.
Keep equipment choice separate from the running-cost calculation. Our heat pump operating-cost comparison tool lets you compare your own fuel and electricity rates. Lower bills are not guaranteed.
What work is included in the installed price?
Get an itemized scope that identifies equipment, electrical work, permits, removal of old equipment, duct or piping changes and startup checks. Ask which items are allowances, which are excluded and how additional work would be approved.
For electrical work, ask what the contractor has determined about available capacity and what that means for the quote. An unexplained allowance makes two estimates harder to compare.
Which rebates apply, and who handles the paperwork?
Confirm the qualifying equipment combination, your electric utility, any required approval before work starts, the application deadline and who submits each document. Ask whether an incentive is already deducted from the quote or paid to you later.
As of September 18, 2026, NHSaves distinguishes its standard heat pump incentive from the enhanced incentive for replacing qualifying electric resistance heat. The enhanced program requires pre-verification. Switching from oil, propane or natural gas does not automatically disqualify a project from the standard incentive. Eligibility, equipment rules and funding still apply. See our current New Hampshire rebate guide and the official NHSaves requirements before relying on an amount.
What are the timing and warranty terms?
Ask for the expected schedule, any equipment or electrical dependencies, how long your existing system may be unavailable and what you should prepare. Have the contractor explain manufacturer parts coverage and its own workmanship terms separately, including registration and maintenance conditions.
For broader hiring questions, read how to choose an HVAC contractor in New Hampshire. A familiar brand name does not replace a clear installation scope.
What will you show me before the job is finished?
Ask for a walkthrough of normal controls, filters, maintenance needs and who to contact for service. The NHSaves heat pump tips cover daily operation and care. Follow the instructions for your installed equipment, including outdoor airflow and winter clearance, rather than copying another home's settings.
Does the installer need to be in Eversource's HPIN?
A.J. LeBlanc Heating is a participating contractor in the New Hampshire Heat Pump Installer Network, powered by Eversource. Participation is voluntary and is not required for NHSaves rebate eligibility. Network participation is not a guarantee that a particular project qualifies. See the official HPIN program information.
A short checklist for comparing your estimates
- Same rooms, heating goals and equipment models?
- Indoor and outdoor locations, piping and drainage explained?
- Electrical work, permits and removal included or clearly excluded?
- Controls and any retained heating equipment accounted for?
- Incentives separated from the price, with application responsibility clear?
- Schedule, warranty terms and service contact in writing?
Keep the answers with each estimate. If a line is blank, ask before you sign.
Talk through your Southern NH heat pump project
A.J. LeBlanc Heating has served New Hampshire families since 1928. Explore our heat pump installation services, request an estimate or call 603-623-0412. We can talk through your home, your priorities and the work the proposal includes.