What should an HVAC quote include?

At least the ten items here: load calculation, AHRI match, model numbers, permit, refrigerant, warranty, licence, duct scope, commissioning and payments.

Why does the checker ignore price?

We do not publish HVAC prices, and completeness predicts surprises better than price does.

Is a quote without a Manual J a bad quote?

It means the size was not calculated for your house. Ask for one.

Does HyreHVAC check contractors?

No. We are a publisher. Check licences with your state board.

HyreHVAC tools

HVAC quote checker: is your quote complete?

Ten yes-or-no checks on one written quote. Price is not scored.

10 checks yes or no, equal weight Items drawn from ACCA, AHRI, EPA and DOE field-study findings. Price is not an input.

The short answer

This HVAC quote checker scores one written quote on ten items it should carry: a Manual J load calculation, an AHRI match, model numbers, permit, refrigerant type, warranty terms, licence number, duct scope, commissioning and a payment schedule.

It lists what to ask for. It does not judge the price, because a complete quote can still be high and an incomplete one usually grows.

Score the quote

Answer from the written quote only. Nothing is emailed.

— Items present

— Verdict

— What to ask for

What this assumed

—

A completeness screen, not an endorsement. HyreHVAC does not vet or recommend contractors.

Why each item matters

Item	Why it matters
Manual J	Sizes the system to your house. DOE’s field review found oversizing common.
AHRI certificate	Proves the outdoor and indoor units are a certified match at the stated rating.
Model numbers	Without them two quotes cannot be compared.
Permit	Inspections catch safety faults. Unpermitted work can complicate a sale.
Refrigerant type	New systems use lower-GWP refrigerants under EPA rules.
Warranty terms	Parts and labour are often different lengths.
Licence number	Check it with your state board.
Duct scope	The line most often missing from a low quote.
Commissioning	Charge and airflow measured, not guessed.
Payment schedule	Large deposits before work starts are a risk.

How is this different from the quote comparison worksheet?

This tool looks at one quote in depth. The quote comparison worksheet lines up three quotes on four key checks. Use this first on each quote, then compare.

After you score it

Ask for missing items in writing
A good contractor will add them.
Check the licence yourself
State boards have lookup tools.
A low score with a low price
Often means items will be added later.

Questions this calculator answers

What should an HVAC quote include?: At least the ten items here: load calculation, AHRI match, model numbers, permit, refrigerant, warranty, licence, duct scope, commissioning and payments.
Why does the checker ignore price?: We do not publish HVAC prices, and completeness predicts surprises better than price does.
Is a quote without a Manual J a bad quote?: It means the size was not calculated for your house. Ask for one.
Does HyreHVAC check contractors?: No. We are a publisher. Check licences with your state board.

Sources and methodology

Figures dated October 26, 2026. Last reviewed September 18, 2026.

ACCA: Manual J, Residential Load Calculation (ACCA, retrieved 2026-10-26. The ANSI-recognised method for sizing heating and cooling equipment to a house.)
AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance (AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance, retrieved 2026-10-26. Look up the certified rating of a matched outdoor and indoor combination.)
EPA: Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements (EPA, retrieved 2026-10-26. Who must be certified to work on refrigerant circuits, including attaching gauges.)
US DOE Building Technologies Office: Residential HVAC Installation Practices, A Review of Research Findings (June 2018) (US DOE Building Technologies Office, retrieved 2026-10-26. Field-study review of installation and maintenance faults in homes.)

Quote comparison worksheet Three quotes side by side
Buying checklist Printable version
HVAC cost guides What drives the price

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