Ask these before you compare the price
- What load calculation supports this size? Can I have a copy? A replacement should not be sized only from the old nameplate or square footage.
- What are the exact model numbers for the outdoor unit, coil or air handler, furnace if included, and thermostat?
- What efficiency ratings apply to this matched system—SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 for a heat pump?
- Does this total include permits, haul-away, crane or attic access if needed, electrical work, line-set work, pad work, and condensate drainage?
- What ductwork will you inspect, seal, resize, replace, or leave as-is?
- Who performs the installation, startup, testing, permit inspection, and warranty registration?
Then ask about the uncomfortable stuff
- What could change the total after work starts? Ask for likely change-order triggers and how approval works.
- What is excluded from the proposal? A short exclusions list is better than an unwelcome surprise.
- What are the parts and labor warranties, and who handles service if there is a problem?
- If a rebate or incentive is mentioned, what program is it, who confirms eligibility, and is the price shown before or after the incentive?
- Can you show the contractor license and proof of insurance? In California, verify license status independently before hiring.
A quote you can compare has a paper trail
Save every proposal, model number, finance term, and verbal promise. Ask each contractor to revise the written quote instead of relying on texts or sales conversations. That makes it easier to spot whether a higher total reflects better equipment, necessary site work, or simply a different scope.
QuoteCheck does not rate contractors or tell you which bid to choose. It gives you a place to add the actual number and project context while the Central Valley benchmark is being built.