Ducted air-source
Use existing or improved ducts for whole-home heating and cooling.
HEATING + COOLING
Compare heat pumps for your climate and home
Compare design temperature performance, backup heat, distribution, electrical work and commissioning—not one headline efficiency number.
Choose your route
Three ways to frame the project
Use the same home details and assumptions for every contractor so the proposals can be compared fairly.
Ductless
Create zones without installing a full duct system.
Ground-source
Assess site, drilling or loop work and a longer investment horizon.
Installed scope
What a complete proposal should address
Not every item creates extra work, but every contractor should state whether it is included, excluded or not applicable.
- 01Heating and cooling load calculations
- 02Climate and design-temperature selection
- 03Duct or terminal-unit assessment
- 04Backup or supplemental heat strategy
- 05Electrical capacity and controls
- 06Permits, commissioning and owner training
Cost drivers
Why local installed prices vary
- Climate and required low-temperature output
- Distribution upgrades
- Electrical service capacity
- Backup heat configuration
- Site work and equipment tier
CoolCompare does not present a national sticker price as your project price. ZIP code, property conditions, code requirements and proposal scope must be evaluated together.
Ownership viewPerformance Energy Resilience 5/10 years
Compare 5- and 10-year cost
Compare capacity at local winter design conditions.
Use local electric rates and realistic seasonal performance.
Document backup heat and outage implications.
Compare against keeping or replacing the current heating and cooling systems.
Built for US homes
Your ZIP code changes the comparison.
Climate, utility rates, fuel availability, building codes, permit offices and incentive administrators vary across the United States. A national average is only an orientation point.
Heating and cooling loads, humidity control and equipment performance must match the home’s actual climate.
Use current electricity and fuel prices, rate structure and any demand-response or electrification program terms.
Ask who obtains permits, schedules inspections and documents required electrical, mechanical or structural work.
Check the installation year, ZIP code, system tier, income rules, funding status and official reservation process.
Quote checklist
Ask every bidder for the same six items
Comparable documentation makes price differences easier to understand and reduces hidden-scope surprises.
- 01Heating load and balance-point analysis
- 02Published low-temperature capacity
- 03Backup heat sequence
- 04Duct static-pressure check
- 05Electrical scope
- 06Incentive eligibility documentation
Official guidance
Verify the fundamentals
Incentives and eligibility can change by year, state, utility and system. Confirm current requirements before signing or purchasing.
US project questions
Answers to use before requesting bids
What should be included in a compare heat pumps for your climate and home quote?+
The quote should identify the exact equipment or materials, installation scope, permits, electrical or fuel work, commissioning, exclusions, schedule, payment terms and separate labor and product warranties.
How should I compare heat pumps contractors?+
Give each contractor the same home details and ask for an itemized scope. Compare credentials, measurements, assumptions, cash price, financing, warranty and post-installation verification—not the headline price alone.
Can incentives reduce the project cost?+
Federal, state, Tribal, local and utility programs can differ by installation year, ZIP code, equipment tier, income and funding status. Verify eligibility with the official program administrator before signing or spending.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Start with ZIP code →