This page explains exactly what the checker does and does not do, so you can decide how much weight to give its results.
What the checker does
You add the details of a written AC, furnace or heat pump replacement quote, by typing them in, pasting the text, or uploading a PDF or photo. If you upload, you confirm what was read before anything is scored. The checker then:
- calculates a completeness score out of 100, based on which standard scope items the quote clearly includes;
- raises flags for missing high-impact items and for sales behaviour that deserves a closer look;
- turns every missing item into a question to ask, heaviest first;
- compares up to three quotes side by side, including price per ton when you enter both the price and the size.
What it does not do
- It does not say whether a price is fair. We have no verified local price data, so we show no market prices. An estimate without real data would be a guess presented as a fact.
- It does not verify contractors. Check licences with your state licensing board and permits with your local building department.
- It does not keep your quote. Everything is processed in your browser and cleared when you leave or reset the page.
- It does not give legal, tax or professional advice.
How the score is calculated
Each scope item carries a weight that reflects how much it tends to affect the outcome of an installation or the comparability of quotes. The score is the sum of the weights of the items the quote clearly includes. The weights are a judgment, not a measurement, and we revise them as feedback and evidence come in. Every change is recorded on this page.
| Item | Weight | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Load calculation (Manual J) or written sizing method | 12 | Equipment that is too large or too small affects comfort, efficiency and equipment life. |
| Permit and inspection included | 12 | Most jurisdictions require a permit for a full replacement. Unpermitted work can affect insurance and resale. |
| Ductwork inspected, tested, sealed or modified | 10 | Leaky or undersized ducts reduce the performance of new equipment. |
| Start-up and commissioning | 10 | Refrigerant charge and airflow checks affect performance and warranty. |
| Itemized pricing | 8 | Needed to compare quotes on equal scope. |
| Exact brands and model numbers | 8 | Lets you verify efficiency ratings and warranty terms. |
| Line set replaced or flushed | 8 | Old refrigerant lines can damage new equipment if not handled correctly. |
| Electrical work addressed | 7 | A common source of extra charges after signing. |
| Contractor licence number shown | 6 | Lets you verify the contractor with the state board. |
| Warranty terms in writing | 6 | Defines what is covered, and for how long. |
| Removal and disposal of old equipment | 4 | Often an unclear extra. |
| Condensate drain and overflow safety switch | 4 | Helps prevent water damage. |
| Thermostat included or addressed | 3 | Compatibility and cost are often left unstated. |
| Pad or mounting for the outdoor unit | 2 | Minor, but sometimes billed as an extra. |
Score bands. 80 and above is “Mostly complete”. 60 to 79 is “Some gaps”. 40 to 59 is “Significant gaps”. Below 40 is “Major gaps”. A high score does not mean a good price or a good contractor. A low score means the quote leaves out things you should ask about.
Flags
Flags come from simple, published rules. They are prompts to ask questions, not accusations, and each one carries a text label and an icon so its meaning never depends on colour alone.
- High: no sizing method; no permit line; price given without a home visit; pressure to sign today; upfront payment above 50%; a federal tax credit promised for an install in 2026 or later.
- Medium: upfront payment above 30%; a large cash discount; rebates promised verbally; a labor warranty under one year.
- Info: no total price entered; a tax credit mentioned for an earlier install year.
Reading uploaded quotes
When you paste text or upload a PDF or photo, the text is read on your device. An item is pre-ticked only when a line of your quote supports it, and that line is shown to you as evidence. Lines that say an item is excluded, optional or extra are never counted as included. Every amount and model number must be confirmed by you before a score appears.
A note on federal tax credits
Reporting in 2026 indicates that the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) does not apply to equipment placed in service after December 31, 2025. Rules and state or utility programs change, so verify with a tax professional and your utility before relying on any incentive. If a quote promises a credit or rebate, ask where it comes from and have it written into the quote.
Price per ton and square feet per ton
If you enter the total price and the system size in tons, the checker divides one by the other. If you also enter your home size, it shows square feet per ton. These are arithmetic, not a verdict. A heat pump, a high-efficiency system or a difficult installation can legitimately change both numbers.
What comes next
Price context will be added only when it rests on real, sourced data, such as quotes shared by visitors who opt in, or public benchmarks we can cite. Until then, the checker stays a completeness and comparison tool.
Corrections
If you believe a rule or weight is wrong, tell us. We review every report and update this page when the rules change. See our editorial policy for how corrections are handled.