Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Solar or HVAC Installer

Knowing the right questions to ask before hiring a solar or HVAC installer is the easiest way to avoid an oversized system, a missed rebate or a warranty that does not hold up. Good installers welcome these questions and answer them in writing. Vague answers are a warning sign.

Below are the questions we suggest for heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners and rooftop solar. Get at least two or three quotes so you can compare answers side by side. For solar specifically, our guide to comparing solar quotes goes deeper.

Questions for any installer

• Are you licensed and insured? Ask for proof of liability insurance and WSIB or provincial workers' compensation coverage.
• Who will do the work? Find out if the crew are employees or subcontractors, and who supervises.
• Who pulls the permits? The installer should obtain building, electrical or gas permits and book inspections. Work done without permits can affect insurance and resale.
• What is the full price, and what is excluded? Ask about electrical panel upgrades, line sets, pads, disposal of old equipment and roof repairs.
• What is the payment schedule? A modest deposit with the balance on completion is typical. Be wary of large upfront payments.
• Can I speak with recent customers? Ask for two or three references from the last year, ideally with similar homes.

Questions for heat pump, furnace and AC installers

Will you do a heat-loss calculation?

This is the most important question. A proper heat-loss and heat-gain calculation, often called a Manual J or CSA F280 calculation, sizes the equipment for your house. Sizing by the old unit's label or by square footage alone often leads to oversized equipment. Oversized systems short-cycle, feel less comfortable and can cost more to run.

How will it perform in our coldest weather?

For a heat pump, ask what share of your heating it will cover at your local design temperature, and what output it gives at about -20 to -25 °C. Ask what the backup is and when it turns on. Our heat pumps in Canadian winters guide explains what to expect.

Will my ductwork and electrical panel handle it?

Heat pumps often need more airflow than old furnaces. Ask whether ducts were checked, and whether your panel has room for the new circuit.

How will the thermostat and controls be set up?

Ask the installer to set the backup heat lockout and changeover temperatures, and to show you how they work.

Questions for solar installers

• How much will it produce each year? Ask for an estimate in kWh, based on your roof direction, tilt and shading. In populated Canada, expect roughly 1,000 to 1,350 kWh per installed kW per year.
• What is the cost per watt? Installed residential cost typically runs $2.40 to $3.30 per watt. Divide the total price by system size to compare quotes.
• Who handles the utility connection? Net metering usually needs utility approval and a meter change. See our net metering guide.
• Does my roof need work first? Panels last 25 years or more, so a roof near the end of its life should be replaced before install.
• How are snow, racking and roof penetrations handled? Ask about flashing, roof warranty impacts and snow load ratings.

Check the production numbers against our solar calculator before you sign.

Rebate and financing questions

Rebate rules trip up many homeowners. Ask before you sign:

• Are you a registered contractor for this program? Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program and many provincial programs require a participating contractor.
• Do I need pre-approval or an energy assessment first? Some programs require an assessment before work begins. See our EnerGuide evaluation guide.
• Does the equipment qualify? Many heat pump rebates require specific cold-climate models.
• Who submits the paperwork? Get it in writing if the installer handles the application.
• Is the quoted price before or after rebates? Ask for both figures.

The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan are closed to new applicants. If an installer quotes them, ask what they mean. Check current programs on our rebates page.

Warranty questions

Ask what happens to the workmanship warranty if the company closes. Some installers back it with third-party coverage.

Red flags

• Pressure to sign the same day or a price that expires within hours.
• No site visit, or no heat-loss calculation for heating equipment.
• Promises of savings with no numbers behind them.
• Mentions of closed federal grants as if they are still available.
• Reluctance to put warranties and exclusions in writing.

When you are ready, you can request quotes from installers and use these questions to compare them.