AI Summary
Standard installation typically means basic equipment replacement assuming existing electrical is adequate, ductwork is functional, and line sets can be reused. It usually includes equipment removal, new unit installation, basic thermostat, and standard warranty. Electrical upgrades, duct modifications, line set replacement, and extended warranties typically cost extra.
What "Standard Installation" Actually Includes (And Doesn't)
Most heat pump quotes mention "standard installation" without defining it. This guide explains what contractors typically include in standard installation and what commonly costs extra.
What Standard Installation Usually Includes
Equipment Removal
Removal of existing outdoor unit and indoor air handler or furnace. Disposal of old equipment is typically included, though some contractors charge separately for refrigerant recovery.
New Equipment Installation
Installation of new outdoor heat pump unit and indoor air handler in the same locations as existing equipment. Includes mounting outdoor unit on existing pad and connecting to existing ductwork.
Refrigerant Line Connection
Connection of outdoor and indoor units using existing refrigerant lines if they're in good condition and properly sized. Includes evacuation and charging with refrigerant.
Basic Electrical Connection
Connection to existing electrical circuit if it's adequate for the new equipment. Includes disconnect box if one doesn't exist or existing one is compatible.
Basic Thermostat
Installation of basic programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats or communicating thermostats typically cost extra.
Startup and Testing
Initial system startup, basic operational testing, and verification that the system runs. Depth of testing varies by contractor.
Standard Warranty
Manufacturer's standard parts warranty (typically 5-10 years) and contractor's standard labor warranty (typically 1 year).
Standard Installation Assumptions
Standard installation typically assumes:
- Existing electrical circuit is adequate
- Ductwork is functional and properly sized
- Refrigerant lines can be reused
- Equipment locations remain the same
- No structural modifications needed
- Reasonable access to installation areas
- No asbestos or hazardous materials present
What Typically Costs Extra
Electrical Upgrades
New circuit installation, panel upgrades, or wire replacement when existing electrical is inadequate. Costs $300-3,000 depending on scope.
Ductwork Modifications
Duct resizing, sealing, insulation, or additional return air pathways. Costs $500-3,000 depending on extent of work.
Line Set Replacement
New refrigerant line installation when existing lines are wrong size, damaged, or incompatible. Costs $500-1,500 depending on length.
Pad Replacement
New concrete or composite pad when existing pad is damaged or wrong size. Costs $100-300.
Equipment Relocation
Moving outdoor unit or indoor air handler to new locations. Costs vary widely based on distance and complexity.
Thermostat Upgrades
Smart thermostats or communicating thermostats beyond basic programmable models. Costs $100-400.
Extended Warranties
Extended parts coverage or longer labor warranties beyond standard coverage. Costs $200-800.
Permits and Inspections
Some quotes include permits, others list them separately. Costs $50-300 depending on jurisdiction.
Common Extra Charges
Items frequently not included in standard installation:
- Crane or special equipment for difficult access
- Asbestos abatement if found
- Structural modifications for equipment placement
- Condensate pump if needed
- Additional refrigerant beyond standard charge
- Weekend or after-hours installation
- Disposal fees for unusual materials
How Contractors Define Standard Installation
Standard installation definitions vary by contractor. Some include more in their base price, others keep base prices lower and charge for common items separately.
Inclusive Approach
Some contractors include electrical work, duct sealing, and line set replacement in standard pricing. Their quotes appear higher but include more work.
Minimal Approach
Other contractors define standard installation narrowly, keeping base prices lower but charging extra for common needs. Their quotes appear lower but may increase during installation.
Neither Is Wrong
Both approaches are legitimate. The key is understanding what each quote includes so you can compare accurately.
Quote Language to Watch For
"Standard Installation Included"
Ask the contractor to define what standard installation includes for their company. Definitions vary.
"Additional Items If Needed"
This language indicates potential extra charges. Ask what conditions would trigger additional costs and what those costs would be.
"Electrical/Ductwork Assumed Adequate"
This means the contractor hasn't evaluated these systems and assumes they'll work. Problems discovered during installation will cost extra.
"Permits As Required"
Unclear whether permits are included in the quoted price or additional. Ask specifically.
Questions to Ask
- What exactly does standard installation include for your company?
- Is electrical work included or additional?
- Are duct modifications included if needed?
- Is line set replacement included or extra?
- Are permits included in this price?
- What warranty coverage is included?
- What conditions would result in additional charges?
- Can you provide a detailed scope of work?
How to Compare Standard Installation Quotes
Create a comparison chart showing what each quote includes:
- Equipment removal and disposal
- New equipment installation
- Electrical work scope
- Ductwork evaluation and modifications
- Line set handling
- Thermostat type
- Warranty coverage
- Permit inclusion
This reveals why quotes with different prices may include different scopes of work.
Understand What Your Quote Includes
See what your quote defines as standard installation and what costs extra.
Decode Your Quote →Why This Matters
Understanding what standard installation includes helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid surprise costs during installation. A lower quote that excludes common needs may end up costing more than a higher quote that includes everything.
Ask contractors to clarify their standard installation definition before comparing prices. This ensures you're comparing equivalent scopes of work.