9 Questions That Make a Heat Pump Installer Sweat (In a Good Way)

By Sam Menard · 7 min read · Updated October 23, 2026

A heat pump is a big purchase, and the rebate rules are strict. A small mistake, like the wrong model or the wrong paperwork order, can cost you thousands. The company you pick matters as much as the machine.

You do not need to know HVAC to ask smart questions. Each one below has a plain reason behind it and a sign of a good answer. Our installer rankings list top-rated companies by Google reviews. Use these questions on the three you shortlist.

The nine questions

1. 1Are you on the program's official list?

   Some rebates only pay when the work is done by a company the program recognizes. BC Hydro's heat pump rebate needs a member of the Heat Pump Contractor Network (HPCN), and the rebate page lists that rule. Ask for the company's membership and then check the official list yourself. Do not just take their word.

   Good answer: a quick yes and a link or number you can look up.

2. 2How did you decide on the size?

   A bigger unit is not a better unit. BC Hydro's whole-home rebate asks that the heat pump meets 100% of your heating at -5°C, and Ontario's program asks for sizing based on an approved method. Ask to see the heat loss math for your house, not a rule of thumb.

   Good answer: they measured your home, or ask for details like insulation and windows.

3. 3What is the exact make and model?

   Rebates pay for models on a qualified list, not for any heat pump. BC Hydro, for example, asks for a cold-climate model with specific efficiency ratings. Get the model numbers of the outdoor and indoor units in writing and compare them to the list.

   Good answer: model numbers on the quote, plus the list they checked.

4. 4Who files the rebate, and when?

   Ontario's heat pump stream says the contractor files within 30 days and the cheque comes within 60. In BC you apply within six months of the invoice date. Ask who does the filing, what you must sign and what happens if the program rejects it.

   Good answer: a clear plan with dates.

5. 5Do I need approval before work starts?

   In Ontario you need written pre-approval before the install, so you cannot apply after the fact. Ask the installer if they handle that step, and do not let work start until it is in your inbox.

   Good answer: they explain the order of steps without being asked.

6. 6What will my electrical panel need?

   Some homes need a bigger panel and some do not. Ask if they checked yours and if the quote includes any electrical work. A surprise panel bill is the most common change order.

   Good answer: they looked at the panel during the visit.

7. 7Where will the outdoor unit go?

   Ask about spots away from bedrooms and neighbours, snow, and drainage. We do not publish noise limits, because local rules vary, so ask your city or strata about them too.

   Good answer: they walked the property and gave a reason for the spot.

8. 8What does the payment schedule look like?

   Ask how much is due up front, what is due at each step and what happens if a rebate is denied. Compare it with the deposit rules in your province. Never pay the full price before the work is done.

   Good answer: a written schedule tied to steps, not dates alone.

9. 9What does the warranty cover and who do I call?

   Ask for the equipment warranty and the labour warranty as two separate answers. Ask who handles a problem in January, and how fast they come.

   Good answer: clear years, a phone number and a named person.

A quote is a plan, not just a price. If two quotes cannot be compared line by line, ask each company to redo them.

Common questions

Keep reading

• GuideHow to get a fair heat pump quote
• GuideBC heat pump rebate and the energy advisor heat load calculation
• Listicle and quiz7 sneaky ways to lose your rebate

Sources, read October 23, 2026: BC Hydro: renovating your heating system, Home Renovation Savings: heat pump stream requirements, Better Homes BC: find a contractor.