HCLHVAC Cost Lab

Calculators / Buying decision

Updated July 27, 2026 · Method and source links reviewed

Buying decision

HVAC Quote Comparison Calculator

Compare two or three HVAC proposals without entering contractor identities. Record only what each bid confirms, excludes, or leaves unspecified; then add your own allowance for omissions if you have one.

Step 1

Enter only what the proposals say.

No contractor name, address, phone number, or free text is collected. Values stay in this browser session.

Quote A
$
Enter the written total; no price is prefilled.
$
Optional. Use only a cost you chose or independently confirmed. We add no market estimate.
Quote B
$
Enter the written total; no price is prefilled.
$
Optional. Use only a cost you chose or independently confirmed. We add no market estimate.

Step 2

Normalize the written scope.

Priority check marks documentation that strongly affects sizing, matching, or final verification. Every item still counts as one—there are no hidden weights.

Confirmed means written in the proposal—not installed, tested, certified, or independently verified. “Not specified” is different from an explicit exclusion; ask the bidder to clarify it in writing.

Scope or documentQuote AQuote B
Indoor and outdoor model numbersPriority check
AHRI matched-system certificatePriority check
Documented Manual J load calculationPriority check
Documented equipment selection / Manual SPriority check
Duct inspection, testing, and repair scope
Refrigerant line scope
Condensate and drain protection
Electrical, disconnect, and service scope
Permit and inspection responsibility
Controls and thermostat setup
Startup and commissioning planPriority check
Final measured readings and reportPriority check
Parts warranty
Labor warranty
Warranty registration responsibility

Step 3

Compare without declaring a winner.

Adjusted planning total = quoted total + only the omission allowance you entered. It is not a contractor quote or market-price estimate.

Quote A

Enter total

Written total
Enter total
Your omission allowance
$0
Scope confirmed
0/15
Priority checks confirmed
0/6
Explicitly excluded
0
Not specified
15
Questions and documents to request (15)
  • Request indoor and outdoor model numbers in writing.
  • Request ahri matched-system certificate in writing.
  • Request documented manual j load calculation in writing.
  • Request documented equipment selection / manual s in writing.
  • Ask whether duct inspection, testing, and repair scope is included.
  • Ask whether refrigerant line scope is included.
  • Ask whether condensate and drain protection is included.
  • Ask whether electrical, disconnect, and service scope is included.
  • Request permit and inspection responsibility in writing.
  • Ask whether controls and thermostat setup is included.
  • Request startup and commissioning plan in writing.
  • Request final measured readings and report in writing.
  • Request parts warranty in writing.
  • Request labor warranty in writing.
  • Request warranty registration responsibility in writing.

Quote B

Enter total

Written total
Enter total
Your omission allowance
$0
Scope confirmed
0/15
Priority checks confirmed
0/6
Explicitly excluded
0
Not specified
15
Questions and documents to request (15)
  • Request indoor and outdoor model numbers in writing.
  • Request ahri matched-system certificate in writing.
  • Request documented manual j load calculation in writing.
  • Request documented equipment selection / manual s in writing.
  • Ask whether duct inspection, testing, and repair scope is included.
  • Ask whether refrigerant line scope is included.
  • Ask whether condensate and drain protection is included.
  • Ask whether electrical, disconnect, and service scope is included.
  • Request permit and inspection responsibility in writing.
  • Ask whether controls and thermostat setup is included.
  • Request startup and commissioning plan in writing.
  • Request final measured readings and report in writing.
  • Request parts warranty in writing.
  • Request labor warranty in writing.
  • Request warranty registration responsibility in writing.
This tool does not certify quality or recommend a contractor.

A lower total or a higher scope count does not prove that a proposal is correct. Verify design, licensing, permits, exact model matching, warranties, and installation measurements independently.

How to use this estimate

  • Use the matrix to make proposal scope comparable before judging price.
  • Treat excluded and not-specified items differently: an exclusion is explicit, while an omission still needs a written answer.
  • Request the exact matched-system models, design documents, permit scope, warranties, and final measured startup record.

Transparent method

We expose the planning formula so you can challenge it and replace assumptions with local evidence.

adjusted planning total = written quote total + only the user-entered omission allowance; scope and priority counts are unweighted

What this calculator cannot see

  • A scope count does not measure workmanship, contractor competence, equipment suitability, licensing, or code compliance.
  • The tool supplies no market prices, hidden weights, contractor ranking, Manual J calculation, Manual S selection, or certification decision.

Professional verification

Use this result to prepare questions and compare scenarios. Final equipment selection, electrical work, refrigerant work, combustion, duct design, and permitting should be handled by qualified professionals following local codes and manufacturer instructions.

Continue the decision