How to Quote an HVAC Install

The load calc determines equipment tonnage and SEER. Oversizing wastes money on equipment cost and erodes comfort because the unit short-cycles. Undersizing fails on peak days and triggers warranty calls. The Manual J short-form covers most residential installs in 30 to 45 minutes. For Denver and other high-altitude markets, apply the altitude derate factor. A 3-ton nominal condenser at 5,280 feet performs closer to 2.6 tons before correction.

Select equipment tonnage that matches the design load with a small safety margin, not the old unit tonnage. If the load calc shows 2.4 tons and the old unit is 3.5 tons, the new unit should be 2.5 tons, not 3.5. The old unit was likely oversized. Select SEER from the climate and client budget. SEER 14 to 16 is the base tier. SEER 17 to 20 is mid-tier.

• Tonnage from load calc, not from old unit nameplate.
• SEER from climate zone and budget tier.
• Furnace below zone 4, heat pump at zone 4 or warmer.
• Variable-speed blower drives humidity control.

The install kit covers refrigerant lineset, electrical hookup, condensate line, thermostat, and filter housing. Refrigerant lineset prices by foot with insulation and fitting count. Electrical hookup includes disconnect, whip, and breaker swap. Condensate line includes float switch and discharge route. The install kit usually runs $700 to $1,800 on a residential replacement.

Ductwork is the biggest variable on an HVAC quote. If existing ducts pass a static pressure test, no modification needed. If they fail, partial replacement or full replacement enters the scope. Duct scope prices by lineal foot of trunk, by branch count, and by register count. A typical Denver ranch home full re-duct runs $4,200 to $7,800.

A typical residential install runs 14 to 22 crew-hours. Rate by tech tier. Lead installer at $85 to $145 per hour. Apprentice at $45 to $85 per hour. Add travel surcharge. Labor on a typical replacement runs $1,800 to $3,400.

Apply combined markup at the total direct cost line. If direct total is $7,800 and combined markup is 28%, client price is $9,984. The quote PDF should show equipment SKU and tonnage, install kit scope, duct scope, labor hours, total price, payment milestones, warranty terms, and your license number.