Heat Pump Contractor Onboarding Checklist

Manual J / CAN/CSA F280 load calculation provided in writing. The document shows your home's heat loss at design temperature in BTU/h or kW. Ask for a printed or emailed copy before signing.

Design temperature confirmed for your location. Metro Vancouver / Coast: -5°C to -7°C. Interior BC (Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon): -15°C to -22°C. Ask which design temperature was used in the load calculation.

Equipment heating capacity at your design temperature confirmed. Cold-climate units lose capacity at low temperatures. Ask: "What is the rated heating output of this unit at -7°C (or -22°C for Interior)?" — not just the headline capacity.

Balance point stated explicitly. The balance point is the outdoor temperature at which the backup/aux heat activates. Ask: "At what outdoor temperature will backup heat engage?" For Interior BC, this should be at or below -15°C for a cold-climate unit.

Backup/aux heat size confirmed in kW and amperage. Ask specifically: "What size is the backup heat strip in this quote?" A 10 kW strip draws 42A. On a 100A service, this matters enormously. Do not accept "standard" as an answer.

AHRI reference numbers provided for all major equipment. The AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) certificate number is required for CleanBC rebate applications. Ask your contractor for the outdoor unit, indoor unit, and coil AHRI matched system certificate.

Electrical load calculation per CEC Section 8 completed. The Canadian Electrical Code Section 8 calculation accounts for demand factors — it is not the same as adding up appliance nameplates. Ask: "Has a CEC Section 8 calculation been done on my panel?"

Contractor has physically inspected your panel. A quote submitted without visiting your panel is a guess, not an engineering assessment. The contractor should know your current service size, available breaker slots, and existing large loads.

Total amperage draw at design temperature calculated. This is compressor + aux heat + air handler + any other simultaneous loads. It must fit within 80% of your service rating (80A for 100A service; 160A for 200A service).

Breaker space available — minimum 2 slots for a 240V double-pole circuit. If your panel is full, a sub-panel or service upgrade is required. Confirm this before receiving a quote — it affects total project cost.

Load management system (EMS) included if on 100A service. If your home is on a 100A service and you are adding a heat pump, ask: "Is an Energy Management System (DCC-9, DCC-12, or equivalent) included in this quote?" Without it, simultaneous loads may trip your main breaker.

EV charger load included in calculation if applicable. A Level 2 EV charger draws 30–32A continuously — 37–40% of a 100A service on its own. If you have or plan to add one, it must be in the simultaneous load calculation.

TSBC electrical permit to be pulled — before work starts. Ask: "Will you pull an electrical permit for this job?" Ask for the permit number once issued. Unpermitted work is not inspected, not covered by insurance, and can void equipment warranties.

Licensed electrical contractor confirmed. Verify at technicalsafetybc.ca/licence-search. The contractor or their electrician must hold a valid TSBC electrical licence. Ask for the licence number.

Gas permit required if hybrid/dual-fuel system. If the quote includes a gas furnace or gas backup, the contractor must hold a BC gas licence. Ask for their TSBC gas fitter licence number separately from the electrical licence.

Anti-vibration pad for outdoor unit included in scope. BC building code and most manufacturers require a vibration isolation pad under the outdoor unit. Confirm it is in the quote — it is sometimes omitted in lower-cost bids.

TSBC inspection to be coordinated — not skipped. Ask: "Who coordinates the inspection, and what happens after the inspector signs off?" The system should not be left permanently energized before the inspection is complete.

EPR alignment confirmed if Metro Vancouver strata (Dec 31, 2026 deadline). If your building is a Metro Vancouver strata with 5+ lots, an Electrical Planning Report (EPR) is required by Dec 31, 2026. Confirm the contractor is aware of this and that the installation is compatible with your EPR scope.

Contractor is CleanBC Better Homes registered. Ask: "What is your CleanBC Better Homes contractor registration ID?" Without a registered contractor, you cannot claim the CleanBC heat pump rebate (up to $6,000). Verify at betterhomesbc.ca/find-a-contractor.

AHRI reference numbers confirmed for the matched system. The outdoor unit, indoor unit, and coil must be AHRI-matched and listed. Ask the contractor to confirm the AHRI certificate number for the specific equipment being installed. This is the primary eligibility document for CleanBC rebates.

Rebate application process confirmed — who files, who receives, when. Ask: "Do you handle the rebate application on my behalf, or do I file it myself?" Some contractors file on your behalf; others provide documentation for you to submit. Both are acceptable — but confirm it before the job starts.

Quote is all-in: equipment + labour + permits + commissioning + tax. Ask: "Is this quote all-inclusive?" Hidden costs — permit fees, refrigerant top-up, electrical sub-contractor, startup commissioning — are common sources of invoice surprises. Get itemized quotes when possible.

Canada Greener Homes Loan eligibility confirmed if panel upgrade is included. If your project includes a panel upgrade, the Canada Greener Homes Loan (up to $40,000 at 0% interest) can cover both the panel and heat pump under one application. Confirm with your contractor before applying for rebates separately.