Repair or ReplaceOpen worksheet

Homeowner decision guide

Heat pump repair or replace: include heating and cooling scope

A heat pump serves both heating and cooling, so a replacement bid should explain more than its summer efficiency. Keep the repair diagnosis, proposed indoor/outdoor pairing, backup-heat arrangement, electrical scope, and installed price together before comparing proposals.

What changes the answer?

  • Ask whether the fault is in controls, airflow, refrigerant circuit, outdoor unit, or backup heat, and what test supports that conclusion.
  • Request a home-specific sizing explanation and how the proposed system will meet heating needs during colder conditions. A nearby climate normal is discussion context, not a load calculation.
  • Treat a rebate as zero in the cash comparison until your state program, project, amount, and eligibility are confirmed. The DOE says availability differs by state.

Check the written proposal

Look for these items in each quote. If one is missing, ask whether it is excluded or will be priced later.

  • Matched indoor and outdoor models, capacity, and performance ratings
  • Sizing method, backup heat, duct and electrical changes
  • Permit, commissioning tests, removal, labor warranty, and exclusions

Questions to take back to the contractor

  1. What will happen to heating performance in the coldest conditions expected here?
  2. What backup heat is included, and who pays for electrical changes?
  3. Which rebate is confirmed for this exact model and household?

Compare your real numbers

Enter the repair quote now, even if you do not yet have a replacement price. Add up to three complete proposals later and keep their rebates and scope separate.

Use the free worksheet

What this cannot determine

Neither climate degree days nor a state-average electricity rate establishes your future bill. Fuel switching, duct condition, thermostat settings, and installation quality all matter; use only documented proposal savings as an optional scenario.

Sources

Reviewed September 2026. Program eligibility and local requirements should be confirmed before approving work.