How to Read anHVAC Estimate

The Foundation of a Proper Estimate

A proper estimate starts with a thorough evaluation of your home. Before recommending a size, an estimator must look at the whole house. They should evaluate the rooms, insulation levels, windows, sun exposure, and your existing ductwork. They also need to consider how your family uses the house. Sizing equipment based on square footage alone is an outdated method that can lead to poorly performing systems.

In the Las Vegas valley, correct sizing is crucial. The National Weather Service reports that July high temperatures average 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit. An undersized central air conditioner can run without catching up on 100°F days, while an oversized unit can turn off and on too often. The estimate should show it looked at the whole home.

Clear Equipment Options

Your written estimate should not just dictate a single choice. A proper quote provides two or three equipment options when more than one fits the home. This gives you a choice of efficiency levels and features. Since January 1, 2023, the US Department of Energy requires new split central air conditioners in the Southwest region, including Nevada, to meet a minimum of 14.3 SEER2.

Heat pumps have their own efficiency metrics. Nationwide, the minimum efficiency for a new heat pump is 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2. Your estimate should show these efficiency ratings clearly so you can compare how different models will perform during our mild but chilly Las Vegas winters and extreme summers.

The estimate should clearly state the brand and type of equipment, whether it is a central split system, a packaged unit, or a ductless mini-split. It should outline if the system uses lower-impact refrigerants, as the EPA requires new residential air conditioners and heat pumps to use refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 starting in 2025.

Installation and Ductwork Details

The total cost for a complete system replacement must include the new indoor and outdoor equipment, along with the labor to install it. It should specify any modifications needed for the ductwork. According to ENERGY STAR, about twenty to thirty percent of the air moving through ducts in a typical house is lost to leaks, holes, and poorly connected joints.

• The specific models of the indoor and outdoor units.
• The total cost of the equipment and installation.
• Details on any duct repair, sealing, or airflow balancing.
• The contractor’s Nevada license number.
• Options for a new smart or programmable thermostat.

Understanding the Warranties

A proper written estimate details the warranties that cover your new system. There are two main types of warranties to look for. First is the manufacturer parts warranty, which covers the physical components of the air conditioner or furnace. Its length is set by the manufacturer, and registration may be required.

Second is the labor warranty provided by the contractor. This covers the workmanship of the installation. Kestrel Heating & Air installations carry a two-year labor warranty, at the top of the usual one to two years. Your estimate should state these terms clearly.

Checking Credentials and Licenses

Your estimate should display the contractor’s credentials. HVAC contractors in Nevada are licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board under classification C-21 for refrigeration and air conditioning. Working without a license is unlawful in the state. The estimate should include the license number and confirm that the company is insured.

Additionally, anyone who maintains, services, or repairs equipment containing refrigerant must hold EPA Section 608 certification. Knowing your technicians hold EPA Section 608 certification and are background-checked gives you confidence in the installation crew working inside your home.

How We Can Help

Kestrel Heating & Air provides free, in-home written estimates for new systems and replacements. Our owner, Elena Navarro, reviews every replacement estimate before it goes to the homeowner. We give you two or three equipment options from brands like Carrier, Trane, Lennox, and Mitsubishi Electric. At the walkthrough after a new installation, our installer helps you register the equipment with the manufacturer. We never recommend replacement on age alone.