Loading NuWatt Energy...
We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
Loading NuWatt Energy...
A heat pump is only as good as its installation. Pennsylvania requires HICRA registration for contractors, and Act 129 rebates often require specific program certification. Here is what to verify, what to ask, and what red flags to avoid.
The Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Act (HICRA) requires all contractors performing home improvements — including HVAC and heat pump installations — to register with the PA Attorney General's Office. This is your first line of protection.
Any home improvement work over $500, including HVAC installation, ductwork modification, electrical upgrades, and related work.
Search the PA Attorney General contractor database, ask for the HICRA registration number directly, or call the AG consumer hotline.
Written contract for work over $500, 3-day cancellation right, liability insurance, complaint resolution process.
Required for any technician handling refrigerants (R-410A, R-32, R-454B). Ask to see the certification card.
Most PA municipalities require permits for heat pump installation. Your contractor should handle this.
For utility rebates, your contractor may need to be registered with the specific Act 129 program (PECO, PPL, etc.).
PA law requires contractors to carry liability insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as additional insured.
HICRA requires a written contract for all work over $500. It must include scope, timeline, cost breakdown, warranty, and cancellation rights.
Any installer who proposes a heat pump size based solely on your home's square footage is cutting corners. A proper Manual J load calculation is essential, especially in Pennsylvania where climate zones range from Zone 4A (mild) to Zone 6A (severe cold).
Short-cycles, poor humidity control, wasted money on excess capacity, uncomfortable temperature swings.
Cannot keep up in PA's cold winters, runs constantly, higher energy bills, excessive wear on compressor.
Efficient operation, good humidity control, meets heating load at design temperature, long equipment life.
Required by PA law. Verify independently through the AG database.
Essential for proper sizing. Walk away from contractors who size by square footage alone.
Federal requirement. All technicians handling refrigerant must be certified.
Some utilities require specific contractor registration for rebate eligibility.
Shows knowledge of PA-specific needs. Zone 5A/6A requires ccASHP equipment.
Unpermitted work can void warranties and cause issues at home sale.
Good contractors offer 1-2 year labor warranty on top of manufacturer parts warranty.
Specifically ask for PA references, preferably in your climate zone.
Important for dual-fuel setups. Contractor should explain balance point configuration.
Transparent pricing prevents surprises. Compare itemized quotes across contractors.
If a contractor is not registered under HICRA, they are operating illegally in PA. No exceptions.
Sizing by square footage alone leads to improper sizing. This is the single biggest installation quality indicator.
"Sign today or lose this price" is a red flag. Legitimate contractors give you time to compare quotes and make a decision.
Reputable contractors accept checks, cards, and financing. Cash-only suggests they may not report income or honor warranties.
HICRA requires a written contract for work over $500. No contract means no legal protection.
A PA installer should know your climate zone (4A/5A/6A) and recommend appropriate cold-climate equipment.
Each PA utility runs its own Act 129 energy efficiency program with specific contractor requirements. Make sure your installer is qualified for your utility's rebate program.
PECO Act 129 program requires ENERGY STAR certified equipment and licensed HVAC contractor. EAP bonus requires separate application through the Electrical Association of Philadelphia.
PPL requires ENERGY STAR certification, licensed HVAC contractor, and online rebate application with proof of purchase and installation invoice.
All four FirstEnergy PA subsidiaries use the common EnergySavePA portal (rebates.energysavepa.com). ENERGY STAR equipment and licensed contractor required.
Watt Choices program requires ENERGY STAR certification and licensed HVAC contractor. Rebate application submitted online or by mail.
Pennsylvania requires HVAC contractors to be registered under the Home Improvement Contractor Registration Act (HICRA) with the PA Attorney General's Office. This is a state-level registration, not a license in the traditional sense. Additionally, technicians handling refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification. Some municipalities require local HVAC permits and may have additional licensing requirements.
HICRA (Home Improvement Contractor Registration Act) requires all home improvement contractors in PA to register with the Attorney General's Office. You can verify registration by searching the PA Attorney General contractor database online, asking the contractor for their HICRA registration number, or checking the PA AG complaint history for the contractor.
A Manual J load calculation is an industry-standard method for determining the exact heating and cooling capacity your home needs. It accounts for your home's size, insulation, windows, orientation, climate zone, and other factors. Proper sizing prevents an oversized system (short cycling, humidity issues, wasted money) or undersized system (inadequate heating in cold weather). In PA, this is especially important because Zones 5A and 6A have demanding heating loads.
Get at least 3 quotes from different HICRA-registered contractors. This allows you to compare pricing, equipment recommendations, and overall approach. Be wary of bids that are significantly lower than others — they may cut corners on installation quality, skip Manual J calculations, or use lower-quality equipment. The cheapest quote is not always the best value.
Red flags include: no HICRA registration, not performing a Manual J load calculation, proposing to size the system based only on square footage, pressuring you to sign immediately, no written warranty beyond the manufacturer's warranty, inability to discuss cold-climate considerations for PA's Zone 5A/6A, cash-only payment, no written contract, and no references from recent PA installations.
Yes, most PA municipalities require both a mechanical permit and an electrical permit for heat pump installations. The contractor should pull these permits as part of the installation. Unpermitted installations can void warranties, create issues when selling your home, and may not qualify for utility rebates. Always confirm your contractor will handle all required permits.
We work with HICRA-registered, Act 129 program-qualified heat pump installers across Pennsylvania. Get free, no-obligation quotes from professionals who know your area.
Get Free Installer Quotes