Part 1: Why HVAC Quotes Are All Over the Map (And What Most Contractors Aren’t Telling You)
If you’ve ever had two or three HVAC companies come out and give you bids, you’ve probably scratched your head wondering: *Why are these prices so different?*
One contractor quotes $8,000. Another is $14,000. And the third one comes in at $18,000 for what sounds like the same equipment. So what gives?
The short answer? It’s not the equipment that makes the difference. It’s the work you don’t see.
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The Real Reason Quotes Vary So Much
Most contractors aren’t quoting the same job. They’re quoting what they know how to do—and what they can sell quickly.
Here’s what’s usually missing from the lowest bid:
– No load calculation (manual J)
– No ductwork inspection or airflow testing
– No attention to static pressure
– No system commissioning or performance verification
– No consideration for your home’s layout, sun exposure, insulation, or duct losses
They’re pricing a swap, not a solution. And if the existing system was wrong to begin with, copying it just repeats the mistake.
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Price Isn’t Just About Equipment
Let’s say all three quotes list a 3-ton, 16 SEER heat pump. Sounds identical, right?
But here’s what could be different:
– Whether they confirmed 3-tons is actually the right size for your home
– Whether the duct system is sized to move enough air for it
– Whether static pressure has been checked and accounted for
– Whether the quoted system is compatible with your current electrical panel
– Whether the install includes permits, testing, insulation upgrades, or thermostat integration
At Northwest HVAC, we don’t guess. We do the math, test the system, and design a solution that’s built around your home’s actual needs—not just what we pulled from a catalog.
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What Our Proposal Actually Includes
We believe a proposal should be more than a price. It should be a plan.
Every quote from Northwest HVAC includes:
– A full load calculation to size the equipment properly
– Static pressure readings and airflow evaluation
– Ductwork assessment and recommendations (if needed)
– Equipment options based on performance, not just price
– Installation scope, including permits and commissioning
– Transparent breakdown of what’s included—and what’s not
We don’t sell based on the brand name alone. We design comfort systems.
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Apples to Oranges: Why Most Quotes Aren’t Comparable
Most homeowners assume that all HVAC quotes are roughly the same. But when one contractor skips the testing, skips the design, and skips the planning, what they’re really selling you is a race to the bottom.
You’re not buying a box. You’re investing in a system that’s supposed to keep your family comfortable for 15+ years. That should include:
– Proper sizing
– Correct installation
– Verified performance
– A team that will be around if you need them
If that’s not in the quote—what are you actually getting?
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Our Promise to Homeowners
We don’t price jobs to win on paper. We price them to perform in real life.
When you get a proposal from Northwest HVAC, it’s not just a number. It’s a plan to make your home more comfortable, efficient, and reliable. And it’s backed by people who actually know how the system works—because we’ve installed them, fixed them, and tested them in homes just like yours.
Ready to see what a real quote should look like?
Let’s get started.
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About Northwest HVAC Service
Northwest HVAC Service is a family-owned business proudly serving Vancouver, WA and surrounding communities since 1998. We specialize in residential retrofit HVAC systems, including ductless upgrades, electric heat pumps, airflow redesign, and comfort diagnostics. Whether you’re replacing outdated equipment or trying to fix long-standing comfort issues, we bring honest advice, expert service, and long-term solutions you can trust.