Read both sides of the quote

Begin with four named components

Find the furnace or air handler, indoor coil, outdoor AC or heat pump, and thermostat or system control. Each has an exact model number. A brand or product family cannot establish the matched combination, rated performance or included system components.

Read from return air to the rooms

Look for filter and return changes, blower and furnace work, the coil and sheet-metal transition, condensate drain, supply-duct changes, refrigerant piping, outdoor support, electrical circuit and disconnect, venting, controls, permits, removal and startup. Some items will not apply; each exclusion should be explicit.

Mark assumptions about retained equipment

If one component stays, the quote should identify its condition, capacity and compatibility basis. A staged replacement also identifies what must remain usable for the next project and what work could be repeated. These assumptions are necessary context for a combined price.

Closeout documents

ENERGY STAR’s bid comparison checklist recommends documentation that includes system calculations, an AHRI certificate, and installation measurements or testing records. Ask which records your installer will provide, along with warranty, registration, model and service information.

Send the actual proposal to UniColorado.