Before You Sign pre-check
Before You Sign, Check Whether the Sizing Has a Real Basis
Manual J questions are buying-risk questions: whether the quoted capacity has support, whether the permit path may ask for load documentation, and whether the quote states what is included before deposit.
Automated city/ZIP and project-type Permit Decision Brief. It helps frame Manual J and permit questions but does not perform a load calculation.
Choose the review that matches the question in front of you
- $19 Permit Decision Brief: automated public-source permit routing and responsibility questions for a city/ZIP and project type.
- $49 Full Quote Review: for an existing contractor proposal, with secure pre-payment upload, an order-linked receipt, and final manual review.
- Formal routing: only when a formal calculation, licensed provider, or AHJ submittal path is actually required.
The service does not include engineering, a formal Manual J/S/D calculation, licensed sign-off, permit filing, or permit approval.
If sizing evidence is only one of several open proposal questions, see how HVACPreCheck reviews a written HVAC quote.
Pre-check only
HVACPreCheck provides informational pre-check reports only. We are not a licensed HVAC contractor, engineer, tax advisor, or permit authority. Our reports are not stamped engineering documents and do not guarantee permit approval, equipment sizing, rebate eligibility, tax credit eligibility, energy savings, or comfort outcomes. Always confirm requirements with your contractor, local building department, utility, tax professional, or licensed engineer.
What the pre-check connects
- Permit risk if the AHJ asks for Manual J, load, equipment, or inspection documentation
- Manual J / sizing readiness: whether the quote names a real sizing method or only repeats old tonnage
- Quote gaps around model numbers, duct/static scope, AHRI, warranty, rebate, and exclusions
- $19 checklist vs $49 Full Quote Review decision point before signing
- When a formal Manual J, Manual S/D, or licensed referral is the next step
Pre-signing risk signals
- Quoted tonnage with no Manual J, load, or sizing explanation is a signing risk
- Permit responsibility and load-document responsibility need to be in writing
- Missing model, AHRI, duct, warranty, or rebate language can justify the $49 review
Questions to ask your contractor
- What sizing method supports the quoted tonnage, and is any Manual J/S/D included or excluded?
- If the city or utility asks for load documentation, who provides it and at what cost?
- Are exact indoor/outdoor model numbers, AHRI reference, and duct/static assumptions written into the quote?
- What would need to change before I should sign or pay a deposit?