HVAC quote decoder before you sign anything

Paste your system info and up to 3 contractor estimates — get a side-by-side comparison, repair-vs-replace math, padding flags, and a pointed second-opinion script in one HTML dashboard.

$3.99

Works in Claude (Pro/Max/Team) or ChatGPT (Plus/Team) · paid AI plan required

Both Claude + ChatGPT packages included — you can't pick the wrong one.

Updated May 26, 2026

Included

01Repair-vs-replace verdict with the $5K rule math shown (repair cost × age > $5,000), R-22 trigger, and gray-zone factors

02Side-by-side line-item table across up to 3 quotes — equipment tier, SEER2, warranty, permit, AHRI match, padding flags

03Decodes the jargon: SEER2 vs SEER, EER2, HSPF2, AFUE, TXV, AHRI matched system, R-410A vs R-454B transition

04Flags padding with real dollar bands: surge protector $300 quoted vs $85 real, UV light $700 quoted vs $200 real, $450 markup on smart thermostats

05Tailored second-opinion script — 6-10 specific questions per quote covering Manual J load calc, AHRI cert lookup, permit pull, install commissioning

06Includes 25C federal tax credit, ENERGY STAR rebate, and state/utility rebate notes when the equipment qualifies

What it does

A $9,000 HVAC quote contains about $800-$2,500 of padding most homeowners can't spot — surge protectors marked up 4x, UV lights quoted at $700 when the install costs $200, smart thermostats at $450 markup. This skill is the HVAC quote comparison tool a former service manager would run for you before you sign. Paste your system age, symptoms, and 1-3 contractor estimates. The skill returns a single HTML dashboard: repair-vs-replace verdict color-coded green/amber/red with the math shown, side-by-side line-item comparison flagging missing items (permit, Manual J load calc, condensate float switch, AHRI matched system cert) and padded items with real-cost dollar bands, decoded glossary for every term that appeared (SEER2, EER2, HSPF2, AFUE, TXV, AHRI match), callouts for permits and 25C federal tax credit (30% up to $2,000 on qualifying heat pumps), and a second-opinion script with 6-10 questions tailored to what's missing or suspect in your actual quotes. Four bundled references do the work: a repair-vs-replace decision logic with R-22 phase-out math and gray-zone factors, a plain-English glossary of every estimate term and red-flag sales phrase, a question bank covering load calc, sizing, AHRI match, permits, and warranty, and a padding-and-upsell reference with the real installed cost vs. typical quoted cost for every common add-on. Will never recommend skipping permits, declare a brand 'best' in the abstract, or advise on DIY refrigerant work (EPA 608 cert required by law).

Frequently asked

How do I know if my HVAC contractor's quote is fair?

Paste up to 3 quotes and the skill builds a side-by-side comparison: equipment tier (SEER2 rating, single vs two-stage vs variable-speed), warranty terms (parts 10yr registered, compressor 10-12yr, labor 1-2yr standard), and line items (permit, pad, disconnect, whip, condensate float switch, line-set flush). It flags missing items and padded add-ons with real dollar-band ranges so you see where the markup lives.

Should I repair or replace my 14-year-old HVAC system?

Apply the $5,000 rule: repair cost × system age > $5,000 = replace. Plus hard replace triggers: R-22 leak (recharge cost $150-$250/lb, refrigerant phased out), cracked heat exchanger (CO risk, never weld), compressor failure >10yr out of warranty. The skill shows the math with your specific numbers and flags rebate/tax-credit eligibility that swings replace economics by $2,000-$4,000.

What's an AHRI matched system and why does it matter?

AHRI certifies the indoor coil + outdoor unit + furnace combo as a tested matched system with an assigned certificate number. Without an AHRI match, the SEER2 rating on the quote is meaningless, most utility rebates get denied, and the 25C federal tax credit doesn't apply. The skill flags every quote that doesn't include the AHRI cert number and gives you the lookup at ahridirectory.org.

Is the contractor padding my quote with a UV light and surge protector?

Probably. Real installed cost of an HVAC surge protector is $85-$155; typical quote is $300-$550. UV germicidal light real cost $140-$290; typical quote $600-$1,100 with debated efficacy. Smart thermostat real install $180-$340; typical $450-$750. The skill flags every padded add-on with the real-vs-quoted band so you know exactly what to negotiate off the price.

Should I get an R-410A system in 2025 or wait for R-454B?

R-410A equipment installed in 2024 is fine — it's not being banned, just phased down in production under the EPA AIM Act. Existing R-410A systems will be serviceable 15+ years. R-454B is the new standard going forward (lower GWP, mildly flammable A2L class, requires tech A2L training and updated leak detection). If installing in 2025, ask the contractor: 'Is this R-410A or R-454B? What's your tech's A2L training?' The skill flags the question in the second-opinion script.

Install — no Terminal required

After checkout you land on a page with a one-click download and a pre-built install prompt. Pick the AI you already pay for — both packages are included, so you can't pick wrong.

What you'll see the second your payment clears

Your license key

ST-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX · permanent

Pre-built install prompt⧉ Copy

ChatGPT package (ZIP)⬇ Download

No setup work before you buy — copy, paste, done.

Have Claude Pro, Max, or Team?

Copy the prompt, paste into Claude

Copy the pre-built install prompt from the success page, paste it into any Claude Code chat, and Claude installs the skill itself — about 10 seconds. Using the app instead? Drop the downloaded folder into a Claude Project's knowledge and ask Claude to use it.

Have ChatGPT Plus or Team?

Build a Custom GPT — ~2 minutes

Click Download ChatGPT package (included with every purchase).
Unzip it — inside is a SETUP.md and a knowledge/ folder.
Go to chatgpt.com → your profile → My GPTs → Create a GPT → Configure.
Paste the Name, Description, and Instructions from SETUP.md into the matching fields.
Under Knowledge, upload every file in the knowledge/ folder.
Click Create/Save, open your GPT, and describe your task in plain English.

A paid plan on either platform is required — Claude (Pro, Max, or Team) or ChatGPT (Plus or Team). Comfortable with Terminal? A one-line npx skilltree-network install path is available too.

HVAC quote decoder before you sign anything

What it does

Frequently asked

Install — no Terminal required

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