HVAC Scope of Work Generator
System changeouts, ductwork modifications, and maintenance agreements—all require clear documentation. Create professional HVAC scopes in under 60 seconds.
HVAC Scope of Work Examples
Complete HVAC System Replacement (3-Ton)
Scope of Work:
- Remove and dispose of existing gas furnace and AC condenser
- Furnish and install new 3-ton 16 SEER2 air conditioning system
- Furnish and install new 80,000 BTU 80% AFUE gas furnace
- Install new refrigerant line set (up to 30 linear feet)
- Install new condensate drain line with safety float switch
- Install new programmable thermostat (Honeywell or equivalent)
- Seal all duct connections at furnace plenum
- Perform system startup and commissioning per manufacturer specs
- Verify airflow, refrigerant charge, and combustion analysis
- Register equipment warranty with manufacturer
Exclusions:
- Ductwork modifications or replacement
- Electrical upgrades (if panel lacks capacity)
- Gas line upgrades or extensions
- Asbestos or mold remediation
- Drywall repair or painting
Ductless Mini-Split Installation (Single Zone)
Scope of Work:
- Furnish and install 12,000 BTU ductless mini-split system
- Mount indoor wall unit at agreed location
- Install outdoor condenser on ground-level pad or wall bracket
- Run refrigerant lines through wall (up to 25 linear feet)
- Install line set cover for exterior runs
- Run condensate drain to exterior or approved drain point
- Install dedicated 240V circuit from panel to outdoor unit
- Vacuum and charge system with R-410A refrigerant
- Test heating and cooling operation, program remote
Exclusions:
- Panel upgrade if no space for new breaker
- Structural modifications or fire blocking
- Interior patching or painting
- Additional zones (quoted separately)
Attic Ductwork Replacement
Scope of Work:
- Remove and dispose of existing flex ductwork in attic
- Install new R-8 insulated flex duct to all supply registers (12 runs)
- Install new insulated main trunk line from furnace plenum
- Seal all connections with mastic and mechanical fasteners
- Install new return air drop from hallway ceiling
- Balance airflow to all rooms within 10% of design CFM
- Perform duct leakage test (target less than 6% leakage)
- Clean up all debris from attic work area
Exclusions:
- Register or grille replacement (reuse existing)
- Insulation repair or replacement around ducts
- Equipment replacement (furnace/AC)
- Ceiling repairs if access holes required
- Pest or rodent remediation
What to Include in an HVAC Scope of Work
Always Include
- •System specs: Tonnage, BTU, SEER/SEER2, AFUE ratings
- •Equipment brand: Carrier, Trane, Lennox, or equivalent
- •Ductwork details: New vs existing, modifications, sealing
- •Thermostat: Type, smart features, location
- •Commissioning: Startup, testing, airflow balancing
- •Warranty registration: Confirm equipment warranty enrollment
Common Exclusions
- •Electrical upgrades: Panel capacity, dedicated circuits
- •Gas line work: Upsizing, extensions, meter upgrades
- •Structural work: Platform building, stand construction
- •Ductwork: Unless specifically included in scope
- •Hazmat: Asbestos, mold, or contamination
- •Code upgrades: Bringing non-conforming work up to code
Pro Tips for HVAC Scopes
Include load calculation language:
System sized per Manual J load calculation or Equipment sized to match existing system capacity. This protects you from undersizing claims.
Specify refrigerant line limitations:
Line set included up to 30 linear feet. Additional length at $X per foot. Long runs add significant cost and time.
Address old refrigerant:
If replacing R-22 equipment: Existing R-22 refrigerant will be recovered per EPA regulations. New system uses R-410A.
Document warranty clearly:
10-year parts warranty, 1-year labor warranty from contractor. Owner must register equipment within 60 days to activate full warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in an HVAC installation scope of work?
A complete HVAC installation scope should include: equipment specifications (tonnage, efficiency ratings, brand), what is being removed, line set details, thermostat type, ductwork modifications if any, commissioning procedures, permit responsibilities, and warranty information. Always specify what electrical and gas work is included or excluded.
Does an HVAC scope include ductwork?
Not automatically—this must be explicitly stated. Many changeouts reuse existing ductwork. Your scope should clearly say either utilizing existing ductwork or list specific duct modifications. If ductwork is in poor condition, note it: Existing ductwork in serviceable condition. Replacement quoted separately if deterioration discovered during installation.
Are permits and load calculations part of the HVAC scope?
They should be addressed one way or another. Best practice: Contractor to obtain mechanical permit. Equipment sized per Manual J/S calculations or to match existing system capacity. Some contractors include permit fees in the price; others pass them through. Either way, make it clear.
How do I handle warranty language in HVAC scopes?
Be specific about manufacturer warranty vs labor warranty. Example: Equipment includes 10-year parts warranty from manufacturer (registration required within 60 days). Contractor provides 1-year labor warranty on installation. Extended labor warranties available. This prevents warranty confusion later.
What about maintenance agreements—should those have scopes too?
Absolutely. A maintenance agreement scope should list exactly what is included per visit: filter replacement, coil cleaning, refrigerant check, electrical inspection, etc. Also specify what is NOT included (repairs, refrigerant top-offs, emergency calls). Clear maintenance scopes prevent I thought tune-ups included repairs conversations.