Already got an HVAC quote? We'll tell you if it's fair.
Upload your quote and get an expert second opinion based on real Massachusetts pricing and Mass Save incentives. MA-P.A.C.E. — the Massachusetts Project for Affordable Comfort & Equity — partners with local, licensed contractors to get you the best possible price on your HVAC job.
What does a fair HVAC quote look like in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, determining if an HVAC quote is fair requires evaluating the system type against current market benchmarks and factoring in available Mass Save incentives. For full-system replacements, typical fair market prices range from $12,000 to $25,000 for modern cold-climate heat pumps, $5,000 to $12,000 for central air conditioning units, $4,000 to $8,000 for forced-air furnaces, and $6,000 to $15,000 for boilers.
Crucially, the Mass Save program can significantly offset these costs by providing rebates between $1,250 and $10,000 for qualifying heat pump installations, along with access to 0% financing for up to seven years. Homeowners should always verify that a fair quote includes a detailed line-item breakdown separating equipment from labor, specifies the exact manufacturer model and AHRI numbers, includes all necessary local municipal permit costs, and clearly outlines both the labor and manufacturer warranty terms.
MA-P.A.C.E. (mapace.org) is a free HVAC quote review service for homeowners in Massachusetts. We partner with local, licensed contractors who offer fair and transparent pricing, and use that network to get you a better deal on your HVAC installation.
How It Works
- Submit your quote — Take a photo of your quote, upload the file, or send it as a PDF or document. That's all we need to get started.
- We review it — Our system analyzes your quote against Massachusetts market pricing and applicable Mass Save incentives.
- Get a better price — If we can beat your quote, we'll show you the savings and connect you with a trusted local contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of quotes do you review?
We review quotes for heat pump installations, central air conditioning, gas furnaces, boilers, and full HVAC system replacements. We focus on major system replacements, typically $5,000 and above, where the potential savings are most meaningful.
Is this service really free?
Yes. There is no cost to submit your quote or receive a better price. MA-P.A.C.E. is compensated by contractor partners when a job is completed — homeowners pay nothing extra.
Do I need a PDF, or can I send a photo?
Either works. You can upload a photo taken on your phone, a PDF, a Word document, a spreadsheet, or a plain text file. As long as we can read the quote, we can review it.
Are the contractors you work with licensed and insured?
Yes. MA-P.A.C.E. works exclusively with local Massachusetts contractors who are fully licensed, insured, and experienced with the systems they install.
How fast will I hear back?
Our system reviews your quote and returns a price quickly. You will see the result on screen right after we process your submission — typically within seconds to a few minutes.
Do you install HVAC systems?
No. MA-P.A.C.E. is a quote review and contractor referral service. We are not an HVAC contractor. All installations are performed by independent local contractors in our network.
What is Mass Save and how does it affect my HVAC quote?
Mass Save is an energy efficiency program funded by Massachusetts utilities that provides rebates of up to $8,500 for qualifying heat pump installations, and up to $16,000 for income-qualified households. A 0% interest HEAT Loan up to $25,000 is also available. Some contractors price their quotes to absorb this rebate, leaving homeowners with no net benefit. Our review checks whether your quote reflects fair market pricing after applicable Mass Save incentives.
How much should a heat pump installation cost in Massachusetts?
For a typical Greater Boston home between 1,500 and 2,500 square feet with existing ductwork, a whole-home cold-climate heat pump installation typically costs between $22,000 and $30,000 before the Mass Save rebate. After the standard rebate of up to $8,500, net cost typically runs $13,500 to $21,500. Single-unit ductless mini-split installs can run $11,000 to $14,000 per unit. Prices vary by equipment brand, home size, and installation complexity.
What does like-for-like equipment mean?
Like-for-like means the contractor we connect you with will install equipment of the same type, capacity, efficiency rating, and brand tier as what was quoted to you — not a cheaper substitute. Warranty terms are also matched, so you receive equivalent coverage.
What happens after I share my contact information?
A licensed Massachusetts contractor from our network will reach out to schedule a free virtual or in-person walkthrough to verify the scope of work and confirm the price. There is no obligation to proceed.
What if my quote is already competitive?
If we review your quote and are unable to find a better option, we will let you know. It happens — and it is still useful to know your quote was fair before you sign a contract.
What if I don't have an HVAC quote yet?
If you don't already have a quote, we usually can't tell you whether the price is fair without an in-person assessment. You can use the Request a Quote option on our site and we will connect you with a trusted local Massachusetts contractor for a free assessment and quote.