In-House Labor vs. Subcontractors: What It Means for Your Heat Pump Installation

In-House Labor vs. Subcontractors: What It Means for Your Heat Pump Installation

When you’re choosing a company to install your heat pump, you might not think about whether they use their own employees or hire subcontractors to do the work. But that choice can make a big difference in the quality of your heat pump installation, how quickly you can get your job scheduled, and your overall experience. Below, we break down the pros and cons of both in-house labor and subcontractors so you can make the best decision for your home.

What to Know about In-House Labor

Some companies hire and train their own heat pump technicians and electricians – meaning they have full-time employees who specialize in heat pump systems.

‍Pros of In-House Labor

1. Consistent Quality

In-house heat pump technicians and electricians follow the same training and processes that are set at the company-level, so you get a more reliable installation that’s completed to a higher standard. They know the company’s product offering inside and out, which helps ensure your system runs efficiently for years to come. 

2. More Accountability & Better Service

Because in-house heat pump teams are employed directly by the company you hired, that company is fully responsible for the quality of the work. If anything needs to be adjusted or serviced, a technician trained by the same company, using the same standards and processes, will return to handle it. In-house technicians also tend to feel more pride and accountability in their work, knowing it reflects directly on their employer. They want happy customers, great reviews, and a job done right the first time.

3. Greater Trust and Assurance

There’s a higher level of trust knowing the people in your home were hired, trained, and employed by the company — fully insured, often background-checked, and accountable for the quality of their work.

Cons of In-House Labor

1. Less Flexibility

With dedicated in-house heat pump crews, it’s harder for companies to scale up quickly when demand spikes. During busy times, you might experience longer lead times while the same trusted team works through a full schedule. 

2. Bigger Investment Behind the Scenes

Companies with in-house teams invest in their people year-round — covering salaries, benefits, and ongoing training, even during slower seasons. This means the company carries more overhead, which may be reflected in the overall pricing of a heat pump system.

What to Know About Subcontractors

Some heat pump companies hire subcontractors to handle installations. These are independent workers (or companies of workers) brought in on a project-by-project basis.

‍Pros of Using Subcontractors

1. Possible Cost Savings

Subcontractors often come with lower labor costs, which can translate into a lower upfront price for homeowners. Companies that use subcontractors may have less overhead compared to those with full-time in-house crews, and that cost difference can sometimes be passed on to the customer.

2. Flexible Scheduling

Because subcontractors work independently and aren’t tied to one company’s calendar, they can often be brought in on demand. This flexibility allows companies to scale their labor force quickly and take on more projects during busy seasons. For homeowners, this can mean shorter wait times for installation, especially during peak heating or cooling months.

3. Streamlined Sales & Quick Turnarounds

Because they don’t have to spend resources hiring, training, and employing a labor force of technicians and electricians, companies that use subcontractors often focus their resources on other things – like sales, project coordination, and customer communication. This can lead to a faster, more efficient sales process with quotes, scheduling, and approvals moving quickly and often happening virtually. 

Cons of Subcontractors

1. Inconsistent Quality

Since subcontractors work independently, their training and experience can vary. A company relying on subcontractors for their heat pump installs has less direct control over how each installation is done, which can lead to mixed or even unfavorable results. And because they don’t always know exactly who will be showing up to do the work, it’s harder for these companies to fully vet the quality of the install and the installer, or guarantee a consistent customer experience.

2. Less Accountability

If a problem comes up after the heat pump installation, getting it fixed can be more complicated. Subcontractors might not be available for follow-ups, leaving homeowners to deal with multiple parties for repairs or warranty claims.

3. Less Oversight on Permits and Inspections 

When a company uses subcontractors, the permit for your heat pump installation is tied to the individual who does the work and holds the license. This can create challenges with oversight. The company may have limited control over whether the permit gets pulled properly, how long it takes to schedule and close inspections, or whether the work meets local code requirements. Without a clear line of responsibility, homeowners can get stuck navigating permit delays or inspection issues on their own.

‍Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the right choice comes down to what matters most to you. If consistent quality, specific heat pump-trained crews, and long-term accountability are your priority, a company with in-house labor may be the better fit. If upfront cost and faster turnaround are more important, a company that works with subcontractors might be a good option for you. 

At Forge, we use our own trained team of heat pump technicians and electricians to ensure the best possible heating and cooling experience from start to finish. Want to learn more? Get in touch — we’d love to help you switch to efficient comfort with confidence.