Deal-type decision tree
Use this in the field or right before a sales call. It maps a lead to the right job type, the right paperwork, and the right financing path.
1. Is the homeowner getting rid of their boiler?
Section titled “1. Is the homeowner getting rid of their boiler?”Yes — they want to switch off gas or oil
Section titled “Yes — they want to switch off gas or oil”This is a decommissioning job. Required for the Con Edison Clean Heat rebate.
- Gas boiler → see Gas boiler decommissioning
- Oil tank → see Oil decommissioning
- Oil decom is always full tank removal plus an electric water heater swap — see Oil decommissioning
Decommissioning jobs:
- Always need a site survey
- Need electrical + mechanical + plumbing permits (see Permits)
- Qualify for the Con Edison rebate based on number of meters
- Heat pump central air defaults to 5 tons to cover full-home BTU
- Can use NYSERDA / EFS financing (caps at $13K financed; see NYSERDA)
No — they’re keeping their existing heat source
Section titled “No — they’re keeping their existing heat source”This is a non-decommissioning install. See Non-decommissioning install.
- Only needs an electrical permit
- Site survey often skippable for confident reps under 5 units
- Cannot use NYSERDA / Clean Heat — must use Green Sky, Synchrony, or lease
- Central air can stay at the existing tonnage (no need to upsize to 5 tons)
They want to keep gas AND add a heat pump
Section titled “They want to keep gas AND add a heat pump”Hybrid scenario. See Hybrid: keep gas + add heat pump. Treated as non-decommissioning — boiler is untouched.
2. Where is the home?
Section titled “2. Where is the home?”| Location | Permit speed | Install timing |
|---|---|---|
| NYC boroughs (Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan) | 1–2 days | Next-day install possible |
| Westchester | 2–3 weeks | Moderate |
| Yonkers | 2–3 weeks | Moderate + violation risk |
Full breakdown: Permits by jurisdiction. For Yonkers or Westchester, confirm current permit capacity with management before promising timing.
Yonkers + active solar inspection = stop. If the homeowner has solar pending inspection, you must pull HVAC permits before install or they get a violation. Fines start at $8,000 and go up to $32,000. See Solar interaction.
3. What equipment fits?
Section titled “3. What equipment fits?”- Mini split: preferred for sectional heating/cooling. Available sizes 9K / 12K / 18K / 24K. The 7K is currently out of stock until further notice — upsize tiny rooms to 9K. See Mini splits and Sizing rules.
- Central air: when ductwork already exists. See Central air.
- Brand: default to Gree. See Brand selection for when Midea or Mitsubishi is appropriate.
4. Existing units in the home?
Section titled “4. Existing units in the home?”Check the nameplate.
- R32 refrigerant → can stay (if recently installed)
- 410A refrigerant → must be replaced. Non-negotiable with Con Edison. See R32 vs 410A.
5. How will they pay?
Section titled “5. How will they pay?”Pick the simplest match. Full guide: Choosing the right option.
| Homeowner says… | Recommend |
|---|---|
| ”I’ll pay cash but no lump sum, no interest” | Synchrony 0% / 25 mo |
| Standard credit, wants long-term low payment | Green Sky or Lease |
| Doesn’t want a credit hit, wants service included | Lease (Palmetto/Lightreach) |
| Low credit + smaller deal | NYSERDA / EFS |
| Need to fill a $2K–$4K gap on top of another loan | Wisetack |
| Cash deal | Cash — collect $1,000+ deposit |
6. Before you leave the home
Section titled “6. Before you leave the home”- Layout entered accurately into the Newtonian app (left side / right side at minimum)
- Locations agreed with homeowner using blue tape if surveying
- Front-facade vs back-routing expectation set on fully attached homes (see Site survey)
- Common-area unit offered if multi-family with big common space (see Common areas)
- Old 410A units flagged for replacement
- Utility bill photo(s) and electric panel photo(s) collected; boiler/mechanical-area photos added if decommissioning
- Deposit collected if cash deal — check made out to Sunny HVAC, photo to Jonathan