Furnace Installation Services: Colorado Code-Compliant. Installed Right. Built to Last.
Replacing your furnace in Colorado in 2026 is more complicated than it was just a few years ago, and most contractors are not explaining why. Two major state laws have fundamentally changed what furnaces can be installed, what they cost, and what efficiency standards now apply.
The contractors who don't understand these laws, or who fail to explain them clearly, are doing homeowners a serious disservice.
Here's what's happening: Colorado has passed two separate laws reshaping furnace replacement in 2026. Standard 80% AFUE furnaces are gone. Minimum efficiency requirements rise again in July. Equipment costs have increased significantly as a result.
But there is another side to that story. The systems available today are cleaner burning, more efficient, and more durable than older equipment. Your monthly gas bill will likely be lower. Your system will perform better. And your home will already be aligned with future regulations.
Power Electrical, Heating & Cooling Services installs new furnaces for homeowners across the Denver metro area. Every system is properly sized, fully compliant with Colorado's current and upcoming 2026 standards, professionally installed, and backed by honest guidance about your options at every price point.
What Colorado's 2026 Furnace Laws Mean for You in Eaton
Two Laws. Two Deadlines. One Contractor Who Explains Both.
Most Denver metro homeowners have heard something about furnace law changes in 2026, but very few have heard the full picture.
Here's the honest explanation.
Law #1: HB23-1161 — Effective January 1, 2026
The Ultra-Low NOx Furnace Standard
Colorado House Bill 23-1161 requires all new gas furnaces sold or installed in Colorado to meet Ultra-Low NOx emission standards of less than 14 nanograms of NOx per joule.
In practical terms, this means:
• Standard 80% AFUE furnaces without Ultra-Low NOx burners can no longer be installed
• Most major manufacturers have shifted production toward 95%+ AFUE high-efficiency condensing systems
• Equipment costs have increased significantly, with compliant systems commonly ranging from $7,000 to $12,000 installed depending on size and installation complexity
• Higher upfront costs come with meaningful long-term benefits including lower utility bills, cleaner emissions, and improved efficiency
What did NOT change under Law #1:
• You are not required to replace an existing working furnace
• You can still repair and maintain your current furnace regardless of AFUE rating
• These laws only apply when installing new equipment
Law #2: HB22-1362 & ENERGY STAR 5.0 — Effective July 2026
The Minimum AFUE Requirement Rises to 97%
This is the law many contractors still don't understand.
Beginning July 1, 2026, Colorado's Model Low Energy and Carbon Code becomes the statewide minimum energy code under HB22-1362.
Then, on July 31, 2026, ENERGY STAR 5.0 raises the minimum AFUE requirement for northern Colorado, including the entire Denver metro area, from 95% to 97%.
What this means practically:
• Furnaces installed before July 31, 2026 must meet the current 95%+ AFUE standard
• Furnaces installed after July 31, 2026 must meet the new 97% AFUE minimum
• Equipment availability narrows further after July and pricing may increase again
• Municipal inspections will increasingly enforce stricter energy performance standards
Timing matters.
If you're considering furnace replacement in 2026, the applicable standard depends entirely on your installation date. We explain exactly what applies to your situation and ensure your system is fully compliant.
What This Means If Your Furnace Fails After July 31, 2026
If your furnace fails after July 31, 2026, your replacement options will be limited to 97% AFUE compliant systems.
There will be no option to install lower-efficiency equipment.
Planning ahead before an emergency breakdown gives you more time, more flexibility, and potentially better pricing before the new standard further narrows available equipment options.
Our commitment is simple: we stay current on Colorado's evolving furnace regulations so you don't have to.
When you call us, we explain exactly what standard applies to your installation. No surprises. No compliance issues. No code violations after the fact.
No pressure. No upselling. Just the right system installed right.
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Is It Time to Replace Your Furnace?
Here's How to Think About It Honestly
Replacing a furnace under Colorado's new standards is a major investment. Here's our honest guidance.
Replacement is usually the right choice when:
• Your furnace is 15 years old or older and experiencing major failure
• Repair costs approach or exceed 50% of replacement cost
• Multiple repairs have occurred within the last two to three years
• Your furnace has a cracked heat exchanger creating a legitimate safety concern
• Your system can no longer maintain comfort during Colorado winters
• Energy bills continue increasing despite normal usage
• You're planning renovations that significantly affect heating load requirements
• Your system would require a 97%+ compliant replacement after July 2026 anyway
Replacement may not be necessary when:
• Your furnace is less than 10 years old
• The repair involves common serviceable components
• The system still operates efficiently and reliably
• Your furnace has been professionally maintained and remains in good condition
We never push replacement to create a larger sale.
If repair makes more financial sense, we'll tell you honestly and complete the repair instead.
Learn more about our furnace repair services here.
Your Service Process
- Rapid emergency response within hours
- Comprehensive system diagnosis and assessment
- Transparent pricing with detailed explanations
- Expert repair using quality replacement parts
- Thorough testing and performance verification
- Professional cleanup and maintenance recommendations
- Follow up service to ensure continued operation
Choosing the Right Furnace
The Most Important Decisions: Explained Without the Sales Pitch
AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, measures how efficiently your furnace converts natural gas into usable heat.
Under Colorado's current standards, 95% AFUE is effectively the minimum baseline. After July 31, 2026, that minimum rises to 97%.
The upside is real: higher-efficiency systems significantly reduce monthly natural gas usage during Colorado's long heating season.
In many cases, the efficiency difference between 95% and 97% systems pays for itself over time through lower utility bills.
Single-stage furnaces operate at full capacity or off. They are straightforward and cost-effective.
Two-stage furnaces operate at lower capacity most of the time, only shifting to full output during the coldest conditions. They provide quieter operation, improved efficiency, and more consistent comfort.
Variable-speed furnaces continuously adjust output for maximum efficiency, the most stable indoor temperatures, and superior airflow and humidity control.
The right system depends on your home, comfort priorities, and budget. We explain the differences honestly so you can make the right decision.
Oversized furnaces short cycle, creating uneven temperatures, wasted energy, and accelerated wear.
Undersized furnaces struggle during extreme cold and run continuously.
Proper sizing requires real load calculations based on insulation, window area, square footage, ceiling height, layout, and Colorado climate conditions, not simply matching the old furnace size.
We perform load calculations on every installation.
We install systems from leading manufacturers including American Standard, Goodman, Amana, and Amerastar.
Installation quality matters more than brand.
A properly installed mid-tier furnace will outperform a poorly installed premium system every time.
Natural gas remains the most cost-effective heating source for many Colorado homeowners.
However, heat pumps are becoming increasingly attractive due to available rebates and tax credits that gas furnaces no longer qualify for.
Learn more about our heat pump installation services here.
A Complete Professional Installation: Start to Finish
• Full home assessment and proper load calculations before equipment recommendations
• Honest system recommendations based on your home's needs and budget
• Fully compliant Ultra-Low NOx and AFUE-certified equipment
• Safe removal and disposal of existing equipment
• Professional installation of the new furnace
• Gas line connections properly sized and leak tested
• All electrical connections completed correctly, including controls and disconnects
• Code-compliant venting installation or modification
• PVC condensate venting for high-efficiency systems where required
• Thermostat installation and smart thermostat programming
• Full startup and performance verification
• Temperature rise testing to confirm proper operation
• Carbon monoxide testing after installation
• Complete walkthrough before we leave
• All permits pulled and inspection coordination handled
EXCELLENT
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Financing Options
We offer financing options to help you get the job done. Please contact us for more information.
Service Plan Memberships
We offer financing options to help you get the job done. Please contact us for more information.
The Furnace Installation Services Professionals
Colorado's six-month heating season makes furnace efficiency financially important.
A 97% AFUE furnace converts 97% of the gas it burns into usable heat. Older 80% systems waste approximately 20% of fuel energy through the flue.
For many Denver metro homeowners, that efficiency difference translates into hundreds of dollars in annual utility savings.
Under Colorado's new standards, high-efficiency equipment is no longer considered premium equipment. It is now the baseline requirement.
While installation costs are higher, lower utility bills offset part of that investment immediately.
We provide honest efficiency and payback calculations specific to your home and usage patterns.
Important rebate note:
As of 2026, most Colorado rebate programs focus on heat pump technology. Gas furnaces currently do not qualify for major utility rebates or federal tax credits.
We provide accurate, current information on all available incentives during your consultation.
• We assess your home and perform proper load calculations before recommending equipment
• We explain Colorado's furnace laws clearly so you understand what applies to your installation
• We present honest system options at different price points and efficiency levels
• We pull all required permits before installation begins
• We remove and dispose of your old system safely
• We install all gas, electrical, and venting connections professionally and correctly
• We test and verify complete system performance, including carbon monoxide testing
• We walk you through your new system completely before leaving
• We coordinate permit inspections
Modern systems. Expert installation. Lasting performance.
• Electrical + HVAC Under One Roof: Furnace installation requires both electrical and gas work. We handle both trades in-house without involving a second company.
• Family-Owned & Operated: A local owner-operated business, not a PE-backed company driven by investor returns.
• Licensed & Insured: Licensed HVAC technicians on every installation with permits pulled every time.
• Colorado Law Experts: We understand both HB23-1161 and HB22-1362 and ensure every installation remains fully compliant.
• Proper Load Calculations: Every system is sized correctly for your home's actual heating demand.
• Brand Flexible: We source compliant equipment from multiple manufacturers to provide the best system for your budget and situation.
• No Upselling: If repair makes more sense than replacement, we'll tell you honestly.
• 5.0-Star Rating With 202 Reviews: Our customers speak for themselves.
We install it right the first time, and we make sure it's legal.
1. How long does furnace installation take?
Most standard furnace replacements take one full day, typically six to eight hours.
More complex projects involving electrical upgrades, venting changes, gas line modifications, or equipment relocation may require additional time.
We provide realistic installation timelines after evaluating your specific project.
2. How much does furnace installation cost in Denver?
Under Colorado's new standards, compliant furnace installations commonly range from $7,000 to $12,000 depending on system size, efficiency level, installation complexity, and home requirements.
Homes needing venting modifications, gas line changes, or electrical work fall toward the higher end of the range.
We provide transparent estimates after evaluating your home.
Financing options are available.
3. Should I replace my furnace and AC at the same time?
Often yes, especially if both systems are aging.
Replacing both together improves installation efficiency, ensures proper system matching, and can reduce labor costs.
If your AC is newer and operating properly, furnace-only replacement may still make the most sense.
We evaluate both systems honestly.
4. What AFUE rating should I look for in Colorado?
If your installation occurs before July 31, 2026, the minimum practical standard is currently 95% AFUE.
After July 31, 2026, all new systems installed in northern Colorado must meet the 97% AFUE minimum.
Installing a 97% system now future-proofs your home regardless of installation timing.
5. How long should a new furnace last in Colorado?
A properly sized, professionally installed, and regularly maintained furnace typically lasts 15 to 20 years.
Colorado's extended heating season creates more wear than milder climates, making maintenance especially important.
Annual professional maintenance is the most effective way to maximize equipment lifespan.
Learn more about our furnace maintenance services here.
6. Do I need a permit for furnace installation in Colorado?
Yes. Always.
Permits and inspections are legally required for furnace installation in Colorado and are essential for safety, code compliance, warranty protection, and future home resale.
We pull all required permits and coordinate inspections for every installation.
7. What size furnace do I need for my home?
Furnace sizing depends on square footage, insulation, ceiling height, windows, layout, climate conditions, and duct performance.
Proper sizing requires a complete load calculation, not simply copying the size of the old system.
Oversizing is one of the most common and damaging mistakes in the HVAC industry.
We perform proper load calculations on every installation.
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Ready for a New Furnace? Let's Do It Right and Do It Legal.
Don't trust your family's comfort and your home's code compliance to a contractor who doesn't understand Colorado's 2026 furnace laws.
Get honest guidance from a company that explains the rules clearly and installs systems correctly.