ComfortCostGuide

State cost guide

Colorado: HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

Replacing an HVAC system in Colorado typically runs $3,500 to $7,000 for a gas furnace, $4,000 to $7,500 for central air conditioning, and $7,500 to $13,000 when you replace both at once. Heat pumps fall between $6,000 and $12,000 installed, and ductless mini-splits range from $3,500 to $10,000 depending on how many zones you need. These are installed prices that include equipment and labor from a licensed contractor.

Worked example

Take a 2,000-square-foot Colorado home with a 20-year-old gas furnace and a matched AC condenser that both need to go. Because the air handler, coil, and outdoor unit are being swapped together on existing ductwork, this job lands near the middle of the $7,500 to $13,000 combined range, in the neighborhood of $10,000 to $11,000 for standard-efficiency equipment. Push toward the $13,000 end if you add a high-efficiency variable-speed furnace, need a new line set, or have to bring venting and gas piping up to current code.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace a furnace in Colorado?

A gas furnace replacement in Colorado generally costs $3,500 to $7,000 installed. Simple like-for-like swaps of a standard-efficiency unit sit near the low end, while high-efficiency condensing furnaces that require new venting and a condensate drain push toward the top of the range.

Is a heat pump a good choice in Colorado's climate?

Colorado sits in climate zone 5, which means cold winters that a heat pump can handle but that usually call for backup heat on the coldest days. Expect $6,000 to $12,000 installed for a heat pump, and budget for a dual-fuel setup or electric backup so you are covered during deep cold snaps.

Why are HVAC installation prices higher in Colorado than the national average?

Labor in Colorado runs about 10% above the national baseline, with HVAC technicians earning an average of roughly $34.29 per hour. Since labor is a large share of any installation, that difference shows up in the final installed price, especially on multi-day jobs like a full furnace and AC changeout.

Can a ductless mini-split replace my whole system?

Mini-splits run $3,500 to $10,000 in Colorado, with single-zone systems at the low end and multi-zone whole-home setups at the high end. They work well for homes without ductwork, additions, or finished basements, but in zone 5 winters most homeowners still keep a furnace or add cold-climate rated units.

Related cost guides