Many older Denver homes heat with a gas furnace and cool with an evaporative (swamp) cooler or no AC at all. Cold-climate heat pumps now handle Front Range winters well, and many homeowners add one when replacing an aging AC or furnace. Utility and city rebate programs change often, so ask your contractor what's currently available.
What hvac & heat pumps typically costs in Denver
| Scope | Typical range (estimate) | What that usually covers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard split system | $9,500 – $14,500 | 14–15 SEER2 AC + furnace or air handler |
| Heat pump | $11,500 – $18,500 | single-stage or two-stage |
| High-efficiency variable speed | $16,500 – $27,000 | inverter heat pump, zoning |
Planning estimates for typical projects, not quotes. Your bids will depend on size, condition, materials and permit requirements.
Permits
Mechanical permits are required for HVAC replacements in Denver and the suburbs, and gas and electrical work must be done by licensed trades.
Denver project cost estimator
Planning estimate
$11,300 – $18,500
Rough planning range only — not a quote. Real bids depend on site conditions, permits, materials and the contractor.
HVAC & Heat Pumps: common questions
Do heat pumps work in Denver winters?
Modern cold-climate heat pumps keep working well below freezing. Some homeowners keep the furnace as backup for the coldest days.
Where we match hvac & heat pumps projects
Denver · Aurora · Lakewood · Arvada · Littleton & Centennial · Highlands Ranch · Parker & Castle Rock · Westminster & Thornton