So, you’ve decided to bring heat pump technology into your home — smart move. Heat pumps offer year-round, energy-efficient comfort for Colorado residents. To get the right heat pump installed the right way, you’ll want to partner with the right contractor.
Start early
If your furnace or AC is more than 12 years old, it’s time to start building relationships with contractors. Researching local partners before equipment fails gives you time to request estimates, settle on a contractor who fits your scope and budget, and complete any necessary electrical or weatherization upgrades. It also allows you a window in which to familiarize yourself with available incentives, understand their participation requirements, and determine whether or not the ones you’re interested in can be stacked.
Visit the Hub
It goes without saying that your chosen contractor should have experience installing heat pumps. They should also hold EPA 608 certification and carry local licensure and insurance. To that end, the Colorado Contractor Hub is your destination for vetted, reputable contractors. It’s the only resource that requires Colorado contractors to upload proof of licensure as part of the vetting process.
Another reason to use the Hub: Qualifying for the Power Ahead Colorado $1,500 cold-climate air-source heat pump rebate requires working with a Power Ahead Colorado-enrolled contractor. When selecting a partner from the Hub, look for the Power Ahead Colorado badge. Doing so ensures your contractor is qualified to participate, familiar with installation standards, and able to navigate the rebate process. If your contractor isn’t affiliated with Power Ahead Colorado, ask whether they’d be willing to enroll. You can direct them to coloradocontractorhub.org/account/signup.
Reach out to multiple contractors
Communicate your goals
Explain why you’re installing a heat pump. Sharing your priorities will influence the recommendations you receive. Whether you’re looking to cut carbon, reduce your gas bill, increase comfort, or all of the above, communicating this information helps a prospective contractor identify the right solution for your circumstances.
Have them confirm their experience
In addition to heat pump-specific expertise, your chosen partner should be familiar with Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manuals J, S, and D. Make sure your contractor evaluates ductwork and does a static pressure test. A blower door test can help provide more accurate sizing for your system. A Power Ahead Colorado energy advisor can assist you if you need more support.
Your contractor should...
...have experience with cold-climate heat pumps.
Red flag: Says that "heat pumps don’t work in cold weather."
...know about regional incentives and rebate stacking.
Red flag: Not familiar with rebate programs or is unwilling to help.
...be prepared to assess ductwork, airflow, and electrical capacity.
Red flag: Recommends a system size without performing load calculations.
Ask questions
How many heat pumps has your company installed?
Your contractor should be able to provide a number and speak to past successes.
Have you installed heat pumps in homes similar to mine?
Your contractor should be able to describe installations that resemble your project.
Are you enrolled in Power Ahead Colorado?
Your contractor should know if they participate in our program and what it means for your project.
Is the equipment you recommend ENERGY STAR®-certified?
Your contractor should confirm equipment meets ENERGY STAR standards to qualify for incentives.
Will all rooms heat and cool evenly? How do you ensure this?
Your contractor should explain how they design a system that keeps every room comfortable.
What maintenance would my new equipment require?
Your contractor should be able to advise on the maintenance needed for optimal ongoing performance.
What rebates or incentives do I qualify for?
Your contractor should be able to help you identify opportunities and help you claim them.
How will my new equipment affect my utility bill?
Your contractor should be able to estimate how your energy use may change.
Will my current electrical service accommodate the heat pump you recommend?
Your contractor should be able to examine your electrical panel and tell you whether upgrades are needed.
Get multiple bids
Once you’ve discussed the scope of your project with two or three potential contractors, ask each for an itemized estimate. Although it may be tempting, don’t judge bids by price alone. A lower bid may reflect less effective technology, nonqualifying equipment, or even an incomplete representation of the project’s scope.
Compare project details
You'll want to compare bids side by side. Information you should note:
Equipment
- Is the unit ducted or ductless?
- Is the unit single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed?
- Is the unit cold climate-certified or non-cold climate-certified?
Efficiency
To qualify for Power Ahead Colorado’s $1,500 rebate, equipment must meet minimum specifications or be listed on the Qualified Products List.
Sizing
Were load calculations performed to establish the correct sizing of recommended equipment?
Scope of work
Are costs for things like permitting, controls, electrical upgrades, and ductwork modifications included?
Warranty
Typically, parts are covered for 5 to 10 years, compressors for 10 to 12 years, and labor for 1 to 2 years. Has the contractor provided warranty information?
Incentives
Has the contractor confirmed they will handle Power Ahead Colorado rebate pre-approval and final documentation?
Compare general cost
The figures below represent the typical installed cost range, before incentives:
- 2-ton system: $12,000–$16,000
- 3-ton system: $18,000–$24,000
- 4-ton system: $24,000–$30,000
The impact that incentives have on the final cost can vary. For example, available incentives for a 3-ton system can range from $1,800 to $17,000 depending on income, fuel type, and utility. That said, out-of-pocket costs can range from $1,000 to $22,200.
By comparison, installing a furnace and air conditioner (comparable in size and capacity to a 3-ton heat pump) within the Denver area typically costs between $10,000 and $16,000 before incentives.
Count on us
Questions? Need assistance? Our team of Power Ahead Colorado Energy Advisors are here to help you select the right contractor and estimate, determine whether your project qualifies for stackable incentives, and answer any other questions you may have on how to optimize for energy efficiency. Call our team at 1-844-303-9333 or send a message to info@advising.poweraheadcolorado.org.