Replacing a furnace is not something most homeowners do more than once or twice in a lifetime. When it is time, you are probably not sure what a fair price looks like, what brands actually matter, or whether that quote you got is reasonable.
We have been doing furnace replacements across the Roaring Fork Valley and Western Slope for 57 years. Here is what the process actually looks like, without the sales pressure.
What Drives the Cost
Furnace replacement costs in our market typically run between $4,500 and $9,500 installed, depending on these factors:
- Unit efficiency: A standard 80% AFUE unit costs less upfront than a 95% AFUE model, but the high-efficiency unit saves money each month, especially at altitude where equipment runs harder.
- Equipment size: Sizing is calculated from your home's square footage, insulation levels, window area, and altitude. A unit that is too large short-cycles and wears out faster. Too small and it runs constantly. Proper load calculation matters.
- Fuel type: Natural gas is the standard in most of the Roaring Fork Valley. Propane systems cost more to operate. If you are on propane and wondering about switching, that conversation is worth having.
- Existing ductwork condition: If your ducts are undersized, leaking, or improperly configured, that needs to be part of the scope. A new furnace on bad ductwork underperforms.
- Permits and inspections: We pull permits on every installation. It protects you when you sell the home and ensures the work meets code.
What the Replacement Process Looks Like
Most furnace replacements in a standard residential application take one to two days:
- Day 1: Existing unit is removed and disposed of. New unit is set in place and connected to the gas line, flue, and electrical.
- Day 1 or 2: Startup, combustion analysis, and airflow testing. We confirm the system is operating safely and efficiently before we leave.
- After installation: We walk you through the new thermostat, filter schedule, and what to watch for in the first season.
Brands We Install and Why
We work with a small number of manufacturers we have vetted over many years. Carrier and Lennox are our primary residential lines. We spec what makes sense for your home, your budget, and what parts availability looks like when something needs service five years from now. That matters more in a rural market than in a major metro. If your furnace needs a part in January and it is a proprietary component from a brand nobody local stocks, you are in trouble.
A Note on Altitude
Furnaces installed in our elevation range, roughly 5,000 to 8,000 feet, require high-altitude adjustments to the gas orifice and burner setup. This is not optional and it is not always done correctly by contractors who do not work regularly at elevation. Improper altitude adjustment leads to incomplete combustion, reduced efficiency, and shorter equipment life. It is one of the first things we check on service calls for newer equipment.
Rush Service
We offer rush service during business hours for furnace failures. We are not a 24/7 operation and we will not tell you otherwise. But if your heat goes out on a cold morning and you call us when we open, we prioritize getting someone to you that day. One call handles diagnosis, parts, and repairs or replacement if needed.
