Ducted Heat Pumps
One system replaces your furnace and AC, sized for Colorado winters with a written scope before anything is booked.
What Goes Wrong
Skipping key steps at the start creates performance problems that show up every winter.
A heat strip sized by guesswork leaves the system short on output when Colorado temperatures drop below 20°F.
A full Manual J load calculation sets the auxiliary heat strip size to cover the actual worst-case heating demand.
Connecting a new air handler to unsealed ducts bleeds conditioned air into wall cavities, cutting delivered efficiency by 20-30%.
A duct inspection before installation confirms sizing and sealing, so the system delivers its rated airflow at every register.
An incorrect refrigerant charge at startup forces the compressor to work harder, shortening its lifespan and raising running costs.
A refrigerant pressure check during startup confirms the charge is within the manufacturer’s specified range before the job closes.
A standard furnace thermostat wired to a heat pump can trigger the auxiliary strip unnecessarily, adding hundreds of dollars to winter bills.
The thermostat is confirmed compatible with heat pump staging and auxiliary lockout before the system is commissioned.
System Scope
From the outdoor condenser to the final airflow check, here is what the full installation includes.
The condenser is set on a level pad, connected to the refrigerant line set, and wired to the electrical disconnect.
The indoor air handler replaces the existing furnace or coil cabinet and connects to the existing duct system.
The backup heat strip is sized from the load calculation to cover Colorado’s coldest design temperatures.
Existing ductwork is inspected for leaks, sizing gaps, and pressure losses before the new system is connected.
Copper line set is run between units, then the system is charged and pressure-checked to the manufacturer’s specification.
Airflow at each register, refrigerant pressure, and thermostat staging are all verified during the final commissioning check.
Swap an aging heat pump for a current-efficiency model.
Replace separate heating and cooling with one ducted system.
Install a heat-pump-compatible smart thermostat.
Seal and resize ducts ahead of the new system install.
Why Choose Us
Every step from first contact to post-install check is structured to protect you from surprises.
You receive an itemised estimate covering equipment, installation scope, and timeline before any booking is made.
Every enquiry includes a sizing review that accounts for Colorado Front Range elevation, not a sea-level default.
The written estimate names the contractor, so you can confirm their credentials and insurance for work in Lakewood before signing.
The installer confirms refrigerant pressure, register airflow, and thermostat staging before the job is closed out.
Correct installation and commissioning are the biggest factors in reaching the upper end of a heat pump’s service life.
Pricing Estimates
| System type | Typical installed cost | Typical setup |
|---|---|---|
| Single-zone system | $3,500-$5,500 | 1 room |
| Two-zone system | $4,500-$8,000 | 2 rooms |
| Three-zone system | $6,500-$11,000 | 3 rooms |
| Whole-home multi-zone system | $12,000-$26,000 | 4 or more zones |
| Ducted replacement system | $12,000-$18,000 | Whole home |
Common Questions
Guide prices run from $3,500-$5,500 (Single-zone system) to $12,000-$26,000 (Whole-home multi-zone system). A system evaluation covering load, equipment condition, and altitude-adjusted sizing is done first, followed by an itemised written estimate before any work is booked.
Ductwork that needs sealing, resizing, or full replacement adds the most to the total. Electrical panel upgrades, difficult outdoor unit placement, and altitude-adjusted equipment sizing for higher-elevation homes in this area can also increase the scope. The written estimate covers all of these line items before work begins.
Existing ducts often work, but they need to be checked for leaks, adequate sizing, and insulation before a heat pump is connected. Heat pumps move air at lower temperatures than furnaces, so undersized or leaky ducts reduce efficiency noticeably. The system evaluation includes an assessment of your existing ductwork as part of the load and equipment review.
Yes. A ductless mini-split system delivers heating and cooling without any ductwork by mounting compact air handlers directly in each room or zone. It is often the most practical route for homes without existing ducts. You can learn more on the mini-split heat pumps page.
Modern cold-climate air source heat pumps maintain full heating output down to around 5 degrees Fahrenheit, and most continue operating below that. Performance does drop as temperatures fall, so correct sizing for your home’s heat loss at local winter lows is critical. The altitude-adjusted load calculation done during the evaluation accounts for Lakewood’s climate conditions.
For most homes with adequate insulation and compatible electrical service, a heat pump lowers heating costs because it moves heat rather than generating it, typically delivering two to three units of heat per unit of electricity consumed. The upfront cost is higher than a furnace replacement, but operating costs are lower over time. The written estimate lets you compare the numbers for your specific home.
If both your furnace and AC are near end of life, replacing them with a single heat pump system often costs less than buying two separate units and avoids two future replacement cycles. A heat pump also reduces gas consumption, which matters if gas prices rise. The system evaluation compares your current equipment condition against a heat pump scope before you commit.
The upfront equipment and installation cost is higher than a furnace or AC alone. Heating output decreases as outdoor temperatures drop below about 5 degrees Fahrenheit, so very cold nights may require a backup heat source in some homes. Electrical service upgrades are sometimes needed, which adds to the project scope and cost.
We cover Air Source Heat Pumps in and around Lakewood, including Arvada, Colorado, Bear Creek, Colorado, Belmar, Colorado, Edgewater, Colorado, Golden, Colorado, Denver, Colorado, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Littleton, Colorado, Morrison, Colorado, Ken Caryl, Colorado and Columbine, Colorado. If your area isn’t listed, send us a quick message to check.
Tell us about your home and we’ll schedule a load calculation, duct inspection, and put the full scope in writing before anything is booked.