Furnace Installation & Service

Residential & Commercial Furnace Services

Touchstone Mechanical delivers professional furnace installation, repair, and replacement services for residential and commercial properties throughout the Denver metro area. Licensed HVAC technicians diagnose heating system issues, install high-efficiency furnaces, and complete code-compliant repairs and replacements that ensure reliable warmth during Colorado’s cold months. Services are designed to improve comfort, safety, energy efficiency, and long-term system performance while keeping indoor environments safe and comfortable

When your heating system fails on a January morning in Lakewood or during a late-season snowstorm in Golden, you need reliable service from contractors who understand Colorado’s specific heating demands. Touchstone Mechanical provides furnace and heater sales, installation, repair, and maintenance throughout the Denver metro area, serving homeowners who need straightforward answers and dependable work.

We work with forced-air furnaces, boilers, and various heating configurations common to Front Range homes. Whether you’re replacing an aging system, repairing a breakdown, or installing heat in a new addition, our approach focuses on proper sizing, code compliance, and system compatibility with your home’s existing infrastructure.

Understanding Your Heating Options

Most Denver-area homes use either forced-air furnaces or boiler systems. Forced-air furnaces heat air and distribute it through ductwork, while boilers heat water or produce steam for radiators or radiant floor systems. The distinction matters when evaluating repair versus replacement decisions.

Furnaces typically use natural gas, though propane and electric models exist. Gas furnaces dominate the Front Range due to Colorado’s natural gas infrastructure and cost efficiency at our elevation. Efficiency ratings (AFUE) indicate how much fuel converts to usable heat – a 95% AFUE furnace wastes less energy than an 80% model, but installation requirements differ significantly.

High-efficiency furnaces require different venting than standard models. They use PVC exhaust pipes rather than metal flues, and condensation drainage must be properly managed. These aren’t minor details – improper venting creates carbon monoxide risks and premature equipment failure.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Heating System

The repair-or-replace question depends on system age, repair cost, and failure pattern. A five-year-old furnace with a failed blower motor justifies repair. A 22-year-old unit with a cracked heat exchanger does not.

Heat exchangers separate combustion gases from the air that circulates through your home. Cracks allow carbon monoxide into your living space – this isn’t repairable and requires immediate system replacement. Blower motors, circuit boards, and gas valves can be replaced if the rest of the system remains sound.

Age matters differently at altitude. Denver’s elevation reduces available oxygen for combustion, and systems work harder in our climate than manufacturer testing conditions assume. A furnace rated for 20 years in Houston might realistically deliver 15-18 years in Wheat Ridge.

Repair costs approaching 50% of replacement value generally favor replacement, particularly for systems over 15 years old. Efficiency improvements since 2005 mean newer systems often reduce operating costs enough to offset financing within several years.

Serving Denver Metro Communities

Our service area covers Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, Aurora, Golden, Littleton, Morrison, Sheridan, and Englewood. Front Range heating requirements differ from manufacturer assumptions – elevation affects combustion, temperature swings stress components, and our installation approaches account for Colorado-specific conditions.

Homes in Golden face different challenges than properties in Aurora. Older neighborhoods in Wheat Ridge often have limited electrical service that affects equipment options. Morrison’s elevation requires adjusted combustion settings. We adapt installation approaches to local conditions rather than following generic procedures.

Furnace and Heater Installation Process

Installing a heating system involves more than connecting equipment. Proper installation requires load calculations, permit acquisition, gas line verification, condensate drainage, venting compliance, electrical connections, and final inspection.

Load Calculations and System Sizing

Colorado homes require heating capacity calculations that account for insulation levels, window quality, ceiling height, and exposure. Oversized furnaces short-cycle, reducing efficiency and component lifespan. Undersized units run constantly without achieving comfort.

Manual J calculations determine accurate heating requirements. We measure your home’s dimensions, evaluate insulation, and calculate heat loss through walls, windows, and foundations. This isn’t estimating based on square footage – it’s engineering.

Permits and Code Compliance

Furnace installations in Lakewood, Englewood, Aurora, and surrounding jurisdictions require mechanical permits. Permit requirements vary by city, but all mandate proper sizing verification, venting inspection, gas line pressure testing, and electrical safety checks.

Code compliance protects homeowners. Requirements for combustion air, clearance distances, and emergency shutoffs exist because shortcuts cause fires, carbon monoxide deaths, and equipment failure. We don’t bypass inspections.

Ductwork Evaluation

Existing ductwork often needs modification when replacing furnaces. Modern high-efficiency units move air differently than older systems. Undersized returns restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Leaky ducts waste heated air in crawlspaces and attics.

We pressure-test duct systems and seal significant leaks before connecting new equipment. This isn’t upselling – it’s preventing callback visits for systems that underperform due to distribution problems we could see before installation.

Venting and Condensate Management

High-efficiency furnaces produce acidic condensate that must drain properly. Colorado’s winter temperatures can freeze condensate lines if not correctly installed. We slope drainage lines, insulate where appropriate, and ensure condensate pumps (when required) have backup power or alarm systems.

Venting requirements depend on furnace efficiency rating and local code. Direct-vent systems pull combustion air from outside and exhaust through PVC pipes. Installation requires proper termination distances from windows, doors, and property lines.

Heating System Repair and Service

Furnace repairs range from simple fixes to complex diagnostics. Common failures in Denver-area homes include ignition problems, blower motor failures, thermostat issues, gas valve malfunctions, and heat exchanger cracks.

Ignition System Issues

Modern furnaces use electronic ignition rather than standing pilots. Hot surface igniters glow red to light gas – they fail after several years of thermal cycling. Flame sensors detect successful ignition and shut gas flow if flame isn’t established. Dirty sensors cause nuisance shutdowns that resemble ignition failure.

These components require careful handling. Hot surface igniters break easily, and flame sensors need proper cleaning technique. We don’t replace parts unnecessarily, but we also don’t clean components beyond their service life.

Blower Motor and Capacitor Failures

Blower motors move air through your ductwork. Variable-speed motors adjust airflow for efficiency, while single-stage motors run at constant speed. Motor bearings wear over time, and capacitors (which help motors start) fail with age.

Unusual noises often indicate bearing wear before complete failure. Addressing problems early prevents motor seizure and potential control board damage from electrical surges when motors fail catastrophically.

Thermostat Problems

Thermostats control system operation, but homeowner confusion often mimics equipment failure. We verify thermostat settings, battery condition, and programming before assuming component failure. Wireless thermostat connectivity issues sometimes prevent normal heating operation without indicating actual system problems.

Thermostat location affects performance. Units placed near windows, exterior doors, or in direct sunlight misread home temperature and cause comfort problems that seem like equipment issues.

Pressure Switch and Draft Inducer Issues

Draft inducers pull combustion air through heat exchangers and exhaust gases through venting. Pressure switches verify proper draft before allowing ignition. These safety devices prevent carbon monoxide release when venting is blocked.

Failed draft inducers or stuck pressure switches require diagnosis rather than part swapping. Blocked venting, disconnected condensate lines, or improper installation can cause pressure switch errors. We identify root causes.

Our Service Approach

We provide upfront assessment of your heating situation, explain options without pressure, and document work performed. When you call about heating problems, we diagnose before quoting repairs – not all furnace failures require expensive fixes, and we don’t charge for parts your system doesn’t need.

Installation quotes include permit costs, required modifications, and realistic timelines. We don’t promise same-day installations or emergency availability we can’t consistently deliver. Heating system work requires attention to detail that rushing compromises.

After installation, we verify system operation, explain basic maintenance, and document warranty registration requirements. We return for follow-up checks when requested and address installation concerns promptly.

Equipment Compatibility and Brand Considerations

We service and install systems from various manufacturers, including configurations using AprilAire air quality components, Bosch heating equipment, and Goodman furnaces. Equipment selection depends on your home’s requirements, budget constraints, and existing infrastructure.

AprilAire Integration

AprilAire manufactures humidifiers, air cleaners, and ventilation controls compatible with most forced-air systems. Colorado’s dry climate causes comfort problems that whole-home humidification addresses more effectively than portable units.

Humidifier installation requires water line connection, drainage, and control integration with your furnace. Proper humidistat placement and seasonal adjustment prevent over-humidification that damages homes while maintaining comfortable indoor air quality.

Bosch System Compatibility

Bosch produces furnaces and boilers for residential applications. Their equipment works in Front Range homes, though parts availability and service network depth differ from higher-volume manufacturers. We evaluate compatibility with your home’s requirements before recommending specific brands.

Goodman Equipment Service

Goodman furnaces offer value-oriented options for homeowners prioritizing affordability. These systems meet efficiency standards and carry manufacturer warranties, though feature sets differ from premium brands. We service existing Goodman equipment and can discuss whether their current lineup fits your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does furnace installation typically take?

Straightforward replacements in homes with adequate access and compliant ductwork typically require one day. Complex installations involving ductwork modification, electrical upgrades, or difficult access may require two days. We provide specific timelines after evaluating your situation.

What furnace efficiency rating should I choose?

Higher AFUE ratings reduce operating costs but increase installation complexity and upfront expense. 95%+ efficiency furnaces require condensate drainage and specific venting. 80% AFUE models cost less initially but use more gas annually. We calculate potential savings based on your actual usage patterns.

Do I need to replace my air conditioner when replacing my furnace?

Not necessarily. If your air conditioner works properly and isn’t approaching failure, replacement isn’t required. However, replacing both simultaneously saves labor costs and ensures compatible efficiency ratings. We assess your cooling system’s condition during furnace evaluations.

How often should furnaces be serviced?

Annual maintenance before heating season helps identify developing problems and maintains efficiency. Service includes cleaning flame sensors, checking gas pressure, testing safety controls, and inspecting heat exchangers. Neglected systems fail more frequently and pose safety risks.

What size furnace does my home need?

Proper sizing requires heat loss calculations based on your home’s specific characteristics. Square footage alone doesn’t determine requirements. Insulation quality, window area, ceiling height, and exposure affect heating needs. Oversized equipment wastes energy and reduces comfort.

Can I install a furnace myself to save money?

Colorado law requires licensed contractors for gas furnace installation. Permits mandate professional work, and inspection requirements verify code compliance. Improper installation creates carbon monoxide risks, fire hazards, and voids equipment warranties.

What causes some rooms to be colder than others?

Ductwork design, inadequate return air, closed dampers, and poor insulation all contribute to temperature imbalances. Sometimes furniture blocks registers or returns. We evaluate airflow distribution and identify causes rather than assuming equipment problems.

How do I know if my heat exchanger is cracked?

Cracked heat exchangers sometimes produce visible cracks during inspection, though small cracks require camera inspection. Carbon monoxide detectors alarming during furnace operation indicate potential problems. Professional inspection determines whether replacement is necessary.

Should I repair an old furnace or replace it?

Age, repair cost, and failure history inform this decision. Expensive repairs on systems approaching 20 years old often make replacement more sensible. We provide honest assessment of whether repair extends usable life or merely delays inevitable replacement.

What maintenance can homeowners perform themselves?

Changing filters regularly maintains airflow and protects equipment. Keeping outdoor venting clear prevents operational problems. Ensuring supply and return registers remain unblocked helps system performance. Complex maintenance and repairs require professional service.

Schedule Your Heating Service Consultation

Whether you’re dealing with a system failure, planning replacement, or need professional assessment of your heating situation, Touchstone Mechanical provides straightforward evaluation and quality work throughout the Denver metro area.

Contact us to schedule service or discuss your heating requirements. We’ll assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and provide honest recommendations based on your home’s actual needs.