Heat Pump Installation, Repair & Service in Denver Metro
Touchstone Mechanical installs, repairs, and services heat pump systems throughout the Denver metro area. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling by moving heat rather than generating it, making them more efficient than electric resistance heating. Modern cold-climate heat pumps operate effectively down to -15°F, suitable for Colorado winters with average lows around 18°F. System types include ducted air-source heat pumps that work with existing ductwork, ductless mini-splits for homes without ducts, and dual-fuel systems that combine heat pumps with gas furnaces. Installation takes 1-2 days and includes load calculations adjusted for Denver’s 5,280-foot altitude, proper system sizing, refrigerant line installation, electrical work, and performance testing. Heat pump efficiency is measured by SEER2 for cooling and HSPF2 for heating, with ratings ranging from 15 SEER2/8.1 HSPF2 for basic models to 20+ SEER2/10+ HSPF2 for high-efficiency units. We serve homeowners and contractors across Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Centennial, and surrounding communities.
Heat pumps have been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. They’re efficient, they provide both heating and cooling, and modern cold-climate models actually work in Colorado winters. If you’re replacing an old furnace or AC system—or just tired of high energy bills—heat pumps are worth understanding.
Touchstone Mechanical installs, repairs, and services heat pump systems throughout the Denver metro area. Whether you’re curious if a heat pump makes sense for your home or you already know you want one, we’ll give you straight answers and professional installation.
Do Heat Pumps Actually Work in Colorado?
This is the first question we get, and it’s a fair one. For years, heat pumps only worked well in mild climates. Once temperatures dropped below 40°F, they struggled.
That’s changed. Cold-climate heat pumps use improved compressor technology and variable-speed operation to keep heating down to -15°F or lower. Denver’s average winter low sits around 18°F, with occasional stretches in the single digits. Modern cold-climate heat pumps handle typical Denver winters without backup heat.
During rare extreme cold snaps below -10°F, efficiency decreases but the system keeps running. Some homeowners add electric backup heat for those days. Others keep their existing furnace as backup and run the heat pump as the primary system.
Heat pumps work best in homes with decent insulation and air sealing. If your house has single-pane windows and minimal insulation, a heat pump will still heat it—but you’ll pay more to do it. Same goes for any heating system.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump doesn’t create heat—it moves it. In winter, it extracts heat from outdoor air (even cold air contains heat energy) and brings it inside. In summer, it reverses and pulls heat out of your house, just like a regular air conditioner.
Because heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, they’re extremely efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by roughly 50% compared to electric resistance heating like baseboard heaters and electric furnaces.
- Air-source heat pumps pull heat from outdoor air. These are the most common type we install.
- Ducted heat pumps work with your existing ductwork, replacing both your furnace and AC with one system.
- Ductless mini-splits don’t need ducts. They work well for additions, finished basements, or older homes without ductwork.
- Dual-fuel systems combine a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump runs most of the time, and the furnace kicks in during the coldest days.
Heat Pump Installation by Touchstone Mechanical
Installing a heat pump needs to be done right. Poor sizing, incorrect refrigerant charge, or sloppy electrical work causes most problems we see with systems installed by other companies.
What the Installation Process Looks Like
We start by assessing your home. We calculate heating and cooling loads based on square footage, insulation, windows, sun exposure, and altitude. At 5,280 feet, the thinner air affects HVAC performance, so we account for that in our sizing.
We also inspect your existing setup. If you have ductwork, we check it for leaks and proper sizing. If ducts need repairs or upgrades, we’ll let you know upfront.
Installation typically takes 1–2 days depending on whether we’re working with existing ducts or installing a ductless system.
For ducted systems, we:
- Remove your old furnace and AC (if applicable)
- Install the indoor air handler
- Mount the outdoor heat pump unit on a ground pad or wall bracket
- Connect refrigerant lines between indoor and outdoor units
- Wire everything to your electrical panel (heat pumps need dedicated circuits)
- Test heating and cooling operation
- Show you how to use your new thermostat
For ductless systems, we:
- Mount indoor units on walls or ceilings
- Install the outdoor unit with proper clearances
- Run refrigerant lines, electrical, and condensate drains through small wall penetrations
- Vacuum and charge the system
- Test performance and demonstrate the remote controls
We handle permits, electrical work, and any ductwork modifications needed.
Why Professional Sizing Matters
Oversized systems cycle on and off constantly, wasting energy and making your home uncomfortable. Undersized systems run nonstop and can’t keep up during temperature extremes.
We do actual load calculations so you get a system that fits your house, not just a generic estimate based on square footage.
Heat Pump Repair & Maintenance
Common Issues Homeowners Notice
- System not heating or cooling properly
- Ice buildup on the outdoor unit that doesn’t clear
- Strange noises (grinding, squealing, rattling)
- Higher energy bills without explanation
- Refrigerant leaks showing up as reduced performance
- Outdoor unit not running in cold weather
Most of these problems come from refrigerant leaks, failed components, or lack of maintenance. We service all major heat pump brands and keep common parts on our trucks. Most repairs get done in one visit.
Annual Maintenance
Heat pumps work year-round, which means more wear than systems that only run half the year. Annual maintenance keeps them running efficiently and catches small problems before they become expensive repairs.
What we do during a maintenance visit:
- Clean or replace air filters
- Inspect and clean indoor and outdoor coils
- Check refrigerant pressures and look for leaks
- Test electrical connections
- Inspect condensate drain and flush if needed
- Test defrost cycle operation
- Verify thermostat calibration
- Run the system through heating and cooling modes
We recommend scheduling maintenance in spring or fall, before the seasons when you’ll rely on the system most.
Energy Savings, Comfort & Rebates
Operating Costs and Efficiency
Heat pumps typically cost less to operate than electric furnaces and baseboard heaters. How much you save depends on your current system, electricity rates, and how you use the equipment.
Efficiency is measured by SEER2 (cooling) and HSPF2 (heating). Higher numbers mean better efficiency:
- Basic models: 15 SEER2 / 8.1 HSPF2
- Mid-efficiency: 18–20 SEER2 / 9–10 HSPF2
- High-efficiency: 20+ SEER2 / 10+ HSPF2
Heat pumps provide consistent temperatures without the hot and cold cycles you get from furnaces. They run longer at lower output, which keeps temperatures steady. Variable-speed models adjust output based on demand.
Rebates and Incentives
Some heat pump installations qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Xcel Energy and other Colorado utilities sometimes offer rebates for high-efficiency systems.
Rebate amounts and eligibility change frequently. We’ll help you identify what’s available and provide documentation for applications.
Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?
Heat pumps work well for most Denver metro homes, but they’re not always the best choice for every situation.
Heat pumps make sense when:
- You’re replacing both your furnace and AC (heat pumps do both jobs)
- You want lower operating costs than electric or propane heat
- Your home has decent insulation and weatherization
- You have access to electrical capacity for the system
Heat pumps might not be the best option if:
- Your home has poor insulation and major air leakage (fix that first)
- Your electrical panel can’t handle the load and upgrading it isn’t practical
- Upfront cost is your only consideration
Hybrid systems (heat pump + gas furnace) make sense when:
- You want efficiency most of the year but maximum heating capacity for extreme cold
- You already have a newer gas furnace and want to add cooling
- Natural gas is significantly cheaper than electricity in your area
Not sure what fits your situation?
We’ll look at your home, your current system, and your priorities, then give you honest recommendations.
Serving Denver Metro Homeowners
Touchstone Mechanical provides heat pump installation, repair, and maintenance throughout the Denver metro, including:
Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Littleton, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada, Broomfield, Commerce City, Englewood, Greenwood Village, and nearby areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a heat pump cost?
Heat pump installations typically range from $8,000–$18,000 depending on system size, efficiency rating, whether you need ductwork modifications, and installation complexity. We provide detailed quotes after assessing your specific situation.
Can I keep my gas furnace and add a heat pump?
Yes. Dual-fuel systems combine a heat pump with your existing furnace. The heat pump handles most heating and all cooling. The furnace kicks in during extreme cold. This gives you efficiency most of the year with maximum heating capacity when you need it.
How long do heat pumps last?
15–20 years with regular maintenance. Outdoor units typically wear out before indoor components because they’re exposed to weather. Compressors usually carry 7–12 year warranties depending on the brand.
Will a heat pump heat my whole house?
Yes, if properly sized. Heat pumps can handle whole-home heating for most Denver metro homes. Sizing depends on your home’s heat loss, insulation, and altitude.
Do heat pumps work during power outages?
No. Heat pumps run on electricity, so they stop working during outages. Most modern furnaces also need electricity for blowers, controls, and ignition. If you have a backup generator with sufficient capacity, heat pumps can run on generator power.
Are heat pumps loud?
Modern heat pumps operate at 50–65 decibels outdoors—about as loud as normal conversation. Indoor units are quieter. We avoid mounting outdoor units near bedroom windows or outdoor living spaces when possible.
What maintenance do heat pumps need?
Annual professional maintenance plus basic tasks like changing filters monthly during heavy use and keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris, snow, and vegetation. Regular maintenance prevents most breakdowns and keeps efficiency high.
Schedule Your Heat Pump Consultation
If you’re considering a heat pump—or just want to know if one makes sense for your home—contact Touchstone Mechanical to schedule a consultation. We’ll assess your home, explain your options, and provide a detailed quote.
