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HVAC Cost Calculator for Denver Metro Homes
Get a real cost range for any HVAC repair or replacement in seconds — built from our actual Denver-metro pricing, not national averages. See your estimate instantly, no email required, and never get pushed toward a system you don’t need.
Want it exact? Get a free itemized quote.
Every 360 HVAC Pro estimate is itemized before any work starts — equipment, labor, and what's included. No surprises.
What Determines Your HVAC Estimate?
No two homes are identical, and neither are their HVAC costs. Here’s what actually drives your number in the Denver metro.
A straight AC swap is the simplest, least expensive job. A heat pump costs more upfront because it replaces both your AC and furnace. A full furnace-and-AC combo is the biggest investment — but bundling cuts significant labor.
Equipment is sized in tons — roughly 1 ton per 400–600 sq ft in Colorado. Your ductwork matters just as much: a new unit on a leaky duct system can perform worse than the one it replaced. Duct work adds $300–$1,500 when needed.
A builder-grade 14 SEER2 unit and a 20 SEER2 variable-speed system are not the same job. The high-efficiency unit costs $2,000–$3,000 more but can cut summer cooling bills 30–40% — paying for itself in under two years on heavy-use homes.
At 5,280 feet the air is thinner, so your system works harder and is often sized slightly larger. Any contractor quoting from sea-level sizing tables without an altitude adjustment is setting you up for an undersized system.
Systems under 5 years almost always warrant repair. At 10–15 years it’s an honest judgment call. Over 15 years, planned replacement usually beats an emergency breakdown during peak Denver-winter demand.
Denver requires permits for equipment replacement — $150–$300, and not optional. The fee triggers a code inspection that protects you. Any contractor offering to skip permits is cutting a corner that bites at resale or insurance time.
HVAC Replacement Cost by System Type
We're one of the few Denver-metro HVAC companies that puts real pricing ranges on our website. If a quote you get from anyone — including us — looks wildly different, ask why.
Central AC Replacement
Gas Furnace Replacement
Heat Pump Installation
Ductless Mini-Split
Full System Replacement (AC + Furnace Together)
HVAC Repair Cost for Specific Problems
Here’s what Denver-metro homeowners actually pay for the most common HVAC repairs, grouped by component. Emergency or after-hours calls typically add $75–$150.
installed
per zone
older systems
R-22 is no longer manufactured in the US. On an older R-22 system, a repair needing 5–10 lbs of refrigerant can cost as much as a new system — worth a replacement quote first.
heat pump
cracked — replace, don't repair (CO risk)
per section
whole home
One thing to know: emergency or after-hours service calls add $75–$150 on top of the repair cost above. Plan a daytime appointment when you can.
Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace?
The most common mistake is sinking money into a system that should be replaced. The second is replacing one with years of life left. Here’s the simple test we use.
The $5,000 Rule
Multiply the age of your unit (in years) by the estimated repair cost. Over $5,000 → replacement is almost always the better move. Under $5,000 → repair typically wins.
When repair always makes sense
- System under 8 years old and under manufacturer warranty.
- The failed part is a common wear item — a capacitor, contactor, or ignitor.
- Like replacing a tire on a car with plenty of life left.
When replacement always makes sense
- Compressor failure on a system over 10 years old.
- Cracked heat exchanger on any furnace — also a carbon-monoxide risk most companies won't repair.
- R-22 system needing a coil — R-22 runs $50–$80/lb when available; the repair can cost as much as a new system.
Does Home Age Change My HVAC Cost?
Older Denver homes — especially those built before 1985 — come with ductwork that’s often undersized, deteriorated, or routed for original system capacities.
- Before 1980: Plan for $500–$2,000 in duct work on top of equipment. Some have 80s-era wiring that won't support modern variable-speed gear without an electrical upgrade.
- 1980–2000: Usually better ductwork, but often original equipment past its useful life. Have the tech inspect duct connections at the plenum.
- 2000–2015: Generally good ductwork; mostly still R-410A compatible.
- After 2015: Newer R-454B / R-32 refrigerants are phasing in — make sure replacement equipment is compatible.
Does Denver's Climate Affect Costs?
More than most homeowners realize. 300 days of sun cause UV wear on outdoor equipment, elevation drives compressor wear, and summer 95°F+ highs swing to single-digit winter lows.
- Outdoor condensers should be cleaned every spring — cottonwood, dirt, and hail clog fins fast on the Front Range.
- Furnaces work harder here. A unit running flat-out on a −10°F January night is under real stress — exactly when neglected systems fail.
- Refrigerant pressures read differently at altitude — a tech using sea-level numbers can misdiagnose your charge.
HVAC Repair & Replacement Cost
How much does HVAC repair cost in Denver?
Most HVAC repairs in the Denver metro fall between $150 and $650 depending on the part and the system. A capacitor runs $150–$300, a refrigerant recharge $200–$500, an ignitor $100–$250, and a blower motor $400–$750 installed. Emergency or after-hours calls typically add $75–$150.
How much does HVAC replacement cost in Denver?
A central AC replacement runs about $3,200–$12,000 depending on home size, a high-efficiency gas furnace $3,200–$5,500, a heat pump $4,500–$13,000, and a full AC-plus-furnace system $6,000–$12,500. Replacing both units together saves $500–$1,200 in labor.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace my HVAC system?
Multiply the age of your unit by the repair cost. If the result is over $5,000, replacement is usually the better move; under $5,000, repair typically wins. A cracked heat exchanger, a failed compressor on an older system, or an R-22 system needing a coil almost always favor replacement.
How does Denver's altitude affect HVAC costs?
At 5,280 feet the air is thinner, so equipment works harder and is often sized slightly larger. Refrigerant pressures also read differently at altitude, so a sea-level diagnosis can be wrong. Any contractor sizing from sea-level tables without an altitude adjustment risks an undersized system.
How much does furnace replacement cost in Denver?
A standard 80% AFUE furnace runs $2,200–$4,000 installed, a high-efficiency 96% AFUE furnace $3,200–$5,500, and a two-stage or variable-speed furnace $4,000–$6,500. Denver winters make a properly sized, efficient furnace especially worthwhile.
How much does a mini-split cost in Denver?
Ductless mini-splits run $2,000–$5,000 for a single zone, $4,000–$8,000 for two zones, $6,000–$11,000 for three zones, and $8,000–$14,000 for four zones installed. The biggest variable is how complex the line-set routing is.
Get an Honest Quote
Talk to a real local team — not a call center. Honest, upfront pricing, no pressure, and a straight answer every time. Proudly serving Commerce City and the Denver metro.

