Yes — Done guides homeowners through heat pump transitions from the initial feasibility assessment all the way through installation, commissioning, and long-term service. Making the switch from a traditional furnace-and-AC setup to a heat pump involves more planning than a straight equipment swap, and getting the details right upfront determines whether your new system performs the way the brochure promised. Done’s team has hands-on experience with heat pump installations across Denver’s Front Range and understands the altitude and climate factors that make Colorado’s installations unique.

What the Transition Actually Involves

A heat pump replaces two pieces of equipment — your furnace and your central air conditioner — with a single system that handles both heating and cooling by moving heat rather than generating it. In cooling mode, it works identically to a central AC. In heating mode, it extracts heat from outdoor air (even cold air contains useful heat energy) and moves it indoors. The transition from a traditional system involves several considerations beyond simply swapping the equipment:

  • Electrical capacity — Heat pumps run on electricity. If you’re replacing a gas furnace, you may need a panel upgrade or a new dedicated circuit to support the heat pump’s electrical load. Done’s team assesses your existing panel before any work begins.
  • Backup heat source — In Colorado’s climate, most heat pump installations include a backup heat strip or retain an existing gas furnace (dual-fuel configuration) for the coldest days when the heat pump’s efficiency drops. Done will help you decide which backup strategy makes sense for your home.
  • Duct evaluation — Heat pumps deliver air at lower temperatures than gas furnaces, which means they run longer to deliver the same amount of heat. Leaky or undersized ducts that may have been tolerable with a furnace can create comfort problems with a heat pump. Done evaluates your duct system as part of the installation process.
  • Altitude derating — At Denver’s elevation, heat pump capacity ratings need to be evaluated against real-world performance at altitude and at low ambient temperatures. Done selects equipment with verified low-temperature performance, not just rated capacity at standard test conditions.

Cold-Climate Heat Pumps and Colorado Winters

A common concern about heat pumps in Colorado is whether they can handle the cold. Older heat pump technology lost significant efficiency and capacity below 35°F, which made them impractical as a primary heat source in Colorado. Modern cold-climate heat pumps (sometimes called hyper-heat or variable-speed inverter heat pumps) maintain useful heating capacity at temperatures down to -13°F or below, which covers virtually all of Denver’s winter weather. The key is selecting equipment specifically designed for cold-climate operation, not standard heat pumps marketed broadly.

Done works with manufacturers who offer cold-climate-rated equipment and can show you the actual heating capacity curves at the outdoor temperatures your home is likely to experience — not just the efficiency numbers in the marketing materials.

Dual-Fuel Systems: The Middle Path

For homeowners who want the efficiency benefits of a heat pump for most of the year without fully abandoning gas, a dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with an existing or new gas furnace. The heat pump handles all cooling and most of the heating season. When outdoor temperatures drop below the heat pump’s optimal efficiency threshold (typically around 35–40°F), the system automatically switches to the gas furnace. This hybrid approach often delivers the best operating cost balance in Colorado’s climate and eliminates any concern about cold-weather performance.

Incentives and Financing

Heat pump installations may qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as utility rebates from Xcel Energy and other Colorado providers. The availability and amounts of these incentives change, so Done’s team can point you toward current programs — but we’d encourage you to verify current incentive levels directly with the IRS and your utility before making financial decisions based on them.

Done also offers flexible financing for heat pump installations, because the upfront cost is higher than replacing a single piece of equipment — even though the long-term operating savings often justify it.

Getting Started

The right starting point is a home assessment, not a purchase decision. Done will evaluate your current system, your electrical panel, your duct condition, and your utility costs to model whether a heat pump transition makes financial and practical sense for your specific home. There’s no pressure to proceed — just honest information to help you decide.

Learn more about heat pump options on our heat pumps page, explore ductless mini-splits if you’re considering a zoned approach, and visit financing to see current payment options.