Choosing the right heating system for your Colorado home requires balancing our region’s freezing winter temperatures with long-term energy efficiency. From high-efficiency gas furnaces to advanced cold-climate heat pumps and ductless mini-splits, modern HVAC technology offers incredible options tailored to the Front Range climate. At Meyers Heating & Air Conditioning, we help homeowners across Boulder and Colorado Springs navigate their installation options. Whether you need expert guidance or professional heating services, our team is here to help.
Furnaces
Furnaces are the most common HVAC system found in US homes. Available in either gas or electric, furnaces are a tried-and-true method of heating a home during our cold Colorado winters. Many homeowners searching for a new system know that they want a furnace but feel confused or conflicted about whether to go with gas or electric.
Although it’s dependent on the fluctuating cost of gas vs electricity, gas furnaces are generally considered more energy efficient than electric. They’ll heat a home much faster than electric furnaces and are a dependable option for climates with winter temperatures that are often in the single digits.
While traditional gas furnaces remain a popular choice due to localized fuel pricing, modern cold-climate heat pumps have completely transformed the conversation. Today’s advanced heat-pump systems deliver exceptional efficiency even in sub-freezing temperatures, making them an incredible, eco-friendly alternative to traditional gas or electric systems, especially when paired with local clean-energy rebates.
For those with their hearts set on a furnace, you’ll need to choose an AFUE rating. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and it measures a furnace’s heating efficiency. The minimum AFUE rating is 80. This means that 80% of the energy used is becoming heat while 20% of it is being wasted. Mid-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE rating between 90-93% and high-efficiency systems range from 94-98.5%.
A more efficient furnace will cost more upfront but will result in lower utility costs for as long as you own it. If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, you might want to consider a lower AFUE rating since you’re less likely to reap the financial benefits if you only live in your home for a few years.
Heat Pumps
A heat pump is a two-in-one heating and cooling system that uses electricity to operate and no fossil fuels. It uses about 50% less electricity than a standard electric furnace. Heat pumps transfer or “pump” heat instead of generating heat which makes them highly efficient as both heating and cooling systems. Ducted heat pumps are set up similarly to central furnaces where the conditioned air is distributed via ductwork.
Ductless Mini Splits
Ductless mini splits use the same heat pump technology. The only difference is that they don’t use ductwork. This can be an ideal scenario for homes with poor ductwork–or newer homes with no ductwork at all.
Wall-mounted air handlers are installed in various rooms around the house. They provide amazing zone control, giving family members the ability to raise or lower the temperature of specific rooms or zones. Squabbles at the thermostat will essentially be eliminated.
At Meyers Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping Colorado homeowners stay comfortable for generations. Whether you have questions about your heating and cooling system, need professional service, or are exploring your options, our team is here to provide honest guidance, dependable solutions, and the quality care you deserve.
Generations of Comfort. Since 1963.
