Are cold climate units ducted or ductless?

ccASHPs come in both configurations. Ducted systems connect to your existing ductwork and replace your furnace and AC. Ductless mini-splits mount individual air handlers in each room. The choice depends on whether your home already has ductwork and how many zones you want to control independently.

Are cold climate heat pumps reliable?

At UniColorado, we've done extensive testing to curate a selection of reliable, high-performing units. Our team has torn down units to assess build quality and engineer solutions for potential failure points. The products we install have a proven track record of dependable operation.

How do cold climate heat pumps work?

ccASHPs use inverter compressors to transfer heat between the outdoor air and your home, including in sub-zero temperatures. The inverter compressor adjusts its speed to match demand. By transferring rather than generating heat, they can provide up to 3 times more energy than they consume.

Can you have a gas furnace backup with a cold climate heat pump?

Yes. A dual fuel system lets you electrify most of your heating while keeping gas as a cost-effective backup during extreme cold or when electricity prices are high. Top options include the Bosch BOVA 2.0, Carrier Greenspeed Infinity, and Mitsubishi PAA.

How loud are cold climate heat pumps?

Quieter than most furnaces. The Bosch IDS Ultra outdoor unit operates at 56 dB, about the volume of a normal conversation. Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat is similar. Indoor air handlers run 25-30 dB, barely above a whisper. Inverter-driven compressors are quieter than single-stage units because they ramp gradually instead of kicking on at full blast.

How long does cold climate heat pump installation take?

Most installations take 1-2 days. A straightforward swap of a furnace and AC for a ducted heat pump typically finishes in a single day (6-8 hours). If your home needs new line sets, electrical upgrades, or a panel upgrade, plan for 1.5-2 days. We handle permits, installation, commissioning, and cleanup.

Do cold climate heat pumps need special maintenance?

Same as any HVAC system: annual filter changes, coil cleaning, and a professional tune-up once a year. The main difference is keeping the outdoor unit clear of deep snow accumulation in winter. Modern ccASHPs have enhanced defrost cycles that handle normal ice and frost automatically.

How long do cold climate heat pumps last?

A well-maintained cold climate heat pump typically lasts 15-20 years. Inverter compressors in these units experience less mechanical wear than single-stage systems because they modulate output instead of cycling on and off. Manufacturer warranties cover compressors for 10-12 years.

Do cold climate heat pumps also cool your home?

Yes. Every cold climate heat pump doubles as a high-efficiency air conditioner. In summer, it reverses the refrigeration cycle to cool your home at 18-22 SEER2 ratings, well above the minimum 14 SEER2. One system replaces both your furnace and AC.

How much does cold climate heat pump installation cost in Denver?

The average cost to install a cold climate heat pump in Denver metro ranges from $11,000 to $14,600 after rebates and tax credits. Before rebates, expect $11,200 to $24,500. At UniColorado, we apply Xcel, HEAR, and state credits as instant discounts on your invoice.

Do cold climate heat pumps work in Colorado?

Yes. ccASHPs work effectively in Colorado. Homeowners who have installed these systems often cannot tell the difference between the heating performance of a cold climate heat pump and a traditional gas furnace. Our units are rated to operate down to -13°F to -23°F depending on brand.

What is the best heat pump for very cold climates?

Mitsubishi's Hyper-Heat (H2i) series is the top choice, rated to provide 100% heating capacity down to -5°F and 75% capacity at -13°F. Bosch's IDS Ultra maintains 100% capacity at 5°F and 76% at -4°F. Carrier's Infinity 27VNA can operate at temperatures as low as -23°F.

Are cold climate heat pumps worth it?

Cold climate heat pumps are worth it for many homeowners, especially with current Colorado rebates making the net cost comparable to a standard furnace + AC system. They provide energy-efficient heating and cooling, leading to potential savings of 30-40% on utility bills compared to propane or electric heating.

How cold is too cold for a heat pump to work?

While the best heat pumps are rated to operate down to -30°F, in practice, most start to lose heating performance around -13°F. At this point, backup heating kicks in automatically. You won't use backup often, but it's necessary for Colorado winters.

True cold climate heat pump installer

Cold Climate Heat Pump Installation

Colorado's winters demand a heating solution that can withstand extreme cold while providing reliable comfort and energy savings. That's where UniColorado's expertise in cold climate heat pumps shines. With a decade of experience installing heat pumps in CO, we have the knowledge and skills to help you electrify your heating system and take advantage of all available rebates.

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Cold Climate Heat Pump Installation

Free in-home estimateFrom $11,000 net after rebatesAll available rebate programs

Appointments available this week

Install Cold Climate Heat Pump in Denver, CO

UniColorado technician testing outdoor heat pump unit with multimeter at brick home

Cold Climate Heat Pump Installation

Free estimate for installing new cold climate heat pumps.

Free in-person visitTakes 15-30 minutesExpert Service

(303) 250-1000

How It Works

Brands We Install

The basics

What is a Cold Climate Heat Pump?

It's a heat pump that can produce heat in low ambient temperatures. Simply put, a cold climate heat pump is an inverter-driven heating and cooling system that works when temperatures drop below freezing. Regular heat pumps stop working efficiently around 30°F, but cold climate models keep heating your home even when it's -13°F outside.

The smartInvestment

Why a Cold Climate Heat Pump is Right for Colorado

Affordable with Massive Rebates

Upgrading to a cold weather heat pump is more affordable than ever. At UniColorado, we apply rebates as an instant discount, meaning you get a high-efficiency cold climate heat pump for about the same price as a standard system, with no waiting for reimbursements.

Performs in Extreme Cold

No Downside

Cold climate heat pumps integrate seamlessly with most existing Colorado homes. Whether you're replacing an old furnace, outdated heat pump, or electric baseboard heaters, installation is straightforward and doesn't require major structural changes.

Energy Savings

Cold climate heat pumps use substantially less energy than gas furnaces or electric resistance heaters, reducing heating costs by an average of 30-40% compared to propane or electric heating. With Colorado's rising energy prices, cold climate heat pumps become more valuable each year.

Cost Comparison

Standard Furnace + AC

80% Furnace + 14 SEER System + Installation

Gross Price$11,200

Average Net Cost$11,200*

Recommended

Cold Climate Heat Pump

Air Handler + 20 SEER HP System + Installation

Gross Price$23,200

Upfront Rebates$10,200

Average Net Cost$13,000*

* Prices reflect Denver metro averages as of Q4 2024. Actual costs vary by installation complexity.

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Our Cold Climate Heat Pump Brands

We install the top-performing cold climate heat pump brands, each rated to operate in extreme cold. Every system we recommend has been tested in Colorado conditions.

Bosch IDS Ultra

Rated to -13°F
Up to 20 SEER2
Inverter-driven compressor

Mitsubishi MXZ-SM

Rated to -13°F
Hyper-Heat H2i technology
Variable-speed inverter

Carrier 27VNA

Rated to -23°F
Greenspeed Intelligence
Lowest operating temp of any brand

Carrier Infinity 27VNA cold climate heat pump

Your SatisfactionIs Guaranteed

Our Homeowners Love Us

We're proud to consistently achieve 100% homeowner satisfaction. That's the UniCo way.

5.0

Google Reviews (138)

Kent D.

We recently built an ADU and UniColorado installed our heatpump unit and we couldn't be happier with the process. They also helped us with the tax rebates/credits available and still offered a very competitive price compared to the other companies we vetted out. Would highly recommend.

Google Review

Jeff M.

Installed Bosch Heat pump and found UniColorado personnel to be very knowledgeable and professional in sales and installation. Fairly priced and efficient in installation with excellent communication through the process.

Google Review

Patrick B.

UniColorado did a great job replacing our old furnace with a new heat pump + backup furnace system. We've had it for a couple months and it's been working flawlessly. They had great communication and were very easy to work with. They also had the best pricing of all the companies I quoted.

Google Review

Frances C.

I could not have asked for a better company: all communication was respectful, understanding and full of detailed information in response to specific questions. I was given on site photos, names and brands of products to research,, even links to apply for rebates, as well as payment options. Every part of the project was explained to me. The onsite project manner made a point of assuring me the exact placement I requested for cold climateheat pumps was guaranteed. I could go on and on. Suffice it to say: I highly recommend this exceptional state of the art company. Thank you.

Google Review

Dave P.

These guys are fantastic! I found them after being turned off by the hard sell from another company. Professional--they listened, worked with me to meet my needs and ended up saving us a lot of money on a whole heat pump system. Quick, clean install... I'll be calling them from now on for anything heat related. I've already recommended them to a friend and its only been a week.

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SaveThousands

Take Advantage of Heat Pump Rebates

Cold climate heat pumps are the main target of the most recent rebate changes in Colorado. Xcel customers save big — average $8,200 with UniColorado. Plus get additional savings from state and federal programs.

Xcel Energy Rebates

For Xcel account holders.

Up to $11,250+

AvailableLearn More

CO Heat Pump Credit

For all Colorado residents.

Up to $1,000

AvailableLearn More

DRCOG Rebates

For Denver metro county residents. Launching mid-2026.

Up to TBD

Mid 2026Learn More

Income Qualified

HEAR Rebates

Income-qualified federal incentives.

Up to $14,000

AvailableLearn More

$5M+Saved for homeowners in 2025

Up to $20,250In potential savings

12,000+Heat pumps installed

WhyUniColorado

Quality is What We Care About

Cold-climate heat pumps are our specialty. The key difference from standard units: inverter-driven compressors that keep heating down to -13°F, not the 30°F cutoff of older models. We specialize in Mitsubishi, Carrier, and Bosch for their cold-climate performance, and every system is sized with a Manual J calculation specific to your home's envelope and Colorado's altitude.

2013

Our first hyper-heat install

2016

Early Lennox cold-climate adoption

2024

Bosch IDS Ultra install

2026

Latest cold-climate tech

30+

Municipalities

Master

Licensed & Certified

1000s+

Happy Homeowners

Cold Climate Heat Pump Certified

Technicians

100% Satisfaction

Guarantee

Up Front Pricing

No hidden fees

$5M+

Saved for homeowners in 2025

$9,250

Average savings

5,000+

Rebate applications submitted

SeeOur Installations

Our Work

Cold climate heat pump outdoor unit in snow

Proven performance

Performs in Extreme Cold

Cold climate heat pumps deliver reliable heating even when temperatures drop to -13°F or below. Unlike standard heat pumps that lose efficiency around 30°F, these specially designed systems keep your home comfortable through Colorado's harshest winter days. At UniColorado, we recommend inverter-driven systems that automatically adjust output based on conditions, providing consistent comfort without the temperature swings of traditional heating systems.

Mitsubishi cold climate heat pump installation in Colorado

Compatibility

Is My House the Right Fit?

Yes, it's very likely that you can have a cold climate heat pump in your house. If your home has existing ductwork, you'll need an air handler and an outdoor heat pump unit to integrate with your current ductwork system. For homes without ductwork, such as those with radiant floor heating, ductless mini-split heat pumps are an excellent solution. Regardless of your home's setup, these advanced systems are engineered to operate efficiently even in sub-zero temperatures, making them a perfect fit for Colorado's harsh winters.

Energy costs

Will a Cold Climate Heat Pump Increase My Energy Costs?

These systems are fully electric and operate differently than gas furnaces. While switching to a ccASHP may cause your electricity bill to rise, this doesn't necessarily mean your overall energy costs will increase. ccASHPs are typically around 30% more efficient than gas furnaces. In our practical experience, most homeowners experience an overall reduction in their bills with properly designed systems. To estimate impact: multiply your average monthly gas therms by 30 for equivalent kWh, then reduce by 30% for heat pump efficiency.

Cold climate heat pump installation in CO

Dual fuel

Can You Install a Cold Climate Heat Pump on an Existing Furnace?

Yes, it is possible to install a cold climate heat pump on an existing furnace, creating what is known as a dual fuel system. However, to qualify for rebates and incentives, the entire system (including the air handler and outdoor unit) must be fully AHRI matched. Mixing and matching components from different systems can result in reduced efficiency and may disqualify you from receiving financial incentives. The cost of the air handler is usually not the most significant expense — the outdoor unit typically accounts for a much larger portion of the overall system cost.

Mitsubishi PUZ blower and inducer cold climate heat pump

Sizing

What Size Cold Climate Heat Pump Do I Need?

In Colorado, Xcel Energy's guidelines recommend sizing cold climate heat pumps based on the heating load of your home. At UniColorado, we perform thorough Manual J load calculations to determine the appropriate size. This comprehensive analysis takes into account square footage, insulation levels, window types, and orientation. Our approved estimates are based on these accurate Manual J calculations so you get the right-sized system for your specific needs.

Mitsubishi PAA IntelliHeat cold climate coil

Gas backup

Can You Have a Gas Furnace Backup & a Cold Climate Heat Pump?

Yes, you can have a gas furnace backup alongside a cold climate heat pump. This setup, known as dual fuel, allows you to electrify most or all of your heating needs while providing the flexibility to burn gas for cheaper prices when needed. During extremely cold weather or when electricity prices are high, you can switch to your gas furnace backup. Some of the best cold climate heat pumps that integrate with a gas furnace backup include the Bosch BOVA 2.0, Carrier Greenspeed Infinity, and Mitsubishi PAA.

AnsweringYour Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about cold climate heat pump installation in Denver.

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Cold Climate Heat Pump Installation

Cold Climate Heat Pump Installation

Install Cold Climate Heat Pump in Denver, CO

Cold Climate Heat Pump Installation

How It Works

What is a Cold Climate Heat Pump?

Why a Cold Climate Heat Pump is Right for Colorado

Affordable with Massive Rebates

Performs in Extreme Cold

No Downside

Energy Savings

Cost Comparison

Standard Furnace + AC

Cold Climate Heat Pump

Our Cold Climate Heat Pump Brands

Bosch IDS Ultra

Mitsubishi MXZ-SM

Carrier 27VNA

Our Homeowners Love Us

Take Advantage of Heat Pump Rebates

Xcel Energy Rebates

CO Heat Pump Credit

DRCOG Rebates

HEAR Rebates

Quality is What We Care About

Our Work

Performs in Extreme Cold

Is My House the Right Fit?

Will a Cold Climate Heat Pump Increase My Energy Costs?

Can You Install a Cold Climate Heat Pump on an Existing Furnace?

What Size Cold Climate Heat Pump Do I Need?

Can You Have a Gas Furnace Backup & a Cold Climate Heat Pump?

Frequently Asked Questions

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