Furnace Mandate 2026

Important: Effective January 1, 2026

Colorado's New Low-NOₓ Furnace & Water Heater Requirements

What Colorado homeowners need to know about the upcoming changes

What's Changing

Starting January 1, 2026

Colorado House Bill 23-1161 prohibits the sale or lease of new gas-fired central furnaces and natural-gas water heaters unless they meet ultra-low NOₓ (nitrogen oxide) emissions limits.

Water Heaters

  • Units ≤ 75,000 Btu/hr: max 10 ng/J NOₓ
  • Units 75,000-2,000,000 Btu/hr: max 14 ng/J NOₓ

Furnaces

  • New standards for fan-type central furnaces
  • Ultra-low NOₓ emissions required

Why This Matters for Your Home

Cleaner Air & Health Benefits

NOₓ contributes to ozone and smog formation. This law is designed to reduce smog-forming pollution from household appliances, improving Colorado's air quality.

Avoid Cost Surprises

New units may cost more due to manufacturing requirements. Acting ahead of the deadline can save money and provide more options.

Future-Proof Your Home

Replace now under current rules for more equipment options and installer flexibility, rather than waiting for stricter requirements.

Inventory & Availability

After the deadline, all new stock must comply. Units already in Colorado inventory before that date may still be sold, but options will be limited.

What You Should Do Now

  • 1.

    Check Your Equipment Age & Condition

    If your existing furnace or water heater is near end-of-life, consider planning now for replacement rather than waiting for a winter failure.
  • 2.

    Ask Your Contractor Specific Questions

    • Is the replacement unit compliant with the January 1, 2026 low-NOₓ rule?
    • What is the NOₓ emission rating of the proposed unit?
    • Are there cost differentials now versus later?
  • 3.

    Explore Alternatives

    Consider heat pumps or electric systems. Transitioning sooner may bring rebates, reduce fuel dependence, and align with broader Colorado building-code trends.
  • 4.

    Budget for Possible Premium

    Gas furnaces may see price increases after the standard takes effect. Factor in potential higher pricing if you wait.
  • 5.

    Schedule in Advance

    Many homeowners will act ahead of the deadline. Scheduling now helps avoid seasonal delays and higher labor costs.

Reach Out To Us

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Hear From Our Satisfied Customers

Kathy Compton
1 day ago
Keyan Teegerstrom performed extensive electrical work for us installing wiring and replacing outlets. He was knowledgeable about codes, courteous, and professional. He performed the work by himself due to staffing staying well into the evening working with a headlamp to complete the project. We were very pleased with the quality of his work.
Aarren Stager
1 day ago
Needed a quick turnaround for some small projects and repairs. They got me scheduled quick and easy.
Mary Frances Harrison
1 day ago
Excellent technician, Ryan Werner, from Wirenut in their Drain/Plumbing Department. Ryan investigated that there is a leak from our very old garbage disposal and he will bring a new garbage disposal tomorrow to replace the broken one, and he will perform other repair work. We can always count on the Wire Nut standard of excellence with their technicians! Pat and I highly recommend this business for Home Drain services!
Russell Ernst
2 days ago
Ryan was very helpful and shared some new ideas for my plumbing project.
Brian Caffee
2 days ago
Furnace was not running. Made an appointment for the same day and the technician, Adam, was really great. Very professional. He worked on the issue and recommended a new furnace but whatever he did seems to have worked, at least temporarily. Highly recommend using WireNut.
Shermaine Seales
2 days ago
I called WireNut to update my water heater to code. The plumber that came out and provided the quote was Gary Burgess. He was thorough in explaining what the process would entail and what I needed. Gary Burgess is a savvy technician who is very knowledgeable and experienced. I am extremely pleased with the work he completed and would definitely recommend him for future work.
Joseph Rota
2 days ago
Very good and professional people. Had them work at both my office and home and I am very satisfied with the workmanship and commitment to customer service. Would highly recommend them to all.
Tammy Kim
2 days ago
It's respond very quick. I was problem with furnace, thhe mechenician was friendly knowledge. I need change the part and he fixed short time. I'm happy with that
Leif Hojem
2 days ago
Jarred is well met and knowledgeable about his trade. I feel his work would be excellent as well.
Linda Brown
2 days ago
Ty and Joe were great. They are very professional. They took care of a problem I had. They also gave me an estimate for a new water heater which I hope to have installed in February.
J C
2 days ago
Our plumbing tech was Sophia Gonzales. Sophia was amazing from start to finish!! She is incredibly knowledgeable, professional and polite as well as very prompt! She explained everything in a way that was clear and easy to understand! It’s because of wonderful service just like this that we’ll never turn to another company for our home service needs!!
Joe Barrera
3 days ago
Getting a new furnace.
Joseph Alcala
3 days ago
Very professional did a great job show and let me know what was going on I would definitely be calling back. Thank you Mat
Kay Diehl
4 days ago
Sophia was a delight. She found a few things from the inspection that needed replaced . Up date shut off valves to "half-turns" I sat with her and chatted a bit after our "call in" time. I would like to have her back to do repairs, when my finances get straightened out.
Anne Keiley
5 days ago
Excellent technician, professional, and courteous
Kay Diehl
6 days ago
Jared arrived at expected time. With a nice 15 minute check in before. He was just the nicest man. He went right to work with the inspection. Then came to get me and show me what he found that was right and things that may need attention. We sat down and made his check in report together. So professional and mature. Its been a wild Wirenut day at my house today!
joe gatchel
6 days ago
Andrew was very professional, answered all my questions.

    Need Help? Give WireNut A Call!

    A broken system at home doesn’t just slow things down — it takes over. If the furnace won’t kick on, the water heater’s leaking, or your kitchen sink’s backed up — we’ll be there fast, and we’ll do it right. Our licensed, highly trained techs bring the skill, experience, and care to get the job done right the first time. No runaround. No surprises.