Colorado Furnace Changes Coming in 2026: Rising Costs, Limited Inventory, and How to Prepare

Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado will require all new gas furnaces sold in the state to meet low-NOₓ (nitrogen oxide) emission standards. This update will remove the familiar 80% and 92% models from the market and introduce stricter emission limits for all replacement equipment. For homeowners, this shift affects what types of furnaces will be available, how much they will cost, and when it makes sense to plan a replacement.

What changes in 2026

Only gas furnaces that meet low-NOₓ requirements will qualify for sale in Colorado once the new standards begin. Most of the commonly installed models today do not meet those criteria, so they will no longer be offered once current stock is cleared out. Homeowners planning upgrades will have a much smaller selection to choose from, with only compliant models remaining.

Why costs are expected to increase

Meeting low-NOₓ emission limits requires updated burner designs, revised components, and modified manufacturing processes. These changes increase production costs, which leads to higher prices for the finished units. As standard furnaces are discontinued and replaced with redesigned versions, homeowners can expect replacement costs to rise.

The combination of required technology updates and fewer available models contributes to a higher price point once the rule takes effect.

How inventory will be affected

As suppliers work through existing inventories of standard furnaces, those units will not be replenished. Toward the end of 2025, stock may move quickly as homeowners and contractors secure remaining models before the transition. Once these units are sold, only low-NOₓ options will remain, and availability may be limited until supply chains adjust.

Planning can help homeowners avoid delays or being restricted to a single type of system.

What homeowners should evaluate now

Replacing a furnace before 2026 may be worth considering if:

• The current system is aging or has a history of repairs
• You want access to a wider range of furnace models
• You prefer current pricing over the expected post-2026 increases

If the existing furnace is operating reliably, homeowners can still prepare by understanding what future replacement options will look like and planning for potential cost changes.

How WireNut Home Services can help

WireNut Home Services provides clear assessments to help homeowners decide whether repair or replacement is the best approach. Technicians evaluate system condition, estimate remaining lifespan, and explain how the upcoming standards may influence long-term planning. If replacement makes sense, homeowners receive straightforward pricing and guidance on selecting equipment that fits their needs before the new rules tighten the market.

Recap

Colorado’s low-NOₓ requirement beginning in 2026 will remove today’s standard furnaces from the market and replace them with higher-cost, compliant models. Inventory will narrow, and prices are expected to rise once the new standards are in place. For many households, addressing an older furnace before the deadline can preserve more choices and avoid increased costs.

To schedule an evaluation or get a replacement estimate, contact WireNut Home Services at (719) 227-0500 or visit thewirenut.com.