What Colorado’s HB23-1161 Furnace Mandate Actually Means (And What It Doesn’t)
With the introduction of Colorado House Bill 23-1161, many homeowners are asking questions about the future of their heating systems. Whether you are looking to repair your current unit or planning a replacement, it’s important to understand how these new standards affect you.
The team at Father & Sons Heating and Cooling is here to clear up the confusion. We stay on top of the latest state regulations so you don’t have to. Below, we’ll break down the essentials of the law, what it covers, and the steps you should take to ensure your home stays warm and compliant.
So, What Is House Bill 23-1161?
At Father & Sons Heating & Cooling, we stay on top of the latest local regulations so you don’t have to. You may have heard about Colorado House Bill 23-1161, which introduces new emissions standards for gas-fired central furnaces and water heaters.
The Bottom Line: Starting January 1, 2026, any new gas units sold or leased in Colorado must meet “ultra-low NOₓ” (nitrogen oxide) limits.
Does this mean gas systems are banned?
Absolutely not. This law simply ensures that new installations are cleaner-burning and more environmentally friendly. If your current gas furnace or water heater is working fine, you are not required to replace it. However, when the time comes for a new system, we are here to help you choose a compliant, high-efficiency model that keeps your home comfortable while meeting Colorado’s new “green” bar.
What Equipment Does the Law Target?
The new Colorado standards specifically target two types of equipment:
- Fan-type gas furnaces
- Gas water heaters (rated under 2 million BTU/hour)
If you are looking to install a new system in 2026 or later, the model must meet these updated ultra-low NOₓ requirements. The most important thing to remember: This only applies to new sales and leases. If your current furnace or water heater is working fine, there is no need to change a thing. You are perfectly fine to keep using and maintaining your existing equipment.
Why Was the Law Passed?
The new Colorado standards specifically target two types of equipment:
- Fan-type gas furnaces
- Gas water heaters (rated under 2 million BTU/hour)
If you are looking to install a new system in 2026 or later, the model must meet these updated ultra-low NOₓ requirements. The most important thing to remember: This only applies to new sales and leases. If your current furnace or water heater is working fine, there is no need to change a thing. You are perfectly fine to keep using and maintaining your existing equipment.
Who’s Actually Affected by the Law?
The law is primarily directed at:
- Manufacturers
- Suppliers
- Contractors
- Distributors
That means it’s up to the companies that make and sell HVAC equipment to comply with the rules. As a homeowner, your experience will change only when it’s time to replace your system.
What Does It Mean for Colorado Homeowners?
Since these standards are now a statewide requirement, Colorado homeowners are seeing a shift in the furnace and water heater market. Manufacturers have updated their lineups to meet these cleaner standards, which means the “standard” equipment of yesterday is being replaced by new, ultra-low NOₓ technology.
Here are the facts for your home:
- Keep Your Current System: There is no “forced replacement.” If your current furnace or water heater is working reliably, you don’t need to do a thing.
- Planning for the Future: If your system is 15+ years old, it’s a good time to start a replacement plan. The new ultra-low NOₓ models are now the standard, and we can help you understand how they fit your home.
- Budgeting for Technology: Advanced, cleaner-burning technology often carries a higher upfront cost. By planning your upgrade now rather than waiting for an emergency breakdown, we can help you find the most affordable and efficient options available.