Living in Colorado Springs at over 6,000 feet elevation, I get this question all the time: “Should I go with a heat pump or stick with a traditional furnace?” It’s honestly one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your home’s comfort and energy bills, especially up here where the air’s thin and winter temperatures can really make your heating system earn its keep.
The truth is, high altitude changes everything when it comes to heating performance. What works great at sea level might really struggle up here, and what seems like the obvious choice might surprise you once you factor in our one-of-a-kind Colorado conditions.
Why Elevation Makes All the Difference
Here’s something most people don’t realize: at 6,000 feet, the air density is about 20% lower than at sea level. That might not sound like much, but it’s a really big deal for heating systems. Think of it like this – your heating system is trying to warm up air that’s just naturally thinner, which affects how efficiently it can transfer heat throughout your home.
For furnaces, this means the combustion air has less oxygen, so they need larger gas orifices and different air-to-fuel ratios. Heat pumps face their own challenges because the refrigerant cycle operates differently in lower air density, and the outdoor units have to work harder to extract heat from that thin mountain air.
I’ve seen too many folks get pretty frustrated with contractors who don’t understand these altitude adjustments. They’ll install a system rated for sea level and then scratch their heads wondering why their new system isn’t keeping them toasty like it should.
Heat Pump Performance at High Altitude
Let’s talk about heat pumps first. Modern cold-climate heat pumps have come a long way – we’re talking about units that can still provide a good amount of warmth even when it’s 5°F outside. But at elevation, you need to be extra picky about which models you choose.
Here’s a cool thing: heat pumps can actually be more efficient at altitude in some ways. The lower air density means less resistance for the outdoor fan, so it doesn’t have to work as hard to move air across the coils. But that thin air also changes how well the heat actually moves, which can dial back its heating power a bit.
Here’s what I’ve observed working with Accurate Air Control in Colorado Springs: a properly sized cold-climate heat pump can maintain comfort down to about 10°F at our elevation without backup heat. Below that, you’ll need some help from a backup heat source, usually electric resistance coils (think of it like a super-efficient toaster oven for your ducts).
The efficiency numbers are still impressive though. Even with the altitude adjustments, a good heat pump can deliver 250-300% efficiency (meaning for every unit of electricity it uses, it produces 2.5-3 units of heat). Compare that to electric baseboard heating at 100% efficiency, and you can see why heat pumps are really catching on, even in our chilly mountain towns.
Furnace Performance in Thin Air
Gas furnaces have been the tried and true favorite in Colorado for decades, and there’s a good reason why. They’re reliable, provide consistent heat output regardless of outdoor temperature, and when properly adjusted for altitude, they can achieve 90-98% efficiency.
The key phrase there is “properly adjusted for altitude.” Every furnace installed above 2,000 feet needs altitude adjustments. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a must for safety and to make sure your furnace runs efficiently. The gas orifices need to be sized correctly for the lower air density, and the air-to-fuel ratio must be adjusted.
Here’s what I really appreciate about furnaces up here: their steady reliability. When it’s -10°F outside (and yes, we do see those temperatures in Colorado Springs), a furnace will pump out the same amount of heat it did when it was 40°F. You don’t have to worry about their heating power dipping when the mercury really drops.
The downside? Furnaces are typically 90-95% efficient at best, meaning you’re paying to heat your home with every BTU of gas you burn. There’s no “free” heat like you get with a heat pump’s refrigeration cycle.
Real-World Performance Comparison
I’ve been tracking data from installations around Colorado Springs, and here’s what the numbers actually look like for a typical 2,000 square foot home:
Heat Pump System (Cold-Climate Model):
- Heating season efficiency: 220-280% depending on outdoor temperatures
- Performance drops noticeably below 15°F
- Requires backup heat 10-15 days per winter
- Annual heating costs: $800-1,200 (depending on electricity rates)
High-Efficiency Gas Furnace:
- Consistent 92-96% efficiency regardless of outdoor temperature
- Reliable heat output down to -20°F and below
- No backup system needed
- Annual heating costs: $900-1,300 (depending on natural gas rates)
The heating costs are surprisingly close, which often catches people off guard. The heat pump’s higher efficiency is balanced out a bit by higher electricity rates compared to natural gas.
Installation Challenges at Altitude
Both systems have specific installation requirements at elevation that a lot of contractors miss. For heat pumps, the refrigerant charge needs to be adjusted for altitude – which really takes a pro who knows their stuff and has the right tools. The outdoor unit placement is even more critical because wind patterns at elevation can create microclimates that affect performance.
Furnace installations require those altitude adjustments I mentioned, plus proper venting considerations. That thinner air also changes how well the exhaust gases flow, so getting the vent size and routing just right becomes super important.
Here’s a problem I see constantly: contractors using sea-level installation manuals without making altitude adjustments. This leads to systems that never perform as expected and can even be a safety concern, especially with gas appliances.
Maintenance Considerations
Maintenance needs are pretty different between the two systems, especially at altitude. Heat pumps need more frequent filter changes because they run year-round, and the outdoor coils need regular cleaning to maintain efficiency. And because of the altitude, those refrigeration parts can feel a bit more strain, so we tend to see refrigerant leaks a little more often than at lower elevations.
Furnaces are generally lower maintenance, but the altitude adjustments need to be checked periodically. I recommend annual tune-ups where the technician makes sure the gas pressure and how much air is getting mixed for combustion are still spot on.
Both systems benefit from professional maintenance, but heat pumps definitely need a bit more TLC throughout the year.
Cost Analysis: Beyond the Sticker Price
Initial costs are just one piece of the puzzle. A cold-climate heat pump system typically runs $8,000-15,000 installed, depending on size and features. A comparable high-efficiency furnace system runs $6,000-12,000.
But here’s where things get really interesting: heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, potentially eliminating the need for a separate air conditioning system. In Colorado Springs, where we definitely need cooling in summer, this can really add up to some nice savings.
There are also federal tax credits available for heat pump installations through 2032, which can offset $2,000-4,000 of the initial cost. Some local utilities offer rebates as well.
Over a 15-year lifespan, the total cost of ownership is usually within 10-15% between the two systems, so often, comfort and reliability end up being bigger deciding factors than just the raw numbers.
Which System Wins at Altitude?
After installing and servicing both systems at elevation for years, here’s my straight-up opinion: it depends on your priorities and specific situation.
Choose a heat pump if you:
- Want the most efficient heating when outdoor temperatures are above 20°F
- Need both heating and cooling
- Don’t mind slightly more complex maintenance
- Want to reduce your carbon footprint
- Can take advantage of available rebates and tax credits
Choose a furnace if you:
- Prioritize consistent performance regardless of outdoor temperature
- Want the simplest, most reliable system
- Have easy access to natural gas
- Prefer lower maintenance requirements
- Want the lowest upfront cost
Future Considerations
The heating industry is changing fast. Heat pump technology continues improving, with new models performing better at extreme temperatures every year. According to recent industry data, heat pump sales increased by 11% in 2024, with cold-climate models representing the fastest-growing part of the market.
For 2025, I expect to see even more efficient heat pump models specifically designed for high-altitude applications. It seems manufacturers are finally cluing into the fact that mountain towns like ours are a big deal!
Natural gas prices have been relatively stable, but long-term trends favor electricity as renewable energy sources become more common in Colorado’s grid mix.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
The best heating system for your Colorado Springs home depends on factors beyond just how efficient it is on paper. Consider your home’s insulation, existing ductwork, electrical capacity, and your family’s comfort preferences.
I always recommend getting a proper load calculation done at altitude – and please, don’t just rely on those generic online calculators that don’t get our elevation. It absolutely has to be sized right for our particular mountain air.
If you’re considering either option, work with a contractor who understands high-altitude installations. At Accurate Air Control, we’ve been tackling these altitude-specific challenges in Colorado Springs for years. You can reach us at (719) 440-6977 to discuss which system makes the most sense for your specific situation.
Don’t rush this decision. Your heating system will be with you for 15-20 years, so it’s worth taking the time to understand how each option will perform in our special Colorado climate.
Both heat pumps and furnaces can work well at altitude – you just need to choose the right system and make sure it’s installed perfectly for our elevation.
The good news is that either choice, when properly installed and maintained, will keep you comfortable through Colorado’s wildly unpredictable weather. The trick is finding the system that truly fits what you need and, most importantly, partnering with pros who really get the unique quirks of heating homes at 6,000+ feet elevation.
