Frequently Asked Questions
HVAC Questions,
Answered Honestly
Straight answers to the questions Denver homeowners ask most — costs, timelines, repair vs. replace, warranties, and what it's like to work with Arctic Air. No sales pitch.
Free Assessment
$0 — no charge, no obligation. We visit your home and give you a straight answer.
Installation Time
Most residential HVAC installations complete in 1–3 days from project start.
Parts Warranty
Up to 10-year parts warranty on Carrier & Trane equipment + 1-year labor.
Rebates Available
Federal 25C credit + Xcel Energy rebates up to $300 on qualifying equipment.
Pricing & Cost
5 questions
Costs vary based on your home's size, the type and efficiency of equipment selected, and any additional work required during installation (such as ductwork modifications or electrical upgrades). A standard central AC replacement in a typical Denver-area home generally ranges from $3,500–$7,500. A furnace replacement typically runs $2,800–$6,500. Full HVAC system replacement (both heating and cooling) is commonly $6,000–$12,000+, depending on equipment choices.
We don't quote a number without seeing your home first — because generic estimates are rarely accurate. Every quote we provide is detailed, itemized, and transparent — so you know exactly what you're paying for before any decision.
We don't quote a number without seeing your home first — because generic estimates are rarely accurate. Every quote we provide is detailed, itemized, and transparent — so you know exactly what you're paying for before any decision.
No. Our quotes are itemized and transparent — every cost is explained before any work begins. This includes equipment, labor, removal and disposal of your old system, permits (if required), and any supplementary work needed. If something unexpected comes up during installation, we communicate it immediately and get your approval before proceeding. The price you approve is the price you pay.
Yes. We offer financing through GreenSky® and Wells Fargo for qualified homeowners. Financing options include deferred interest and fixed monthly payment plans. Ask about current rates, terms, and qualifying criteria during your free in-home assessment.
Yes — several rebate programs may apply depending on your equipment and utility provider:
Xcel Energy: Currently offers rebates of up to $200 on qualifying high-efficiency central AC systems and up to $300 on qualifying high-efficiency furnaces for customers in the Denver metro area. Programs change seasonally — confirm current offers at xcelenergy.com/savegreen.
Federal 25C Tax Credit: The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to 30% of qualifying equipment costs (capped at $600 for central AC or furnaces). Consult a tax professional for details specific to your situation.
Manufacturer rebates: Carrier and Trane offer seasonal rebates of up to $500 on select models. We'll identify all applicable programs during your assessment.
Xcel Energy: Currently offers rebates of up to $200 on qualifying high-efficiency central AC systems and up to $300 on qualifying high-efficiency furnaces for customers in the Denver metro area. Programs change seasonally — confirm current offers at xcelenergy.com/savegreen.
Federal 25C Tax Credit: The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to 30% of qualifying equipment costs (capped at $600 for central AC or furnaces). Consult a tax professional for details specific to your situation.
Manufacturer rebates: Carrier and Trane offer seasonal rebates of up to $500 on select models. We'll identify all applicable programs during your assessment.
Not always — the right answer depends on your current system's efficiency, your home's energy usage, local utility rates, how long you plan to stay in the home, and available rebates. For many Denver homeowners replacing systems that are 15+ years old, the monthly savings and rebates result in a payback period of 5–10 years, with significant net savings over the remaining system lifespan. We'll walk through the specific math for your situation during your assessment. We recommend the efficiency level that actually makes financial sense for you — not necessarily the most expensive option.
Scheduling & Timeline
5 questions
Most residential HVAC installations are completed within one to three days from when installation begins. A standard AC or furnace replacement is typically completed in a single day. Full system replacements (heating and cooling together) or installations requiring significant ductwork modifications may take two to three days. We'll give you a specific timeline in your proposal — not a vague range — so you can plan accordingly.
We typically schedule free in-home assessments within 1–2 business days. During peak seasons (midsummer for AC, and the early weeks of fall/winter for heating), lead times may extend to 3–4 business days. If your system has failed and you're without heat or cooling in extreme weather, please call us directly at (720) 303-7589 — we'll do our best to prioritize urgent situations.
With proper installation, regular maintenance (annual tune-ups), and quality equipment, most residential HVAC systems last 15–20 years or more. Proper sizing and professional installation are the two most important factors in maximizing system lifespan — an oversized system that short-cycles will fail significantly earlier than a properly sized one, regardless of brand. That's why we perform a load calculation on every job rather than using rule-of-thumb estimates.
Call us directly at (720) 303-7589 and explain the situation. We prioritize households without heat in extreme cold and households without cooling during heat emergencies — especially when children, elderly residents, or pets are involved. While we can't always guarantee same-day service, we'll be honest about our availability and do our best to get to you as quickly as possible.
Most in-home assessments take approximately 45–60 minutes. This includes evaluating your current system, performing a heating/cooling load calculation, checking ductwork and electrical, and discussing your comfort goals and budget. We'll explain our findings clearly before we leave — no confusing jargon, no rushed pitch.
Repair vs. Replace
5 questions
The right answer depends on your system's age, repair history, current efficiency, and the nature and cost of the repair needed. We evaluate each situation individually and give you an honest recommendation — which may well be to repair rather than replace, even if that means a smaller job for us.
That said, here are the clearest signals that replacement makes more sense: your system is 15+ years old; you've had multiple repairs in recent years; the repair estimate exceeds 50% of the cost of a new system; your energy bills have risen significantly; or a safety issue (like a cracked heat exchanger) has been identified.
That said, here are the clearest signals that replacement makes more sense: your system is 15+ years old; you've had multiple repairs in recent years; the repair estimate exceeds 50% of the cost of a new system; your energy bills have risen significantly; or a safety issue (like a cracked heat exchanger) has been identified.
Proactive replacement often makes more financial sense than waiting for a complete failure. Emergency replacements create time pressure that leads to rushed decisions. Replacing before failure gives you time to evaluate options, compare quotes, choose the right equipment, and schedule installation when it's convenient for you — not during the coldest week of winter or the hottest stretch of summer.
That said, if your system has 3–5 years of useful life remaining and is still running efficiently, waiting may be perfectly reasonable. We'll give you our honest read during the assessment.
That said, if your system has 3–5 years of useful life remaining and is still running efficiently, waiting may be perfectly reasonable. We'll give you our honest read during the assessment.
A widely used guideline in the HVAC industry: if the cost of a repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new replacement system, especially on equipment that's more than 10 years old, replacement generally offers better long-term value. This isn't a hard rule — context matters. But it's a useful starting point when evaluating a repair estimate. We'll walk through this calculation with you during your assessment and give you our honest view.
A cracked heat exchanger is one of the most serious safety issues associated with aging gas furnaces. The heat exchanger is the component that separates combustion gases from the air circulating through your home. When it cracks, carbon monoxide — a colorless, odorless, highly toxic gas — can leak into your living space. It's often undetectable without a professional inspection.
Warning signs include a yellow or orange burner flame (it should be blue), soot marks around the furnace, and CO detector alarms. If you suspect a heat exchanger issue, don't wait — call us at (720) 303-7589 or your local gas utility's emergency line immediately. We include a CO safety check in every assessment and installation.
Warning signs include a yellow or orange burner flame (it should be blue), soot marks around the furnace, and CO detector alarms. If you suspect a heat exchanger issue, don't wait — call us at (720) 303-7589 or your local gas utility's emergency line immediately. We include a CO safety check in every assessment and installation.
R-22 (Freon) was phased out of production in the United States on January 1, 2020. Systems that use R-22 can still operate, but if they develop a leak or need recharging, the cost of R-22 has risen dramatically as the available supply depletes. What was once a straightforward refrigerant recharge can now run hundreds of dollars for the refrigerant alone.
For many homeowners with R-22 systems, replacement with a modern unit using current refrigerant standards (R-410A) is now more cost-effective than continued repairs. We'll evaluate your specific situation and tell you honestly whether replacement makes financial sense.
For many homeowners with R-22 systems, replacement with a modern unit using current refrigerant standards (R-410A) is now more cost-effective than continued repairs. We'll evaluate your specific situation and tell you honestly whether replacement makes financial sense.
Warranties & Guarantees
4 questions
New HVAC equipment comes with manufacturer warranties on parts and components. For Carrier and Trane equipment — our primary brands — parts warranties are typically 10 years when the equipment is registered with the manufacturer within 90 days of installation. Lennox, Bryant, and Rheem equipment generally carries 5–10 year parts warranties depending on the model.
In addition, Arctic Air provides a 1-year labor warranty on all installations — if something goes wrong due to our workmanship within the first year, we'll fix it at no charge. We'll walk you through the specific warranty coverage for any equipment we recommend during your assessment.
In addition, Arctic Air provides a 1-year labor warranty on all installations — if something goes wrong due to our workmanship within the first year, we'll fix it at no charge. We'll walk you through the specific warranty coverage for any equipment we recommend during your assessment.
Contact us directly at (720) 303-7589 or hello@arcticairhvac.com. We stand behind our work and address any installation-related issues promptly. We're a local business — we're here after the job is done, not a national chain that's impossible to reach after the sale.
Yes. Arctic Air provides a 1-year labor warranty on all installations — this covers workmanship, connections, calibration, and any issues directly attributable to our installation work. This is separate from the manufacturer parts warranty on the equipment itself. If you experience a problem within the first year that's related to how the system was installed, we'll address it at no charge.
For Carrier and Trane equipment, registering with the manufacturer within 90 days of installation is required to receive the full 10-year parts warranty (unregistered equipment typically carries a 5-year parts warranty instead). We'll walk you through the registration process during your post-installation walkthrough — or you can register online directly at the manufacturer's website using your equipment's model and serial number. Keep a copy of your installation receipt and registration confirmation for your records.
Working with Arctic Air
6 questions
A licensed Arctic Air technician visits your home at a scheduled time, evaluates your current HVAC system and ductwork, performs a heating/cooling load calculation, and discusses your comfort goals and budget. The assessment typically takes 45–60 minutes. Afterward, you'll receive a detailed, transparent proposal — usually within 24 hours. There is no charge for the assessment and no obligation to move forward.
No. Our goal is to give you honest information so you can make the best decision for your home and your budget on your own timeline. You're welcome to review our proposal, compare it with others, and take as much time as you need. We don't use high-pressure sales tactics — we'd rather earn your long-term trust than close a sale by making you feel rushed or uncomfortable.
Yes. Arctic Air Heating & Cooling LLC is fully licensed in Colorado, fully insured, and EPA Section 608 certified for refrigerant handling. We've been operating in the Denver metro area since 2006 and are accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. We're happy to provide documentation of licensing and insurance upon request.
We are authorized dealers for Carrier and Trane — our primary brands — and also install Lennox, Bryant, and Rheem equipment. We work with SEER ratings from 14 to 22+ for cooling systems and AFUE ratings from 80% to 96%+ for gas furnaces. We'll recommend the brand and efficiency tier that provides the best combination of value, reliability, and performance for your home's specific needs — not simply the highest-margin option.
We serve Denver and surrounding communities across the metro area, including Aurora, Lakewood, Englewood, Littleton, Centennial, Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, Broomfield, Lone Tree, Greenwood Village, Commerce City, and more. For a full list and to confirm whether your neighborhood is covered, visit our Service Areas page or call us at (720) 303-7589.
Just provide access to your home — specifically to your HVAC equipment (furnace or air handler, outdoor AC unit), your thermostat, your electrical panel, and any utility areas where equipment is located. If you have recent utility bills handy, they're helpful but not required. It's also useful to think ahead of time about any comfort issues you've noticed — rooms that are too hot or cold, unusual sounds, or inconsistent temperatures — so we can address them specifically during the assessment. We'll handle everything else.
Still have a question?
We're happy to answer any question about your specific home or situation — over the phone or in person during a free assessment.