R Buck’s Practical Guide to Staying Ahead of House Bill 23-1161
By now, many Colorado homeowners, especially those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, have heard about House Bill 23-1161, which goes into effect on January 1, 2026. This new law limits the sale or lease of new gas-fired furnaces and water heaters that don’t meet ultra-low NOₓ (nitrogen oxide) emissions standards.
So what does that mean for your home? At R Buck, we’ve been helping our neighbors make smart, budget-friendly heating upgrades for over 30 years. We’re here to walk you through what this change means and how to plan ahead without pressure or confusion.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Heating or Water Heating System
If your system is working fine today, that’s great, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until it breaks to start thinking ahead.
Here’s a simple self-checklist to get started:
- Is your furnace or water heater 10 years or older?
- Have you dealt with two or more repairs in the last 18 months?
- Are some rooms colder or more humid than others?
- Have your utility bills gone up even though your usage hasn’t changed?
- Does your system make loud or unusual noises?
- Are you planning to stay in your home for at least a few more years?
If you checked off a couple of these, it may be time to schedule a professional assessment. At R Buck, we offer free second opinions and transparent guidance, so you’ll never feel pushed, only supported.
Step 2: Should You Replace Now or Wait?
With the 2026 mandate approaching, here’s how we help homeowners in Southern Colorado decide when the right time to replace is:
- Older equipment (15+ years) carries a higher risk of failing during cold snaps.
- If you’re spending hundreds each season on repairs, you could be putting that money toward a more reliable system.
- Newer systems are significantly more efficient, which lowers your monthly utility bills.
- If you’re staying in your home long-term, early upgrades make financial and comfort sense.
- If you’re moving soon, you may choose to wait, but be aware that buyers may see an old HVAC as a red flag.
Importantly, waiting could limit your options. As the mandate date nears, older models may phase out, and installer demand may surge, especially in winter.
Step 3: Explore Your Replacement Options
If you do decide to replace your system, you’ve got several solid options:
Compliant Gas Furnaces & Water Heaters
These units meet Colorado’s new emissions standards and provide the same comfort you’re used to, just with cleaner performance. They’re a great choice if you want to stick with gas while staying compliant.
Heat Pump Water Heaters
These electric units pull warmth from the surrounding air to heat your water, making them highly efficient. They’re great for households looking to reduce gas usage and take advantage of available incentives.
Whole-Home Heat Pumps or Dual-Fuel Systems
Heat pumps can handle both heating and cooling. Modern models are effective even in colder climates like Pueblo and Monument. For maximum flexibility, a dual-fuel setup uses a heat pump most of the year and a gas furnace during extreme cold.
Our technicians will walk you through your home’s needs, insulation levels, and layout to recommend a setup that works for your lifestyle and budget.
Step 4: Why It Pays to Schedule Early
You don’t want to be caught in the middle of a January cold snap with a failing system, and limited install options.
Here’s why smart homeowners are planning ahead:
- More inventory to choose from before the 2026 rush
- More time to compare quotes and incentives
- More flexibility when scheduling your installation
- Less risk of emergency replacement delays or high-season labor costs
Step 5: How to Make It Affordable
We know that replacing a furnace or water heater can feel like a big financial decision. That’s why we offer multiple ways to ease the burden:
Rebates and Incentives
- Utility rebates may be available on qualifying energy-efficient and heat pump systems
- Colorado clean energy programs may offer additional savings
- Ask about limited-time local promotions we may be running in your area
Federal Tax Credits
Many homeowners can qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 when installing heat pumps or energy-efficient systems under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Financing Plans
We offer flexible financing options, including no-interest or low-monthly payment plans, to help spread out your investment over time.
R Buck Specials to Take Advantage Of
To help make this transition easier, we’re currently offering:
- $75 Off Any Plumbing Service or Repair
- FREE Second Opinions on HVAC estimates
- 5% Off for Seniors, Military & First Responders
- Flexible financing options for qualifying customers
- NATE-Certified, local technicians who get it right the first time
Ready to Get Ahead of the 2026 Furnace Mandate?
Whether your system needs replacing soon or you’re simply exploring your options, R Buck Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical is here to help. We’ve been serving Pueblo and Colorado Springs since 1994 with fair pricing, honest advice, and 100% satisfaction guarantees.
Call (719) 224-2800 or schedule online to book your free system assessment and request a 2026-ready quote comparison today.
Let’s future-proof your home together.