What It Means for Your Wallet & Why You Should Act Now
Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado will require most new gas-fired water heaters sold, distributed, or installed to meet ultra-low NOx emission limits. Standard models will no longer be shipped or manufactured for Colorado once the current inventory is gone.
What the New Law Actually Says
Under House Bill 23-1161, Colorado has set specific limits for NOx emissions on water heaters and similar appliances:
- Water heaters ≤ 75,000 BTU/hr must emit ≤ 10 ng/J NOx.
- Water heaters between 75,000 and 2 million BTU/hr must emit ≤ 14 ng/J .
- Only units that meet these limits or are certified under current ENERGY STAR standards can be sold after January 1, 2026.
The result? Non-compliant, traditional water heater models can no longer be sold here once inventory is gone. Existing older units don’t have to be replaced yet, but when they do, they will have to meet the new requirements.
How This Law Affects Your Wallet
1. Fewer Options Mean Higher Prices
New low-NOx water heaters are engineered with advanced combustion technology to dramatically cut emissions. That’s great for air quality, but it also means:
- Manufacturers have higher production costs.
- Retailers stock fewer traditional units.
- Supply tightens once pre-law inventory is sold.
That translates into higher equipment prices for compliant models, especially compared to older systems that were widely available just 12–18 months ago.
Industry sources confirm cleaner technology units now typically cost hundreds to thousands more than previous models, reflecting changes in production and inventory limitations.
2. The “Inventory Window” Is Closing Fast
Colorado contractors, like our team at Brothers Plumbing Heating & Electric, along with suppliers, stocked up on water heaters manufactured before the law went into effect so we can continue to install them while supplies last. Once that inventory sells out:
- Traditional water heaters won’t be made again for Colorado.
- You’ll be limited to ultra-low NOx or ENERGY STAR-compliant models only.
- Pricing will reflect the new market reality, which is higher than what you see today.
This creates a limited window for homeowners to choose from current inventory and save money, as prices will rise once older models are no longer available due to stricter emission standards.
So, What Should You Do?
If your water heater is 10 years or older, acting now could mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings on replacement, simply because we have the inventory to support previously manufactured equipment.
Even if your unit still works, scheduling a pre-replacement evaluation now lets you:
- Evaluate pricing based on available pre-law inventory.
- Avoid rising costs tied to low-NOx technology.
Our licensed plumbers will help you understand how Colorado’s NOx requirements affect your water heater choices, costs, and installation timeline.
Schedule a water heater consultation to determine whether replacing now could save you money or if waiting better fits your needs.
(303) 468-2294 | www.BrothersPlumbing.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colorado’s new NOx water heater law?
The law sets updated emission requirements for new gas water heaters sold and installed in Colorado, affecting model availability and prices.
When do the new requirements take effect?
Deadlines vary, so Brothers Plumbing Heating & Electric can confirm how the rules apply to your home.
Will this law make water heaters more expensive?
In many cases, yes, because compliant equipment can cost more to manufacture and may require additional components, thereby raising the installed price.
Can I still install a standard water heater if I need one soon?
Existing inventory can still be sold for a limited time. Ask Brothers Plumbing Heating & Electric about current options.
Will my install require extra parts or upgrades?
Possibly, depending on the heater type, venting, gas line, and code requirements, Brothers Plumbing Heating and Electric can assess your setup quickly.
Does this affect tankless water heaters, too?
It may affect some tankless units. Brothers Plumbing Heating & Electric can recommend what works for your home.
What if my water heater fails before I’m ready to replace it?
Plan ahead. Brothers Plumbing Heating & Electric can help you choose replacement options before an emergency.
What’s the best way to save money before prices change?
Get an early evaluation, compare eligible models, and schedule proactively with Brothers Plumbing Heating and Electric to avoid last-minute scarcity, delays, and higher installation costs.
