Colorado’s New Ultra Low NOx Water Heater Law: What Colorado Springs Homeowners Need to Know

If you’re planning to replace your water heater in 2026 or beyond, there’s a significant change coming that affects every home and business in Colorado. Starting January 1, 2026, a new state law will require all water heaters entering Colorado to meet Ultra Low NOx (ULN) emission standards.

Here’s what that actually means for you, and why it matters.

What Happened?

Back in June 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 23-1161 into law. This legislation establishes strict emission standards for water heaters sold or installed anywhere in the state. The goal is straightforward: reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which contribute to air quality issues and smog formation—something that affects Colorado’s air quality, particularly along the Front Range.

Unlike some states that have implemented these requirements piecemeal across different counties or air quality districts, Colorado took a statewide approach. This means whether you’re in Colorado Springs, Denver, Grand Junction, or anywhere else in the state, the same standards apply.

What Are Ultra Low NOx Water Heaters?

NOx emissions are byproducts of combustion in gas-fired appliances. Traditional gas water heaters produce varying levels of these emissions during normal operation. Ultra Low NOx water heaters use advanced burner technology and improved combustion design to dramatically reduce these emissions—typically to 10 nanograms per joule (ng/J) or less for residential units.

To put that in perspective, older water heaters could produce several times that amount. The new ULN models achieve these lower emissions without sacrificing performance or efficiency. In fact, many ULN water heaters operate just as efficiently as their predecessors while being considerably cleaner.

Why Colorado Made This Change

Colorado hasn’t been operating in a vacuum here. The concept of Ultra Low NOx requirements originated in California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District over two decades ago, specifically targeting areas struggling to meet federal Clean Air Act standards. Since then, roughly 11 California air quality districts—covering the majority of that state’s 40 million residents—have adopted similar requirements.

Colorado looked at this track record and decided that proactive emission reduction made sense for the entire state. The law includes a built-in review mechanism: in 2030, the state will assess whether these requirements have achieved the desired emission reductions and determine if any adjustments are needed.

It’s worth noting that Colorado’s law applies specifically to water heaters. Boilers are exempt from this legislation, which sets Colorado apart from some other states considering or implementing ULN requirements.

What This Means for Colorado Springs Residents

If you need to replace your water heater after January 1, 2026, you’ll need to install a model that meets these new standards. The good news is that manufacturers have been preparing for this transition. Major water heater brands already produce ULN-compliant models, and as the deadline approaches, availability continues to improve.

Here’s what you should know:

If your water heater fails before 2026: You can still install a traditional gas water heater. However, if you’re planning a replacement in late 2025, it might be worth considering a ULN model to future-proof your home. Learn more about water heater replacement options available in Colorado Springs.

If you’re replacing in 2026 or later: Your options will be ULN gas water heaters or electric models. Electric water heaters produce zero NOx emissions at the point of use, which is why Maryland’s similar rule refers to electric options as “zero NOx” solutions.

Cost considerations: ULN water heaters typically cost somewhat more than traditional models, though the price difference has been narrowing as production scales up. The performance and lifespan are comparable, so you’re mainly paying for the cleaner combustion technology.

Installation requirements: In most cases, installing a ULN water heater doesn’t require significant changes to your existing setup. The venting, gas lines, and space requirements are generally similar to traditional models.

Planning Ahead Makes Sense

If your current water heater is approaching 10-12 years old—the typical lifespan for most units—now’s a good time to start thinking about your options. Waiting until you have a failure means making decisions under pressure, often with limited choices and emergency pricing. Getting familiar with the new requirements and exploring your Colorado Springs water heater options now gives you more control over the process and potentially better pricing.

Questions About Your Water Heater Options?

Navigating new regulations can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with an unexpected water heater failure. At Big Cat Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we stay current on all code changes affecting Colorado Springs homeowners and can help you understand your options—whether you’re planning ahead or need an emergency replacement.

We work with all major water heater brands and can guide you through the selection process based on your home’s specific needs, your budget, and the new emission requirements. Contact our team to discuss your situation and get straight answers about what this law means for your home.

The transition to cleaner appliances is happening whether we’re ready or not. The key is working with a local contractor who understands both the technical requirements and the practical realities of keeping your home comfortable and compliant.

Call Now (719) 784-7224