Map the rooms that need cooling
Give the designer a floor plan, room use, closed-door habits, and the hottest areas. Include bedrooms, upper floors, and rooms far from proposed heads.
Ask for room-by-room cooling calculations using the home's windows, insulation, orientation, and actual layout. Request the indoor design temperature and outdoor conditions assumed.
A DOE-hosted heat-pump handout describes ductless equipment's flexibility for individual rooms. That principle does not establish whole-house coverage in your Denver home. DOE-hosted air-source heat-pump handout.
Compare complete designs
For a ductless proposal, request the rooms each indoor unit serves, exact matched equipment, capacities, placement, controls, and the plan for closed rooms.
For a central replacement, request the assessment of the existing distribution system and work needed to serve the same rooms. Ask an appropriately qualified provider to scope any duct or building changes.
Both quotes should identify electrical work, drainage, refrigerant-line routes, permits, warranties, and exclusions. Include removal or disposition of the failed system.
Define heat-wave expectations
Ask how the equipment's cooling output compares with the calculated load under the selected outdoor conditions. Ask what limits apply beyond those conditions.
A larger total equipment number does not prove each room receives adequate cooling. Have the designer explain both capacity and distribution.
Discuss heating goals separately if the ductless units will also heat. Cooling coverage does not automatically establish a complete winter plan.
Choose from the household comparison
We would favor the proposal that shows credible room coverage, fits your daily use, and makes the full project cost clear.
Your next step is to request comparable written designs for the same rooms and comfort goals. Settle bedroom coverage, electrical work, and performance assumptions before choosing the lower equipment price.