Should I Use a Heat Pump or a Furnace in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas may have a relatively mild climate, but with winter temperatures dropping to freezing levels at night, it’s essential to have a reliable heating system in your home. Two main options for heating are heat pumps and furnaces. But how do you decide which one is right for your Las Vegas home?
Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your home warm and cozy when it’s time for a furnace replacement.
Furnace vs. Heat Pump: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between a heat pump and a furnace is how they heat the home. Furnaces use gas or, more commonly nowadays, electricity to operate and generate heat. A burner warms a heat exchanger, which then warms the air that is circulated throughout the home.
Heat pumps, by contrast, don’t generate heat. Instead, they transfer heat either using ambient air or by geothermally transferring heat from the ground. Some heat pumps are even water-based, transferring heat from a large body of water. While furnaces are the more traditional heating method, heat pumps have become increasingly popular in areas like Las Vegas which don’t have heating needs as intense as more northern regions of the country.
Pros of a Furnace
A furnace relies on ductwork throughout the home to distribute the heat it generates, historically using fossil fuels to generate the heat. However, with the improvements made to furnace technology in recent years and the development of high-efficiency furnaces that run on electricity rather than gas, this has become a more eco-friendly option than in the past.
Furnaces are the reliable heating choice for every climate, with much more affordable installation and quieter operation than heat pumps. They also can last upwards of 30 years with proper care and maintenance, a decade longer than the peak lifespan of heat pumps!
The Pros:
- Reliable heating in any climate
- Affordable installation
- Quiet operation
- 15-30 year lifespan
Cons of a Furnace
Furnaces are typically easy to use! But to keep things running smoothly, they require routine maintenance and repairs if an issue arises to continue running efficiently. So it’s important to be aware of the warning signs that your furnace needs repair before the winter months hit. A furnace may also result in a higher gas bill unless you have a high-efficiency or electric variety.
The Cons:
- Require regular maintenance
- High gas costs (for gas-based models)
Pros of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are by far the most eco-friendly heating option available since they transfer heat rather than having to work to generate it. They also require little to no maintenance, making the one-time installation cost much more valuable in the long run.
The Pros:
- Most eco-friendly heating option
- Very low maintenance
- 15-20 year lifespan
Cons of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are more expensive to install than furnaces, especially if your home requires any additional remodeling to fit a heat pump after being outfitted originally for a furnace. Heat pumps also tend to be louder when operating than furnaces, and may not last as long.
Heat pumps lose effectiveness at temperatures below 20°F. That’s why they aren’t very common in cold climates, but are highly popular in areas like Las Vegas, where temperatures below 32°F are rare.
The Cons:
- Expensive installation
- Loud operation
- Less effective in temperatures below 20°F
- May not work in every home
Which Heating Method is Better for Las Vegas Homes?
Deciding which heating method is right for your home depends on several factors. While heat pumps are increasing in popularity, they still only account for around 25% of homes in warmer climates. Heat pumps tend to be better suited for smaller houses or even mobile homes that don’t have ductwork to disperse heat. While they cost more to install, options like geothermal heat pumps can save significant operating costs thanks to the reliable ground temperatures they use as a source of heat transfer.
Still, if you’re looking for a good balance of affordability, reliability, and quiet operation, furnaces tend to win out overall. Especially with improvements to furnace technology to make them more energy efficient and introduce the option of electric-based heating, furnace replacement may be the best choice for your home.
Furnace Replacement in Las Vegas
Whether you’re looking for a furnace replacement or a new HVAC system installation, Silver State has the heating solutions you need in Las Vegas. Offering both geothermal heat pumps and electric furnaces, our eco-friendly heating options will keep your home comfortably warm all winter long. Contact our Las Vegas team today to book your appointment!
