When temperatures fall sharply, keeping your Las Vegas home warm is almost impossible without reliable heating and cooling equipment. In Las Vegas, it is normal for temperatures to drop below freezing during the cold winter months. Although many residents in this area opt for furnaces and fireplaces, installing a heat pump might be the best option. Here are ten reasons why heat pumps are a terrific investment.
1. Provide Both Warm and Cold Air
Unlike furnaces and central air conditioners, heat pumps are designed to distribute hot and cold air. During the cold winter months, your heat pump will pull warm outdoor air and transfer it indoors. Similarly, your heat pumps will move cool outdoor air to your home’s interior during the hot summer months, so you can always count on your heat pump to provide uninterrupted comfort all year long.
Heat pumps use electricity to pull outdoor air and carry it indoors through a refrigerant. Because they provide all-year comfort, homeowners in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas don’t have to install separate heating and cooling systems. You can even add an electric heat strip to improve performance during the cold months.
2. More Environmentally Friendly
Heat pumps are eco-friendly because they don’t burn fossil fuels like furnaces, boilers, and other heating equipment to keep your home warm in winter. Instead, a heat pump is powered by electricity. Each time you use a boiler or furnace to warm your home, you release high amounts of carbon dioxide into the air.
3. Produce Minimal Noise
Another advantage of installing a heat pump instead of a furnace or a central air conditioner is that it produces less noise. Typically, a central air conditioner runs at 60 decibels. Heat pumps, on the other hand, are around 40 decibels when operating. For context, most fridges operate at 32 to 47 decibels.
4. Requires Less Maintenance
Heat pumps require less maintenance than furnaces, boilers, and other combustion heating systems. Homeowners are encouraged to carry out basic tests at least once per year. They should also schedule professional heat pump maintenance every three to five years. This also means that you won’t have to deal with costly maintenance costs. Also, you don’t have to join multiple maintenance programs.
On the other hand, you must have your gas furnace serviced by a professional at least once a year. Failure to schedule regular furnace tune-up might result in costly repairs down the line. This is because the air filter might become clogged with mold, dust, and debris.
5. Increased Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps have become the go-to option for homeowners in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas because they use less electricity or natural gas. According to the EPA, an efficient heat pump can reduce your heating costs by 50% compared to baseboard heaters and furnaces. With a heat pump, homeowners can expect to save 20% to 70% on their yearly heating and cooling costs.
6. Avoid Explosions and Fires
Although modern gas furnaces are much safer than earlier models, they can still catch fire or explode. In most cases, furnace explosions occur when a spark or flame ignites leaking gas. The force of the explosion is usually much greater than the combustion chamber can handle. It can extend many feet, injuring people in the path of the flame.
7. Improves Indoor Air Quality
The air inside your Las Vegas home is three to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Unfortunately, we tend to spend 90% of our time indoors. Besides dust and organic growth, high humidity levels also contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Investing in a new and efficient heat pump can improve indoor air quality in your home by filtering the air. Additionally, a heat pump can dehumidify your interior to improve indoor air quality. Maintaining good indoor air quality protects your family from some respiratory complications.
Temperature control units that are powered by combustion engines emit carbon monoxide as a byproduct of the heating process. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, toxic gas that can make your family very sick. If you install a heat pump, you won’t have to worry about this as they run on electricity and not fossil fuels.
8. There is a Right Type of Heat Pump for Every Home
With heat pumps, you can never go wrong. Heat pumps are available in different styles to serve the needs of each customer. Air-source heat pumps are undoubtedly the most commonly installed systems. These heat pumps rely on outdoor air to transfer heat. Thanks to technological advancements, air-source heat pumps are now viable for colder regions.
You can also opt for ductless heat pumps that use an outdoor unit and an interior condenser unit to transfer conditioned air. Mini-split heat pumps are usually installed on walls and ceilings. These are the best options for older homes because they don’t need ductwork. Geothermal heat pumps are also an excellent option for those seeking more energy efficiency. Geothermal heat pumps are also less noisy, require minimal maintenance, and last longer than any other type of heater.
9. Long Lifespan
Heat pumps typically last about 14 to 15 years because they provide optimal temperatures all year long. Ultimately, how long your system lasts depends on how well it is maintained, the type of heat pump, and your location. Well-maintained systems tend to last longer.
10. They Provide Even Heating
With heat pumps, Las Vegas homeowners will no longer have to deal with cold spots in their homes. Unlike furnaces and other traditional heating systems, heat pumps provide consistent heating throughout your home. Sometimes, furnaces struggle to maintain uniform heating throughout your home because they are improperly sized or haven’t been appropriately maintained. In contrast, homeowners can invest in ductless heat pumps to maintain optimal temperatures in every room in their houses.
What Is the Downside of a Heat Pump?
Like other heating systems, heat pumps also have their fair share of disadvantages. To start with, heat pumps have a higher up-front cost than furnaces and other heating systems. On average, homeowners pay around $5,000 to install a heat pump. You can, however, opt for the cheaper mini-split systems. These prices depend on the unit, location, and labor. Beyond that, heat pumps are vulnerable to power outages and are not ideal for every home. Fortunately, your heat pump will continue running if you have a reliable power backup.
Are Heat Pumps Really Worth it? Talk to the Professionals
If you would like to find out whether a heat pump is the right heating option for your home, contact our experienced technicians at BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair today. You can always rely on our trained and experienced team for timely heat pump installation, repair, and replacement services throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and all of Clark County. Additionally, our team is ready to assist you with all your AC repair, maintenance, and installation needs. We can also provide indoor air quality solutions and duct sealing and repair. Get in touch with our team at BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair today to learn more about our services.
