How each one heats
A heat pump moves heat instead of making it. In winter it pulls heat from outdoor air and brings it inside, and in summer it runs as an air conditioner. A gas furnace burns natural gas to heat air and is paired with a separate AC for cooling.
Why heat pumps suit Las Vegas
- Winters are mild, so a heat pump works efficiently for most of the heating season
- One outdoor unit handles both heating and cooling
- No gas line or combustion venting is needed, and no carbon monoxide risk from the heating system
On the coldest mornings, a heat pump may use backup electric heat strips, which cost more to run. A properly set-up thermostat keeps that to a minimum.
Why some homes prefer gas
- Furnace air feels warmer at the vent than heat pump air
- Heating output doesn't drop when it's cold outside
- If the home already has gas and a good furnace, replacing just the AC can be simpler
Dual-fuel
A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles most of the year, and the furnace takes over on the coldest days.
Which is right for you?
It depends on whether your home has gas, the age of your current equipment, and whether you're replacing one piece or the whole system. We'll lay out the options for your home. See furnace and heat pump installation.
Questions to answer before you choose
Does your home already have a gas line to the furnace closet?
If the home is all-electric, adding gas means running a new line and venting, which adds cost before any equipment is chosen. If gas is already there, keeping a furnace may be simpler. Either way, the condition of the existing ductwork and electrical service matters too, so it's worth checking those before comparing equipment prices.
How much heating does a valley home really need?
Las Vegas winters bring cold nights and mornings but rarely long stretches of hard freeze. Most homes need heat for a few months, and the AC runs much longer. That balance is why heat pumps get so much attention here: the same equipment does both jobs. Homes in higher-elevation areas on the valley edges may see colder nights.
Backup heat strips and power bills
Electric heat strips kick in when a heat pump can't keep up or is defrosting. They work but cost more to run. Thermostats set up to lock out strips above a certain outdoor temperature keep them from running unnecessarily. If your winter bill looks high with a heat pump, our thermostat page explains what to check.
Replacing one piece versus the whole system
If your furnace is fairly new but the AC is failing, replacing only the AC keeps the furnace working. If both are aging, replacing the whole system lets you choose between a heat pump and a furnace-plus-AC setup from scratch. Our repair or replace guide helps with the AC side of that decision.
Common questions
Do heat pumps work in Las Vegas winters?
Yes. Our winters are mild, which is where heat pumps are most efficient.
Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a gas furnace?
It depends on local electricity and gas rates and how the system is set up. In mild climates like ours, heat pumps are often competitive.