Heat pumps - the future of home heating and cooling

Global target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions requires big changes to the way we generate and use energy. Heating and cooling is the world’s largest form of energy use and its largest source of carbon emissions when compared with power and transport. Today only a small fraction of of buildings in the US are heated from a low carbon source – and this needs to increase dramatically.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that the application of efficiency improvements, the replacement of fossil fuels and decarbonising electricity generation could reduce space heating emissions by 30% by 2030.

To reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, we will need to change the way we heat our homes and buildings. Varied low-carbon solutions are available for heating and cooling in residential, commercial and industrial settings in Las Vegas. Heat pumps are one of the key areas for research, development and deployment across low-carbon heating and cooling. In the last couple of years the seasonal performance of heat pumps is improving steadily. Researchers are constantly investigating ways to improve performance, such as new condenser designs.

Why heaters are the future of cooling

Heat pumps are widely seen as a leading low-carbon solution for home heating and cooling. They work by absorbing small amounts of heat from the air or ground and transferring it to a fluid, which is compressed to increase the temperature further. The resulting heat is transferred from fluid into water to provide hot water & heating to warm up your home. Air source heat pumps reach cost-competitiveness with gas boilers, especially in regions of the US with cheap electricity such as Las Vegas, Nevada.

Schematic of an air source heat pump. Heat is transferred from outside to inside a building using a refrigerant liquid.

Types of heat pumps

• Air Source
• Geothermal
• Ductless Mini-Split
• Gas-Fired Heat Pump

Each type offers different benefits and drawbacks at various price points. If you need a professional for a consultation to help you decide, call Nevada Residential Services - a local HVAC contractor near you in Las Vegas, NV.

Several key factors have raised the popularity of heat pump technologies in the US, including growing air-conditioning demand, policy development and new construction standards that make heat pumps in new buildings more competitive.

Benefits

• Reversible air conditioners
  Can provide heating and cooling from the same device.
  Provide warm and cold air, also heats your hot water, and works all year round.
   
• Lower bills
  Especially if you replace conventional electric heating.
   
• Efficiency
  Compared to other heating and cooling systems, heat pumps are more efficient.
  Requires minimal maintenance.
   
• Green tech
  Reduced household carbon emissions.

Reversible air-to-air heat pumps (e.g. mini-split units) are widespread in Las Vegas, NV – reversible heat pumps are commonly used for both heating and cooling. It’s important that your home is well insulated and draught-proofed for the heat pump HVAC system to be effective.

Heating and Cooling technologies such as Heat Pumps could be one of the solutions to the world’s greatest source of carbon emissions. This kind of technology will be shaping the low-carbon heating and cooling sector of the future.

How much does it cost to install a heat pump in Las Vegas, NV?

The overall total average for a standard unit and installation is between $4,500 and $20,000. The most affordable air-source heat pumps are ductless models, costing between $1000 and $5,000. For example if you have a 2,000 square foot home you will want to install a 4 ton heat pump, with each ton being able to output 12,000 BTU's an hour, such a HVAC Unit will cost around $2,920 to $4,875 to install.

Costs of different Heat Pump units

Factors to consider when reviewing pricing of heat pump units:

• Size
• Brand
• Installation
• Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
• Heating Seasonal Performance Ratio (HSPF)

Heat pumps offer an energy-efficient way to both heat and cool your home and have become increasingly popular with many homeowners across the Las Vegas Valley. Heat pumps can save homeowners money on energy costs, when compared with conventional HVAC systems, the long-term savings are considerable. Even the most common and cheaper air-source heat pumps can save you hundreds of dollars each year in efficiency and reduced energy usage compared with traditional heating and cooling systems.

Nevada Residential Services Air Conditioning & Heating is a trusted, long-established HVAC company. We offer high end HVAC products including American Standard & Rheem Heat Pumps as well as whole range of HVAC services including AC Installation, Maintenance, Repair and Replacement in Las Vegas at affordable pricing.

Want to install a heat pump? Need AC Repair Service?
Call us anytime you need a professional heating or cooling services: 702.935.0777