Heat Pump Replacement in Las Vegas
Upgrade your aging heat pump for better efficiency, comfort, and reliability
Short answer: If your heat pump is 10 to 15 years old, uses R-22 refrigerant, or needs frequent repairs, replacement is likely more cost-effective than continuing to repair it. The Cooling Company provides expert heat pump replacement throughout Las Vegas with precision load calculations, energy-efficient options, available federal tax credits, and financing for qualified buyers. Call (702) 567-0707 for a free replacement consultation or book online.
Heat pumps are among the most efficient ways to heat and cool a Las Vegas home. But like any mechanical system, they have a finite lifespan. After 10 to 15 years of handling Las Vegas summers that push past 115 degrees and desert winters that dip below freezing, even a well-maintained heat pump loses efficiency, develops reliability problems, and eventually costs more to keep running than to replace.
This page is specifically about replacing an existing heat pump that is aging, failing, or inefficient. If you are installing a heat pump for the first time — replacing a traditional AC and furnace setup — visit our heat pump installation page instead.
Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Replacement
Not every heat pump problem means you need a new system. But when multiple warning signs appear together, replacement is usually the smarter investment:
- Age 10 to 15 years — most heat pumps have an effective lifespan of 10 to 15 years in Las Vegas. The extreme heat accelerates wear on compressors, fan motors, and electrical components compared to milder climates.
- Frequent repairs — if you have needed 2 or more repairs in the past 12 months, or if repair costs are escalating each year, the system is telling you it is wearing out
- R-22 refrigerant — if your heat pump uses R-22 (Freon), the refrigerant that was phased out of production in 2020, replacement is strongly recommended. R-22 now costs $100 to $200 per pound, making leak repairs extremely expensive. Any system using R-22 is at least 15 years old.
- Declining efficiency — energy bills rising year over year despite no changes in usage patterns, or the system running longer to achieve the same temperature
- Uneven heating or cooling — rooms that used to stay comfortable are now too hot or too cold, indicating the system can no longer meet the load
- Loud or unusual operation — grinding, rattling, or constant cycling suggests worn internal components
- Repair cost exceeds 50% of new system — if a single repair (like a compressor) costs more than half what a new heat pump would cost, replacement delivers better value
Heat Pump Replacement vs. AC Replacement
If your current system is a heat pump, you have the option to replace it with another heat pump or switch to a separate AC unit and furnace. Here is how they compare in Las Vegas:
| Factor | Heat Pump Replacement | AC + Furnace Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Heating and cooling | One system handles both | Two separate systems |
| Heating efficiency | 200-300% efficient (COP 2-3) | 80-98% AFUE for gas furnace |
| Operating cost | Lower in mild climates like Las Vegas | Lower during extreme cold (below 30 degrees F) |
| Installation cost | $5,500 - $14,000 | $7,000 - $18,000 (two units) |
| Federal tax credits | Up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pumps | No credit for standard AC; furnace credits limited |
| Las Vegas suitability | Excellent — mild winters maximize efficiency | Good, but heat pump is typically more efficient |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years | AC: 12-15 years, Furnace: 15-20 years |
| Carbon footprint | Lower — no combustion | Higher — gas furnace produces emissions |
For most Las Vegas homes, replacing a heat pump with another heat pump is the most cost-effective and energy-efficient choice. Las Vegas winters rarely dip below 30 degrees for extended periods, which is the temperature range where heat pumps operate at peak efficiency.
Dual-Fuel and Hybrid Heat Pump Options
If your home has an existing gas line and you want the efficiency of a heat pump with the assurance of gas heat backup, a dual-fuel system (also called a hybrid system) may be the right choice:
- How it works — a heat pump handles heating and cooling for most of the year. When outdoor temperatures drop below a set point (typically 30 to 35 degrees), the system automatically switches to a gas furnace for heating.
- Best for — homeowners who want maximum efficiency but are concerned about performance on the coldest Las Vegas winter nights
- Cost — typically $8,000 to $16,000 depending on system size and brand
- Efficiency — you get heat pump efficiency for 90% or more of the heating season and gas furnace reliability for the handful of extremely cold nights each year
Understanding SEER and HSPF Ratings
When comparing heat pump options, two efficiency ratings matter:
- SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) — measures cooling efficiency. Higher is better. The current federal minimum for heat pumps is 15 SEER2. High-efficiency models reach 20+ SEER2. A system rated 18 SEER2 uses roughly 30% less electricity for cooling than a 13 SEER system from 10 years ago.
- HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) — measures heating efficiency. Higher is better. The current federal minimum is 8.1 HSPF2. High-efficiency models reach 10+ HSPF2. This rating matters for Las Vegas winter heating costs.
For Las Vegas, SEER2 rating has the largest impact on your energy bills because cooling accounts for the majority of your annual HVAC runtime. We recommend a minimum of 16 SEER2 for meaningful energy savings.
Federal Tax Credits and Rebates
Heat pump replacement can qualify for significant financial incentives:
- Federal tax credit — qualifying heat pumps (meeting CEE highest efficiency tier standards) are eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $2,000. This applies to the equipment and installation cost and can be claimed on your federal income tax return.
- NV Energy rebates — NV Energy offers rebates for high-efficiency HVAC equipment upgrades. Rebate amounts and requirements change periodically — we help identify current programs during your consultation.
- Manufacturer rebates — Lennox and other manufacturers offer seasonal rebates that can save an additional $250 to $1,500 on qualifying systems.
Between federal tax credits, utility rebates, and manufacturer promotions, many homeowners offset $2,000 to $4,000 or more of their replacement cost. We help identify every incentive you qualify for.
Heat Pump Replacement Cost in Las Vegas
| System Type | Typical Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard efficiency heat pump (15-16 SEER2) | $5,500 - $9,000 | Budget-conscious replacement with modern reliability |
| High-efficiency heat pump (17-20 SEER2) | $8,000 - $14,000 | Maximum energy savings, qualifies for tax credits |
| Ductless mini-split heat pump | $3,500 - $8,000 per zone | Homes without ductwork, additions, zone control |
| Dual-fuel hybrid system | $8,000 - $16,000 | Heat pump efficiency with gas furnace backup |
| Packaged heat pump (rooftop) | $6,000 - $12,000 | Replacing existing packaged rooftop units common in Las Vegas |
Costs include equipment, installation labor, permits, and standard materials. Actual price depends on system size, brand, home configuration, and any ductwork modifications needed. Financing available for qualified buyers.
What is Included in Our Heat Pump Replacement
When The Cooling Company replaces your heat pump, the process includes:
- Free in-home consultation — we assess your current system, measure your home, and perform a Manual J load calculation to determine the right system size
- System recommendation — we present 2 to 3 options at different price points with clear explanations of the differences in efficiency, features, and long-term cost
- Incentive identification — we identify all available tax credits, utility rebates, and manufacturer promotions you qualify for
- Professional removal — we remove and properly dispose of your old heat pump, including refrigerant recovery
- Precision installation — new outdoor unit, indoor coil (if needed), refrigerant line set, thermostat, electrical connections, and all mounting hardware
- Ductwork inspection — we check your existing ductwork for leaks, damage, and proper sizing. Duct repairs or modifications are recommended if needed.
- System commissioning — we verify refrigerant charge, airflow, temperature split, and performance in both heating and cooling modes
- Warranty registration — we register your new system with the manufacturer to activate the full equipment warranty
- Homeowner walkthrough — we show you how to operate your new system and thermostat, and explain maintenance requirements
Brands We Install
As a Lennox Premier Dealer, we specialize in Lennox heat pump systems and also install:
- Lennox (Premier Dealer)
- Carrier
- Trane
- Goodman
- Rheem
- American Standard
- York
- Daikin
We recommend the brand and model that best fits your home, budget, and efficiency goals — not just one manufacturer.
Why Choose The Cooling Company for Heat Pump Replacement
- Serving Las Vegas since 2011 — over a decade of installing and replacing heat pumps in desert conditions
- Lennox Premier Dealer — access to the latest high-efficiency equipment and exclusive promotions
- NATE-certified technicians — industry-recognized expertise in heat pump installation
- Manual J load calculations — we size your system correctly, not just match the old unit's tonnage
- Financing available — flexible payment plans through GoodLeap and Service Finance Company
- Workmanship warranty — our installation is backed by our own workmanship guarantee in addition to manufacturer warranties
- One-day installation — most replacements are completed in a single day
Related Services
- Heat Pump Installation — first-time heat pump installation for homes switching from AC and furnace
- Heat Pump Maintenance — seasonal tune-ups to extend your new system's lifespan
- AC Replacement — traditional air conditioner replacement options
- Heating Replacement — furnace and heating system replacement
- HVAC Buying Guide — compare systems, brands, and features
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a heat pump last in Las Vegas?
Most heat pumps last 10 to 15 years in Las Vegas. The extreme summer heat puts more stress on compressors and electrical components than moderate climates, which can shorten lifespan. Regular maintenance can help push your system toward the higher end of that range.
Should I replace my heat pump with another heat pump or switch to AC and furnace?
For most Las Vegas homes, replacing a heat pump with another heat pump is the better choice. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient for heating in Las Vegas's mild winters, qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000, and have lower operating costs. A dual-fuel system offers heat pump efficiency with gas furnace backup for the coldest nights if desired.
My heat pump uses R-22 refrigerant. Do I have to replace it?
You are not legally required to replace it immediately, but it is strongly recommended. R-22 was phased out of production in 2020 and now costs $100 to $200 per pound. If your R-22 system develops a refrigerant leak, the recharge cost alone can be $500 to $2,000. Any system using R-22 is at least 15 years old and operating well below modern efficiency standards. Replacement will lower your energy bills and eliminate the R-22 cost risk.
What size heat pump do I need?
Proper sizing requires a Manual J load calculation that accounts for your home's square footage, insulation, window area, orientation, ceiling height, and local climate data. We perform this calculation during your free consultation. Simply matching the old system's tonnage is not reliable because the original system may have been improperly sized, or your home may have been modified since it was installed.
How much can I save on energy bills with a new heat pump?
Replacing a 10-plus-year-old heat pump with a modern 17 to 20 SEER2 unit can reduce cooling energy costs by 25 to 40 percent. The exact savings depend on your old system's condition, your new system's efficiency rating, and your usage patterns. In Las Vegas, where cooling accounts for a large portion of annual energy use, the savings are significant.
Do I qualify for a federal tax credit for heat pump replacement?
If you install a heat pump that meets the CEE highest efficiency tier standards, you may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $2,000. The credit applies to equipment and installation costs. We help identify qualifying equipment during your consultation. Consult your tax advisor for how the credit applies to your specific situation.
How long does heat pump replacement take?
Most heat pump replacements are completed in one day, typically 4 to 8 hours. This includes removing the old system, installing the new outdoor and indoor components, making electrical and refrigerant connections, and testing the system in both heating and cooling modes. Installations requiring ductwork modifications may take an additional half day.
Do you offer financing for heat pump replacement?
Yes. We offer financing through GoodLeap and Service Finance Company for qualified buyers. Options include low monthly payments, deferred interest plans, and fixed-rate financing. We present financing options during your consultation so you can choose the payment plan that fits your budget. Visit our financing page for details.
Get a Free Heat Pump Replacement Estimate
If your heat pump is aging, costing you in repairs, or driving up your energy bills, it is time to explore replacement. Call (702) 567-0707 for a free in-home consultation, or Schedule Now. We will assess your current system, recommend the right replacement, and identify every tax credit and rebate you qualify for.
Need HVAC Service in Las Vegas?
The Cooling Company provides expert HVAC service throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. Our licensed technicians deliver honest assessments, upfront pricing, and reliable results.
Call (702) 567-0707 or visit AC repair, maintenance, heating, or installation for details.