At Premier Hot Tubs, we know that purchasing a hot tub can be a huge investment. So, it’s understandable that many prospective buyers will search the web for the best deals possible to cut down on their spending.
A company called Scunthorpe Hot Tubs is currently offering a free 5KW air source heat pump with every spa – a tempting offer! However, before you make a decision on whether this offer is right for you, you should probably do some research on heat pumps. In fact, at Premier Hot Tubs, we’ll do it for you!
How Do Heat Pumps Work:
Heat pumps can be an energy-efficient option for heating hot tubs, but they come with limitations, especially in colder climates like the UK.
Heat pumps for hot tubs are designed to extract heat from the air, compress it, and transfer it into the water to raise the temperature. They operate most effectively in milder or warmer temperatures where there is plenty of ambient heat to draw from, for example during the warmer Summer months.
Issues with Heat Pumps in Cold Weather:
Many people choose to heat their hot tubs with a heat pump as it is seen as more energy efficient. However, during cold weather, their efficiency drastically decreases, leading to higher running costs just to keep your hot tub at a comfortable temperature.
- Reduced Efficiency: In colder conditions, heat pumps struggle to find sufficient warmth in the air, making the heating process slower. This means it takes much longer to heat the water to the desired temperature.
- Potential Freezing: Heat pumps can even freeze in above freezing temperatures, damaging the unit and leading to costly repairs. This is a significant concern in areas with harsh winters.
- Higher Operating Costs: When the temperature drops, a heat pump becomes less efficient and will cost more to heat than the standard heater fitted in the hot tub.
Why Electric Heaters Might Be a Better Option:
- Faster Heating: Electric heaters can warm up the water much faster than heat pumps. This is especially beneficial if you want to quickly use your hot tub without waiting for the heat pump to work.
- More Reliable in Cold Weather: Electric heaters are not dependent on outside air temperature, so they perform consistently, even during cold winters, without the risk of freezing.
While heat pumps are great for energy efficiency in mild conditions, for areas with colder winters, electric heaters are a more reliable and faster heating option.
If you're in the UK or a similar climate, it's crucial to consider the trade-off between the initial cost savings of a heat pump and the potential higher running costs and maintenance issues in the winter. You will also need to take into account the added cost of a heat pump to purchase.
Conclusion:
Standard Heater VS Heat Pump
If you are using your hot tub all year round, it will be more efficient and less costly to run it using the standard heater fitted compared to an air-source heat pump.
Although you can find heat pumps that are made to function efficiently in freezing temperatures, the vast majority of heat pumps on the market (including the one that Scunthorpe Hot Tubs is offering!) are only made for ‘temperate climates’ and simply will not function that well during cold UK winters.
At Premier Hot Tubs, our spas come with powerful electric heaters, so your tub will be ready for your steamy dip in a fraction of the time compared to a heat pump!
Use the button below to browse our full range of hot tubs today. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.
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