Heat Pump vs Gas Heater: Pros & Cons For Common Types of Pool Heaters

Heat Pump vs. Gas Heater

Swimming pool heaters help people enjoy their pools during cool days and nights. They also appeal to anyone living in homes with heated pools who prefer warmer water throughout the season. When looking for the best pool heater, homeowners benefit from considering several options and comparing heat pumps vs. gas heaters. Both types of equipment have several pros and cons regarding efficiency, longevity, cost, and capacity. They also employ many different methods to heat water.

Heat Pumps & Gas Heaters: How They Work

A heat pump extracts warmth from the air rather than producing new heat. It uses some of the same components as an air conditioner, such as a compressor and refrigerant coils. Heat pumps utilize fans to blow outdoor air at their coils. The refrigerant collects warmth from this air. With the help of the compressor and condenser, it heats the pool water. A heat pump with a scroll compressor will accomplish this more efficiently than a model with a reciprocating compressor. Either way, the equipment runs on electrical power.

Gas pool heaters work the same way as conventional home water heaters. They burn propane or natural gas inside combustion chambers. This process creates warmth and enables the unit to heat pool water as a pump circulates it through the system. A gas heater also produces and releases emissions that come from burning fuel. Like all gas-powered equipment, it performs more efficiently when maintained regularly.

Heat Pump Pros & Cons

Heat Pumps Can Help Pools Stay Warm

Homeowners can find several convincing reasons to use a heat pump for pool heating purposes. This technology conserves energy, so it costs less to run and has a smaller environmental impact, and heat pumps also last longer than gas units. They frequently work well for at least a decade and may remain in service for up to 20 years. No need to arrange propane deliveries or pay a separate gas bill. These advantages help owners save considerable amounts of time and money. Heat pumps also offer a few additional benefits:

  • Only needs electrical wiring
  • Performs well at any altitude level
  • No danger of natural gas leaks

While a heat pump doesn't require a gas connection, installing a 220-volt line with a dedicated circuit breaker is usually essential. This could necessitate further electrical upgrades in some homes. Heat pumps also sell at substantially higher prices than gas heaters. They cost at least 30 percent more. Another downside is that a heat pump may not be effective if the owner has a particularly large pool or the air temperature falls below 45 degrees. Like refrigerators and air conditioners, these units have the potential to leak harmful refrigerants.

Gas Heater Pros & Cons

A gas pool heater performs well at just about any temperature. It also heats water three to five times more rapidly. Powerful gas units are available, so it's feasible to warm up pools that contain over 25,000 gallons of water. Gas pool heaters have significantly lower upfront costs. Most units only require 120-volt lines, and some models run without electricity. Consequently, owners usually don't need to pay for major electrical upgrades.

On the other hand, a gas unit results in higher long-term expenses. It demands more spending on upkeep, energy, and replacement. Many of these heaters only last around five to seven years. Because they directly generate pollution, they can hurt outdoor air quality. Propane units may take up more space because they need separate fuel tanks. Many gas heaters don't perform well at elevations above 2,000 feet. However, it's possible to find special high-altitude models.

Determine Which is Best For Your Pool

The best pool heater is different for each buyer. Someone who wants longer-lasting equipment, a smaller carbon footprint, or lower energy bills might choose a heat pump. Greater longevity and less maintenance boost convenience. This equipment also proves desirable for homeowners with up-to-date electrical systems and no existing gas lines or tanks. The same goes for anyone with a high-elevation property.

A gas heater becomes more appealing when a pool owner wants to heat the water as quickly as possible. It typically reduces heating times by 15 to 60 hours. People in relatively cold climates often achieve better results with gas, but this rarely becomes an essential factor in Florida. Owners of very large pools may also benefit from choosing gas. This option tends to have a much lower initial cost, especially for people who already use gas equipment. It's suitable for off-grid homes with limited power sources, such as solar panels and generators.

Getting the Most Out of a Heater

After installing a pool heat pump or gas heater, a homeowner can achieve optimal results by taking steps to retain warmth. Think about trimming trees that shade the water or adding must-have pool accessories that help retain heat, such as solar pool covers. Strong breezes contribute to faster cooling. A heater may last longer and consume less energy if fences or shrubs reduce the swimming pool's wind exposure. However, these barriers must be placed so they won't prevent sunlight from reaching the water's surface.

Post a Comment