With increasing concerns about energy efficiency all over the globe, electricians in the Denver metro area found it necessary to advise hot tub users on the best way to reduce their energy expenses. The main drive for this is because energy efficiency is at the center of every aspect of today’s society.
This article will help you save on your expenses and better enjoy the hydrotherapy advantages of a hot tub. Read on for suggestions that will save you greatly.
1. Consider Trading-In Your Old Hot Tub
Want to reduce the expense of operating a hot tub with little insulation? The best you can do is replace your old hot tub with an energy-efficient unit. Among the different benefits that an upgraded hot tub comes with are better insulation, energy-efficient heaters, and variable-speed pumps.
You must, however, be smart and cautious when looking for a new hot tub. You must ensure you get an energy-efficient model that will reduce your electricity bills.
2. Try a Less Exposed Location
With your hot tub in a less exposed location, it means you will need little energy to heat it up compared to a hot tub in a colder location. This is because, in a cold environment, the hot tub will lose heat faster. Exposed hot tubs are also subjected to more wear and tear from the elements, so some key components, such as the pumps and heaters, may have to work much harder than they should to maintain the hot tub’s temperature.
If you want reduced electric bills, you should consider placing the hot tub in a less exposed location where the surface won’t lose so much heat. Think about placing the hot tub on a screened-in porch, covered patio, or a gazebo.
3. Keep Filters Clean
Water enters a hot tub through the filters, warms up through the heater, and exits the hot tub through the jets. If a filthy filter is clogged with dirt, it slows the process of warming up the hot tub since the dirt creates an insulation layer, affecting the water’s heating rate. This results in the heater operating harder to maintain the desired water temperature, therefore, using more electricity in the process.
While maintaining safe and clean hot tub water requires a clean filter, the advantages of conserving electricity could be overstated. A clogged filter might limit your hot tub’s flow, which strains the pump. This means the pump will work harder to circulate water through every filter, therefore leading to increased energy consumption.
4. Try a Lower Temperature
A lower temperature means reduced heat requirements. The reason here is if you have a full hot tub with hotter water, it will require a lot more energy to maintain the temperature.
But if you opt for a slightly lower temperature, there won’t be such a high electricity demand. It is important to note that a slight reduction in the hot tub’s temperature makes a noticeable difference in the overall electricity consumption rate. A reduced water temperature also means less strain on the pump and heater, further reducing their overall energy consumption rate.
5. Ensure Your Cover is in Good Condition and Fits Well
One of the most crucial components of heat retention is your hot tub cover, which blocks and minimizes heat loss to the surrounding air. Otherwise, with every joule of heat lost, the heater must turn on more frequently to maintain your desired temperature. Frequent switching on and off is also very costly on your electric bill.
A decent hot tub cover won’t be waterlogged, should have a heat lock hinge where it folds, and should fit snugly to provide a tight seal. Consider changing your cover if it is damaged, heavy, worn, or fits awkwardly.
Factors to Think About When Buying Energy-Efficient Hot Tubs
Buying an energy-efficient unit is your first step to reducing hot tub electricity bills, but with today’s market, several factors must be considered before paying for the hot tub.
Some of the most common things that should guide you include:
Insulation
Today’s hot tubs come with various types of insulation that you can choose from, including foam insulation, reflective material, and thermal blankets. Each of these types varies in how they reduce heat loss based on different factors, but generally, foam insulation is considered to be the most effective option, followed by thermal blankets and reflective materials.
Size and Volume
The size of your hot tub depends on your needs, but generally, smaller hot tubs require less energy to heat than larger hot tubs. However, you must consider other size and volume-related factors that may need your attention. But on matters of energy efficiency, small-sized hot tubs are more efficient.
Check for a cover
Hot tubs must be covered to minimize losing heat to the surrounding air, so check for a high-quality cover that reduces heat loss and maintains heat within the tub. Look for well-insulated covers made from durable materials.
Energy Star rating
Hot tubs with energy star ratings mean they have met specific energy efficiency standards as set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is a mark you want to look for before purchasing the hot tub.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
The best hot tubs can be quite expensive to acquire, but they are worth their value in the long run. On the off-chance that they malfunction sooner than expected, however, ensure the unit you purchase has a manufacturer’s warranty that will cover you in case of any defects. With some manufacturers, you can have extended warranties that cover specific components such as the heater or pump.
What’s the Average Energy Consumed by a Hot Tub?
The National Spa and Pool Institute estimates that a hot tub needs 2514 kilowatts per hour of electricity annually. Most of this energy is utilized to heat and circulate the water, with a little portion also going toward lights. Hot tubs continue to use power even when covered and not in use. So, when shopping for a hot tub, consider its long-term heating cost. Although higher-end hot tubs may come with a higher initial price tag, they often boast greater energy efficiency, resulting in lower monthly operating costs over time.