How to choose a heat pump in 2026?

If you are planning to purchase a heat pump in 2026, the most important factor is not just the price. Choosing the right heat pump means:

• lower electricity consumption,
• faster water heating,
• quieter operation,
• longer equipment service life,
• comfortable use throughout the year.

In this article, you will learn how to choose an energy-efficient inverter heat pump, how to calculate the required capacity, and how the UX, PBS, and PX series up to 16 kW differ. The article will be useful for both homeowners and those looking for a solution, for example, for heating a hot tub.

What is a heat pump and how does it work?

A heat pump is an energy-efficient device that uses the heat energy in the surrounding air to:

• heat water (e.g., in wooden hot tubs),
• provide heating for your home,
• maintain a stable temperature with minimal electricity consumption.

Unlike an electric heating element, a heat pump:

• does not generate heat, but transfers it,
• consumes up to 3-10 times less electricity,
• is the most economical solution in the long term.

That is why heat pumps are becoming the standard in private homes and for heating hot tubs and other water tanks in Latvia.

What is an inverter heat pump?

Currently, the most popular are Full Inverter heat pumps, which automatically adjust the compressor power to actual needs.

This means:

• no frequent on/off cycles,
• more stable temperature,
• up to 30% lower electricity consumption,
• longer compressor life,
• significantly quieter operation.

ON/OFF comparison with Full Inverter

• ON/OFF heat pump - operates at full capacity or does not operate at all;
• Full Inverter heat pump - adjusts power within a range of ~20-100%.

If you are planning to heat a hot tub, swimming pool or house, we recommend choosing an inverter model.

How to calculate the required power (kW)?

Insufficient power is one of the most common mistakes when choosing a heat pump.

Approximate capacity for water heating

• 15-25 m³ → 7-9 kW
• 25-35 m³ → 9-12 kW
• 35-50 m³ → 12-16 kW
• 50+ m³ → 16 kW and above

In the case of tubs, a lower capacity is usually sufficient, but it is important to assess whether

• whether the hot tub cover is of good quality,
• how often you will use it,
• whether you plan to use it during cold weather.

Factors that influence the choice of power:

• whether the object is outdoors or under a dome/roof,
• the initial water temperature,
• wind impact,
• season of use in Latvia,
• thermal insulation and cover.

If you plan to use the hot tub or pool in spring and autumn as well, choose a model with power reserve.

COP coefficient - the main indicator of economy

COP (Coefficient of Performance) shows how much heat you get from 1 kW of electricity.

Example:

• COP 5 - 1 kW of electricity = 5 kW of heat,
• COP 10 - 1 kW of electricity = 10 kW of heat.

In the UX and PBS series, COP can reach up to 16 under optimal conditions.

The higher the COP:

• the lower the electricity bill,
• the more economical heating or water heating,
• the faster the return on investment.

If you are looking for an economical heat pump for your hot tub, swimming pool or home, always compare the COP.

Noise level - important in private homes

Silence is especially important:

• on the terrace,
• near the hot tub area,
• in densely populated areas.

Modern inverter heat pumps operate at a sound pressure of around 34 dB(A).

For comparison:

• 30 dB - whispering,
• 40 dB - quiet room,
• 60 dB - loud fan.

If the hot tub area is located close to your home or neighbors, choose a model with Silence mode.

Operation in the Latvian climate

In Latvia, it is critically important that the heat pump is able to operate at lower temperatures.

Many PX series models are designed to operate at temperatures as low as -12°C, which allows you to:

• extend the swimming season,
• use the hot tub comfortably in autumn and spring,
• maintain a stable temperature during cold weather.

This is particularly important for hot tub owners, as hot tubs are often used during cold weather.

UX, PBS, and PX up to 16 kW – which one to choose?

UX series - premium energy efficiency

Suitable if you want:

• maximum COP,
• particularly quiet operation,
• Smart / Turbo / Silence modes,
• modern design.

UX is the ideal choice for private homes, pool projects and users who want to reduce their electricity bills.

See our range of UX series heat pumps here.

PBS series – a universal solution

PBS is one of the most popular choices because it offers:

• a wide range of capacities,
• COP up to 16,
• a stable inverter compressor,
• good value for money.

If you are looking for a reliable heat pump for heating your hot tub or pool without overpaying, PBS is a very balanced choice.

See our range of PBS series heat pumps here.

PX (INVERPAC) up to 16kW - compact and durable

The PX series (up to 16 kW) offers:

• R32 refrigerant,
• Turbo and Smart modes,
• stable operation in various weather conditions,
• compact housing.

PX is a good choice for:

• for heating tubs,
• 20–45 m³ pools,
• compact installation sites.

See our range of PX series heat pumps up to 16 kW here.

How much does water heating with a heat pump cost per season?

In a typical scenario (30 m³, cover, inverter mode, Latvian summer):

• the costs are several times lower than with an electric heating element,
• high COP ensures significant savings,
• in the long term, a heat pump is the most cost-effective solution.

The same principle applies to hot tub heating, especially if the tub is used regularly.

The most common mistakes when choosing a heat pump

• Choosing too low a capacity;
• Ignoring the COP indicator;
• Not installing a bypass system;
• Not using a high-quality cover;
• Not taking noise levels into account;
• Choosing an ON/OFF model for long-term use.

Conclusion – which heat pump is right for you?

• You want maximum comfort and quietness → UX,
• Need a universal solution → PBS,
• Looking for a compact and reliable model up to 16 kW → PX.

Want an accurate power calculation for your hot tub, pool, or home project? Contact us - we will help you choose the most optimal heat pump for your needs.