Unlike traditional pool heat pumps that turn on and off using AC power – an Arctic Inverter Heat Pump speed up or slows down using more efficient DC power.
AC power uses a LOT of extra energy to go from 0-60 Hz instantly when it turns on (in other words, 0 to max). In order to start the motor and get it turning, a starting capacitor is used to store extra energy that delivers extra power to the motor at start up. Most of us are familiar with this kind of motor when we see the lights temporarily dim when an older AC appliance is turning on. This hard start and stop consumes a lot more energy and puts a lot of extra stress on the mechanical parts with this extra jolt of energy to turn on.
Using DC power, an inverter motor is much more energy efficient. Unlike AC power, a DC motor can modulate the amount of energy from 0-60 + Hz. What does this mean? It means when we start the compressor, we gently turn up the speed as we start until we reach the optimal required speed with no starting capacitor used. This results in ultra-quiet start up with no extra torque on the compressor motor, and we reach peak efficiency with no wasted energy and maintain it with max energy savings.
An inverter heat pump also saves money by only heating to the target temperature. It can do so because of its variable frequency and by simply lowering its operating speed to match the load of the swimming pool. Traditional pool heat pumps turn on 1-2 degrees below set point and turn off 1-2 degrees above the set point. This means for ½ the time we are operating hotter than needed and the other ½ colder than needed. An Arctic Heat Pump can be dialed to maintain the exact pool temperature by turning is frequency up or down to match the load reducing extra energy consumption.
Arctic Pool Heat Pumps use Full Inverter Technology, this means that not only is the compressor a full DC inverter compressor, so are the fan motors. The on-board optimizer matches the fan speeds with the compressor speed to provide the greatest possible performance/cost ratio.
Based on Full Invert Technology, an Arctic Inverter Pool Heat Pump is able to save up to 50% compared to that of traditional pool heat pump, making the Arctic Heat Pump the #1 choice for pool and hot tub owners!
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Yes. While the upfront cost is higher, the operational savings are significant. Because an Arctic Inverter Heat Pump operates at highly efficient low speeds (maintaining temperature rather than constantly heating from cold), it can save you up to 50% on your electricity bill compared to a standard On/Off heat pump. Most users see a return on their investment within 2 to 3 seasons.
This is a common misconception. It actually saves electricity. Think of it like "highway driving" vs "city driving." A standard unit stops and starts frequently (City Driving), which uses maximum power every time. An Inverter unit runs for longer periods but at a very low speed (Highway Driving/Cruise Control). Running at low speed (low Hz) is incredibly efficient, allowing the unit to maintain your pool temperature while sipping a fraction of the power a standard unit would use.
They are whisper quiet. At maintenance speeds, the unit operates between 40dB and 50dB. For context, a standard library is about 40dB, and a normal conversation is 60dB. You can stand right next to the unit while it is running and have a normal conversation without raising your voice. Standard heat pumps are significantly louder due to the high-speed fan noise.
No. Standard heat pumps have a high "in-rush" current (hard start) that can strain your electrical panel. Arctic Inverter Heat Pumps utilize DC Inverter Soft-Start Technology. The unit starts at 0 amps and slowly ramps up to the required speed over a period of 2 minutes. This puts zero stress on your home's electrical grid.
Some cheaper models are "Step Inverters," meaning they only have 3 speeds (Low, Medium, High). Arctic Heat Pumps are Full DC Inverters, meaning they have variable speed compressors and fans that can adjust Hz by Hz (e.g., running at 34% or 78%). This precise modulation ensures you never use more energy than is absolutely necessary to heat the pool.