Investing in an Air Source Heat Pump for Our Plunge Pool
This project is part funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
As a small, family-run business, we are always looking for ways to improve our guest experience while keeping operational costs manageable. Running a high-quality holiday cottage business in the beautiful South West comes with its challenges, particularly with the ever-rising energy costs. However, thanks to the invaluable support from North Devon Plus and their Business Boost 2 Grant, we have been able to make a significant investment that benefits both our business and our guests—an air source heat pump for our plunge pool.
One of the most significant benefits of installing an air source heat pump has been the reduction in our energy costs. Heating a pool is one of the biggest energy expenses for any hospitality business, especially with traditional heating methods. The energy efficiency of an air source heat pump means that we use significantly less electricity compared to conventional heating systems, ultimately reducing our monthly utility bills.
Additionally, the heat pump allows us to maintain a steady and consistent water temperature while using far less energy. Unlike older systems that require constant monitoring and adjustment, this technology provides an automated, eco-friendly solution that optimises efficiency without compromising on guest experience.
One of the greatest advantages of our new heating system is that it enables us to extend our shoulder season. Typically, our plunge pool has been more of a summer feature, with unpredictable UK weather making it difficult to justify keeping it open for guests during the cooler months.
With the heat pump, however, we can now offer our pool to guests for a longer period each year, providing a more luxurious and relaxing experience even in the spring and autumn months. This added value makes our holiday cottages even more appealing, encouraging bookings during what would traditionally be quieter times of the year.
Another major benefit we have noticed since installing the air source heat pump is how quickly the pool reaches the desired temperature. Previously, after a deep clean or routine maintenance, it could take a long time to get the water back to a comfortable level, meaning guests often had to wait before enjoying the pool.
Now, the process is much faster and more efficient, ensuring that guests can enjoy the plunge pool whenever they want without long delays. This improvement has enhanced our customer experience and increased overall guest satisfaction.
With increasing financial pressures on small businesses, especially in the hospitality industry, grants like the Business Boost Grant from North Devon Plus are a lifeline. As Kathy Murdoch, co-founder of Westward Living Holiday Cottages, puts it:
“We are grateful for the support from North Devon Plus and the Boost Grant. The hospitality industry has been knocked enough under the current government, so every bit of support enabling us to reinvest in the business helps us to remain a leading player in the South West self-catering sector.”
In a time where many businesses are struggling with rising costs and uncertainty, having access to funding that allows us to invest in sustainable and cost-effective solutions is invaluable. By helping businesses like ours to improve efficiency and extend our offerings, North Devon Plus is playing a crucial role in supporting the local tourism and hospitality industry.
Our investment in an air source heat pump has been a game changer. Not only has it allowed us to reduce our energy consumption, but it has also enabled us to extend our season, provide better services to our guests, and remain competitive in a challenging market.
For any other small businesses considering energy-efficient investments, we highly recommend exploring the opportunities provided by North Devon Plus and the Business Boost Grant. Their support has been instrumental in helping us move forward, and we are excited about the long-term benefits this investment will bring to our business and guests alike.
