Mitsubishi can only be described as a legendary technology company. Started in the 1870s it has built everything from locomotives, to fighter aircraft, to all kinds of domestic appliances. Its award-winning Ecodan range is specially-designed to match the British climate, according to the company.
It supplies heat pumps to both residential and commercial customers. There are a wide range of different types to suit your particular home.
Heat pump basics: heat pumps can extract residual heat from air, water or ground. Like most domestic-user ranges, Ecodan systems use the most popular type – air source heat pumps. If you are looking for ground or water source heat pumps see our Vaillant review.
Most heat pumps come as two units (called “split” in the jargon): one goes outside and extracts heat, the other goes indoors, similar to a boiler, and heats water going to radiators or underfloor systems. Some heat pumps are “monobloc”, which is a fancy way of saying one unit. These usually are better for smaller dwellings where space is at a premium.
Mitsubishi doesn’t actually manufacture a hybrid air source heat pump system, as its Ecodan heat pumps can easily be connected to an existing boiler. The main advantage of this is that when the air outside becomes too cold for a heat pump to function efficiently, the conventional boiler will start up instead: it acts as a back up to the heat pump. Basically the best of both worlds; if you have an existing boiler, and sufficient space for the heat pump too, this is a good combination.
All Mitsubishi Ecodan air source heat pumps are MCS approved. This means homeowners can obtain government grants and rebates to reduce the cost of installing this equipment. What is available is different depending on where in the UK you live, so ask your installer about this.
Mitsubishi’s heat pumps have a five year warranty, which can be extended with their various service plans.
Mitsubishi Company Overview:
Mitsubishi is Japan’s largest corporation. It is active in many markets globally, including banking, finance, energy, machinery, shipbuilding, defence, transportation, chemicals, and food. Mitsubishi Electric is the subsidiary which manufactures and sells cooling, heating, ventilation appliances and their controls. It has been operating in the UK since 1969 and launched its first Ecodan flagship heat pumps in 2007, so has a long track record compared to many environmental appliance companies.
Mitsubishi Air Source Heat Pump Specifications:
Mitsubishi heat pumps use advanced technology to ensure they are operating at peak efficiency. Unlike most other competitors’ heat pumps, they deploy an inverter in their units to keep the room at optimum temperature; most others use fixed-speed compressors which are not as effective because the module is either on or off, so that as the room cools, the heat pump starts up again, then switches off as it reaches the required temperature.
The products use a control unit which can be synced to an app on your phone, so the whole system can be monitored and controlled from any convenient mobile device.
Ecodan R744 QUHZ-W40VA Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump
The Ecodan QUHZ is Mitsubishi’s latest air to water heat pump system and is the ideal solution for new build homes where modern regulations and good insulation requires less heating, making the production of hot water the main output needed from the Ecodan heat pump.
Ecodan R32 Ultra Quiet PUZ Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump
This innovative and stylish single fan outdoor monobloc air source heat pump unit utilises advanced technologies and R32 refrigerant to deliver improved efficiencies. Designed to satisfy domestic premises permitted development standards (MCS020), the exceptional low noise levels virtually eliminate the need for planning permission and maximises installation options.
Ecodan R32 Compact PUZ Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump
This is a particularly compact single fan outdoor monobloc air source heat pump unit using advanced technologies and R32 refrigerant to deliver improved efficiencies. Designed to satisfy smaller heat demand for smaller houses and flats, the exceptional low noise levels virtually eliminate the need for planning permission and maximises installation options.
Ecodan R32 Zubadan PUZ Monobloc Air Source Heat Pump
The Ecodan R32 Zubadan monobloc air source heat pump utilises advanced technologies and R32 refrigerant to deliver improved efficiencies. This model is designed to heat larger domestic premises. The patented Zubadan technology is able to maintain a stable heat output at very low temperatures.
Ecodan Coastal Protection Models
The Ecodan R32 Zubadan monobloc air source heat pump utilises advanced technologies and R32 refrigerant to deliver improved efficiencies. This model is designed to heat larger domestic premises. The patented Zubadan technology is able to maintain a stable heat output at very low temperatures.
Ecodan Coastal Protection Models
PUHZ-(H)W50-140VHA(2)/YHA2-BS Monobloc Range
PUHZ-SW50-120VKA/VHA-BS Split Range
The Ecodan coastal models are designed to protect against the corrosive effects of environments that are in close proximity to the sea. They have special coatings and physical improvements to reduce the damage to units from sea spray and a salty environment, so their lifespan is extended.
They are upgrades of the normal Ecodan range, just with added protection. This merits serious consideration if the location is on or near the UK coast, as salt corrosion would be an issue for air source heat pumps, which ingest air when working.
Mitsubishi Heat Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
- Superior technology
- Long established global company
- Reliable performance
- Coastal Protection models available
Cons
- Pricier than some competing brands
- Split units will cost more to install
- Quite short warranty
Mitsubishi Heat Pump FAQs
Q: What does a “heat pump system” actually consist of?
A: There are normally three parts to a heat pump system: the outdoor unit, which transfers heat from the air to its indoor companion: a boiler-like device, which raises the temperature of water to generate the heating, and a control unit, nowadays this is often an app on your phone.
Q: Can you attach a heat pump to existing radiators?
A: Heat pumps can be attached to most radiators, so they can be retrofitted into an existing home-heating system, or alongside a backup heating system, without much disruption.
Q: How long do heat pumps last?
A: The lifespan of air source heat pumps in general is usually between 15 to 20 years, far outlasting gas boilers and other traditional heating systems. However, the superior engineering of Mitsubishi, means that, if installed correctly, Mitsubishi air source heat pumps will usually provide around 20 to 30 years of trouble-free operation. Having them regularly serviced will maintain good performance levels.
Q: Is there funding available to reduce the cost of the system?
A: Currently there are grants available for heat pump installation as they are a form of renewable heating and therefore impact on your carbon footprint, but this funding availability depends on where you are in the UK. Government funding through schemes such as ECO4 and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme can be prone to abrupt changes of policy, so please contact your installer to discuss what funding options are available now.
Mitsubishi Heat Pump Summary
Mitsubishi are a global company with an excellent reputation and long experience in the heat pump field. Their Ecodan air source heat pump products are claimed to be optimised for the unpredictable British weather. They also boast very quiet technology, which is important in residential applications. If you are near the seaside, then the Coastal Protection models are definitely worth exploring.
Ecodan air source heat pumps are not the cheapest on the market by any means, but their outstanding reliability and efficiency make them great for helping you reduce energy bills and are one of the best heat pump brands available in the UK.
