Mitsubishi Air Source Heat Pumps: Overview and Costs

Why Choose a Heat Pump?

Often described as the preferred low carbon heating method, heat pumps are incredibly energy efficient. They produce more heat than they take energy to operate, making them much more beneficial than electric, gas, oil or LPG boilers. Some of the best Mitsubishi air source heat pump models achieve 300–400% efficiency.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), heat pumps can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared to a gas boiler. And this even takes into consideration when they’re being run on emissions-heavy electricity. The bottom line is, you’ll save money and the planet at the same time, giving you peace of mind.

An Introduction to Mitsubishi Heat Pumps

Mitsubishi manufactures air-to-water heating systems in a range called Ecodan. These Mitsubishi air source heat pumps are capable of providing hot water and heating. They now include stylish and quiet models and have an option specifically designed for coastal areas to limit degradation.

In an eco-conscious move, the company started using R32 refrigerant when it became apparent previous refrigerants were contributing towards climate change. The production and use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) destroyed the ozone layer. R32 has a low global warming potential (GWP) compared to other refrigerants, making it much kinder to the planet.

What Kinds of Mitsubishi Air Source Heat Pumps Are There?

Mitsubishi air source heat pumps come in two different models:

• PUZ

• QUHZ

The manufacturer only produces monobloc models, which act as a single unit for everything you need. It’s all available in one outdoor block, making them easy to install.

The only thing you won’t have with the Mitsubishi air source heat pump is the hot water cylinder. This will sit inside your home to provide you with heated water for your taps and shower outlets. A separate cylinder will have to be ordered at the same time, compatible with the outdoor unit. These are different to traditional cylinders as they work with low flow temperatures.

PUZ

The PUZ Mitsubishi air source heat pump is the standard model. It’s suitable for all home types and even small commercial buildings.

PUZ models come in various power options, from 5–14kW, which is enough for most homes. The larger your home is, the more power you’d need. Fortunately, these models are stackable as well, so you can cascade them if needed.

QUHZ

The most up-to-date model, QUHZ Mitsubishi air source heat pumps are more compact air-to-water heating units. They are ideal for smaller properties and apartments, which have a low heating capacity.

Additionally, the QUHZ is more suited to new build properties, which have better insulation and adhere to modern Building Regulations. This means they require less heating, making the QUHZ model suitable for high domestic water requirements.

Models Available

Ecodan R32 Ultra Quiet PUZ Monobloc

Making use of the R32 refrigerant, this Mitsubishi air source heat pump is a good choice for most homes. It’s so quiet in operation that it can bypass planning permission requirements, making it a market-leading model.

Power options: 6, 8.5 and 11.2kW

Energy efficiency rating: A+++

SCOP (55°C): 3.57

SCOP (35°C): 4.81

Ecodan R32 Compact PUZ Monobloc

Another R32 refrigerant model, this compact Mitsubishi air source heat pump is a single fan unit and a condensed version of the above. It also has a low operating noise, so maintains the advantages.

Power options: 5kW

Energy efficiency rating: A+++

SCOP (55°C): 3.24

SCOP (35°C): 4.62

Ecodan R32 Zubadan PUZ Monobloc

A larger model for bigger domestic properties, this Mitsubishi air source heat pump also uses R32 refrigerant. Besides the bigger power output, it’s also able to maintain stable heating output in low temperatures.

Power options: 14kW

Energy efficiency rating: A+++

SCOP (55°C): 3.26

SCOP (35°C): 4.33

Ecodan R744 QUHZ Monobloc

The best Mitsubishi air source heat pump for new builds up to three bedrooms, this model is capable of satisfying a high water demand. This also makes it ideal for small properties and apartments.

Power options: 4.5kW

Energy efficiency rating: A+

SCOP (55°C): 2.9

Coastal Protection

While not a separate model itself, every Mitsubishi air source heat pump can come in this option to limit the erosion experienced in coastal properties. An acrylic resin is applied to key elements to prevent them from being affected by salty air. Importantly, this doesn’t affect its performance.

How to Improve Your Mitsubishi Heat Pump

Controls

For the best experience out of your Mitsubishi air source heat pump, you can make use of the energy efficient controls that have been developed for them. Dedicated wireless controllers give you options for every scenario, or you can download their app.

App

The MELCloud app allows you to control your system with any smart device. You’re also able to use holiday mode, access weekly scheduling and see a live weather feed. As the app is integrated with your Mitsubishi air source heat pump, you can then see running cost reports and how much energy it’s using.

More Power

You can double up, stack or cascade heat pumps to give you more power. Every home is different, so various heating situations might have to be explored. Fortunately, heat pumps are designed to be stacked.

However, while it’s unlikely that you can’t find a Mitsubishi air source heat pump for your home’s needs, it’s never advised to stack more than two. The simple reason is because the costs would then outweigh the benefits you’d receive.

How Much Is a Mitsubishi Heat Pump?

The cost of a heat pump is always difficult to estimate since various factors are at play. It’s not simply the unit price that you need to look at as the installation will push this higher. Additional work to make your home ready for your Mitsubishi air source heat pump will increase the cost to you.

Rough costs for various Mitsubishi heat pumps can be seen in the graph below.

You can lower the cost of installation by making use of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. This is a government grant that gives you a £7,500 discount.

Heat Pump Installation Costs

With the air-to-water Mitsubishi air source heat pump options above, you will be paying for a more expensive installation than you would for an air-to-air model. This is because there’s more hardware and cabling needed.

According to Checkatrade, the average installation of an air-to-water heat pump is £15,000. This includes the unit as well as the work needed to fit it to your home. However, any additional work that you might need will push this higher.

You can see rough costs for installation in the interactive graph below. The unit cost will be whatever you pay for your Mitsubishi air source heat pump.

Heat Pump Pros and Cons

Even though you might be sold on the brand already, it’s useful to look at the strengths and weaknesses associated with them. We’ve included the pros and cons of Mitsubishi air source heat pump technology below.

Pros

• Highly efficient (up to A+++)

• Environmentally-friendly refrigerant

• Industry-leading quiet operation

• Multiple products to suit any household

• Domestic heating up to 90°C

• Can work in reverse to cool a property

• Reliable heating in temperatures as low as -25°C

• Wi-Fi integration and easy controls

• Compatible with solar technology

• Eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (£7,500 off)

Cons

• Three year warranty minimum

• External and internal space needed for installation

• Additional wiring and plumbing costs during installation

• Suitable insulation levels needed to be effective

Should I Buy a Mitsubishi Heat Pump?

Based on the versatility of their systems, you can make a Mitsubishi Ecodan air source heat pump work for you. There are models for new builds, large homes, small properties and coastal areas, covering all eventualities. There’s also varying power levels available.

You can also run a heat pump using solar panels. Whether you already have them or wish to install them in future, the heat pump can make use of the electricity they generate. This will lower your energy bills even further.

Find out how much you’d pay for a Mitsubishi air source heat pump by using our quote comparison tool. Click on the button below to fill in your details and you’ll hear from local heat pump installers with tailored quotes.