Daikin vs Mitsubishi Heat Pump: Costs, Pros and Cons
Choosing between a Daikin and Mitsubishi heat pump is a close one, because both are Japanese engineering giants with a long record of building reliable air source heat pumps.
Mitsubishi Electric’s Ecodan range is known for strong cold weather performance and is made here in the UK, in Livingston, Scotland. Daikin’s Altherma range offers a wider choice of sizes and high temperature models, often at a slightly lower price. Both are premium brands, and both qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
In this Daikin vs Mitsubishi heat pump guide, we compare efficiency, performance, noise, reliability, cost, and warranty, so you can choose the right heat pump with confidence.
Daikin vs Mitsubishi Heat Pump: Quick Comparison
The Daikin Altherma 3 and Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan ranges are two established air source heat pump options in the UK, offering efficient heating solutions for different property types. The table below compares their key features, performance, pricing and specifications to help you understand the main differences before we explore each area in more detail.
| Feature | Daikin (Altherma 3 range) | Mitsubishi Electric (Ecodan range) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand origin | Japan, founded 1924 | Japan, founded 1921 |
| Where UK units are made | Europe (including Belgium and the Czech Republic) | Livingston, Scotland |
| Main UK models | Altherma 3 M (monobloc), Altherma 3 R (split), Altherma 3 H HT (high temperature) | Ecodan R290, Ecodan R32, Zubadan (cold climate), CO2 Ecodan |
| Sizes | Around 4kW to 16kW | Around 4kW to 14kW |
| Efficiency (SCOP at 35°C) | Up to around 4.5 to 5.0 | Up to around 4.5 to 5.0 |
| Energy rating | Up to A+++ | Up to A+++ |
| Maximum flow temperature | 60°C to 70°C, depending on model | Up to 75°C on R290 models |
| Lowest operating temperature | Down to minus 25°C (minus 28°C on HT models) | Down to minus 25°C (minus 28°C on Zubadan) |
| Noise | Quiet, varies by model | Quiet, with low noise mode |
| Refrigerant | Mostly R32, with newer R290 models | R290 and R32, plus CO2 models |
| Typical installed cost (before grant) | Around £8,000 to £13,000 | Around £8,500 to £14,000 |
| Standard warranty | Typically 3 years, extendable through registered installers | Typically 2 years, extendable to around 7 years through accredited installers |
| Smart controls and app | Onecta app, Madoka controller | MELCloud app, FTC main controller |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligible | Yes, £7,500 | Yes, £7,500 |
| Best for | Value, wide size range and high temperature heating | Cold weather performance, UK built units and natural refrigerants |
Figures are approximate and vary by model, size and installation. Always check the latest manufacturer data sheets before you buy.
Still deciding between Daikin and Mitsubishi? EE Renewables provides expert air source heat pump installation across Southern England, Greater London, South West England and South Wales, including London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff. Get in touch today for a free air source heat pump quote tailored to your location, and we will recommend the best brand and model for your property.
Daikin vs Mitsubishi Heat Pump: Which Is Better?
The better heat pump between Daikin and Mitsubishi depends on your home: Mitsubishi Electric has the edge for cold weather performance, natural refrigerants and UK manufacturing, while Daikin often wins on price and choice of sizes. Here is a closer look at each brand.
Why Choose A Daikin Heat Pump
Daikin heat pumps are a strong choice if you want proven technology from the world’s largest air conditioning and heat pump maker at a competitive price.
Daikin launched its first Altherma air to water heat pump in Europe in 2006. Its current Altherma 3 range includes monobloc units, split systems and a dedicated high temperature model that can work with standard radiators in older homes.
Read more in our in-depth review of Daikin heat pumps.
Pros & Cons of Daikin Heat Pumps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often slightly cheaper to buy and install | Most current models use R32 rather than R290 |
| Wide range of sizes, up to around 16kW | Not made in the UK |
| Dedicated high temperature model for older homes | Some models are slightly louder |
| Huge global company with strong parts supply | Model names can be confusing to compare |
| Easy to use Onecta app | Extended warranty depends on installer registration |
Should You Choose A Daikin Heat Pump?
Choose Daikin if:
- You want a premium brand at a slightly lower upfront cost
- You have a large home that needs a 14kW to 16kW system
- You live in an older property and want a high temperature heat pump that works with your existing radiators
- You would like a split system to keep more equipment indoors
Do not choose Daikin if:
- You want a natural refrigerant as standard across the range
- You prefer to buy a heat pump built in the UK
- Your home is in an exposed spot where extreme cold performance is the top priority
Why Choose A Mitsubishi Heat Pump
Mitsubishi heat pumps are an excellent choice if you want a highly reliable, UK built system with outstanding cold weather performance.
Mitsubishi Electric launched its Ecodan air source heat pump range in Europe around 2008, and Ecodan units for the UK market are made at its factory in Livingston, Scotland. Its UK headquarters is in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
The range has grown to include Ecodan R290 models using natural refrigerant, Zubadan units designed for very cold climates, and CO2 based Ecodan models for high temperature hot water.
Pros & Cons of Mitsubishi Heat Pumps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made in the UK, in Livingston, Scotland | Often slightly more expensive than Daikin |
| Excellent cold weather performance, especially Zubadan | Shorter standard warranty unless fitted by an accredited installer |
| R290 range with flow temperatures up to 75°C | Maximum size of around 14kW |
| Strong UK support network and parts availability | MELCloud app can feel dated to some users |
| Long track record with the Ecodan range | Wide range of models can be confusing at first |
Should You Choose A Mitsubishi Heat Pump?
Choose Mitsubishi if:
- You want a heat pump made in Britain with strong local support
- Your home is in an exposed or higher spot, such as the Welsh valleys or parts of Dartmoor and Exmoor
- You want a natural R290 refrigerant and high flow temperatures for older radiators
- You value a long, proven track record for reliability
Do not choose Mitsubishi if:
- You want the lowest possible upfront price
- Your home needs more than 14kW of heat
- You want the longest warranty without using an accredited installer
Daikin vs Mitsubishi Heat Pump: Key Differences
The key differences between a Daikin and Mitsubishi heat pump cover efficiency, cold weather performance, noise, reliability, cost, warranty, refrigerant, controls and model range. We look at each one below and name a winner for every category.
Efficiency
Efficiency tells you how much heat a heat pump produces for every unit of electricity it uses, measured as SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance). A SCOP of 4 means 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity, which is around 400% efficient. The higher the SCOP, the lower your running costs.
Daikin’s Altherma 3 M and 3 R models and Mitsubishi’s Ecodan R290 and R32 models all reach SCOPs of up to around 4.5 to 5.0 at 35°C, the temperature used for underfloor heating and well sized radiators. Both brands earn the top A+++ energy rating for low temperature heating.
On paper, there is very little to separate them. In practice, how well your system is designed and set up makes far more difference to your bills than the brand you choose.
Winner: Draw
Cold Weather Performance
Cold weather performance matters because a heat pump works hardest when it is freezing outside. Both brands keep heating your home in temperatures down to minus 25°C on their standard models, which is far colder than winters ever get in London, Southampton, Bristol or Cardiff.
Mitsubishi’s Zubadan range uses a special technology called flash injection, which helps it keep delivering its full heat output even when it is minus 15°C outside, and it can run down to minus 28°C. Daikin’s Altherma 3 H HT also runs down to minus 28°C and produces water at up to 70°C, making it a strong choice for older homes with standard radiators.
For most homes in Southern England, either brand will cope easily. For exposed or higher properties, such as homes in the Welsh valleys, on the Mendips or near Dartmoor, Mitsubishi’s Zubadan gives extra reassurance.
Winner: Mitsubishi
Noise Levels
Noise levels matter most in built up areas, where the outdoor unit sits close to a neighbour’s window. Under permitted development rules, your heat pump must not exceed 42 decibels at the nearest neighbouring window.
Both Daikin and Mitsubishi build quiet heat pumps, with most domestic models producing sound power levels in the high 50s to low 60s in dB(A), depending on size. Mitsubishi’s Ecodan units include a low noise mode that can be scheduled for night time, and Daikin offers a similar quiet mode on its Altherma 3 models.
From a few metres away, both are roughly as loud as a quiet conversation or a modern fridge. Careful placement by your installer will make a bigger difference than the brand.
Winner: Draw
Reliability
Reliability is about how well a heat pump keeps running, year after year, without breaking down. Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric are two of the most respected names in the industry, and both have decades of experience building compressors, fans and refrigerant systems.
Mitsubishi’s Ecodan has a long, proven track record in UK homes, and because the units are built in Scotland, spare parts and technical support are close at hand. Daikin benefits from its huge global scale, with parts widely available across Europe and a large network of trained engineers.
In our experience, installation quality matters most. A heat pump that is correctly sized, commissioned and serviced every year will typically last 15 to 20 years, whichever of these brands you choose.
Winner: Draw, with Mitsubishi slightly ahead for UK based support.
Costs
Costs for a Daikin or Mitsubishi heat pump include the outdoor unit, hot water cylinder, controls, any radiator upgrades and installation labour. For a typical three bedroom home, a fully installed Daikin Altherma 3 system usually costs around £8,000 to £13,000 before grants. A Mitsubishi Ecodan system usually costs around £8,500 to £14,000.
Both brands qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, so many homeowners and landlords end up paying somewhere between roughly £1,000 and £6,500. The final price depends on your home’s size, the model chosen and how much of your heating system needs updating.
| Cost item | Daikin Altherma 3 | Mitsubishi Ecodan |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor heat pump unit | £3,500 to £5,500 | £3,800 to £5,800 |
| Hot water cylinder | £1,000 to £2,000 | £1,000 to £2,100 (pre plumbed Ecodan cylinder) |
| Controls | £200 to £500 (Madoka controller and Onecta app) | £200 to £500 (main controller and MELCloud Wi Fi interface) |
| Radiator upgrades (if needed) | £0 to £2,000 | £0 to £2,000 |
| Installation labour, pipework and commissioning | £3,000 to £4,000 | £3,000 to £4,000 |
| Total installed cost before grant | £8,000 to £13,000 | £8,500 to £14,000 |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant | minus £7,500 | minus £7,500 |
| Total cost after grant | £500 to £5,500 | £1,000 to £6,500 |
| Typical annual running cost (3 bed home) | £800 to £1,200 | £800 to £1,200 |
| Annual service | £120 to £200 | £120 to £200 |
| Cheaper option | Yes, by around £500 to £1,000 upfront |
All figures are approximate 2026 prices for a typical three bedroom home. Your final cost depends on your home’s heat loss, the model and size chosen, and how much of your heating system needs updating.
Running costs are very similar, as both are highly efficient. Your electricity tariff and system design will affect your bills far more than the brand.
Winner: Daikin, for a slightly lower upfront price.
Warranty
Warranty cover protects you if something goes wrong after installation. Mitsubishi Electric typically offers a 2 year standard warranty on Ecodan, which can be extended to around 7 years when the system is fitted by an Ecodan accredited installer. Daikin typically offers 3 years as standard, which can be extended for longer when installed by a Daikin registered installer through its Stand By Me programme.
Both brands usually require the heat pump to be registered and serviced every year to keep the warranty valid. Terms do change, so always ask your installer exactly how long your warranty will be before you sign.
Winner: Draw, as both offer similar extended cover through approved installers.
Refrigerant and Environmental Impact
Refrigerant is the fluid inside a heat pump that carries heat from outside into your home. Some refrigerants harm the climate far more than others if they leak, which is measured by a figure called Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Mitsubishi’s Ecodan R290 range uses propane, which has a GWP of just 3, and its CO2 Ecodan models use carbon dioxide, with a GWP of 1. Most of Daikin’s current Altherma 3 models use R32, which has a GWP of around 675. That is much better than older refrigerants, but higher than R290. Daikin is now launching R290 models too, but Mitsubishi has a wider choice of natural refrigerant options right now.
European rules are steadily phasing down refrigerants with a higher climate impact, so R290 is seen as the more future proof option.
Winner: Mitsubishi
Smart Controls and Apps
Smart controls and apps let you change your heating, set schedules and track energy use from your phone. Daikin’s Onecta app is modern and simple, letting you control heating, hot water and holiday modes from anywhere, and its Madoka wall controller has a clean, minimal look.
Mitsubishi’s MELCloud app has been around for many years and is widely used by installers and homeowners. It offers scheduling, energy monitoring and remote diagnostics, which means your installer can check the system without a home visit. Some users find its design a little dated compared with Daikin’s, though Mitsubishi has been updating its apps and controls.
Winner: Daikin, by a narrow margin for ease of use.
Product Range and Sizes
Product range matters because the right size of heat pump depends on how much heat your home loses. Daikin offers a slightly wider spread of sizes, from around 4kW up to 16kW, in monobloc, split and high temperature versions, plus hybrid systems.
Mitsubishi’s Ecodan range covers around 4kW to 14kW, which suits most UK homes from flats to large family houses. Its extra options, such as the Zubadan for cold climates and the CO2 Ecodan for high temperature hot water, give it specialist choices that Daikin does not match in the same way.
Winner: Daikin, for the widest choice of sizes.
Ready to Choose Between Daikin and Mitsubishi for Your Home?
Comparing Daikin and Mitsubishi air source heat pumps? EE Renewables Ltd offers free, no-obligation heat pump quotes to help you understand the installation costs, compare suitable models and find the right system for your property.
Request your free air source heat pump quote today and discover whether Daikin or Mitsubishi is the right choice for your home.
Our team can assess your home’s heating requirements, explain the differences between Daikin and Mitsubishi and help you choose a heat pump that balances performance, energy efficiency and long-term running costs.
EE Renewables provides expert air source heat pump installation across Southern England, Greater London, South West England and South Wales, including London, Brighton, Oxford, Southampton, Bristol, Cardiff and surrounding towns and villages.
Whether you are a homeowner replacing an ageing gas or oil boiler or a landlord looking to improve your rental property’s energy efficiency, our experienced team can help you find a heating solution suited to your property’s needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need a Hot Water Cylinder With a Daikin or Mitsubishi Heat Pump?
You need a hot water cylinder with a Daikin or Mitsubishi heat pump, because heat pumps store hot water rather than heating it instantly like a combi boiler. Both brands offer matching cylinders and all in one indoor units that combine the cylinder and controls in a single tall unit. These can save space in a utility room or airing cupboard.
Can Daikin and Mitsubishi Heat Pumps Work With Solar Panels?
Daikin and Mitsubishi heat pumps can both work alongside solar panels, letting you heat your home with free electricity from your own roof. Both brands offer smart features that can boost hot water heating when your panels are generating more power than you need. Adding a home battery helps you store that energy for the evening.
Do Daikin and Mitsubishi Heat Pumps Work With Smart Energy Tariffs?
Daikin and Mitsubishi heat pumps both work with smart and time of use energy tariffs, which offer cheaper electricity at certain times of day. You can schedule hot water heating and boost your heating during cheaper periods using each brand’s app. This can cut running costs noticeably compared with a standard tariff.
Can Daikin and Mitsubishi Heat Pumps Cool Your Home?
Daikin and Mitsubishi heat pumps can both provide some cooling, as many of their air to water models are reversible. Cooling works best with underfloor heating or fan coil units rather than standard radiators. For full air conditioning, both brands also make dedicated air to air systems that are better suited to cooling rooms.
Which Brand Is Better for Landlords?
The better brand for landlords depends on the property, but both are reliable, low maintenance choices that help improve EPC ratings. Daikin’s lower upfront price can suit landlords upgrading several properties at once, while Mitsubishi’s UK based support and remote diagnostics through MELCloud can make managing systems across multiple rentals easier.
