Samsung vs Mitsubishi Heat Pump: Costs, Pros and Cons
Samsung’s EHS range offers excellent efficiency, sleek smart home controls and some of the most competitive prices on the UK market. Mitsubishi Electric’s Ecodan range, built in Livingston, Scotland, has one of the longest track records of any air source heat pump in Britain and is known for strong cold weather performance.
Both are premium brands, and both qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
In this Samsung vs Mitsubishi heat pump guide, we compare efficiency, performance, noise, reliability, cost, and warranty, so you can choose the right heat pump for your property and budget.
Samsung vs Mitsubishi Heat Pump: Quick Comparison
The Samsung EHS 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 | Samsung (EHS range) | Mitsubishi Electric (Ecodan range) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand origin | South Korea, founded 1938 | Japan, founded 1921 |
| Where UK units are made | Asia | Livingston, Scotland |
| Main UK models | EHS Mono R290, EHS Mono R32, EHS Split, ClimateHub | Ecodan R290, Ecodan R32, Zubadan (cold climate), CO2 Ecodan |
| Sizes | Around 5kW 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 | Up to 75°C on R290 models | Up to 75°C on R290 models |
| Lowest operating temperature | Down to minus 25°C | Down to minus 25°C (minus 28°C on Zubadan) |
| Noise | Quiet, with R290 “Quiet” models | Quiet, with low noise mode |
| Refrigerant | R290 and R32 | R290 and R32, plus CO2 models |
| Typical installed cost (before grant) | Around £7,500 to £12,500 | Around £8,500 to £14,000 |
| Standard warranty | Typically 3 years, extendable through approved installers | Typically 2 years, extendable to around 7 years through accredited installers |
| Smart controls and app | SmartThings app, wired touchscreen controller | MELCloud app, FTC main controller |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligible | Yes, £7,500 | Yes, £7,500 |
| Best for | Value, smart home features and larger homes | Cold weather performance, UK built units and long track record |
Figures are approximate and vary by model, size and installation. Always check the latest manufacturer data sheets before you buy.
Weighing up Samsung 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 right brand and model for your home.
Samsung vs Mitsubishi Heat Pump: Which Is Better?
The better heat pump between Samsung and Mitsubishi depends on what you value most: Samsung usually wins on price, size range and smart home features, while Mitsubishi Electric leads on cold weather performance, UK manufacturing and long term track record. Here is a closer look at each brand.
Why Choose A Samsung Heat Pump
Samsung heat pumps are a great choice if you want high efficiency, modern smart controls and a competitive price from one of the world’s biggest technology companies.
Samsung’s heating and air conditioning division sells its heat pumps under the EHS name, which stands for Eco Heating System. The range has grown quickly in the UK, with EHS Mono monobloc units, split systems and the ClimateHub, which combines the indoor controls and hot water cylinder in one tidy unit.
Its newer EHS Mono R290 models use natural refrigerant and can reach flow temperatures of up to 75°C.
Pros & Cons of Samsung Heat Pumps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often one of the most affordable premium brands | Shorter track record in UK heating than Mitsubishi |
| Excellent SmartThings app and smart home links | Not made in the UK |
| Wide range of sizes, up to around 16kW | No dedicated cold climate model like Zubadan |
| R290 models with flow temperatures up to 75°C | Extended warranty depends on installer approval |
| ClimateHub all in one indoor unit saves space | Smaller UK service network than some rivals |
Should You Choose A Samsung Heat Pump?
Choose Samsung if:
- You want strong efficiency at a lower upfront cost
- You already use Samsung SmartThings or like controlling your home from your phone
- You have a larger home that needs a 14kW to 16kW system
- You want a neat all in one indoor unit to save space
Do not choose Samsung if:
- You want the longest proven track record in UK homes
- Your home is in an exposed or very cold spot and needs a specialist cold climate unit
- You would prefer a heat pump built in Britain
Why Choose A Mitsubishi Heat Pump
Mitsubishi heat pumps are an excellent choice if you want a UK built system with a long, proven record and outstanding cold weather performance.
Mitsubishi Electric launched its Ecodan air source heat pump range in Europe around 2008, and Ecodan units for the UK are built at its factory in Livingston, Scotland. Its UK headquarters is in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
The range now includes Ecodan R290 models with natural refrigerant, Zubadan units built for very cold climates and CO2 Ecodan models for high temperature hot water.
Pros & Cons of Mitsubishi Heat Pumps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made in the UK, in Livingston, Scotland | Usually more expensive than Samsung |
| Excellent cold weather performance, especially Zubadan | Shorter standard warranty unless fitted by an accredited installer |
| One of the longest track records in UK homes | Maximum size of around 14kW |
| Strong UK support network and parts supply | MELCloud app can feel dated next to SmartThings |
| Wide choice of refrigerants, including CO2 | Model range 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 area, such as the Welsh valleys, the Cotswolds or near Dartmoor
- You value a long, proven reliability record
- You want remote diagnostics so your installer can check the system without a visit
Do not choose Mitsubishi if:
- Your priority is the lowest upfront price
- Your home needs more than 14kW of heat
- You want the most modern smart home app experience
Samsung vs Mitsubishi Heat Pump: Key Differences
The key differences between a Samsung and Mitsubishi heat pump cover efficiency, cold weather performance, noise, reliability, cost, warranty, reviews, refrigerant, controls and model range. We look at each in turn below and name a winner for every category.
Efficiency
Efficiency is 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 you get 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity, which works out at around 400% efficiency. The higher the figure, the lower your bills.
Samsung’s EHS Mono R290 and Mitsubishi’s Ecodan R290 models both 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, these two brands are neck and neck. Good system design, correct sizing and sensible settings will make a far bigger difference to your running costs than the badge on the front.
Winner: Draw
Cold Weather Performance
Cold weather performance matters because a heat pump has to work hardest when temperatures drop below freezing. Both Samsung and Mitsubishi keep heating your home down to minus 25°C on their standard models, which is far colder than winters ever get in London, Brighton, Southampton or Cardiff.
Mitsubishi has the edge thanks to its Zubadan range, which uses flash injection technology to keep delivering its full heating output at minus 15°C and can run down to minus 28°C. Samsung does not currently offer a dedicated cold climate model in the same way, although its R290 units perform very well in typical UK winters.
For most homes across Southern England, either brand will cope with ease. For exposed rural properties or homes on higher ground in South Wales and the South West, Mitsubishi gives extra peace of mind.
Winner: Mitsubishi
Noise Levels
Noise levels matter most in built up areas, where the outdoor unit sits close to a neighbour’s bedroom window. Under permitted development rules, a heat pump must not exceed 42 decibels at the nearest neighbouring window.
Samsung has put a lot of effort into quiet running, and its R290 “Quiet” models are designed for homes where neighbours are close by. Mitsubishi’s Ecodan units are also quiet and include a low noise mode that can be scheduled for night time. Most domestic models from both brands sit in the high 50s to low 60s in dB(A) sound power, depending on size.
From a few metres away, both are about as loud as a quiet conversation or a modern fridge. Careful positioning by your installer matters more than the brand.
Winner: Draw
Reliability
Reliability is about how well a heat pump keeps running year after year without breakdowns. Both Samsung and Mitsubishi Electric are huge global manufacturers with decades of experience building compressors, motors and refrigerant systems for air conditioning.
Mitsubishi’s Ecodan has been heating UK homes for well over a decade, and because the units are built in Scotland, spare parts and technical support are close by. Samsung’s EHS range is newer to many UK installers, but it is built on the same compressor technology the company has used in air conditioning for many years, and it has grown quickly in popularity.
In our experience, installation quality matters most of all. A heat pump that is sized correctly, commissioned properly and serviced every year will typically last 15 to 20 years, whichever brand you choose.
Winner: Mitsubishi, for its longer UK track record and local support.
Costs
Costs for a Samsung or Mitsubishi heat pump include the outdoor unit, hot water cylinder, controls, any radiator upgrades and labour. For a typical three bedroom home, a fully installed Samsung EHS system usually costs around £7,500 to £12,500 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 £500 and £6,500. The final price depends on your home’s size, the model and how much of your heating system needs updating.
| Cost item | Samsung EHS | Mitsubishi Ecodan |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor heat pump unit | £3,200 to £5,000 | £3,800 to £5,800 |
| Hot water cylinder | £900 to £2,000 | £1,000 to £2,100 (pre plumbed Ecodan cylinder) |
| Controls | £150 to £400 (wired controller and SmartThings app) | £200 to £500 (main controller and MELCloud Wi Fi interface) |
| Radiator upgrades (if needed) | £0 to £2,000 | £0 to £2,000 |
| Labour, pipework and commissioning | £3,000 to £4,000 | £3,000 to £4,000 |
| Total installed cost before grant | £7,500 to £12,500 | £8,500 to £14,000 |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant | minus £7,500 | minus £7,500 |
| Total cost after grant | £0 to £5,000 | £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 £1,000 to £1,500 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, because both are highly efficient. Your energy tariff and system design will affect your bills far more than the brand.
Winner: Samsung, for a lower upfront price.
Warranty
Warranty cover protects you if a fault develops after installation. Samsung typically offers a 3 year standard warranty on its EHS heat pumps, which can be extended when the system is fitted by an approved Samsung installer. Mitsubishi Electric typically offers 2 years as standard, which can be extended to around 7 years through an Ecodan accredited installer.
Both brands usually require the heat pump to be registered and serviced every year to keep the warranty valid. Terms can change, so always ask your installer exactly what warranty comes with your quote.
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).
Both brands now offer R290 (propane) models, which have a GWP of just 3, as well as older R32 models with a GWP of around 675. Mitsubishi goes one step further with its CO2 Ecodan models, which use carbon dioxide with a GWP of just 1 and are especially good at producing very hot water.
European rules are gradually phasing down higher impact refrigerants, so choosing an R290 model from either brand is a future proof decision.
Winner: Mitsubishi, by a narrow margin for its wider choice of natural refrigerants.
Smart Controls and Apps
Smart controls and apps let you adjust your heating, set schedules and track energy use from your phone. Samsung’s SmartThings app is a real strength. It is modern, easy to use and connects your heat pump with other Samsung and smart home devices, so you can manage heating, hot water and energy use all in one place.
Mitsubishi’s MELCloud app is reliable and widely used, with scheduling, energy reports and remote diagnostics that let your installer spot problems without visiting. However, its design can feel dated next to SmartThings.
Winner: Samsung
Product Range and Sizes
Product range matters because the right size of heat pump depends on how much heat your home loses. Samsung offers sizes from around 5kW up to 16kW, plus split systems and the ClimateHub all in one indoor unit, which covers everything from small terraces to large detached homes.
Mitsubishi’s Ecodan range covers around 4kW to 14kW, which suits most UK homes. Its specialist Zubadan and CO2 Ecodan options give it unique choices for very cold locations and high hot water demand that Samsung does not offer in the same way.
Winner: Samsung, for its wider spread of sizes.
Ready to Choose Between Samsung and Mitsubishi for Your Home?
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. Our team can assess your home’s heating requirements, explain the differences between Samsung’s EHS range and Mitsubishi’s Ecodan range, and help you choose a heat pump that balances performance, energy efficiency and long-term running costs.
Request your free air source heat pump quote today and discover whether Samsung or Mitsubishi is the right choice for your property.
We provide 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 needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Samsung and Mitsubishi Heat Pumps Work With Solar Panels?
Samsung and Mitsubishi heat pumps can both work with solar panels, letting you heat your home and hot water with free electricity from your roof. Both brands can be set to boost hot water heating when your panels are producing spare power. Adding a home battery lets you store that energy and use it in the evening.
Do Samsung and Mitsubishi Heat Pumps Work With Smart Energy Tariffs?
Samsung 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 use each brand’s app to schedule hot water and heating during cheaper periods. This can lower your running costs noticeably compared with a standard tariff.
Can Samsung and Mitsubishi Heat Pumps Cool Your Home?
Samsung and Mitsubishi heat pumps can both provide some cooling in summer, 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.
Can You Mix Samsung and Mitsubishi Parts in One System?
You cannot mix Samsung and Mitsubishi parts in one heat pump system, because each brand’s outdoor unit is designed to work with its own controllers and indoor units. Your hot water cylinder, radiators and pipework can usually stay the same if you change brand. Only the heat pump and its controls need to match.
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. Samsung’s lower upfront price suits landlords upgrading several properties on a budget, while Mitsubishi’s remote diagnostics through MELCloud make it easier to keep an eye on systems across multiple rentals.
