Mitsubishi Ecodan Review
The Mitsubishi Ecodan is the Toyota Corolla of heat pumps. Not the flashiest. Not the highest COP on paper. But it just works, and there's a qualified installer near you who knows it inside out. For a lot of households, that matters more than headline specs.
Why it has 20% of the UK market
Mitsubishi Electric has been selling heat pumps in the UK for longer than most of its competitors have been paying attention to the market. That longevity means something: a huge installer base, well-developed training programmes, robust spare parts availability, and a long track record of real-world performance data. When something goes wrong — and eventually, something always needs attention — finding someone who can fix it quickly is genuinely valuable.
Most MCS-certified heat pump installers have fitted Ecodans. Many of them prefer it precisely because they know the system, the controls, and what to do when something unusual happens. That familiarity translates into better-quality installs, which translates into better real-world performance.
The numbers
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant | R32 |
| COP (A7/W35) | Up to 4.6 |
| Noise level | 45–62 dB(A) |
| Capacities | 5–14kW |
| Installed price | £9,000–£13,000 |
| Warranty | 5 years (7 with registration) |
A COP of 4.6 is solid. It's not the 5.1 that the Vaillant Arotherm Plus or Daikin Altherma 3 can achieve, but in real-world conditions the gap narrows considerably — and a well-installed Ecodan in a properly designed system will outperform a poorly installed higher-COP unit every time.
The noise range is worth noting: 45–62 dB(A) is a wider range than some competitors. The smaller units are genuinely quiet. The larger units can be louder. Check the spec sheet for the specific capacity you're likely to need.
R32 refrigerant — honest assessment
R32 is not future-proof in the way R290 is. It's a synthetic HFC with a GWP of 675 — much lower than R410A, but still subject to ongoing F-gas phase-down. In the long run, R290 and other natural refrigerants are where the industry is heading. For a heat pump you're installing today with a 15–20 year expected lifespan, that's worth thinking about.
That said, R32 is not going away overnight. It will be serviceable for the foreseeable future, and the installed base of R32 systems in the UK is enormous. Mitsubishi is working on R290 variants, but for now the Ecodan runs R32.
Controls and integration
The Ecodan's controls have evolved considerably. The MELCloud system allows remote monitoring and adjustment via app, and integration with smart home systems is improving. It's not the slickest app on the market, but it's functional and improving with each update.
Who should buy this
- Anyone who prioritises installer availability — especially in rural areas or regions where specialist installers are thin on the ground.
- Anyone who values a proven track record over cutting-edge specs.
- Anyone who wants solid manufacturer support from a company that will clearly still be in business in 15 years.
Who should look elsewhere
- If you want the highest possible efficiency and are willing to pay for it, the Vaillant Arotherm Plus has a higher ceiling.
- If budget is the primary concern, the Samsung EHS Mono offers comparable performance at a lower price.
- If you're in a very cold location and need strong low-temperature performance, the Daikin Altherma 3's flash injection cycle gives it an edge.
The Ecodan is a safe bet in the best sense of the phrase. You're not leaving performance on the table — you're buying reliability, support, and the confidence that comes with the most widely installed heat pump in the UK. See how it stacks up against the competition in our best heat pumps UK guide, and check our heat pump costs guide for what you'll pay after the £7,500 BUS grant.