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Mitsubishi vs Daikin heat pumps

The two highest-volume brands in UK heat pump retrofits.

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Mitsubishi’s Ecodan and Daikin’s Altherma 3 are the two most widely installed air source heat pumps in UK homes, both typically quoting £8,800–£13,000 installed in 2026. Ecodan is known for reliable cold-weather output and strong service coverage, while Altherma 3 usually edges it on quoted price and split-system flexibility.

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Mitsubishi Ecodan strengths

  • Consistent output at low outdoor temperatures.
  • Widely stocked spares and a large trained installer base.
  • Simple, well-understood controls with good weather compensation.
  • Packaged cylinder options that simplify plant space.

Daikin Altherma 3 strengths

  • Competitive pricing across output sizes.
  • Split and monobloc options for constrained plant positions.
  • Integrated app control and monitoring.
  • Very wide MCS installer availability.

The deciding factors

Ask each installer for the MCS performance estimate at your design flow temperature. Differences between these two brands in a real quote are usually smaller than the difference between a 45°C and a 50°C design in the same house.

Also weigh local service coverage. A brand with an engineer thirty minutes away is worth more than a marginal efficiency figure.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, Mitsubishi Ecodan or Daikin Altherma?
Both are mainstream, well-supported choices. Ecodan is favoured for cold-weather consistency and service coverage; Altherma for price and configuration flexibility.
Are their running costs different?
Marginally. System design and flow temperature affect running cost far more than the choice between these two brands.
Which has the better warranty?
Both offer extended warranties when installed and registered by an approved installer; check the exact term on your quote.
Sources
  • MCS CertifiedInstaller certification scheme required for grant eligibility.
  • Energy Saving TrustHeat pump efficiency, running cost and SCOP benchmarks (UK).

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