Introduction
With rising energy bills and the UK’s push toward net-zero carbon emissions, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are becoming the future of heating. But choosing the right brand is just as important as choosing the technology itself.
The UK market offers several premium manufacturers with proven reliability in European climates. In this guide, we’ll compare the leading air source heat pump brands in the UK for 2024, including Daikin, Mitsubishi, Samsung, Vaillant, Panasonic, and others.
Premium Brands Overview
When comparing brands, important indicators include:
- MCS Certification (UK compliance)
- Extended warranties
- Seasonal performance ratings (SCOP)
- Installer networks & aftercare service
Brand Comparison Matrix
| Brand | Origin | UK Experience | Warranty | Efficiency | Price Range | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daikin | Japan | 15+ years | 7 years | A+++ | £8k–£15k | Residential & Commercial |
| Mitsubishi | Japan | 20+ years | 7 years | A+++ | £9k–£16k | Ecodan Systems |
| Samsung | S. Korea | 10+ years | 7 years | A++ | £7k–£13k | Smart Integration |
| Vaillant | Germany | 12+ years | 7 years | A+++ | £8.5k–£14.5k | System Integration |
| Panasonic | Japan | 15+ years | 7 years | A+++ | £9.5k–£17k | High Temperature Systems |
Daikin Air Source Heat Pumps
Company Background
Daikin is the world’s largest air conditioning and heat pump manufacturer with over 90 years of expertise. Their systems combine Japanese engineering precision with European climate optimization.
Product Range
- Altherma 3 H HT (High Temperature) – up to 65°C flow temp, ideal for retrofits
- Altherma 3 H MT (Medium Temp) – suitable for radiator systems
- Altherma 3 GEO (Ground/Air Hybrid) – dual-source capability
- Altherma 3 R ECH2O – integrates hot water storage for new builds
Performance
- SCOP: Up to 5.1
- Operating range: Down to -25°C
- Noise: 35 dB(A) at 3m
- Refrigerant: R32 (low GWP)
Warranty & Support
- 7-year standard warranty (extendable to 10)
- 500+ UK installers
- 24/7 support
Price Range: £8,000–£15,000 installed
Mitsubishi Air Source Heat Pumps
Brand Reputation
Mitsubishi Electric has over 100 years of engineering excellence. Their Ecodan range is a benchmark in the UK for reliability and performance.
Ecodan System Overview
- Output range: 5kW–17kW (single units)
- Cascade systems: Up to 68kW for large properties
- Flow temperature: Up to 65°C (retrofit friendly)
- Integration: Compatible with existing radiator systems
Air-to-Air Systems
- Provide direct heating/cooling via indoor units
- Features include:
- Dual inverter technology
- Plasma Quad Plus air filters
- Wi-Fi control (MELCloud)
- Ultra-quiet operation (from 19dB)
Customer Reviews
Independent surveys highlight:
- High reliability (fewer breakdowns)
- Excellent support
- Consistent winter performance
- Lower running costs than expected
Price Range: £9,000–£16,000
Samsung Air Source Heat Pumps
EHS Series Overview
Samsung applies its consumer electronics innovation to renewable heating through the Eco Heating System (EHS) series.
Innovative Features
- Digital Inverter Compressor: Smooth, efficient operation
- Soft Start Technology: Reduces electrical demand
- Smart Defrost: Minimizes energy losses in winter
Performance
- SCOP: Up to 4.77
- COP: Up to 6.1 (at optimal conditions)
- Operating Range: -25°C to +46°C
- Noise: Whisper-quiet at 35dB(A)
Smart Home Integration
- Works with Samsung SmartThings ecosystem
- Remote app control
- Real-time energy monitoring
Support & Warranty
- 7-year warranty
- Nationwide service network
Price Range: £7,000–£13,000
Vaillant Air Source Heat Pumps
AroTHERM Series
Vaillant brings 150 years of German engineering to the UK. Their aroTHERM systems are particularly suited to UK retrofits.
Features
- Compatible with radiator systems and underfloor heating
- Effective down to -20°C
- Optimized for UK humidity
- Advanced weather compensation
Service & Support
- 400+ UK engineers
- Strong spare parts network
- Warranties up to 10 years
Price Range: £8,500–£14,500
Panasonic Air Source Heat Pumps
Aquarea Range
Panasonic specializes in high-temperature systems, making them ideal for UK retrofits where radiators are already installed.
Key Benefits
- Flow temperature up to 65°C
- Legionella protection (safe hot water)
- Works down to -20°C
- SCOP up to 4.6
- Compact, space-efficient units
Reliability
- Industrial-grade components
- 20+ year expected service life
- 7-year manufacturer warranty
Price Range: £9,500–£17,000
Other Notable Brands
- Worcester Bosch – UK heritage, Greenstar range (5–12kW)
- Grant (Aerona³) – Scottish-made, cold-climate optimized
- NIBE (Swedish) – Cold climate expertise, SCOP leaders
- Kensa – UK-based, ground-source and hybrid innovation
Conclusion: Which Brand is Best?
- Daikin & Mitsubishi: Best for premium performance and reliability
- Samsung: Excellent for tech lovers and smart home integration
- Vaillant: Great for retrofits with radiator systems
- Panasonic: Ideal for high-temperature needs
- Worcester Bosch, Grant, NIBE, Kensa: Strong alternatives with unique strengths
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your property type, insulation, and budget. By working with an MCS-certified installer, you can ensure the system is correctly sized and installed, unlocking maximum efficiency and savings.