Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps review

Air source heat pumps are much more efficient than most heating and cooling options – and they provide both in one system! If your current HVAC system is aging, you may be able to switch to air source heat pumps for higher efficiency, lower overall utility bills, and, depending on where you live, some extra savings through rebates and incentives. (Bonus: if you have solar, you can heat and cool your home using the sun!)

Mitsubishi Electric is now one of the leading heat pump manufacturers since entering the HVAC space in 1980. They also have the #1 ductless product in the U.S.: the M-SERIES, which includes indoor and outdoor units for both ducted and ductless heat pumps you can install in your home. Mitsubishi provides options for various budgets to provide you with a selection of good, better, and best heat pumps.

As a company, Mitsubishi focuses on providing choices for your heating and cooling, so their heat pumps come in various budget options. Different equipment, including ducted and ductless systems, indoor units (wall-mounted, ceiling cassettes, floor mounted, ducted air handler, and horizontal-ducted), and outdoor units are available. Mitsubishi also offers single-zone and multi-zone systems.

Mini splits (ductless heat pump units)

A mini split is a type of air source heat pump – specifically, a ductless HVAC system offering highly efficient heating and cooling. We’ll cover Mitsubishi mini splits in more detail below so you can compare the various series they offer and the features available with each.

Short-run ducted heat pumps

If ductwork only runs through a small section of the house or your home has gone through a renovation, you may have a situation where you have short-run ducted heat pumps that you combine with other ductless units for the rest of the house. Horizontal ducted indoor units are available from Mitsubishi in single- and multi-zone units. These heat and cool one or two rooms through a short duct run. You can mount them in the attic, hide them in the ceiling or beneath the floor, or conceal them behind a bulkhead.

Ducted heat pumps

Buildings with a ducted heating and cooling system distribute air through a single central path, usually tubes in the walls made from sheet metal. If you already have ductwork, Mitsubishi offers ducted air handlers with compact cabinets designed for powerful, efficient heating and cooling.

Single-zone vs. multi-zone heat pumps

Mitsubishi offers options for both single- and multi-zone systems. A single-zone system is ideal if you only need heating and cooling in a single space, like an addition or room. In this case, one outdoor unit connects to one indoor unit. With Mitsubishi multi-zone systems, you can handle HVAC needs for multiple spaces, and one outdoor unit can connect to up to eight indoor units.

Outdoor units

The outdoor unit may also be called the heat exchanger, containing a coil and fan. The fan blows outside air over the coil, and then the coil operates as a condenser when cooling or an evaporator when heating. Mitsubishi has outdoor units available for both single-zone and multi-zone units. Additionally, some outdoor units are available with Mitsubishi’s cold-weather H2i® hyper heating functionality to help maintain efficiency in extreme cold, which we’ll describe below in more detail.

Because Mitsubishi offers various indoor and outdoor units, we’re diving into their best-selling products: indoor mini splits. We’ll provide detailed feature comparisons below on the different indoor mini split units they offer.

Key features of Mitsubishi ductless heat pumps (indoor units)

* Note: since these are available with multi-zone systems only, the efficiency depends on the outdoor unit selected. Amounts listed showcase an available range.

Mitsubishi heat pump performance

Mitsubishi air source heat pumps have a few options ranging from budget-conscious to premium. Most models are ENERGY STAR certified and offer above average to high performance for heating and cooling. Mitsubishi heat pumps use inverters to adjust conditioning when temperature sensors detect even subtle changes automatically. These inverters ensure superior performance by providing optimal power while consuming minimal energy. As a company, they pride themselves on providing fast, comfortable operation while enabling low running costs.

Additionally, the heating capacities of multiple indoor units in Mitsubishi Electric multi-zone systems can far exceed the output of the individual indoor unit depending on which model you select. For example, one 8-zone system can put out 65,000 BTU/H of heat at 47 degrees outdoor ambient temperature, while one 2-zone system can put out 25,500BTU/H under the same conditions.

SEER ratings and cooling performance

One performance number you’ll want to check into when comparing heat pumps is SEER, which measures the efficiency when cooling. According to the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the efficiency of central air conditioning systems is rated by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), meaning your heat pump is rated just as an air conditioner would be. Generally, the higher the SEER, the less electricity the system needs to do its job. Mitsubishi heat pumps offer solid cooling efficiency, with up to 33.1 SEER, while most heat pumps on the market only range between 13 and 31 SEER.

HSPF ratings and heating performance

The other rating you’ll want to pay attention to when comparing heat pumps is the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). The higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient a heat pump is at heating, which results in less energy used and more energy savings overall. ENERGY STAR heat pumps must have at least an 8.5 HSPF, but heat pumps can range up to 14 HSPF. So, going up to 13.5, Mitsubishi HSPFs rank on the high end.

The kumo cloud app

All Mitsubishi heat pumps use the kumo cloud app, available on iOs, Amazon app store, and Google Play. The kumo cloud app lets you manage temperature preferences for your heat pumps on your smartphone or tablet. It also works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and IFTTT Applet Integration, allowing you to control transfer fans and lighting. The app lets you easily control temperatures, adjust fan speeds, set modes and customize schedules, check the status of your filters, and even manage the operation of third-party furnaces, boilers, heaters, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.

Image source: Mitsubishi Electric

Other Mitsubishi heat pump features

The EF Designer Series might be for you if you don’t like the aesthetics of most mini split units. They have a sleek look that’s maintained whether it’s on or off.

Image source: Mitsubishi Electric

Additionally, Mitsubishi’s FS Deluxe Series offers impressive technology and features, including their 3D i-see Sensor, an infrared-ray sensor that measures temperatures at different positions throughout the space. It scans with several sensors to analyze the room’s temperature in three dimensions, detecting the location of people in the room.

The FS series also offers a Dual Barrier Coating applied to the unit's interior to protect it against the build-up of dirt, dust, and oil, which helps reduce the maintenance needed and helps improve long-term efficiency.

Early heat pump technology wasn’t known for heating in extreme cold, but technology has greatly advanced, and many heat pumps now work down to -10 degrees. Mitsubishi heat pumps use their Hyper-Heating INVERTER (H2i) technology which can provide up to 100 percent of heating capacity at 5° F and continue operation down to -13° F even without auxiliary heat. Certain units even offer up to 100 percent heating capacity down to -5° F.

Any Mitsubishi Electric heat pump system purchased from and installed by a licensed HVAC contractor in the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii on or after May 1, 2019, has the following warranty to the original owner of the heat pump system. If your heat pump system is installed in a residential single-family home and registered within 90 days from installation, the parts and compressor have a 10-year warranty available to the original owner as long as they reside in the home. Regardless of registration, all parts have a five-year warranty, and the compressor has a seven-year warranty.

Additionally, if you install your Mitsubishi heat pumps with a contractor in Mitsubishi’s Diamond Contractor network, your equipment warranty increases to 12 years for parts and the compressor.

Our contacts at Mitsubishi shared that properly maintained, your Mitsubishi heat pumps could last up to 20-25 years.

Working with a trusted heat pump contractor is important, not just to ensure it’s installed properly to maximize your system’s efficiency, but before that, you’ll want an expert to guide you with the design and sizing of your heat pump system. An oversized system will cost you more money to install and reduce efficiency, while an undersized system won’t provide enough support to adequately heat and cool your home.

Your heat pump contractor will help you determine the number of Mitsubishi heat pumps you’ll need based on the size of your home and living space, location, temperature preferences, and insulation quality.

The cost of your Mitsubishi heat pump system will depend a lot on the specific Mitsubishi Electric equipment you select and the size of system you need, including the number of indoor and outdoor units. You can work with your heat pump contractor to understand your specific costs and any rebates or loans available in your area. For example, in Massachusetts, you can often qualify for a zero-percent interest loan (the Mass Save HEAT Loan) and can also receive rebates on your heat pumps.

Mitsubishi partners with Synchrony to provide heat pump financing options. You’ll need to enter your personal information, including the last four numbers of your Social Security number and mobile phone number. The interest rate, amount, and terms will all depend on the results of Synchrony’s application process.

Mitsubishi is a top, trusted brand in heat pumps. With their range of options for both ducted and ductless heating and cooling and different levels from more affordable to premium, you can likely find something to fit your needs and budget. Your best bet is to speak with a contractor near you to learn what options might work best for you when designing your heat pump system and see which Mitsubishi heat pumps could cover your needs.

You can save even more money on heating and cooling by powering your home with solar panels – the EnergySage Marketplace helps you compare several quotes from pre-screened installers to find a solar system that fits your needs at the right price. If you plan to install heat pumps or already use them at your home, share that information when getting estimates so your installer can help you build the right size system. This way, you can heat and cool your home with the free, renewable energy you generate!