Introduction
You already know that air-source heat pumps are increasingly admired in the UK. It’s due to their efficient heating/cooling and hot water provision for households and businesses.
Before investing in an air-source heat pump, consider the manufacturer/supplier. Numerous ones in the UK offer an entire range of such devices.
Here, we’ll closely investigate the UK’s best air-source heat pump manufacturers/suppliers in 2024. We’ll also provide insight into what air-source heat pump manufacturer/supplier should you select.
Let’s get started.
1. Panasonic
We commence with Panasonic, a multinational Japanese electronics company based in Osaka, Japan. The company was established in 1918. Its experience in heat pump technology experience is over 60 years.
Today, it’s one of the chief fabricators of air-source heat pumps globally. It provides varied heat pump range to fulfill the requirements of household owners in the UK.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 2kW to 16kW | £675 to £8000 | A+++/A++/A+ | 5.28 | -28°C |
Specifically, the Aquarea L series of air-to-water heat pumps is a fitting choice. It’s compatible with prevailing radiator systems. Moreover, the Panasonic Aquarea High Performance is a great selection. It’s especially true for an average 2-3 bedroom household in the UK.
The company’s Etherea air-to-air heat pump range is also admired. It’s known for its quiet operation and modernistic design. These are laden with features like Wi-Fi connectivity and air purification.
Typically, Panasonic heat pumps are known for high efficiency and reliability. The company’s air-to-water heat pumps can have a maximum COP of up to 5.28. You can also merge your solar PV panels alongside a Panasonic system. Together, they can aid in lessening your energy bills and make your household environmentally friendly.
2. Samsung
Samsung is undoubtedly a global tech giant. It has over 80 years of experience in offering cutting-edge technological products.
The manufacturer is also a renowned fabricator of home heating appliances, including air-source heat pumps. These are effective in cold weather, eco-friendly, and cost-effective over the long term.
The tech giant introduced its initial heat pumps with the EHS Mono range in 2012. Owing to its design capabilities and competitive prices, the manufacturer became a leading player in the UK market.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 9kW to 16kW | £3400 to £7400 | A+++/A++/A+ | 5 | -25°C |
Some of Samsung’s popular models in their range include:
- Samsung EHS Mono R32
- Samsung EHS HT Quiet R32
- Samsung EHS High Temp R290
Let’s consider the Samsung EHS HT Quiet R32. It’s one of the widely known heat pumps in the UK. It can function at noise levels as low as 35dB.
Furthermore, the EHS HT Quiet R32 also has a COP rating of 5. That implies producing 5kW of heat from every kW of electricity consumed. It further operates on the R32 refrigerant.
The Samsung EHS Mono is compact, which makes for a more straightforward outdoor installation. These EHS models are further equipped with an integrated inside hot water tank. It can achieve a 260-litre capacity.
Moreover, the EHS TDM can be installed outdoors. It’s still capable of providing cooling/heating and residential hot water. That’s with an output of up to 16kW.
3. NEWNTIDE
NEWNTIDE is one of the best air-source heat pump suppliers headquartered in Zengcheng, Guangdong, China. Originating in 2003, it has over 20 years of experience fabricating heat pump solutions.
The company specializes in fabricating and distributing premium heat pumps to customers globally. It also includes regions of Europe, including the UK.
Briefly, NEWNTIDE makes the following products:
NEWNTIDE’s air-to-water heat pumps serve both residential and commercial applications. They provide space heating/cooling along with domestic hot water. These heat pump systems represent highly efficient and reliable heating solutions.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 4kW to 16kW | £1027 to £1690 | Double A+++/A+++ | 6.51 | -25°C |
The Sunglow series R290 offers highly efficient, low-noise, and eco-friendly models. They are further equipped with features like:
- R290 eco-friendly refrigerant
- Complete DC Inverter Technology
- Easy to install monobloc design
- Maximum 75°C Outlet Water Temperature
Furthermore, the Hi-master V series heat pump achieves a SCOP value above 5.0. They further have A+++ efficiency and sound levels as low as 46dB. NEWNTIDE’s Climastar Series R290 Inverter heat pump serves commercial applications. It’s available in sizes of 50kW and 100kW.
All these heat pumps feature in-built Wi-Fi connectivity and IoT technology.
4. Viessmann
Viessmann was founded in 1917 in Germany and began manufacturing in 1989 in the UK. The company supplies energy solutions to residential, industrial, and commercial markets.
You can see that the company offers a German-engineered Vitocal heat pump range. It includes air-to-water variants that provide cooling, heating and hot water functions. These systems can further be merged with your prevailing heating system.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 2.3kW to 18.5kW | £3700 to £17000 | A+++/A++ | 5 | -10°C |
These heat pumps are available in wide-ranging outputs, suiting households of all sizes. For instance, the Vitocal 100-A (16kW) is a budget-friendly model. It serves large households (up to 5 bedrooms). Furthermore, it’s a monobloc unit featuring a gold-plated corrosion-resistant heat exchanger. It’s aimed at durable and reliable heat transfer.
The Vitocal 350-A is the most powerful model, with sizes ranging from 10.6kW to 18.5kW. Moreover, Viessmann’s 150/151-A heat pump systems employ an eco-friendly R290 pure propane refrigerant. That one has a very low global warming potential (GWP) score, i.e., 0.02. That score is used to measure the heat pump’s environmental impact. It’s based on the greenhouse gas effect.
These models come with Viessmann’s Hydro AutoControl hydraulic system. That allows the heat pump to function optimally at its maximal efficiency over its lifespan. They are also 60% more compact than conventional systems. They also allow for quicker installation.
5. Vaillant
Vaillant is one of the chief air-source heat pump manufacturers in the UK. It’s a German company with offices and manufacturing facilities throughout Europe, including the UK.
The company has been in operation internationally for 141 years. Vaillant commenced fabricating heat pumps in 2006. Besides conventional gas boilers, air-to-water heat pumps constitute a substantial part of its business.
The company’s heat pump product range comprises the aroTHERM models, which are air-source varieties. While the flexoTHERM models function with multiple sources (air, ground or water).
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 3.5kW to 19kW | £3100 to £8700
|
A+++/A++ | 5.2 | -25°C |
Vaillant’s leading air-source heat pump in their lineup is the aroTHERM Plus R290. It features the eco-friendly refrigerant R290 and a maximum COP rating of up to 5.2. That implies that, in optimum conditions, it can give up to 5.2 kW of heat. It’s for every 1 kW of electricity consumed.
Concerning the model, the hot water’s flow temperature is greater than that of other brands. That means you can set the aroTHERM Plus as high as 75°C. For most heat pumps, the flow temperature range is between 35°C-55°C.
The aroTHERM Plus was also awarded the Best Heat Pump in 2021 by the Green Home Awards. This was owing to its lessened environmental impact, distinct design, and efficient functioning.
6. Mitsubishi
You may know that Mitsubishi is Japan’s chief corporation. It operates worldwide in numerous markets in sectors like energy, transportation, and machinery.
Mitsubishi originated in 1870 in Japan. Moreover, it has been operational in the UK ever since 1969. Today, it is one of the principal manufacturers of heating/cooling systems in the UK.
The manufacturer launched its revolutionary Ecodan air-source heat pumps in 2007. Today, there are varying Mitsubishi heat models in the UK, especially air-source variants. They suit your differing needs.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 4kW to 16kW | £2600 to £5815 | A+++/A++ | 4.9 | -25ºC |
For instance, the Ecodan R32 Compact PUZ Monobloc is a fitting and compact selection. It’s especially suited for a 3-bedroom house with a capacity of 5kW. It flaunts an A+++ efficiency rating and eco-friendly R32 refrigerant.
The Ecodan R32 Ultra Quiet PUZ Monobloc is also ideal for households that require a quiet operation. Its incredible efficiency is due to the R32 refrigerant.
Moreover, the Ecodan R32 Zubadan PUZ Monobloc is convenient for bigger-sized properties in chilly regions.
Mitsubishi’s other air-source heat pumps, like the Ecodan R290, can operate at elevated temperatures. This model can attain high water temperatures of up to 75°C. It suits those households where insulation isn’t the greatest, and a regular heat pump won’t suffice.
7. Daikin
We move on to Daikin, one of the notable heat pump manufacturers in the UK. It offers a range of heat pump models, including air-source varieties. These models suit both commercial and residential applications.
Established in 1924, Daikin is a Japanese company. In 2006, it introduced the Daikin Altherma heat pump range in Europe. Eventually, Daikin pioneered endorsing heat pump technology as a sustainable solution.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 4kW to 16kW | £3100 to £9200 | A+++/A++ | 5.43 | -28°C |
You can see that Daikin offers heat pumps that precisely fulfill your energy requirements. For instance, you may have a household with less energy requirements and low-temperature radiators. Thus, you can rightly opt for the Altherma Low Temperature Split.
You can go for Daikin Altherma High Temperature Split for a household with elevated energy needs. They provide a maximal flow temperature of up to 70°C.
The Daikin Altherma 3 H HT can function efficiently even when the outside temperature is as low as -28°C.
Moreover, the Daikin Altherma 3 offers the utmost efficiency. This is due to R32, the UK’s initial eco-friendly refrigerant.
The same model features advanced Bluevolution Technology. It’s an inverter technology through which the motor speed can be adjusted. It can respond to the room’s temperature instead of ceasing and beginning. That lessens energy usage by up to 30%, according to Daikin.
8. Hitachi
Hitachi has a long history of fabricating a broad range of heating and air conditioning systems. It has extended its extensive product array by fabricating heat pumps.
Hitachi’s headquarters are in Japan. It was founded in 1910 and has been operating in the UK for about 90 years.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 4.3kW to 24kW | £3000 to £8200 | A+++ | 5.25 | -25°C |
According to Hitachi, the Yutaki air-to-water heat pumps lessen functioning costs by up to 60%. That is especially true when contrasting heat pumps with traditional boilers. All the models in the range are rated A+++.
Yutaki heat pumps offer cooling and heating via underfloor heating, low-temperature radiators, or both.
For example, the Yutaki S80 provides a hot water temperature of 80°C. The company’s other model, i.e., Yutaki S Combi, flaunts an integrated hot water cylinder. That aids in saving an ample amount of space during the system’s installation in your household.
Furthermore, it’s the only system fabricated by a Japanese company with a backup heating element. That ensures your household still gets hot water, even in an emergency.
The manufacturer’s Yutaki M series features an MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certificate. It pertains to quality assurance. Yutaki M provides a highly customizable system that keeps functioning expenses low.
9. Bosch
Bosch is a German multinational company that was established in 1886. It came to the UK market in 1962. It’s one of the leading suppliers of heat pumps in the UK.
The British subsidiary of the Bosch Group, Worcester Bosch, sells heat pumps in the UK. It became part of Bosch in 1992. Today, it’s a leading brand in the UK in terms of heating space. It has over 45000 Trustpilot reviews, 78% of them being 5-star.
Bosch heat pumps are recognized for their smooth design along with curved edges. The company offers varied air-to-water heat pump models whose output ranges from 4kW to 30kW.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 4kW to 30kW | £3700 to £8900 | A+++/A++ | 5.31 | -25°C |
That is specifically for the CS2000 model. It will suit each household having 1 to 6 bedrooms and small-scale commercial units.
Furthermore, the Compress 5800i AW is the company’s most silent model. It only emits 32dB at a distance of 1m. On average, heat pumps emit noise that is 50dB.
Moreover, Worcester Bosch’s 7000i AW is a hybrid heat pump model. It merges with the company’s renowned boiler. It can alter between them when functioning to deliver optimal heating. It especially suits old households that can’t undertake widespread renovations.
10. LG
Lastly, let’s examine LG, a South Korean electronic giant headquartered in Seoul. Founded in 1947, it’s famous for products such as TVs, computer systems, and household appliances.
The company has been fabricating renewable energy systems ever since 2007. Moreover, the tech giant’s heat pump lineup is named Therma V in the UK. It delivers cooling, heating and hot water provision for households.
LG’s latest models flaunt a refrigerant R32. That has a 68% lesser global warming potential than old refrigerants. Furthermore, they operate in enormously cold temperatures as low as -25°C.
| Output range | Price range | Efficiency | Maximum COP | Minimum Operating Temperature |
| 4kW to 16kW | £3340 to £6400 | A+++/A++/A+ | 4.9 | -25°C |
The Therma V R32 Monobloc S series is principally popular. That’s owing to its enormously quiet operation (less than 35 dB). These heat pump systems further have inverted-controlled compressors. They adjust their speed to meet your household requirements. In that way, they optimize energy efficiency.
Likewise, LG provides a 7-year warranty plan. It’s in the condition that the company-trained professionals install its heat pumps.
Such a series comes in a varied range of outputs ranging from 5kW to 16kW. It comprises a single external unit and operates at temperatures as low as -25°C.
LG’s other model is named THERMA V Split High Temperature. It also comprises air-to-water heat pumps that deliver hot water as high as 80˚C.
Which Air-Source Heat Pump Manufacturer/Supplier Should I Select?
The fitting heat pump manufacturer’s selection relies on your household’s requirements. It also depends on which heat pump functions are the most significant for you. Here are some noteworthy aspects to be mindful of:
Ascertain the right output
Ascertaining the correct output of the heat pump ensures the system fulfills your requirements. The right size will also ensure your system runs as efficiently as possible. The Hitachi’s Yutaki lines have one of the broadest outputs (4.3kW – 24kW).
For small-sized households, the Panasonic Etherea has the lowest output, i.e., 2kW.
Look for the minimum operating temperature
It’s also noteworthy to be mindful of the heat pump system’s minimal operating temperature. It’s primarily to determine a heat pump’s suitability in colder climates.
The Viessmann’s Vitocal line can go down as low as -10°C. You should consider Daikin heat pumps for their ideal performance at the lowest temperatures. They go down to -28°C minimal temperature. NEWNTIDE’s Suntide Series Heat Pump and LG Therma V product line are notable choices. That’s owing to their minimal operating temperature of -25°C.
Consider the Price
When choosing a heat pump manufacturer, you must also consider the prices. For instance, Hitachi’s Yutaki S has the best price (around £8,000) for a powerful system.
On the other hand, Panasonic heat pump systems have the lowest prices, at £675. That’s for their air-to-air varieties.
NEWNTIDE’s air-source heat pumps are also an economical and reliable choice. Their prices range from £1027-£1690.