Which heat pump brand has the best COP?

Samsung Gen 6 and Daikin Altherma 3 both achieve SCOP values above 4.0 under EN 14825 test conditions (climate zone average). Mitsubishi Ecodan achieves 3.5-4.0. Vaillant aroTHERM plus achieves 3.8-4.2 using R290 (propane) refrigerant. Real-world COP depends heavily on system design, flow temperature and weather — well-designed systems from any brand achieve COP 3.0-4.0 in UK conditions.

Which brand is quietest?

Vaillant aroTHERM plus is one of the quietest at 29 dB(A) at 3m. Samsung Gen 6 achieves 35 dB(A). Mitsubishi Ecodan ranges from 38-45 dB(A) depending on model. Daikin Altherma 3 achieves 35-38 dB(A). Grant Aerona3 runs at 40-42 dB(A). Noise levels matter for permitted development rights — units must not exceed 42 dB(A) at the nearest neighbour boundary.

Are all these brands MCS certified?

Yes, all five brands have MCS-certified models, which is required for BUS grant eligibility. MCS certification confirms the heat pump meets quality standards, and the installer must also be MCS certified. Check the MCS Installation Database for certified products and installers in your area. Without MCS certification, you cannot claim the £7,500 BUS grant.

How much does each brand cost installed?

Typical installed costs for a 5-10 kW ASHP system including cylinder, controls and commissioning: Mitsubishi Ecodan £8,000-12,000; Daikin Altherma £9,000-13,000; Samsung Gen 6 £7,000-10,000; Vaillant aroTHERM plus £9,000-14,000; Grant Aerona3 £8,000-11,000. All prices before the £7,500 BUS grant. Samsung and Grant tend to be the most competitive on price.

Which refrigerant do they use and does it matter?

Vaillant aroTHERM plus uses R290 (propane) — a natural refrigerant with near-zero GWP (global warming potential of 3). Most others use R32 (GWP 675) or R410A (GWP 2088). From 2027, F-gas regulations will restrict high-GWP refrigerants further. R290 units are the most future-proof choice. However, R290 is mildly flammable, requiring slightly different installation positioning rules.

Heat Pump Brands Compared — UK

Compare the leading UK air source heat pump brands — Mitsubishi, Daikin, Samsung, Vaillant and Grant — on COP, noise, warranty and MCS certification.

Brand Comparison Table

Feature	Mitsubishi	Daikin	Samsung	Vaillant	Grant
Top model	Ecodan R32	Altherma 3	Gen 6 EHS	aroTHERM plus	Aerona3 R32
SCOP	3.5-4.0	3.8-4.2	4.0-4.5	3.8-4.2	3.5-3.9
Noise at 3m	38-45 dB(A)	35-38 dB(A)	35 dB(A)	29 dB(A)	40-42 dB(A)
Refrigerant	R32	R32	R32	R290	R32
Warranty	5 years	5 years	5 years	7 years	7 years
Installed cost	£8-12K	£9-13K	£7-10K	£9-14K	£8-11K

Brand Strengths

Mitsubishi — Largest UK install base, extensive training network, proven track record
Daikin — Premium Japanese engineering, excellent controls, integrated hot water
Samsung — Best value for money, high SCOP, competitive pricing
Vaillant — Quietest units, R290 refrigerant, best for tight sites near neighbours
Grant — Strong in off-grid market, good for oil-to-heat-pump conversions, Irish/UK support