Vaillant, Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric and Samsung are the heat pump brands UK homeowners search for most. All four make efficient, reliable air to water heat pumps that qualify for the £7,500 grant. The differences are in refrigerant, flow temperature, controls and installer network.
Side-by-side comparison
| Brand | Popular range | Refrigerant | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaillant | aroTHERM plus | R290 | High flow temperatures, wide UK installer network |
| Mitsubishi Electric | Ecodan | R32 and R290 models | One of the most installed ranges in the UK, long track record |
| Daikin | Altherma | R32 and R290 models | Broad range including high-temperature versions |
| Samsung | EHS Mono | R32 and R290 models | Compact monobloc design, SmartThings app control |
Vaillant heat pumps
The aroTHERM plus is a monobloc heat pump using R290 natural refrigerant, which helps it reach high flow temperatures efficiently: useful in older homes where you'd rather not replace every radiator. Vaillant's large network of UK installers makes servicing straightforward.
Mitsubishi heat pumps
Mitsubishi Electric's Ecodan range has been fitted in UK homes for many years and includes R290 models. Installers know it well, and the range covers small flats to large homes.
Daikin heat pumps
Daikin's Altherma family includes standard and high-temperature models, plus newer R290 units. As one of the world's biggest heating and cooling manufacturers, Daikin has extensive parts and support.
Samsung heat pumps
Samsung's EHS Mono heat pumps are compact and quiet, with app control through SmartThings. R290 versions are available.
What matters more than the brand
- Correct sizing from a room-by-room heat loss calculation.
- Low flow temperature design and weather compensation.
- An installer accredited by the manufacturer, which often unlocks a longer warranty.
Read our wider guide to the best air source heat pumps in the UK, including Viessmann and Grant.
Sources
Grant amounts, VAT rules and eligibility are set by government and the scheme administrators. We check them against these primary sources:
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)
- Find an MCS certified installer (MCS)
- Apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (GOV.UK)
New to the jargon? See the heat pump glossary, or browse the heat pump FAQs.
Written by the GetASHP team. Prices and grant details checked 23 October 2026; always confirm current figures with your installer.
