Guide · Updated 8 November 2026
Best air to air heat pump for UK homes: how to choose
There isn't one best air to air heat pump. The best one for you is a unit sized for each room's heat loss, with a strong heating SCOP and good low-temperature heating capacity, from a brand your installer is approved to fit and support. The main brands in the UK are Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba and LG. We don't rank them because we haven't tested them; here's how to compare them yourself.
What to compare
- Heating SCOP on the energy label (average climate). Higher means cheaper to run. Don't confuse it with the cooling figure (SEER).
- Heating capacity at low temperatures. Check the spec sheet for output at around -7°C or below, not just the headline rating.
- Noise. Indoor sound pressure on the lowest fan speed; outdoor sound power for the planning check.
- Refrigerant. R32 is standard; R290 has a lower environmental impact.
- Controls. App control, schedules, and whether it works with your smart tariff.
- Warranty. Many brands extend warranties when fitted by their approved installers. Check what servicing is needed to keep it.
- MCS product listing. For the grant, the product needs to be on the MCS product directory for air to air.
The main brands
| Brand | Example air to air wall ranges | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Electric | Zen (MSZ-LN), MSZ-AY | Ecodan is their air-to-water range, not air to air |
| Daikin | Emura, Perfera, Stylish, Comfora | Multi+ adds hot water to an air to air system |
| Samsung | WindFree range | EHS is their air-to-water range |
| Panasonic | Etherea | Aquarea is their air-to-water range |
| Toshiba | Haori, Shorai Edge, Seiya | Haori has a fabric-covered front |
| LG | Artcool | Therma V is their air-to-water range |
Ranges change. Check the current model list and spec sheet with your installer.
Why the installer matters more
A top-rated unit badly sized or badly placed will be noisy, expensive to run and uncomfortable. A mid-range unit sized from a proper heat loss calculation and installed well will do better. Choose an installer you trust first, then pick from the brands they're approved for.
Questions
What is the best air to air heat pump in the UK?
It depends on your rooms and budget. Compare heating SCOP, low-temperature heating capacity, noise and warranty, and choose a brand your installer is approved to fit. Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba and LG are the main brands.
Are air to air heat pumps any good in the UK climate?
Yes, for the right home. They heat efficiently well below freezing, though output and efficiency drop in very cold weather, which is why sizing for each room matters.
Sources
- MCS: Update on the implementation of air-to-air heat pumps into MCS (13 Apr 2026)
- Daikin: Your guide to the latest BUS changes
- DESNZ: Air-to-air heat pumps literature review
Checked 8 November 2026.