This Hitachi heat pump review covers pricing, efficiency and independent customer feedback to help UK homeowners decide whether the Yutaki range is right for their property. Hitachi’s Yutaki heat pumps have built a solid reputation in the UK renewable heating market. We’ve pulled together this straightforward guide for homeowners and landlords across Kent.
Hitachi Heat Pump Review: Key Facts
Here’s a quick summary of Hitachi heat pumps before we look at each area in more detail.
Are Hitachi Heat Pumps Worth It?
Hitachi heat pumps are worth considering for homeowners who want a well engineered, budget-conscious option from a globally established manufacturer with a genuinely broad model range.
Hitachi has been manufacturing heat pump technology for many years, giving the Yutaki range a level of engineering pedigree that sits alongside brands like Panasonic air source heat pumps and Daikin heat pumps rather than newer market entrants.
Pros & Cons of Hitachi Heat Pumps
Pros:
- Strong efficiency with SCOP up to 5.0 and an A+++ rating on the Yutaki M range
- Genuinely affordable entry point, with unit prices starting from around £2,500 before installation
- Very wide output range from 4kW to 24kW, suiting almost any Kent property size
- Quiet operation, with indoor sound levels as low as 37 decibels
- Combi models provide both heating and hot water from a single system, similar to the convenience offered by Worcester Bosch heat pumps
Cons:
- Standard warranty of 5 to 6 years is shorter than premium brands like Aira or NIBE
- Trustpilot presence is limited, making it harder to gauge broad customer sentiment compared with more heavily reviewed brands like Samsung or Vaillant heat pumps
- Installation costs can vary widely, from £2,400 up to £10,000, depending on property complexity
- Larger R410A models produce higher outdoor noise levels, up to 74 decibels, more than compact monobloc alternatives
- Expected lifespan of around 12 years is slightly shorter than the 20 to 25 years often quoted for premium brands like NIBE
How Efficient Are Hitachi Heat Pumps?
Hitachi heat pumps are efficient, with the Yutaki M range achieving a SCOP of up to 5.0 and an A+++ energy rating, meaning the system can produce up to five units of heat for every unit of electricity used.
Hitachi heat pumps generally use around 1 kilowatt of electricity to generate roughly 4 kilowatts of heat, which translates into energy savings of up to 60% compared with a traditional gas boiler.
The Yutaki S range can also reach flow temperatures of up to 60°C, making it easier to retrofit into homes with existing radiators without a full heating system overhaul. This efficiency profile is broadly comparable to Mitsubishi heat pumps and NIBE heat pumps, though exact performance always depends on your property’s insulation and the flow temperature the system is set to.
How Much Do Hitachi Heat Pumps Cost?
Hitachi heat pump costs vary significantly depending on the model, with the compact Yutaki M range starting from around £2,500 for the unit alone, rising to £4,000 to £7,600 for the flagship Yutaki S and S Combi ranges before installation.
Once installation is factored in, typical fully fitted costs range from around £6,700 up to £17,600, and this can drop substantially once the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant is applied.
| Model | Output | Price with £7,500 grant | Price without grant |
| Yutaki M | 4.3 to 16kW | £0 to £2,900 | £6,700 to £11,600 |
| Yutaki S | 4.3 to 24kW | £0 to £9,600 | £10,600 to £17,100 |
| Yutaki S Combi | 4.3 to 16kW | £0 to £10,100 | £10,900 to £17,600 |
Hitachi is generally positioned as slightly more affordable than premium competitors like NIBE or Viessmann, while still offering a wider capacity range than budget brands like Midea heat pumps.
What Is the Hitachi Heat Pump Range?
The Hitachi heat pump range is built around the Yutaki line of air-to-water systems, spanning the compact Yutaki M through to the higher output Yutaki S and the Yutaki S Combi, which adds integrated hot water on top of space heating.
Hitachi also produces air-to-air heat pumps under the E Series, including the P Model and airHome, though these are more commonly used for air conditioning-style heating rather than whole-home wet central heating systems.
| Model | Output | Best for | Key feature |
| Yutaki M | 4.3 to 16kW | Small to medium homes, budget-conscious buyers | Affordable entry point |
| Yutaki S | 4.3 to 24kW | Medium to large homes | Higher flow temperature up to 60°C |
| Yutaki S Combi | 4.3 to 16kW | Homes needing integrated hot water | Built-in hot water cylinder |
This breadth gives Hitachi a similar spread to Mitsubishi heat pumps, though the Yutaki S Combi’s built-in hot water function makes it a particularly practical option for smaller Kent properties without much space for a separate cylinder.
What Warranty Comes With a Hitachi Heat Pump?
Hitachi heat pumps come with a standard warranty of 5 to 6 years depending on the model, which is longer than the industry baseline of 2 to 3 years offered by some brands but shorter than the extended 7 to 15 year options available from NIBE, Vaillant or Aira.
As with all heat pump brands, missing a scheduled service can invalidate warranty cover, so it’s worth budgeting for this ongoing cost from the outset.
Which Property Types Suit Hitachi Heat Pumps Best?
Hitachi heat pumps suit a wide variety of property types thanks to the breadth of the Yutaki range, from smaller homes matched to the compact Yutaki M through to larger properties needing the higher output Yutaki S.
The Yutaki S Combi is particularly well suited to smaller Kent homes and flats where space for a separate hot water cylinder is limited, since it combines heating and hot water into one unit.
Larger, older properties across Kent with higher heat loss may benefit more from the Yutaki S range’s higher flow temperature capability, similar to how Hitachi Yutaki S Combi units can replace a boiler without needing to change radiators, as reported by at least one verified customer.
What Do Trustpilot and Which? Say About Hitachi?
Hitachi’s heat pump division has a more limited independent review footprint compared with some rivals, though the feedback that is available is generally positive on performance.
Trustpilot
Hitachi Hvac’s Trustpilot page currently shows a rating of around 3.7 out of 5, though this is based on a very small number of reviews, making it harder to draw firm conclusions compared with brands like Samsung or Mitsubishi that have thousands of reviews.
One detailed customer review specifically praised the Yutaki S80 for its high water temperature capability and lower running costs than their previous gas boiler, describing the system as “absolutely excellent”.
Which?
Hitachi doesn’t currently have a dedicated Which? manufacturer rating in the same way some installer networks do, so most independent verification of the brand comes from specialist heating publications and installer feedback rather than formal Which? testing.
Industry sources consistently note that Hitachi heat pumps are often praised for efficient performance, even where overall review volume remains mixed.
Is a Hitachi Heat Pump Right for Your Property in Kent?
Choosing between heat pump brands comes down to your budget, property type and how much you value hot water integration, so here’s a clear breakdown for Kent homeowners and landlords.
Choose a Hitachi heat pump if:
- You want a genuinely affordable entry point from an established global manufacturer
- Your property needs a system that also handles hot water, making the Yutaki S Combi a good fit
- You want a wide choice of output sizes to closely match your property’s actual heat loss
- Quiet indoor operation is important to you
- You’re happy to arrange a dedicated service plan to maintain warranty conditions
Don’t choose a Hitachi heat pump if:
- You want to research extensive independent Trustpilot feedback before committing, where brands like Samsung or Mitsubishi offer far more reviews
- You want the longest possible warranty available on the market, in which case Aira or NIBE may suit better
- Your home is large and you need very low outdoor noise, where a Mitsubishi Ultra Quiet model may be preferable
- You want a manufacturer with a directly rated Which? Trusted Trader heating category
- You’re looking for the newest low GWP refrigerant technology available from some competing brands like Vaillant or Aira
As an experienced air source heat pump installer in Kent, Guscott Heating can help you weigh up Hitachi against other leading brands and recommend the system that genuinely suits your property and budget.
Get Your Free Heat Pump Quote in Kent Today
Whether Hitachi’s affordability and efficiency have caught your attention or you’re still comparing it against brands like Mitsubishi, Daikin or Vaillant, Guscott Heating is here to help homeowners and landlords across Kent choose the right renewable heating system.
Request a free heat pump quote tailored to your location, and take the first step towards a warmer, more efficient home.
Our local team can survey your property, explain how the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant applies to your situation, and provide a clear, honest quote with no pressure to commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Yutaki S and Yutaki S Combi?
The Yutaki S is designed purely for space heating and cooling, while the Yutaki S Combi adds an integrated hot water cylinder, functioning as both a heating system and a water heater.
Does Hitachi offer air-to-air heat pumps as well as air-to-water models?
Yes, alongside the Yutaki air-to-water range, Hitachi produces air-to-air heat pumps under the E Series, including the P Model and the more feature-rich airHome model with air purification and voice control.
What refrigerants do Hitachi heat pumps use?
Hitachi heat pumps use R32 or R410A refrigerant depending on the model, both of which have zero ozone depletion potential, though R32 has a notably lower global warming potential than R410A.
Can I get ongoing servicing support for a Hitachi heat pump after installation?
Yes, Hitachi has partnered with HomeServe to offer dedicated service plans from £15 a month, designed to keep the system running efficiently and help maintain warranty compliance.
How does Hitachi’s minimum operating temperature compare for UK winters?
Hitachi’s Yutaki range can operate down to minus 25°C, which is far colder than anything typically experienced in Kent, so reliable heating performance through winter shouldn’t be a concern.
