Ofgem data shows heat pumps now outnumber gas boiler installations in new UK homes for the first time
In 2025/2026, a significant milestone was reached in UK home heating. Ofgem’s annual domestic renewable heat report confirmed that heat pump installations in new-build homes exceeded gas boiler installations for the first time (Ofgem, 2026). This shift reflects tightening building regulations and growing homeowner interest in low-carbon heating.
The Mitsubishi Ecodan is the most installed UK heat pump brand (MCS, 2026), with SCOP ratings of 3.4 to 4.3. Installation costs £7,000–£13,000, reduced by a £7,500 BUS grant. Compare models and quotes to find your best fit.
- Ecodan is the most installed air-source heat pump brand in the UK (MCS, 2026).
- Three models available: Standard, integrated tank, and split system.
- SCOP ratings range from 3.4 to 4.3, depending on model size.
- Heat outputs from 5 kW to 16 kW suit most UK homes.
- Integrated tank model holds 200 litres for a typical 3-bed home.
- Ofgem data shows heat pumps now outnumber gas boiler installations in new UK homes for the first time
- The Mitsubishi Ecodan range for 2026 three main models explained
- Quick numbers key specs of the 2026 Mitsubishi Ecodan
- Who qualifies for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant with an Ecodan
- The direct answer is the Mitsubishi Ecodan a good heat pump for UK homes in 2026?
- How to verify a Mitsubishi Ecodan installer is MCS-certified and can claim your grant
- What the Energy Saving Trust says about running costs of an Ecodan vs a gas boiler
- The final check is an Ecodan the right choice for your home?
The Mitsubishi Ecodan is the most installed air-source heat pump brand in the UK, according to MCS installation data (MCS, 2026). This review covers the 2026 model range, focusing on efficiency, cost, and grant eligibility for homeowners replacing a gas or oil boiler.
The Mitsubishi Ecodan range for 2026 three main models explained
The 2026 Ecodan range consists of three main models. Each is designed for different home layouts and heating requirements.
Standard Ecodan (monobloc). This is the most common model. It is a single outdoor unit that connects directly to your existing central heating system. Heat output ranges from 5 kW to 16 kW (MCS Product Database, 2026). The Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) is 3.5 to 4.2, depending on the size. SCOP measures how many units of heat the pump produces for each unit of electricity it uses. A SCOP of 3.5 means it produces 3.5 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity.
Ecodan with integrated hot water tank (monobloc). This model includes a built-in hot water cylinder. It is suitable for homes without space for a separate indoor hot water tank. Heat output is 5 kW to 12 kW, with a SCOP of 3.4 to 4.0 (MCS Product Database, 2026). The integrated tank holds 200 litres of hot water, enough for a typical three-bedroom home.
Ecodan split system. This model has an outdoor unit and a separate indoor unit connected by refrigerant pipes. It is more flexible for homes where outdoor space is limited. Heat output is 5 kW to 16 kW, with a SCOP of 3.6 to 4.3 (MCS Product Database, 2026). All 2026 models comply with the updated UK Building Regulations Part L (DESNZ, 2026).
Quick numbers key specs of the 2026 Mitsubishi Ecodan
| Specification | Standard Monobloc | Integrated Tank Monobloc | Split System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat output range (kW) | 5 – 16 | 5 – 12 | 5 – 16 |
| SCOP (heating) | 3.5 – 4.2 | 3.4 – 4.0 | 3.6 – 4.3 |
| Noise level (dB at 1m) | 55 – 62 | 55 – 60 | 52 – 58 |
| Refrigerant type | R32 | R32 | R32 |
| Approximate unit cost (excluding installation) | £3,500 – £5,000 | £4,500 – £6,500 | £4,000 – £5,500 |
Data sourced from the MCS product database for SCOP and noise levels (MCS, 2026) and the Mitsubishi Electric UK price list for unit costs (Mitsubishi Electric UK, 2026).
Who qualifies for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant with an Ecodan
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers a £7,500 grant towards the cost of installing an air-source heat pump. This figure was updated in January 2026 (GOV.UK, 2026). To qualify, you must meet several conditions.
You must be a homeowner or a small landlord. The property must be in England or Wales. Your existing heating system must use fossil fuels: gas, oil, or LPG. Your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with no outstanding loft or cavity wall insulation recommendations. If your EPC recommends installing loft insulation or cavity wall insulation, you must complete those measures before applying for the grant.
The installer must be MCS-certified to claim the grant on your behalf (MCS, 2026). You cannot claim the grant yourself. Properties in Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate schemes. Home Energy Scotland offers up to £7,500 for heat pumps (Home Energy Scotland, 2026). The Northern Ireland Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers up to £6,000 (NI Direct, 2026).
The direct answer is the Mitsubishi Ecodan a good heat pump for UK homes in 2026?
Yes, for most homes with suitable insulation and a properly sized system, the Ecodan is a reliable, efficient choice. It is backed by the UK’s largest heat pump installer network and consistent MCS data.
Its key strength is the “Zubadan” inverter technology. This allows the heat pump to maintain full heating output at outdoor temperatures as low as -15°C (Mitsubishi Electric UK Technical Datasheet, 2026). Most UK winters do not drop below -5°C, so the system performs well even in cold spells.
The main drawback is higher upfront cost compared to some competitors. The standard Ecodan monobloc costs £3,500 to £5,000 for the unit alone, plus installation. However, the £7,500 grant significantly reduces this gap. After the grant, many homeowners pay £1,500 to £4,000 for a fully installed system. Compare heat pump installation costs across brands
How to verify a Mitsubishi Ecodan installer is MCS-certified and can claim your grant
MCS certification is mandatory for the installer to claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. No MCS, no grant. You cannot use a non-certified installer and then claim the grant yourself.
To verify an installer, follow these steps. Go to the MCS Installer Directory online (MCS, 2026). Enter the installer’s name or postcode. Confirm their MCS registration number is current and covers heat pump installation. The directory shows which technologies the installer is certified for.
TrustMark registration is also required for government-backed schemes (TrustMark, 2026). TrustMark is a quality assurance scheme for home improvements. Gas Safe Register is irrelevant for heat pumps, as it covers gas boilers only. Heat pumps do not involve gas combustion. Find MCS-certified heat pump installers near you
What the Energy Saving Trust says about running costs of an Ecodan vs a gas boiler
The Energy Saving Trust provides a heat pump vs gas boiler running costs calculator, updated for 2026 energy price caps (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). The Ofgem price cap for April 2026 sets gas at 6.5p per kWh and electricity at 24p per kWh.
For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached home, a well-sized Ecodan with a SCOP of 3.5 costs approximately £600 to £800 per year to run. A gas boiler in the same home costs £900 to £1,200 per year to run. These figures assume the home has reasonable insulation and the heat pump is correctly sized.
Savings depend on the property’s insulation and the heat pump’s SCOP. The higher the SCOP, the lower the running cost. A heat pump with a SCOP of 4.0 costs about 15% less to run than one with a SCOP of 3.5. However, replacing a gas boiler with a heat pump in a poorly insulated home can increase running costs (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). This is because the heat pump runs longer hours to maintain temperature, and electricity is more expensive than gas per unit.
The final check is an Ecodan the right choice for your home?
If you qualify for the £7,500 grant, have good insulation, and need a reliable heat pump, the Ecodan is a strong contender. Its proven track record in the UK climate and compatibility with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme make it the most grant-eligible heat pump on the market in 2026.
A full heat loss calculation by an MCS-certified installer is essential to determine the correct model size. Under-sizing or over-sizing reduces efficiency and increases costs. The installer will measure your home’s heat loss in kilowatts and match it to the appropriate Ecodan model.
Check your EPC and insulation status before contacting installers. The grant requires no outstanding insulation recommendations. If your EPC recommends loft or cavity wall insulation, complete those measures first. The Ecodan’s Zubadan technology and high SCOP ratings make it a cost-effective choice for properly insulated homes, especially with the £7,500 grant reducing upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Mitsubishi Ecodan is widely regarded as reliable and efficient, with SCOP ratings of 3.4 to 4.3 according to the MCS Product Database (2026). It is the most installed air-source heat pump brand in the UK.
A Mitsubishi Ecodan heat pump installation typically costs between £7,000 and £13,000, depending on the model and home size. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 (Ofgem, 2026) can reduce your net cost significantly.
The Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) for the 2026 Ecodan range is 3.4 to 4.3, as listed in the MCS Product Database (2026). Higher SCOP means better efficiency and lower running costs.
Yes, the Standard Ecodan monobloc model connects directly to your existing central heating system, including radiators. However, for best efficiency, you may need to upgrade to larger radiators or underfloor heating.
Yes, the Mitsubishi Ecodan is eligible for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) grant of £7,500 (Ofgem, 2026). The installation must be done by an MCS-certified installer to qualify.
