Mitsubishi Heavy Industries vs Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioners

Phill Crawley

Smarter Air & Electrical

i 3 Contents

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries vs. Mitsubishi Electric

 

There’s an understandable confusion between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric air conditioners. Around the world, people associate the Mitsubishi name with reliability, performance and trustworthiness. The same is true about their ducted air conditioning products. Both Heavy Industries and Electric produce outstanding air conditioning products, but there are some differences. Identifying these differences can help you make the choice between these two reliable brands.

Here at Smarter Air & Electrical, we have over 22 years of experience in the air-conditioning market, installing air conditioners (Including Mitsubishi products) from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. With our vast experience, we’ve learned a few things about Mitsubishi air conditioning and can help you choose between Heavy Industries or Electric. In this article, we briefly discuss the background of each Mitsubishi company, detail the product features of their ducted air conditioners and outline which product might be best for your needs.

 

Background on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric

Before jumping straight into product specifics, it’s helpful to take a trip into the past and discover why there are two, almost identical, Mitsubishi brands. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the original of the two. The company opened its doors in 1870, but back then, it was called the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company. It eventually changed its name to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after creating the Mitsubishi Electric Corporation branch in 1921. To this day, the two companies remain rivals. They compete for the same market share and sell the same category of products. They even sell to the same consumer base.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric both produce reverse cycle air conditioning products and share the same iconic diamond logo. They also have the same product qualities that inspire reliability and durability. With all that said, there are some differences in their products that might influence your purchase choice.

 

Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning features

It’s important to understand that a reverse cycle Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning system can incorporate varying outdoor and indoor units, along with varying system controllers. Depending on the units and controllers you implement in your system, you might experience some unique benefits. There are some common features, though, that you can experience regardless of the individual units and controllers you use. Below, you can explore the typical features of a Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning system:

 

Design flexibility

The Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioner has excellent design flexibility. When installing the system, you can choose the distance variations between air intakes and air outlets and choose which rooms have air conditioning. This can ensure the important areas of your home meet your cooling and heating needs. The ducted air conditioning system’s design flexibility also allows for discrete placement and instillation. Unlike split systems with a bulky indoor unit, the ducted system flows through your roof space with units discretely hidden. You don’t have to consider your air conditioner when designing interior decor.

 

Zone control

Zone control features allow you to direct air to specific rooms and set individual room temperatures, providing you with ultimate control of your home’s temperature. This feature can be great for saving energy. You don’t have to blast your entire house with cool air just so you can be comfortable in the living room. The Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning system can provide cooling and heating for up to four or eight zones. Unless you live in a seriously impressive mansion, eight zones should be more than suitable.

 

Guaranteed operating range

A product feature that’s incredibly important in the Australian climate is the operating range. This refers to the range of outdoor temperatures where the ducted air condition system can still perform at its peak. The Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning system can operate in temperatures ranging from -5 degrees to 52 degrees. This is a guarantee, so you can go to sleep knowing you won’t wake up freezing or sweating.

 

Cleaning-Free Pipe Re-use Technology

The Cleaning-Free Pipe Re-use Technology means the ducted air conditioning system can connect to existing refrigerant pipes. It does this through its use of a ‘wide strainer’. This strainer traps iron particles, which are common in old refrigerant pipes, and prevents them from reaching the outdoor unit. There’s no need to tear out the old pipes and install new ones. Mitsubishi utilises this specialised technology to ensure an easy installation process. It also results in cheaper installation fees, as there’s no need to replace any refrigerant pipes (Unless they’re damaged).

 

Outdoor Unit DC Scroll Inverter Compressor

The compressor of an air conditioning system is essentially its heart. It pumps refrigerant through the system, which produces hot or cold air. The DC Scroll Inverter Compressor utilises a frame compliance mechanism to reduce internal friction. You might wonder what this even means. It basically means your air conditioning unit is more durable and efficient, as excessive internal friction may cause eventual corrosion in the moving parts.

 

Smartphone control

A helpful feature that’s also a part of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries system is smartphone control. If you download Wi-Fi Control (Mitsubishi Electric’s application), you can control, customise and monitor almost every aspect of your air conditioner. You can turn zones off, specify temperatures, alter fan speeds and even automate the operating mode. With smartphone control, you can ensure your home is at the optimal temperature no matter where you are. It’s perfect for those of you with plant babies and indoor jungles!

 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ducted air conditioning features

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ducted Air Conditioners

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ducted air conditioning system, like Mitsubishi Electric, also has varying indoor and outdoor units that might provide some unique benefits. The Heavy Industries ducted system, also known as the MHIAA, has five series to choose from. These series are the FDUM, FDU, FDUA, KX and AKARI series and each comprises different indoor and outdoor units. Each series offers varying levels of power and efficiency. Regardless of the series you choose, the MHIAA system has some notable features, which you can find below:

 

Improved heat exchanger

The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ducted air conditioner boasts an improved heat exchanger. The heat exchanger essentially makes refrigerant distribution more efficient. It helps exchange heat between a source and a working fluid. This makes both cooling and heating more efficient. It achieves this through a large heat exchange panel.

 

Coated PCB

The Australian climate can often fluctuate from freezing storms to blistering heat. Most ducted air conditioners have an outdoor unit comprising electronics and circuit boards. Excessive exposure to the elements can often damage these electronics. The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries outdoor unit incorporates a coated PCB, which means the circuit board is highly resistant to harsh weather.

 

Blue Fin technology

Blue Fin technology is a specialised layer of protective coating that ensures the ducted air conditioning system’s outdoor unit can withstand the elements. It works by preventing hydrophilicity effects, which is basically a fancy way of saying it prevents damage and corrosion from water. Blue Fin Technology’s primary purpose is usually to protect the exposed aluminium components of the outdoor unit.

 

High-efficiency inverter compressor

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ducted air conditioners have an extremely powerful and reliable compressor. It utilises a neodymium motor that incorporates rare magnetic components. Similar to a frame compliance mechanism, the magnetic element helps reduce internal friction and boost efficiency.

 

Wide operation range

Like Mitsubishi Electric’s operating range, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries air conditioners can perform optimally in harsh conditions. The minimum operating temperature for the ducted systems is -20 degrees, while the maximum operating temperature is slightly over 50 degrees. This temperature range should be more than sufficient, relative to the Australian climate.

 

Smartphone control

Like Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has an application allowing you to take control of your ducted system from your smartphone. You can create custom operating modes, set temperatures, adjust fan speeds and even control the ducted system with your voice. A handy feature you can access through the application is the ability to set your ducted system to respond to certain events. If the weather changes, your ducted system can increase or decrease the temperature in your home.

 

Pros and cons

Both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric have excellent features. They even share most of the beneficial features, such as smartphone control, zone control, protective coating, improved compressors and discrete installations. It may be difficult to differentiate between the two systems, but there are some pros and cons to each product. Below, you can explore some pros and cons of each ducted system:

 

Mitsubishi Electric pros and cons

Below, you can explore the pros and cons of the Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning system, relative to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries:

 

Pros

  • Excellent energy rating
  • Lower operating costs
  • Less noise
  • Easy-to-understand interface
  • Higher maximum cooling point

 

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Higher minimum operating temperature
  • Less durable

 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries pros and cons

Below, you can explore the pros and cons of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries ducted air conditioning system, relative to Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps:

 

Pros

  • Cheaper to afford
  • Lower minimum operating temperature
  • More durable
  • A popular range of split systems

 

Cons

  • Lower maximum cooling point
  • Noisier operating sounds
  • Relatively complex interface
  • Lower energy efficiency rating

 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries vs Mitsubishi Electric

By looking at the systems’ features and pros and cons, it’s difficult to identify which ducted air conditioning system is better. In truth, no system is better than the other, as they each offer unique benefits that are subjective to your heating and cooling needs. Both systems are of excellent quality, possess durable components and adopt the latest in heating and cooling technology.

Having said that, our technicians at Smarter Air & Electrical say they prefer the Mitsubishi Electric ducted air conditioning system. Qualified air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics across Australia tend to agree with us as well. The HVAC&R Australia Facebook group, which has over 3200 industry members, posted a poll about which air conditioning brand is the way to go. They voted Mitsubishi Electric as the clear favourite! Below, you can find an image of the HVAC&R poll:

 

mitsubishi electric air conditioners voted 1

Note: The above image was edited to remove the following brands which received no votes as of 13-08-2022; Carrier, Samsung, Haier, Gree, TECO, Kelvinator, Midea, Temperzone.

 

Trust Smarter Air & Electrical to meet your cooling needs

Here at Smarter Air & Electrical, we’re passionate about making people more comfortable in their homes. We service Greater Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast. We’re the top local source for the most innovative and high-quality ducted air conditioning systems in Brisbane. Whether you need installation, advice or maintenance services, we’re here to provide you with the help you need. If you’ve decided on a Mitsubishi product, whether it’s from Heavy Industries or Electric, we can offer installation services that are sure to exceed your expectations! If you require more information about installation or product features, contact us online, today!

Scott Booth
We had a great experience from quote to install. I spent a year shopping around for air conditioning solutions and this mob had the best ...
Scott Booth
We had a great experience from quote to install. I spent a year shopping around for air conditioning solutions and this mob had the best price and the best service by far. An easy decision.
Scott Booth
Scott Booth
Jade Marsh (Jadey k450)
Had ducted aircon installed very promptly. Chose this company due to their customer satisfaction and importance for continuing to offer support. Have had to have ...
Jade Marsh (Jadey k450)
Had ducted aircon installed very promptly. Chose this company due to their customer satisfaction and importance for continuing to offer support. Have had to have technicians out twice to replace sensors and the second technician was absolutely phenomenal and gave use amazing advice.
Jade Marsh (Jadey k450)
Jade Marsh (Jadey k450)
Goran Radosavljevic
Very professional and friendly people at the same time, so easy to deal with. They always come on promissed time and deliver all 100%. They run ...
Goran Radosavljevic
Very professional and friendly people at the same time, so easy to deal with. They always come on promissed time and deliver all 100%. They run like ants, everyone knows what he's supposed to do and before you know it's ready to be turned on, when they start showing you how to control your new AC. Well done Smarter A&E, very happy with what you've accomplished. I strongly recommend this business to everyone.
Goran Radosavljevic
Goran Radosavljevic
Zuzana Husak
Smarter Air & Electrical made the choosing and installation of aircon a breeze. From the first contact, through inspection and installation I was impressed with ...
Zuzana Husak
Smarter Air & Electrical made the choosing and installation of aircon a breeze. From the first contact, through inspection and installation I was impressed with the professional service, punctuality, tidiness and politeness. I would highly recommend the team, in fact I already have. Thank you Alex, Davis, Tom and the boys.
Zuzana Husak
Zuzana Husak
Dave B
The guys were great. Professional, polite and efficient. Arrived on time, completed all work to a very high standard and left the house cleaner than ...
Dave B
The guys were great. Professional, polite and efficient. Arrived on time, completed all work to a very high standard and left the house cleaner than when they started. Would not hesitate to recommend Smarter Air to anyone.
Dave B
Dave B
Aslam Chapri
Excellent!!! The customer service was outstanding. Alex went above and beyond to help me finding the product I wanted. They efficiently and in time replaced ...
Aslam Chapri
Excellent!!! The customer service was outstanding. Alex went above and beyond to help me finding the product I wanted. They efficiently and in time replaced my old ducted aircon system. The installation team, Tom, Jacob, Levi and rest of the team were highly professional and polite and tidied up nicely after completing installation. Davis' initial site inspection was very informative. I highly recommend Smarter Air & Electrical.
Aslam Chapri
Aslam Chapri
Frankie Smith
Contact from start to finish was good, company was very responsive. Guys who installed were polite and professional. Price was much better than other quotes ...
Frankie Smith
Contact from start to finish was good, company was very responsive. Guys who installed were polite and professional. Price was much better than other quotes we got too. Happy all around, would highly recommend
Frankie Smith
Frankie Smith
Aaron Bey
Had our ducted aircon installed today the team was on time very professional and very efficient and tidy. It has been an amazing experience...
Aaron Bey
Had our ducted aircon installed today the team was on time very professional and very efficient and tidy. It has been an amazing experience from initial contact to quoting through to site visit and install. Didn’t try to sell us anymore than we need and really knew what they were talking about. Would highly recommend to anyone look to have air con installed. Thanks to the whole team.
Aaron Bey
Aaron Bey
Adam Staier
These guys are great. From initial quote right up to demonstration after it was installed they’ve been brilliant. Ours was a tricky install...
Adam Staier
These guys are great. From initial quote right up to demonstration after it was installed they’ve been brilliant. Ours was a tricky install due to access issues and they absolutely nailed it. Friendly professional staff and they work hard.
Adam Staier
Adam Staier
Anna Marcantelli
Have had the team from Smarter Air and Electrical do an aircon system for our shop and it’s absolutely changed our life. We were...
Anna Marcantelli
Have had the team from Smarter Air and Electrical do an aircon system for our shop and it’s absolutely changed our life. We were dying from the heat before but the guys had it installed in no time and couldn’t have been any easier to deal with! From calling up and booking in to having the system installed was seamless and the super friendly team made the decision that much better! Will continue to use these guys and always recommend to anyone in the future needing any air conditioning and electrical work done!
Anna Marcantelli
Anna Marcantelli

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