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In this review, we delve into the Hitachi Yutaki M air source heat pump range, breaking down its features, pros and cons and costs.
The Hitachi Yutaki M air source heat pump is a compact, efficient domestic heating solution by Hitachi, a Japanese multinational conglomerate that has been operating in Europe since 1982.
With a power output ranging from 4kW to 16kW and an energy efficiency rating of up to A+++, it’s among the best air source heat pumps on the market. Read on to find out whether it’s the right heating solution for your home.
The Hitachi Yutaki M is a compact air source heat pump which can be installed in new builds or retrofitted and used alongside other heating solutions. This heat pump is available in capacities ranging from 4.3kW to 16kW, so it’s suitable for most homes.
As it’s a compact monobloc heat pump, meaning it only requires one unit to be installed outside, it’s ideal for households with limited indoor space. That said, the design is quite dated, so you might want to ensure you can install it out of sight.
The Hitachi Yutaki M air source heat pump can provide heat through low and high-temperature radiators and underfloor heating. It has 2 heating circuits and a simple yet powerful weather compensation control feature. This technology helps the heating system work more efficiently by monitoring both the external and internal temperatures and adjusting the pump’s operation accordingly, resulting in fewer temperature fluctuations.
This air source heat pump can generate water up to 60°C (55ºC for 4~6HP) without the need for a backup heating element. It has an operating range from about -25ºC to 46ºC (with a heating operating range of -25 to 25ºC and a cooling operating range of 10 to 46ºC). This broad spectrum of temperatures means the heat pump copes well with extreme weather.
The Hitachi Yutaki M has multiple power-saving modes to suit your lifestyle and save energy. For example, you can set the heat pump to comfort, anti-freezing, energy, or vacation modes. There is also a weekly timer and a ‘favourite’ button, among other intelligent functions provided by the system.
Running around 60dBA, it’s certainly not the quietest model on the market, but as it’s meant to be installed outside, this may not be an issue.
The pump is easy and quick to install, requiring no refrigeration handling. You can also operate it remotely from an intuitive smartphone app, which includes features such as a one-touch holiday button (which sets the boiler to low power settings while you’re away) and frost protection.
The Hitachi Yutaki M is relatively affordable compared to other heat pumps on the market. Orices start around £2,500 for the least powerful model (4.3kW) and goes up to around £4,500 for the 16kW model. These figures don’t include labour and installation costs, which vary from one installer to the next. Once the upfront cost is covered, you can look forward to years of savings on your energy bills.
With a wide range of power outputs on offer, a great energy efficiency rating and a broad operating temperature range, the Hitachi Yutaki M air source heat pump range is a great option for most households. It’s also relatively affordable compared to many competitors with similar power outputs, which is always a bonus.
If you’re looking for a heat pump with a higher power output, you could consider the Hitachi Yutaki S range, which goes up to 17.8kW, or the Vaillant flexoTHERM with aroCOLLECT, which goes up to 19kW.
We considered several factors when reviewing the Hitachi Yutaki M air source heat pump, including the following weighted criteria: design (20 per cent), durability (20 per cent), efficiency (25 per cent), performance (25 per cent), and guarantee options (10 per cent). We also compared the Hitachi Yutaki M with some of the best outdoor heating systems and air source heat pumps in the UK in terms of both performance and price.