Mitsubishi’s Little One targets new homes

UK: Mitsubishi Electric is launching a new compact Ecodan R290 air-to-water heat pump designed specifically for Britain’s new houses.

Named the Little One, it is said to have been developed to address three of the biggest challenges identified by house builders when considering heat pumps for new homes: space, installation location and cost. 

Available in 4kW and 6kW models, the Little One combines a significantly more compact design with high efficiency, reduced weight and quieter operation, giving developers greater flexibility when specifying and installing low-carbon heating systems. 

At a 35°C flow temperature, the 4kW model achieves an SCOP of 4.77, while the 6kW model achieves 4.65. Both models are said to be best in class A+++ energy efficiency rating. 

Weighing just 58kg, they measure 970mm high x 713mm wide x 400mm deep. 

According to Mitsubishi Electric’s, a key innovation is its patented Bossless Fan technology, which contributes to the unit’s reduced weight and quieter operation. Sound power levels are just 49dB(A) for the 4kW model and 51dB(A) for the 6kW model, making them quieter than current Quiet Mark models in the Ecodan range. 

By incorporating an odorant into the R290 refrigerant, it is also said to overcome the need for a protective zone around the unit, removing a number of restrictions on where the heat pump can be positioned. 

The new units will be available in 2027, in time for the introduction of the Future Homes Standard.  

“Housebuilders are facing a significant period of change as the Future Homes Standard approaches, and we understand that delivering low-carbon heating at scale means addressing the practical challenges of space, installation flexibility and cost,” commented product marketing manager Joanna Crown.

“We have listened to developers, installers and social landlords and taken their feedback directly to our research and development teams. The result is the Little One: a heat pump designed around the needs of British homes and the people building them. 

“By making the unit considerably smaller and lighter, reducing noise, removing the need for an R290 protective zone and delivering excellent efficiency at a more competitive cost, we believe we have created a product that makes specifying and installing heat pumps easier for housebuilders.”