If you're researching air conditioning systems for your home or business in the UK, there's a strong chance you've come across both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric. They both sound like the same brand. They both manufacture air conditioning units. And they both use the iconic three-diamond Mitsubishi logo.
If you're researching air conditioning systems for your home or business in the UK, there's a strong chance you've come across both Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric. They both sound like the same brand. They both manufacture air conditioning units. And they both use the iconic three-diamond Mitsubishi logo.
But despite the similarities, these are two completely separate companies. For property owners considering which brand to install—or for commercial clients seeking long-term support—knowing the distinction is essential.
At ClimateWorks, we regularly install both Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy systems in homes, offices, retail spaces, and commercial facilities across the South East. Understanding their origins, differences, and practical considerations helps customers make informed decisions based on performance, price, and future-proofing.
The confusion begins with the Mitsubishi keiretsu—a group of independent Japanese companies with shared roots. Originally founded in 1870 as a shipping firm, the Mitsubishi brand diversified in the early 20th century into mining, finance, aviation, and heavy industry.
In the post-war period, antitrust laws in Japan forced the group to break into separate entities. This is why today we see distinct companies like:
Although they share the Mitsubishi name and three-diamond logo, each operates independently and competes in different markets.
Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a global manufacturer of electrical and electronic equipment, including:
In the air conditioning market, Mitsubishi Electric is known for its:
Mitsubishi Electric is represented in the UK by Mitsubishi Electric UK, which is a fully owned subsidiary headquartered in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), established in 1884, is one of Japan's largest industrial groups. It produces:
Its air conditioning division, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, produces high-quality split systems, multi-splits, and commercial VRF systems under the MHI brand.
In the UK, Mitsubishi Heavy units are distributed via third-party suppliers rather than a directly owned UK subsidiary, which can impact support and parts availability.
While both offer advanced systems, some important distinctions exist:
According to BSRIA, Mitsubishi Electric is one of the top air conditioning brands in the UK market, regularly appearing in industry surveys and performance benchmarks [1].
In contrast, while MHI is respected in international markets, it has a smaller UK footprint, meaning fewer engineers are trained in servicing or commissioning their systems [2].
This is important for commercial and residential clients who want reliable long-term support from UK-based service providers.
At ClimateWorks, we install both brands depending on:
For commercial projects where building management integration, warranty support, and part availability are critical, we often recommend Mitsubishi Electric due to its UK service infrastructure.
For certain residential properties or where a specific performance spec is required, we may recommend MHI systems, especially if speed of cooling or thermal output is a priority.
We always assess suitability on a case-by-case basis.
No. Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy products are not cross-compatible. Control systems, remote units, indoor units, and outdoor units cannot be mixed.
If you’re upgrading or expanding a system, we recommend:
Attempting to combine parts from the two systems will void warranties and may cause system failure.
Choosing between MHI and Mitsubishi Electric comes down to practical priorities—support, integration, stock availability, and long-term performance.
👉 Contact ClimateWorks for expert advice on selecting the right air conditioning brand for your home or business.
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Visit https://www.climateworks.co.uk to explore all services.
[1] BSRIA. (2023). UK Air Conditioning Market Overview. Retrieved from https://www.bsria.com
[2] JRAIA. (2022). Global Air Conditioning Shipment Report. Retrieved from https://www.jraia.or.jp
[3] Mitsubishi Electric UK. (2024). MELCloud System Overview. Retrieved from https://www.mitsubishielectric.co.uk
[4] Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. (2023). Product Catalogue – Thermal Systems. Retrieved from https://www.mhi.com
Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.
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