Hitachi is a Japanese company that has been in business for over 100 years. The company has a wide variety of products and services, ranging from electronics and electrical equipment to construction machinery. Hitachi is also a major supplier of industrial machinery and equipment. In recent years, Hitachi has been focusing on increasing its presence in the global market. The company has been expanding its operations in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Hitachi is also working on new technologies that will allow it to compete in the renewable energy market.

Hitachi Heat Pumps

Hitachi offers a wide range of heat pump products, including both air-source and ground-source units.  Hitachi heat pumps are known for their high efficiency and reliability. The company's products are used in a variety of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial.

Hitachi heat pumps are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. The company offers both single-stage and two-stage units. Hitachi also offers a variety of optional features, such as variable speed compressors and inverter technology. Their most popular series include the Yutaki M, Yutaki S80 and Yutaki S80 Combi, all of which we will explore in the following.

Yutaki M

The Yutaki M is a series of monobloc heat pumps  designed for domestic heating and hot water production. The units are available in a range of sizes, from 4kW to 16kW, and can be used with a variety of heating systems, including underfloor heating, radiators, and fan coils. The Yutaki M is also available in multiple sizes, from as small as 704x1248 mm to 1380x1252 mm. The following is a breakdown of the most popular models in the series lineup, including the RASM-2VRE, RASM-3VNE and RASM-4VNE.

RASM-2VRE

The RASM-2VRE is the first of the Hitachi Yukati M series lineup of heat pumps. Like the rest of its counterparts, the RASM-2VRE features a two-stage scroll compressor with a Scroll DC Inverter that provides unprecedented heating power.  Additionally, it is also one of the quietest models in its class with a sound pressure level of only 61 decibels.

Pros:

The RASM-2VRE is popular for many reasons, including the following:

• Convenient operation. The Yutaki RASM-2VRE comes with an added remote for easy and convenient operational control.
• Compact. With a compact and  slim design, the RASM-2VRE can be installed in a variety of locations without taking up too much space.
• Easy Installation. This model requires practically no piping or cooling connections and comes pre-charged, making it a breeze to install.

Cons:

• Best For Small Homes. As a very compact unit, the RASM-2VRE performs best in smaller homes and may not be ideal for larger homes or those with higher heating needs.
• Not For Extreme Climates. The RASM-2VRE is not designed for use in extreme climates and may not be suitable for homes in very cold or hot weather conditions.

RASM-3VNE

The RASM-3VNE is a compact yet functional heat pump designed for outdoor installation and all-season use. It comes with a number of features, most notably a wide operational capacity of heat outputs at ambient temperatures as low as -20°C and hot water up to 60°C. This system works by delivering heat via underfloor heating pipes or directly into an existing radiator system, providing a comfortable and efficient heating solution for the home.

Pros:

• Wide Operating Temperature Range. The Yutaki-M heat pump is capable of producing heat in ambient temperatures as low as -20°C, one of the best in its class.
• High Hot Water Temperature. The Yutaki-M can also heat water up to 60°C, making it perfect for domestic use.
• Compact and Discreet. As a monobloc unit, the Yutaki-M is designed with simplicity and space-saving in mind. It can be installed either on the ground or on a wall, taking up minimal space in your garden or backyard.

Cons

Though the Yutaki-M heat pump comes with a number of advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of:

• Not Suitable for All Homes. The Yutaki-M is designed for outdoor installation only and may not be suitable for all homes.
• Limited Warranty. The Yutaki-M heat pump comes with a limited warranty, which may not cover all potential problems that could arise.

RASM-4VNE

Notably bigger than its M series counterparts, the RASM-4VNE is a floor-standing air source heat pump that is designed for use in larger homes or commercial spaces. Its features include a wide range of heating and hot water outputs, as well as the ability to work in ambient temperatures as low as -25°C.

Pros:

• Great Airflow. The RASM-4VNE exceeds other Yutaki-M units in terms of the airflow it provides, which is a maximum of 4800 m3/h.
• Quiet Operation. RASM-4VNE is surprisingly quiet given its size, operating at a low decibels.
• Heating and Hot Water Output. This unit is capable of heating large spaces quickly and efficiently, as well as providing ample hot water for domestic use.

Cons:

• Installation. The RASM-4VNE is a floor-standing unit, meaning it must be installed by a professional. This can add to the overall cost of the heat pump.
• Not For Extreme Climates. As with other Yutaki-M units, the RASM-4VNE is not suitable for use in extreme climates and may not perform as well as expected in very cold or hot weather conditions.

Yutaki S80

The Yutaki S80 is a series of high temperature heat pumps available in both indoor and outdoor units.  It is designed for use in a wide range of applications, including domestic hot water, space heating, and process heating. In heating mode, the heat pump can provide up to 80°C of water temperature, even in outdoor temperatures as low as -20°C. This makes it an ideal solution for domestic hot water and space heating applications.

Pros:

• High Temperature Operation. The Yutaki S80 can operate in ambient temperatures as low as -25°C, making it ideal for use in a wide range of applications.
• High Hot Water Temperature. The Yutaki S80 can also heat water up to 80°C, making it perfect for domestic use.
• Compact Design. The Yutaki S80 is available in a compact outdoor unit that can be easily installed in any space.

Cons:

• High initial investment. The Yutaki S80 is a high-end product and comes with a higher price tag than some other heat pumps on the market.
• Complicated Installation. The Yutaki S80 requires a professional installer for proper set-up and operation.

Yutaki S Combi

The Yutaki S Combi is a reimagination of the Yutaki S lineup, embodying a notably smaller and more compact design. It comes complete with many of the features and capabilities homeowners love in other series, including  the ability to provide both heating and hot water, all while being installation-friendly. But what sets it apart is its ability to provide homeowners with even more control over their heating and hot water. With the addition of an LCD display, users can now monitor and change settings with ease. Additionally, the new model is also compatible with the Hi-Kumo app, which gives homeowners the ability to control their system from the convenience of their phone from anywhere in the world.

The Yutaki S COMBI is much more environmentally friendly than other units, boasting A+++ energy ratings and offering the option  to use renewable energy sources like solar panels to help power the system. It's also part of Hitachi's collection of R32 heat pumps,  which use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant than older models.

Pros:

• LCD Display and Hi-Kumo App. The LCD display and Hi-Kumo app give homeowners greater control over their heating and hot water.
• R32 Refrigerant. The Yutaki S Combi uses an environmentally friendly refrigerant, making it a more sustainable choice.
• Space Saving Design. As an all-in-one system, the Yutaki S Combi takes up less space than other heat pump models.

Cons:

• Size. While its small size can be an advantage, the Yutaki S Combi's  compact design may not be suitable for larger homes.
• Price. The Yutaki S Combi is a more expensive model, though its features may offset the cost for some consumers.

How Much Do Hitachi Heat Pumps Cost?

As with any brand, the cost of a Hitachi heat pump will vary depending on the specific model and its features. That said, you can expect to pay anywhere from £1,500 to £3,000 for a basic unit. If you want a model with all the bells and whistles, you could end up spending upwards of £5,000.

Of course, there are programs available in the UK to help offset the cost of a new heat pump. The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) provides financial incentives for households to switch to renewable heating systems like air source heat pumps. The amount you could receive depends on a number of factors, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking to save on your overall heating costs.

How To Choose The Right Hitachi Heat Pump For Your Needs

Now that you know more about what Hitachi has to offer, how do you choose the right model for your needs? Here are a few factors to consider:

Ease Of Use

Hitachi heat pumps are designed for easy installation and operation. But some models are easier to use than others. If you're not comfortable with installation or don't have the time to learn how to use a heat pump, it's important to choose a model that's easy to set up and use.

Sound Preferences

Some people are more sensitive to noise than others. And some heat pumps are louder than others. If you're looking for a quiet heat pump, it's important to choose one that's designed for low noise operation.

Climate

The climate you live in will have a big impact on the heat pump you choose. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you'll need a heat pump that's designed to operate in those conditions. Conversely, if you live in a milder climate, you may be able to get by with a less expensive model.

Efficiency

Heat pump efficiency is measured by its coefficient of performance (COP). This is the ratio of heat output to energy input. The higher the COP, the more efficient the heat pump. Hitachi heat pumps have some of the highest COPs on the market, so you can be sure you're getting a very efficient machine regardless, but  it's still something to keep in mind when choosing a model.

Size

Size is important to consider for purposes of both installation and performance. It's generally the case that the larger the heat pump, the more powerful it will be. That means it will be able to heat or cool a larger space more quickly. But you'll also need to make sure you have enough space to install the unit. For example, the Yutaki S Combi is much smaller than other models, making it a good choice for homeowners with limited space. It doesn't provide as much power as the RASM-4VNE, but it may be more than adequate for a smaller home.

Now that you know more about what to look for in a heat pump, you can begin your search for the perfect model for your needs. Hitachi offers a wide variety of heat pumps to choose from, so you're sure to find one that's a perfect fit. And with their reputation for quality and durability, you can be confident you're getting a machine that will provide years of reliable service.