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Mitsubishi heat pumps

Mitsubishi are a long established manufacturer of heat pumps and air conditioning.

Their heat pump range is called ecodan and currently (2026) the most common controller is the FTC 5.

Mitsubishi FTC 5 controller

The FTC 5 functions as a heating timer and thermostat, a hot water control and a functional display.

When you have a problem with your heat pump the FTC 5 will tell you what is going on.

Why do I need to know to make my heat pump work efficiently?

Heat pumps work efficiently (and effectively) with the following things.

High flow rate

The water / glycol mix should be flowing around the system at a much higher rate than a traditional boiler.

Low flow temperatures

Radiators an underfloor heating should be as low as the design temperature allows. Heat pump radiators feel cool to the touch but the on will be warm. It’s a change that many people find difficult.

Large system volume

To work effectively the heat pump system needs a large volume of fluid in the system.

This allows high flow rates and also gives the heat pump a store of heat to defrost itself in cold and damp weather.

Weather compensation

Heat pump systems want to work at the lowest possible flow temperature. Maximum flow temperature should be reserved for the coldest days as this makes the heat pump less efficient.

Weather compensation senses the outdoor temperature and adjust the flow temperature to the appropriate level. Too hot and the system is inefficient, too low and the house isn’t warm.

The right electricity tarrif

In the UK electricity is expensive compared to gas or oil. Choosing the right off peak tarrif can have a massive impact on the cost of electricity.

Time programs

Timing heating and hot water to coincide with usage times and off peak times can save a huge amount of money in electricity costs.

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