Mitsubishi vs. Daikin vs. Fujitsu vs. LG
How do Ductless Heat Pump Brands Compare?
Author: Bill Hoelzer / Read Time: Six Minutes
Mitsubishi, Daikin, Fujitsu, and LG are four of the most popular ductless heat pump brands on the market today. But how do they compare?
Whether you’re trying to decide between a Mitsubishi and a Fujitsu mini split or weighing the pros and cons of Daikin vs. LG, this guide breaks down the differences in pricing, efficiency, noise levels, warranties, and more.
If you're looking for the best option for your home in Portland or Central Oregon, give us a call at 541.330.8767, or schedule an appointment online. You’ll get a full breakdown of options, prices, and incentives.
Founded in 2007, GreenSavers stands out as a certified B-Corp Contractor and eight-time winner of the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year Award. Thousands of ductless heat pump installations, all with a satisfaction guarantee.
Compare Ductless Heat Pump Brands
How do ductless heat pump brands stack up? Let’s compare the features of popular 12K BTU models with high efficiency ratings. The brand that’s best in class for each feature gets a green background color.
Ductless Heat Pump Comparison Table: Mitsubishi VS. Daikin VS. Fujitsu VS. LG
Mitsubishi |
Daikin |
Fujitsu |
LG |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Outdoor Model | MUZ-FS12 | RXS12LVJU | AOU12RLFW1 | LSU120HSV5 |
Indoor Model | MSZ-FS12 | FTXS12LVJU | ASU12RLF1 | LSN120HSV5 |
Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
Cooling Efficiency | 23.1 SEER | 23 SEER | 22 SEER | 22.7 SEER |
Heating Efficiency | 12.5 HSPF | 12.5 HSPF | 11 HSPF | 11.4 HSPF |
Max. Indoor Noise | 34 dB | 45 dB | 43 dB | 39 dB |
Warranty | 12 years | 12 years | 10 years | 5 - 7 Years |
Air Quality | Anti-Allergen Filters | Washable Filters | Washable Filters | Washable Filters |
Cold Climate Performance | Effective to -13°F | Effective to -5°F | Effective to -5°F | Effective to 5°F |
Smart Controls | Built-in Wi-Fi | Optional Wi-Fi | Optional Wi-Fi | Built-in Wi-Fi |
Installation Requirements | Professional installation | Professional installation | Professional installation | Professional installation |
Price and Energy Efficiency: Mitsubishi vs. Daikin vs. Fujitsu vs. LG
If the upfront price is your #1 consideration, LG is the most affordable option. However, the lower price comes with trade-offs.
LG systems typically offer shorter warranties and lower overall build quality compared to the other major brands. While you might save $200-$250 upfront with an LG ductless heat pump, this difference is often negated within about three years due to higher utility bills from less efficient operation.
Over time, the higher lifetime costs of an LG system make it a less cost-effective choice.
Best in Class for Operating Costs: Mitsubishi
When it comes to balancing price and performance, Mitsubishi leads the pack. Mitsubishi ductless heat pumps consistently deliver the best ratio of efficiency to cost, offering standout performance for both cooling and heating.
Daikin follows closely behind, providing excellent efficiency but often at a slightly higher initial cost. Fujitsu, while dependable, tends to lag slightly in efficiency compared to Mitsubishi and Daikin.
For homeowners weighing Mitsubishi vs. Daikin mini split systems, Mitsubishi often comes out ahead in overall long-term cost-efficiency.
Mitsubishi |
Daikin |
Fujitsu |
LG |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Upfront Price | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
Operating Costs | Best | Great | Good | Fair |
Best For | Year-Round Efficiency | Energy Savings in Mild Climates | Budget-Friendly Reliability | Lowest Upfront Cost |
Daikin vS. Fujitsu Split Systems: Cost vS. Efficiency
Between Daikin and Fujitsu, Daikin systems typically offer slightly better energy efficiency and cold-climate performance. This makes them a better choice for homeowners in regions with harsher winters, where maintaining efficiency at low temperatures is crucial.
Fujitsu, while reliable, generally offers lower heating efficiency (e.g., 11 HSPF for Fujitsu compared to 12.5 HSPF for Daikin) and slightly less cost-effective operation.
Mitsubishi VS. Daikin Heat Pumps in Cold Climates
When comparing Mitsubishi vs. Daikin heat pumps for cold climates, Mitsubishi is the clear leader.
Mitsubishi systems are designed to maintain efficiency even in temperatures as low as -13°F, making them ideal for homes in extreme climates.
While Daikin heat pumps perform well and also operate in sub-zero temperatures, their efficiency drops off more noticeably than Mitsubishi’s under extreme conditions. This makes Mitsubishi the more dependable choice for year-round comfort and energy savings in cold regions.
How Much for a Ductless Heat Pump?
Self-schedule an appointment to get a full breakdown of options, prices, and cash incentives for your home in Portland or Central Oregon. You can also start by giving us a call at 541.330.8767.
Which Mini Split is Quietest? Comparing Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin, and LG
Best in Class for Quiet Operation: Mitsubishi
Every HVAC system makes some noise, but for sensitive spaces like bedrooms or home offices, quiet operation is key. Mitsubishi sets the standard, operating with whisper-quiet efficiency at just 34 dB—so quiet it’s barely noticeable.
A Daikin ductless heat pump produces about 30% more noise (45 dB), which may not bother everyone but can be noticeable in quieter environments. Fujitsu and LG systems fall in between, offering acceptable noise levels, but neither can match Mitsubishi’s low-decibel performance.
Decibel Ratings for Common Sounds
Mitsubishi vS. Fujitsu: Which is Better for Quiet Operation?
When it comes to quiet operation, Mitsubishi outperforms Fujitsu. Mitsubishi systems boast maximum indoor noise levels as low as 19–34 decibels, making them ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Fujitsu mini splits, while reliable, typically operate at slightly higher decibel levels, making them less suited for ultra-sensitive spaces.
If minimizing noise is a top priority, Mitsubishi is the clear winner for quiet, efficient comfort.
Warranty: Daikin vs Mitsubishi vs Fujitsu vs LG
Best in Class for Warranty: Mitsubishi and Daikin
When it comes to warranty coverage, Mitsubishi and Daikin lead the market with 12-year warranties for the compressor and parts, reflecting their reputation for durability. Fujitsu offers a reliable 10-year warranty, while LG trails behind with shorter coverage of 5–7 years, depending on the model.
To get the full warranty for a Mitsubishi ductless heat pump, you’ll need to hire a Diamond Contractor® [cough] like GreenSavers [cough] for the installation, and register your new system within 90 days.
Here at GreenSavers, we register all new Mitsubishi heat pumps to make sure our clients get the full warranty coverage.
Which Mini Split Offers the Best Air Quality? Mitsubishi vs Fujitsu and More
All major ductless heat pump brands include washable air filters that capture allergens and particulate matter, helping to improve indoor air quality.
Best in Class for Air Quality: Mitsubishi
Here again, Mitsubishi has a slight edge. Their ductless heat pumps come with a catechin pre-filter. Catechin is a natural antiviral and antibacterial agent, which also acts as a deodorizer. After the pre-filter, Mitsubishi’s systems use a blue enzyme filter to neutralize bacteria and viruses.
This makes Mitsubishi an excellent choice for wildfire-prone areas, as it effectively removes fine particulates like smoke from the air.
While Fujitsu and Daikin offer dependable air filtration, they lack the extra features Mitsubishi provides for enhanced air quality. On the other hand, LG focuses on affordability, but its filtration systems are less robust, making it less ideal for those prioritizing cleaner air.
Mitsubishi Heat Pumps: A Flexible Furnace Replacement Option
Best in Class for Furnace Replacement: Mitsubishi
If you’re looking to replace your furnace with a high-efficiency heat pump, Mitsubishi offers the most flexibility.
Mitsubishi is the only brand that allows homeowners to pair an air handler with a multi-zone outdoor unit. This setup lets you combine ducted and wall-mounted heads to create a fully zoned solution, offering precise comfort control throughout your home.
When comparing Mitsubishi vs. LG mini split systems, LG systems are more affordable upfront but are less suited for whole-home solutions. LG does not offer the same versatility as Mitsubishi when it comes to pairing with air handlers or managing multiple zones efficiently.
For homeowners evaluating Daikin vs. Mitsubishi heat pumps, Daikin provides strong single-zone performance and efficiency.
However, Mitsubishi takes the lead for whole-home setups, especially in larger properties where zoning is key. Mitsubishi’s ability to integrate seamlessly into both ducted and ductless configurations makes it the most adaptable option for replacing traditional furnaces.
“Mitsubishi Electric stands out in this field.”
At the end of the day, we find that Mitsubishi ductless heat pumps offer the best combination of price, performance, and features. That’s why we strongly recommend Mitsubishi heat pumps to our clients in Portland and Central Oregon. If you have questions, feel free to drop us a line anytime: 541.330.8767.
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