Midea Heat Pumps: Independent Review

Note: Solar Choice is not associated with Midea hot water heat pumps manufacturer or any heat pump installers and has no financial or other incentives to promote any product brand over another.

At a Glance: Insights from Our Solar Choice Heat Pump Score Card

$ Price: Midea’s current pricing strategy places them as a budget-friendly option in the market, with their models ranging from $1,900 to $2,700. This affordability earns them lowest cost badge, appealing to consumers looking for cost-effective solutions.

• Efficiency: Midea heat pumps offer an average Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 3.5, which is adequate but falls well below the higher efficiency levels seen in top competitors. We estimate COP ranges based on a 20°C ambient water temperature, an inlet water temp of 15°C and target output temperature of 60°C. For this COP rating, they score: 1 point.
• Warranty Offer: Midea offers a segmented warranty that covers key components differently: a 5 year warranty on the tank, 3 years on the compressor, 3 years on labour and 1 year on electronics. Despite being decent, the limited labour coverage throughout the warranty term is a less than ideal, limiting their score. Score: 2 points.
• Customer Reviews: With an average score of 3.3 reflecting mixed reviews, the feedback on Midea’s heat pumps suggests that while some customers are generally satisfied, there are some serious areas for improvement. Score: 2 points
• Functionality: Midea heat pumps offer basic features like auto disinfection and a user-friendly interface but lack advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity and stainless steel tanks. This results in a score of 2 points, indicating functional but limited advanced functionality seen with competing heat pumps.

Uncover essential details in the comprehensive guide below and find out what you need to know before you buy.

Company Background

Founded in 1968 in Guangdong, China, Midea has grown from a local appliance manufacturer to a global powerhouse in consumer appliances, including heat pumps. The company is listed in the Fortune Global 500, ranking at No. 245 in 2022, with sales revenue reaching approximately USD $51.39 billion.

Midea operates on a substantial international scale with 15 manufacturing bases outside of China, employing over 35,000 staff internationally. This extensive global footprint underscores Midea’s capacity to provide low cost products and cater to diverse market demands across more than 200 countries and regions.

For consumers considering a Midea heat pump, the company’s extensive history and commitment to innovation and customer value are reassuring. However, as with any significant purchase, potential buyers should consider how Midea’s products align with their specific needs in terms of performance, efficiency, and after-sales support. It’s advisable to compare these aspects with other available brands to make an informed decision.

Midea Heat Pumps Product Range and Availability

170L Midea Heat Pump:

Ideal for smaller homes or those housing up to 4 people. Those with smaller daily hot water needs are the target market for this type. It is a little solution that fits well with most household environments.

280L Midea Heat Pump:

Ideal for larger houses or ones that can house up to 6 people. To accommodate increased hot water demands, this model has a larger water tank.

Key Features of Midea Heat Pumps

Operating Temperature Range:

• Because of their frost protection feature, Midea heat pumps can operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +45°C. Compared to many competitors, this range is sturdy and provides versatility and durability in a variety of Australian conditions, particularly in the colder regions.

Noise Level:

• The Midea heat pumps have a reported noise level of roughly 48/49 dBA. This puts them on the louder side when compared to other options on the market.

User Interface:

• Midea heat pumps have an easy-to-use controller with a digital display as part of their user interface; however, some competitors provide more advanced features, such as an app, for better user interaction and monitoring.

Auto Disinfection:

• The auto-disinfection function, which warms water on a regular basis to stop the growth of bacteria, is compatible with high-end models and guarantees safe and high-quality water—an essential component for the system’s longevity and overall health.

Coefficient of Performance (COP) 

The coefficient of performance (COP) is a key measure used to evaluate the efficiency of heat pumps, indicating how effectively a unit converts electricity into heat. For heat pumps, a COP between 3.0 and 5.0 is considered good, as it ensures that the unit can provide effective, year-round heating and cooling.

The COP isn’t made obvious to consumers, and you’ll need to dig into the installation manual to find that the unit operates at an average COP of 3. This performance evaluation is usually conducted at an ambient temperature of around 20°C with a temperature range of 15 to 60 degrees. While it is sufficient, this COP rating falls short of many competitors, with some surpassing a COP rating of 4.5. 

How much do Midea Heat Pumps Cost?

Please note that these prices exclude freight, installation, and any applicable rebates.

These prices position Midea heat pumps on the lower end of the market compared to similar products, making them a more accessible option for individuals looking for a cost-effective heating solution. When assessing a heat pump’s overall affordability, consumers should take both the original purchase price and ongoing operating costs into account.

While Midea heat pumps are initially more affordable, when energy efficiency and other contemporary features are taken into account, they might not always offer the best value. Midea might be a good choice for consumers who prioritise upfront cost savings, but other brands may make more sense for those seeking stronger performance, cheaper operating expenses, and sophisticated features at a higher initial investment.

Warranty, Service, and Support for Midea Heat Pumps

To make an informed choice when thinking about buying Midea heat pumps, it is essential to understand the warranty, service, and support features.

Warranty Coverage:

• Tank Cylinder: The work is covered for the first 3-years of Midea’s five-year guarantee on the tank cylinder. Although it is noted that the labour coverage is not extended for the entire life of the tank warranty.
• Electronics and Other Components: A 1-year parts and labour guarantee covers all other electronic components, such as the internal electronics and user interface. Although shorter than other competitors who might give longer coverage on electronic components, this is a common procedure.
• Compressor: The compressor comes with a 3-year warranty. This duration is average compared to industry standards.

Service and Support: 

• Customer Support Network: It appears that most users can easily find service and support as Midea has set up a nationwide dealer and service network in Australia. This network is essential to guaranteeing that any problems can be resolved quickly, which is an important factor for buyers.
• Local Support: With offices spread across major regions in Australia, Midea ensures that support is not just available but also locally accessible. 
• Online and Phone Support: Midea provides support through online channels and phone, which is key to addressing immediate concerns and queries. The availability of direct contact options is a positive aspect for customer service.

Additional Features:

• Power Outage Memory: One noteworthy feature is the power outage memory, which minimizes the trouble of reprogramming the system after a power outage by preserving settings throughout power outages.
• Auto Disinfection Feature: This function periodically raises the water’s temperature over the predetermined point to stop the growth of bacteria and legionella, which is essential for preserving the water’s safety and purity. It displays the company’s dedication to upholding health and safety regulations.

Overall Assessment:

The warranty and service structure for Midea heat pumps satisfies the basic needs of the Australian market. However, while the warranty durations are adequate, they don’t exceed those offered by top competitors who might provide longer terms and more extensive coverage on key components.

Pros & Cons of Midea Heat Pumps

Verdict: Are Midea Heat Pumps Worth It?

Midea heat pumps units offer a budget-friendly option for those needing basic heat pump functionalities without a high upfront cost. However, potential buyers should be aware of some drawbacks.

The average Coefficient of Performance (COP) suggests that while the units are efficient, they are far from the best in the market in terms of energy savings compared to some other brands with higher COP values. The noise level is also a consideration, as these units are on the louder side, which could be a significant factor depending on the installation location.

Warranty terms are decent but not leading in the industry. This could mean that, while initial costs are low, potential long-term reliability and service costs should be carefully considered. The lack of advanced features might also be a downside for those looking for modern integrations.

If keeping the costs low is a priority and the mentioned limitations are not dealbreakers, Midea heat pumps could be a satisfactory choice for you. However, for those who prioritise higher energy efficiency, quieter operation, and more robust features, looking at alternatives could prove more beneficial in the long run.

Looking into heat pump hot water systems? Our comprehensive guide makes it easy, covering potential rebates, the real costs of hot water heat pumps, and the truth about ‘free’ upgrades. Learn about energy savings and understand the benefits and drawbacks with clear expert advice. For all you need to know before making a decision, check out our Heat Pump Hot Water Systems Buyers Guide.

Midea Heat Pumps Technical Specification:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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James Shand

Marketing Manager at Solar Choice

James Shand has maintained a firm grasp on the renewable energy market's pulse for over half a decade. His journey has taken him from collaborating with some of Canada's largest solar distributors to his present position, where he is in close communication with manufacturers and installers throughout Australia, facilitated by one of the nation's leading solar comparison companies, Solar Choice. He is academically accomplished, holding multiple bachelor's degrees in business, science, and marketing.

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