First, make sure you have the right Mitsubishi
There are two separate companies selling air conditioners in Australia under the Mitsubishi name: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Electric. They share a name and a similar three-diamond logo for historical reasons, but today they are independent companies and direct competitors.
This page is about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, often shortened to MHI.
If you are not sure which one you have been quoted, ask for the model number. Our comparison page explains the difference.
Are MHI air conditioners the right choice?
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries states that CHOICE named it Australia’s best air conditioner brand for 2026. CHOICE’s Best Brand award combines its own product testing with members’ feedback on reliability and satisfaction. MHI reports a Best Brand score of 75% and a reliability score of 96% (MHI’s announcement, 4 Sep 2026). CHOICE’s full results are available to its members.
That is a strong independent signal on reliability and owner satisfaction. The register below adds the efficiency side.
What the Government’s energy register shows
The Australian Government’s Energy Rating register lists 131 current Mitsubishi Heavy Industries registrations for sale in Australia, as at . Manufacturers have to register every air conditioner sold here with the energy efficiency regulator, along with its tested efficiency.
- Bedroom size (2.0 to 3.0kW wall split, reverse cycle): the most efficient of 17 rates 5 stars for cooling and 4 for heating in the average climate zone
- Living area size (6.0 to 8.0kW wall split, reverse cycle): the most efficient of 14 rates 3.5 stars for cooling and 3 for heating
The stars come from the manufacturer’s own tests, submitted to the regulator. They are a fair guide to running cost, not to reliability, and a half-star difference between brands is not worth choosing on. A registration stays listed until it expires, so not every one is still on sale. Check the label for the exact model you are quoted, or look it up on the Energy Rating calculator.
Source: Energy Rating data, Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, licensed under CC BY 3.0 AU. Data as at .
Company background
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries dates its business back to 1870, according to its Australian company’s history page, and entered the air conditioning business in Japan in 1953. Its products first reached Australia in 1975 through a local distributor, it established its first Australian company in 1999, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia was formed in 2009.
The range
Bronte series (larger spaces)
Capacities of 6.3kW, 7.1kW, 8.0kW, 9.5kW and 10.0kW, in reverse cycle, with a cool-only option at 7.1kW.
Current WF1 models include built-in Wi-Fi, voice control via Google or Alexa, and a NOVAShield PM2.5 filter.
Bronte’s distinguishing feature is airflow reach: MHI’s fan blade design delivers long-throw airflow of up to 18 metres in cooling mode on the 7.1kW to 9.5kW models. That matters in a long open-plan living area, where a standard unit can leave the far end warm.
Avanti series (small and medium rooms)
Capacities of 2.0kW to 5.0kW, in reverse cycle and cool only. The Avanti PLUS range runs from 2.0kW to 6.0kW.
Ciara series (compact)
A compact range starting from 1.5kW, which is useful for small bedrooms and studies where a 2.5kW unit would be oversized.
Multi-split
Outdoor units from 4kW to 10kW, connecting two to five indoor units.
Ducted
MHI also offers ducted systems: the FDU series covers 7.1kW to 14.0kW, and the FDUA series 10.0kW to 23.5kW.
Warranty
MHI gives a 5 year parts and labour warranty, with 5 years on the compressor, on its residential split and ducted systems (MHI’s warranty terms, effective Jan 2025, checked 4 Oct 2026).
That is in line with the other major brands. As with any brand, MHI’s terms require installation by a licensed technician, and its larger commercial systems have different terms, so confirm the warranty on your quote in writing.
Who MHI suits
A good fit if:
- You want the brand with the strongest current independent record in Australia
- You are conditioning a large or long open-plan area, where Bronte’s airflow reach is a genuine advantage
- You want a very small capacity unit. The Ciara range starts lower than most competitors
- Owner reviews carry weight with you
Look elsewhere if:
- You need the widest choice of indoor unit styles. Mitsubishi Electric and GENERAL both offer more variety in cassettes, floor consoles and bulkhead units
- Purchase price is your main constraint. MHI is positioned as a premium brand
Before you buy
- Confirm you are being quoted Heavy Industries, not Electric. Get the model number
- Check the warranty terms for that specific model, in writing
- Check the Zoned Energy Rating Label rating for your climate zone
- If you are conditioning a long room, ask about airflow reach as well as capacity
- Compare your quotes for the same capacity
A reminder about installation only a licensed technician can install an air conditioning system. Anyone installing or servicing a refrigerated air conditioner needs a Refrigerant Handling Licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council. Handling refrigerant without one is an offence. You can check any installer’s licence on the national register at lookforthetick.com.au. Our guide to choosing a reliable installer covers what else to check.