Note: Solar Choice is not affiliated with Hitachi or any air conditioner manufacturer and aims to provide an unbiased review for consumers in Australia.
At a Glance: Hitachi airHome Series — Score 3.7 out of 5
Solar Choice has developed an independent & transparent Air Conditioning Score Card to help Australian households compare brands. Hitachi’s airHome Series is the focus of this assessment, as it represents the brand’s most current and feature-rich reverse-cycle split-system range in Australia.
Brand Reputation & Reliability – 4.5 / 5
Hitachi has been manufacturing air conditioners for decades and is regarded by installers as a reliable brand. The airHome units are generally considered reliable, quiet and well built, which is why Hitachi scores near the top of our scale for long-term performance and engineering quality.
Australian Presence & Support — 4.5 / 5
In Australia, Hitachi is distributed and supported by Temperzone, which has offices, warehouses and service teams across most states. This gives airHome owners better access to spare parts and warranty support than many online or import-only brands, justifying a high score for local presence and backing.
Warranty Strength — 3.5 / 5
Eligible airHome models come with a 6-year parts and labour warranty, slightly above the typical 5-year cover offered by many competitors. The terms are clearly documented and handled locally through Temperzone. The score is pulled down slightly because the longer warranty does not apply to every Hitachi range and commercial installs receive only one year.
Innovation & Technology — 3 / 5
The airHome Series includes several useful technologies – FrostWash self-cleaning, Mould Guard drying, enhanced filtration and airCloud Go app control, with the airHome 600 adding more automation. However, Wi-Fi is not standard across every model and Hitachi’s smart-home ecosystem is simpler than the most advanced brands, so it earns a mid-range innovation score.
Customer Satisfaction — 3 / 5
Owner feedback for Hitachi air conditioners is generally positive around quiet operation, features and day-to-day functionality, particularly in bedrooms and smaller living areas. At the same time, there are fewer independent reviews for the airHome series than for other brands so we place Hitachi in the middle of the pack for consistency of customer experience.
Overall
Taken together, these results give the Hitachi airHome an overall score of 3.7 out of 5. It performs strongly on reputation, reliability and local support, offers slightly better-than-standard warranty cover on eligible airHome models, and delivers practical – if not market-leading – smart features. For many Australian households, airHome will suit those who value quiet, reliable reverse-cycle performance with strong support accross australia, even if they are not chasing the most advanced app ecosystem or the very highest efficiency ratings available. The main trade-offs for homeowners are that Wi-Fi and automation features are competitive but not market leading and overall efficiency sits mid-range rather than some competitors in the market.
Table of contents
- At a Glance: Hitachi airHome Series — Score 3.7 out of 5
- About Hitachi
- Hitachi Air Conditioner Range, Efficiency & Performance
- Hitachi airHome 400 Series (Reverse-Cycle)
- Hitachi airHome 500 Series (Cooling-Only)
- Hitachi airHome 600 Series (Premium)
- Hitachi E Series (Entry-Level)
- Cost of Hitachi Air Conditioners in Australia
- Pros & Cons
- Hitachi Air Conditioner Warranty in Australia
- Conclusion: Our Verdict on Hitachi Air Conditioners
About Hitachi
Hitachi has been in Australia for over 50 years and selling air conditioners for more than 25 years. Manufactured under ‘Johnson Controls–Hitachi’ and distributed in Australia through Temperzone, giving the brand one of the strongest physical support networks in the country.
Hitachi positions itself in the market around the long-term reliability (think warranty terms) and indoor air quality of it’s air conditioners, offering technologies such as FrostWash self-cleaning, Mould Guard drying, Nano Titanium and Wasabi filtration, and advanced purification systems like AQtiv-Ion and ViroSense Z1.
The airHome models include airCloud Go app compatibility, which enables smart-home integration on supported units. Hitachi’s Australian line-up is made up of three main series: the airHome range, which offers the brand’s most advanced hygiene and control features; the E Series, which provides an entry-level option with FrostWash included; and the YHA1 Series, a legacy inverter range that continues to be used in some residential installations.
Hitachi Air Conditioner Range, Efficiency & Performance
Most Hitachi split-system models use inverter technology, include reverse-cycle heating and cooling, and feature hygiene functions such as FrostWash, making them broadly comparable to the mainstream systems outlined in our Air Conditioning Buyers Guide and Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners guides.
Hitachi airHome 400 Series (Reverse-Cycle)
Mid-range models with strong hygiene and comfort features.
Model Comparison — airHome 400
| Model | Cooling / Heating | Indoor Noise (dB) | Key Features |
| RAK-DJ25PHAT | 2.5 / 3.2 kW | 20–40 | FrostWash, Mould Guard, optional Wi-Fi |
| RAK-DJ35PHAT | 3.5 / 4.0 kW | 22–43 | Nano Titanium filter, Silent Mode |
| RAK-DJ50PHAT | 5.0 / 5.3 kW | 24–47 | Powerful Mode, long airflow, R32 refrigerant |
How it compares to other Hitachi series
Within the Hitachi range, the airHome 400 sits squarely as the mid-range all-rounder. It offers stronger hygiene features than the YHA1 Series and more advanced airflow control and comfort modes than the E Series. While it doesn’t match the airHome 600 in terms of smart sensing, purification layers or app-integrated automation, it provides a balanced mix of features and value. Compared with the E Series, the airHome 400 typically runs quieter and includes better self-cleaning and filtration options. For most households, the 400 Series is a noticeable step up in refinement without reaching the premium price bracket of the 600 Series.
Hitachi airHome 500 Series (Cooling-Only)
Cooling-only option suited to warm climates or homes with separate heating.
Model Comparison — airHome 500
| Model | Cooling Capacity | Indoor Noise (dB) | Key Features |
| RAK-DJ25PCAT | 2.5 kW | 20–40 | FrostWash, Dry Mode |
| RAK-DJ35PCAT | 3.5 kW | 22–43 | Powerful Mode, Silent Mode |
| RAK-DJ50PCAT | 5.0 kW | 30–46 | R32 refrigerant, long airflow |
How it compares to other Hitachi Series
The airHome 500 sits somewhat outside the main reverse-cycle hierarchy because it is cooling-only, making it more specialised than the YHA1, E Series or airHome 400/600. Feature-wise, it offers similar hygiene and comfort functions to the airHome 400, but without the heating capability it is not as versatile. Compared with the E Series, the 500 provides slightly better cleaning features and quieter operation, but the lack of heating places it behind the 400 and 600 for overall year-round value. It is a practical choice for warm climates or homes with separate heating systems, but within Hitachi’s overall lineup it is a niche option.
Hitachi airHome 600 Series (Premium)
The quietest and most advanced Hitachi range, focused on air purity and smart automation.
Model Comparison — airHome 600
| Model | Cooling / Heating | Indoor Noise (dB) | Key Features |
| RAK-VJ25PHAT | 2.5 / 3.2 kW | 20–40 | FrostWash, AQtiv-Ion, SleepSense, built-in Wi-Fi |
| RAK-VJ35PHAT | 3.5 / 3.8 kW | 20–42 | ViroSense Z1, Motion Eco Mode |
| RAK-VJ50PHAT | 5.0 / 6.0 kW | 32–47 | Advanced purification, long-range airflow |
How it compares: to other Hitachi series
The airHome 600 is the flagship and most advanced of all Hitachi wall-mounted systems. It surpasses every other series—including the airHome 400—in air quality, smart-home integration and sensor-based energy management. Compared with the E Series and YHA1, the step up is substantial: the 600 offers deeper multi-stage purification (AQtiv-Ion, ViroSense Z1), SleepSense automation, Smart Eco motion sensing and broader airflow coverage. It also includes the quietest operation in the range at lower capacities. For homeowners prioritising hygiene, automation and steady long-term performance, the airHome 600 is clearly the strongest performer in Hitachi’s lineup.
Hitachi E Series (Entry-Level)
Affordable and equipped with FrostWash and Wasabi filtration.
Model Comparison — E Series
| Model | Cooling / Heating | Indoor Noise (dB) | Key Features |
| RAS-E25YHAB | 2.5 / 3.2 kW | 22–40 | FrostWash, Wasabi filter, Sleep Mode |
RAS-E35YHAB | 3.5 / 4.3 kW | 24–43 | Eco Mode, optional Wi-Fi |
| RAS-E50YHAB | 5.0 / 6.0 kW | 28–46 | Auto Clean, R32 refrigerant |
How it compares to other Hitachi series:
The E Series is Hitachi’s most affordable range and sits one level above the legacy YHA1 in terms of hygiene features thanks to FrostWash and the Wasabi-modified Nano Titanium filter. However, it does not match the airHome 400 for airflow control, noise reduction or advanced cleaning functions, and is well behind the airHome 600 in smart-home capability and air purification. Compared with the airHome 500, the E Series offers reverse-cycle heating, giving it broader practicality, though the 500 provides better airflow performance on cooling alone. Overall, the E Series is the value-focused option for homes wanting essential comfort with acceptable filtration and cleaning functions.
Hitachi YHA1 Series (Legacy)
Good warranty terms and quiet, but lacking modern efficiency levels and some smart features.
Model Comparison — YHA1 Series
| Model | Cooling / Heating | Indoor Noise (dB) | Key Features |
| RAS-25YHA1 | 2.5 / 3.5 kW | 20–38 | Nano Titanium filter, DC inverter, UV filter (select units) |
| RAS-35YHA1 | 3.5 / 4.2 kW | 25–42 | Anti-corrosion coating, Nano Titanium filter |
| RAS-50YHA1 | 5.0 / 6.1 kW | 24–47 | Multi-directional airflow, antibacterial fan coating |
YHA1 Series — How it compares to other Hitachi series
The YHA1 Series is the most dated of Hitachi’s current wall-mounted offerings. It delivers reliable performance, low noise levels and a solid 5-year warranty, but lacks the advanced hygiene features and smart-home capability found in the airHome and E Series models. Compared with the E Series, the YHA1 includes some stronger filtration options on selected units but falls short on efficiency and overall modern functionality. Against the premium airHome range, it is clearly behind in airflow control, self-cleaning technology and indoor air-quality features. Overall, it suits budget-conscious installations but is the least advanced series in Hitachi’s lineup.
Cost of Hitachi Air Conditioners in Australia
| Capacity | Supply Only | Fully Installed |
| 2.5 kW | ~$900–$1,300 | ~$1,800–$3,200 |
| 3.5 kW | ~$1,100–$1,600 | ~$2,200–$3,800 |
| 5.0 kW | ~$1,600–$2,200 | ~$2,800–$4,800 |
This excludes rebates you may be eligible for through state schemes like the NSW Energy Savings Scheme, VIC Energy Upgrade Discount and the SA RePS Scheme.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong air purification technologies | Efficiency varies between series |
| Very quiet operation (as low as 20 dB) | YHA1 Series is dated |
| Excellent national support network | Premium airHome models cost more |
| 5–6 year warranty depending on range | Optional Wi-Fi on some models |
| Reliable long-term performance | E Series less efficient than top competitors |
Hitachi Air Conditioner Warranty in Australia
TemHitachi air conditioners in Australia are supported by Temperzone, which provides one of the strongest service networks in the country. Residential split-system warranties are straightforward, but the exact length depends on the model:
| Hitachi Series / Product | Warranty Length | What’s Covered | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| airHome / S-Series with FrostWash (S-YHAB models) | 6 years parts & labour | Manufacturing defects, parts, labour, authorised technician callouts | Must be purchased after 1 April 2021; regular maintenance required |
| E Series (E-YHA / E-YHAB / E-YCAB models) | 5 years parts & labour | Full residential coverage for faults caused by materials or workmanship | Must be installed correctly; filters and outdoor unit must be maintained |
| YHA1 Series (Legacy) | 5 years parts & labour | Residential repair and replacement support via Temperzone | Warranty doesn’t cover weathering, corrosion or power-supply issues |
| Standard S-Series (non-FrostWash) | 5 years parts & labour | Same residential coverage as E Series | Installation must meet Hitachi standards; improper installation not covered |
| Ducted, Cassette, Multi-Split (Residential use) | 5 years parts & labour | Comprehensive residential coverage for manufacturing defects | Annual servicing recommended; environmental damage excluded |
| VRF, Mini VRF, Chillers | 1 year parts & labour | Limited coverage for commercial-grade systems | Not typically used in homes; stricter application and installation requirements |
Additional Warranty information
- Who handles warranty?
Temperzone Australia (nationwide service network) - What’s not covered?
Incorrect installation, power supply issues, environmental damage (salt, pests, debris), lack of maintenance, blocked filters/drains, difficult-access labour. - How to claim:
📞 1800 211 800
📧 warrantyservice@temperzone.com - Maintenance required:
Clean indoor filters, keep outdoor unit clear, ensure drainage works, and conduct periodic servicing.
Conclusion: Our Verdict on Hitachi Air Conditioners
Hitachi’s split-system range offers several advantages for Australian households, particularly in areas such as quiet operation, strong air-purification features and broad national support through Temperzone. These strengths are most evident in the airHome 400 and 600 models, which provide the brand’s most advanced hygiene functions and smart-control capabilities. Across the lineup, Hitachi systems generally appeal to homeowners who prioritise clean air, low noise levels and access to reliable servicing.
At the same time, there are clear trade-offs to consider. Performance and efficiency vary between the series, with the YHA1 range showing its age and the E Series sitting behind some competing mid-tier models in energy efficiency. Premium airHome units also come at higher price points, and certain models require optional Wi-Fi modules. With these pros and cons in mind, homeowners should compare efficiency ratings, included features and total installed costs across the different Hitachi series to determine the most suitable option for their needs.
