Midea Heat Pumps: Independent Review

Midea-Heat-Pumps-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: Midea 280L RSJ-23/300RDN7-L2

Solar Choice Heat Pump Score = 3.5 out of 5

Scoring is based on the Solar Choice Heat Pump Scorecard, which is consistently applied to each brand and heat pump model available in the Australian market.

$$ Price: The Midea 280L SmartSaver model is priced between $2,300 and $2,800 (excluding installation and rebates). This places it in the lower cost category, offering strong affordability for medium to larger households.

  • Company Backing and Trustworthiness: Midea is a global manufacturer with over 50 years of experience and a substantial presence in Australia, including staffed offices and warehouses in Victoria and New South Wales. The brand is diversified well beyond heat pumps, producing a wide range of appliances.
    Score: 5/5
  • Warranty Offer: The product is backed by a 7-year tank warranty, 5-year compressor warranty, and 2 years for labour and components. While competitive, this offer is less generous than some premium brands with extended labour terms.
    Score: 3/5
  • Customer Reviews: Based on verified reviews tracked through Solar Choice’s independent platform, Midea heat pumps currently hold an average score of 4.14 from multiple reviewers, earning it a solid performance tier for user satisfaction.
    Score: 4/5
  • Functionality: This model includes Wi-Fi and LCD controls, up to 6 programmable timers, and uses eco-friendly R290 refrigerant. However, the heating power is below 10W/L (8.9W/L) and the noise level is slightly above benchmark at 48 dB(A).
    Score: 2/5

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

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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.

Midea Heat Pumps Product Range & Availability

ModelTank SizeHousehold SizeNoiseDimensions (mm)Weight
RSJ-15/190RDN7-L2170L2–3 people47 dB(A)552 × 552 × 169295.5 kg
RSJ-23/300RDN7-L2280L3–5 people48 dB(A)650 × 650 × 1962138 kg

Notes for Buyers

  • Noise: Midea units operate at 47–48 dB(A), slightly above the quietest models on the market. This may be noticeable if installed near bedrooms or living areas.
  • Heating Performance: The estimated heating power is approximately 8.9 W/L for the 280L model and 10.6 W/L for the 170L model. Only the 170L unit exceeds the industry benchmark of 10W/L, which generally indicates faster ‘hot water reheating performance.
  • Controls and Features: Both models include Wi-Fi app connectivity, a built-in LCD display, and support up to 6 programmable timer periods per day.
  • Installation Tip: Ensure the unit is installed on a stable surface with adequate clearance, and confirm compatibility with a standard 10 Amp power point. Units are compatible with solar PV systems and support auto/manual disinfection cycles.

Heat pumps with lower heating power will have to work longer and harder everyday to maintain your hot water which will shorten the life of the unit. We find that this point is often ignored by salesmen who are pushing the cheaper heat pump models. Particularly for homeowners in colder climates, this should be an important buying consideration.

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How Much Do Midea Heat Pumps Cost?

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ModelTank SizeEstimated Price RangeScorecard Price Tier
RSJ-15/190RDN7-L2
Midea Heat Pump Midea-RSJ15-190RDN7L2
170 litres$2,000 – $2,500$ Lowest Cost
RSJ-23/300RDN7-L2
280 litres$2,400 – $2,800$$ Lower Cost

With generous rebate programs in Victoria, NSW, and other states, eligible households can cut upfront costs by $1,000 or more, depending on installer and location.

You can check rebate eligibility in your state or use the heat pump savings calculator to estimate your savings and payback period.

Midea Heat Pump Warranty

Warranty Terms & Conditions

Midea heat pumps sold in Australia are backed by a local warranty managed by MD Appliances Pty Ltd, the official distributor. The warranty applies to key residential models, including the RSJ-15/190RDN7-L2 (170L) and RSJ-23/300RDN7-L2 (280L), and complies with Australian Consumer Law.

ComponentWarranty Length
Hot Water Tank7 years
Compressor (Heat Pump)5 years
Labour & Other Components2 years

View official warranty document (PDF)

Midea offers a warranty package that covers all essential components. However, the labour coverage is limited to two years, which may be a consideration when comparing against brands that offer longer full-service periods. Always ensure installation is done by a licensed and approved technician to maintain warranty validity.

Pros & Cons of Midea Heat Pumps

Pros

  • Lower upfront cost: Priced between $2,400–$2,800, making it one of the more affordable 280L heat pumps in Australia.
  • LCD & Wi-Fi enabled: Includes LCD interface and app control with up to 6 programmable on/off timers.
  • Uses R290 refrigerant: High-efficiency, low-GWP refrigerant for better environmental performance.

Cons

  • Slightly noisy: 48 dB(A) noise level is above the quietest tier; may not be ideal near bedrooms or living areas.
  • Heating power below benchmark: Delivers 8.9W per litre, under the 10W/L efficiency benchmark used by Solar Choice.
  • Labour warranty limited to 2 years: Falls short of premium brands offering 5–10 years full coverage.

Verdict: Are Midea Heat Pumps Worth It?

The Midea 280L heat pump presents a compelling option for budget-focused households looking to access government rebates while securing basic smart features like Wi-Fi control and programmable timers. It is backed by a major international manufacturer with local offices, offering a reasonable level of trust and warranty coverage.

However, there are notable limitations. Its heating performance falls below industry efficiency benchmarks, which could result in longer run times and potentially shorten the unit’s lifespan—particularly in colder climates. The unit also operates at a higher-than-average noise level, which may not be suitable in all installation settings.

For homeowners prioritising upfront affordability with moderate usage demands, this unit could serve as a cost-effective solution. But for those seeking maximum energy savings, low-noise operation, or a longer-lasting investment, it may be worth considering a more robust alternative.

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.

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James Shand

Reviews from Australians who have installed Midea Heat Pumps

Rated 4.20 from 5 reviews
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Showing 5 of 5 Reviews

14th September 2024
John
VIC - 3442
system
5.00

Nice clean product Will need to follow up in setting up electronic control

8th September 2024
Hedley
ACT - 2615
system
5.00

Unbelievable energy saving, it’s only consume about 3 KWh a day, if compared to the conventional electric element hot water system, it’s only use 1/5 of the power to keep the hot water on the sam size tank and sam temperature

5th September 2024
Jill
-
system
5.00

Looks good ! No noise Very happy with the result

31st May 2024
Adrian
-
system
1.00

Never installed- cancelled the order - took too long.

2nd October 2024
Pankaj
-
9kW system
5.00

Showing 5 of 5 Reviews