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Do I need to change the control unit when replacing my Ecodan Air Source Heat Pump

 
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
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 CalumM
(@calumm)
New Member Member
Joined: 3 months ago
Posts: 3
Topic starter 06/08/2026 11:55 am   [#3129]

I have a 16 year old Mitsubishi Ecodan (5kw) that has a large Flow Temperature Controller Unit ( PAC-IF021B-E) and a separate remote control unit for that (Mitsubishi branded) and a separate again timer (7 day 2 channel heating and hot water programmer - Timeguard brand).  My heatpump has developed a leak in the refrigerant, and the quote to test fot the leak is so high, that I may as well buy a new unit.  I have found an R32 unit at a good price, without the FTC unit.  I don't want smart controls or anything like that - I'd actively NOT want them.  Can I replace the heatpump and get it wired into my existing set up - or do I need to get a much bigger job done?  I've had an awful lot of house expenses this year, and desperately want to avoid any unneccessary costly system changes.



   
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Ecodan Replacement
Majordennisbloodnok
 Majordennisbloodnok
(@majordennisbloodnok)
Famed Member Moderator
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2190
07/08/2026 11:21 am  

Hi, @calumm 

Although I've got Mitsi kit myself, I must say I've no idea as to an answer for you. However, we're just having a quick heads-together to see if we can find one of our professional forum members who's familiar with that brand and might be able to give a bit of a response.


105 m2 bungalow in South East England
Mitsubishi Ecodan 8.5 kW air source heat pump
18 x 360W solar panels
1 x 6 kW GroWatt battery and SPH5000 inverter
1 x Myenergi Zappi
1 x VW ID3
Raised beds for home-grown veg and chickens for eggs

"Semper in excretia; sumus solum profundum variat"


   
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 CalumM
(@calumm)
New Member Member
Joined: 3 months ago
Posts: 3
Topic starter 07/08/2026 11:37 am  

Thanks so much. Tried speaking to Mitsubishi, but they won't respond on such things to a cusomer, as opposed to an installer. I've had bad experiences with installers previously, so want to know myself before I engage!



   
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Majordennisbloodnok
 Majordennisbloodnok
(@majordennisbloodnok)
Famed Member Moderator
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2190
07/08/2026 11:44 am  

Understood, @calumm. I'd also want to have done my research beforehand.

It certainly wouldn't surprise me if were to turn out it was possible to continue with the old FTC. I must admit it also wouldn't surprise me if someone in the know were to qualify that with good reasons why it might not be recommended; tech can move on quite a lot in 16 years. I only mention it for management of expectations, but if you don't ask you won't know.


105 m2 bungalow in South East England
Mitsubishi Ecodan 8.5 kW air source heat pump
18 x 360W solar panels
1 x 6 kW GroWatt battery and SPH5000 inverter
1 x Myenergi Zappi
1 x VW ID3
Raised beds for home-grown veg and chickens for eggs

"Semper in excretia; sumus solum profundum variat"


   
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Majordennisbloodnok
 Majordennisbloodnok
(@majordennisbloodnok)
Famed Member Moderator
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2190
07/08/2026 12:26 pm  

One of the other mods has just reminded me that @ashp-bobba knows Mitsi stuff, so may have a few thoughts. Any ideas, @ashp-bobba?


105 m2 bungalow in South East England
Mitsubishi Ecodan 8.5 kW air source heat pump
18 x 360W solar panels
1 x 6 kW GroWatt battery and SPH5000 inverter
1 x Myenergi Zappi
1 x VW ID3
Raised beds for home-grown veg and chickens for eggs

"Semper in excretia; sumus solum profundum variat"


   
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 F1p
(@f1p)
Estimable Member Member
Joined: 1 year ago
Posts: 129
09/08/2026 6:20 pm  

Unfortunately the answer is Yes you will need a new FTC. 

 

There is some generational compatibility:

R410a refrigerant - FTC2 to FTC6 (PAC-IF07(1-3)B-E)

R32 refrigerants - FTC6 or FTC7 only

R290 refrigerants - FTC7 



   
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 CalumM
(@calumm)
New Member Member
Joined: 3 months ago
Posts: 3
Topic starter 10/08/2026 11:14 pm  

@majordennisbloodnok   - thanks so much.  That has been really helpful. 🙂



   
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Majordennisbloodnok
 Majordennisbloodnok
(@majordennisbloodnok)
Famed Member Moderator
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 2190
11/08/2026 7:28 am  

Kind of you, @calumm, but it was @f1p who did the heavy lifting.

Either way, glad you've got an answer. Pity the answer wasn't your ideal one.


105 m2 bungalow in South East England
Mitsubishi Ecodan 8.5 kW air source heat pump
18 x 360W solar panels
1 x 6 kW GroWatt battery and SPH5000 inverter
1 x Myenergi Zappi
1 x VW ID3
Raised beds for home-grown veg and chickens for eggs

"Semper in excretia; sumus solum profundum variat"


   
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