Sustainable living with the Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan Heat Pump
Mitsubishi Electric Ireland highlights the personal retrofit journey of Irish architect, television presenter, and brand ambassador Dermot Bannon, whose transformation of a 1920s Drumcondra home has become a benchmark for comfort, efficiency and sustainable living.
Central to the project is the Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan air source heat pump, delivering reliable heating, abundant hot water and a significant uplift in energy performance.
When Bannon purchased the century-old property in 2018, it suffered from poor insulation, unreliable heating and frost-lined windows in winter, all symptomatic of its original G BER rating, the lowest on the national scale. Bannon embarked on a deep retrofit in 2019 with a clear objective to create a modern, efficient home capable of meeting and exceeding contemporary energy standards.
“We knew that breathing new life into an older structure meant rethinking every element of its performance, from insulation and ventilation, through to heating and everyday liveability,” says Bannon. “Selecting the right technology was essential to achieving a comfortable, future ready home that also aligned with Ireland’s shift away from fossil fuels.”
Bannon’s retrofit strategy was built on three core principles: deep insulation, high-quality ventilation and an advanced heating system. At the heart of the design, Bannon specified the Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan heat pump.
“After some research, we knew the Ecodan system would allow us to enjoy cosy, reliable heating and hot water while significantly reducing our carbon footprint.”
Despite understanding the theory behind heat pumps, Bannon sought real-world reassurance. He consulted plumbers and installers he trusted, asking one simple question: “If you were installing a heat pump in your own house, which one would you choose?” The answer, he recalls, was Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan.
“Installing the Ecodan heat pump was a natural choice for a home where both comfort and environmental responsibility were priorities,” added Bannon. “It is a great example of how modern technology can complement older buildings.”
Since installation, comfort has been consistent year-round. “One of the biggest surprises has been consistency,” said Bannon. “Nothing changes from July to December, the house feels the same all year round. You do not think about heating anymore, and that’s the ultimate success.”
Even high-demand scenarios are effortless, delivering what Bannon describes as “infinite hot water”. “We never have to control anything or switch anything on,” he explains. “It is invisible heating; it just works.”
Watch the full case study:
W: https://les.mitsubishielectric.ie/the-heating-hub
