Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review and Price Analysis (Complete Breakdown)

Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review and Price Analysis (Complete Breakdown)

If you’re searching for a ductless mini-split heating and cooling system, you’re paving your way for excellent results that will last for 10–20 years, if not longer.

Even though mini-split systems are new to the world of heating and cooling equipment, they have become well-known for how easy and effective they are at cooling homes without being too loud or hard to install.

A mini-split HVAC system is a type of heating and cooling system with an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that are connected by a small pipe. In the outdoor unit, you will find the compressor, condenser, and expansion valve. The evaporator is in the indoor unit. Mini-split systems are an alternative to traditional central HVAC systems that use a single unit to heat and cool an entire building. 

They are often used in places where installing ductwork isn't possible, like in buildings with no attic space or where the layout of the building makes it hard to install ducts. Mini-split systems are also more energy efficient than traditional systems because they allow you to independently control the temperature in different parts of the building.

So if you’re considering a ductless mini-split AC or a heat pump, you are well on your way to a promising future. 

For this purpose, many brands have stepped into the mini-split system market over the last few years. Each company, from LG to Fujitsu to Mitsubishi, has made and sold mini-splits that people like. But today, we talk about Daikin Electric and their mini-split systems. 

Daikin is a well-known Japanese brand in the United States. It makes heating and cooling systems with and without ducts. ConsumerReport lists Daikin as one of the top 50 brands for central air conditioning and one of the top five brands for ductless heat pumps. In this review, we will look at the characteristics of popular and Daikin models. Then, you'll see reviews from both professionals and customers that can provide you with a thorough recommendation for this brand.

This buying guide talks about how some of Daikin's units work, lists some of the best features its products have, and talks about the pros and cons of investing in a company like Daikin.

A Little About Daikin Electric - Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review

Let's begin by gaining an understanding of what Daikin is all about and what makes it such a highly recommended brand before we dive headfirst into the ocean of products and functions.

Daikin Electric is a Japanese company that got its start in the industry by manufacturing refrigeration equipment for commercial use. In this day and age, Daikin is known for being one of the first brands in the industry to introduce the mini-split model. This distinction has helped the company earn a strong reputation.

It has been recognized by Consumer Reports as one of the top 5 brands of ductless heat pumps on the market today.

Even though the company's main office is in Osaka, Japan, it has done very well in the U.S. market. Along with the mini-split system, Daikin was also the first company to make variable refrigerant flow (VRV) air conditioners.

So, Daikin mini-splits are high-quality products, and you can expect them to have a wide range of features that will blow your mind. The majority of them make claims that they are energy efficient, have features that are both smart and innovative, and have straightforward installation procedures.

Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps - Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review

Due to the fact that Daikin is generally acknowledged as the company that first developed the mini-split model, you can anticipate that Daikin's very own mini-split air conditioners and heat pumps will be of the highest quality and possess the most advanced capabilities currently available on the market.

In fact, you may also discover that Daikin products are endowed with features that have never been seen before and that it is highly unlikely that you will find in any other products currently available on the market. The following is a list of some of them:

Inverter Technology - Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps

The inverter technology that Daikin utilizes is one of its best-known features. This technology helps cut down on the amount of power used and makes sure that the temperature stays the same all over the house.

The inverter technology in your heat pump gives it the ability to adjust the speed of the compressor to a higher or lower setting, according to the requirements of the space that needs to be heated or cooled.

In most cases, when a limit is reached, the compressor is either turned on or off by the system. But technology called an inverter makes sure that the system keeps running, though at a slower speed than before.

All of the power losses caused by the devices repeatedly starting and shutting down can thus be avoided. You can also make sure the temperature stays the same throughout the house by making sure the thermostat doesn't change and all the rooms are at the same comfort level.

Energy Efficiency - Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps

The name Daikin is synonymous with high levels of energy efficiency. In comparison to other types of heating and cooling systems, Daikin has earned an A++ seasonal efficiency rating. This is in accordance with European regulations.

Energy efficiency is important for a variety of reasons, including:

  • It has the potential to reduce your energy bills. You can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills by using energy-efficient appliances and systems.

  • It contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. We can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by using less energy. This is significant because greenhouse gases contribute to global warming.

  • It contributes to the conservation of natural resources. We can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which are a limited resource, by using less energy. This will aid in the preservation of these resources for future generations.

  • It contributes to better air quality. We can reduce pollution produced by power plants and other energy-intensive industries by using less energy. This has the potential to improve air quality in our communities.

Because Daikin’s mini-split HVAC system doesn't have ducts and is made with inverter technology, it doesn't put out any harmful gases and doesn't use more energy than it needs to.

In addition, the energy consumption of the Daikin mini-split systems is up to 40 percent lower than that of competing brands.

Infrared Sensor - Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps

Almost all of Daikin's mini-split models include the company's infrared detector as standard equipment. The biggest benefit of using an infrared sensor is that it can detect movement in a room and then send that information to the mini-split system so that it can react appropriately. For example, in this scenario, the system may respond by adjusting the temperature, turning on, or doing something else.

Once the sensor sees that there has been no movement for 20 minutes or more, it will switch to a mode that saves energy. System operation is slowed down, which cuts the amount of power needed by about 30%.

Once there is evidence of movement in the room once more, everything will return to the way it was before. The "Intelligent Eye" is the name for this particular characteristic.

Comfort Control App - Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps

The mini-split system's ability to have smart features is made possible by the Comfort Control App. If the heating or cooling system in your home can connect to your smartphone or tablet, you will be able to change the temperature with the touch of a finger.

You can keep an eye on it even while at work or running errands, allowing you to have your house ready for you with the ideal temperature when you arrive.

Night Set Mode - Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps

This setting, along with the infrared sensor, works toward the goal of lowering the amount of energy that is drawn from your unit. Before you go to bed, you have the option of activating the "Night Set" mode.

In this way, your system will keep doing its own self-monitoring checks even when you are sleeping. With this setting, the device is able to bring the temperature up by a few degrees an hour after it has been turned on.

You'll be able to keep the unit running throughout the night to keep the temperature at a level that's comfortable for you to wake up to, while at the same time reducing the amount of power you use even after you've gone to bed.

Lower Installation and Energy Costs - Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps

A rating of A++ has been given to Daikin by European standards for how well its HVAC systems operate during the various seasons. The Daikin mini-split heat pump uses between 25 and 40 percent less energy than electric baseboards. In order to meet the requirements for power and load that come with heating and cooling, Daikin makes use of inverter technology.

This will lead to lower operating costs and better energy use in the long run. With a ductless heat pump, you don't have to pay for the ductwork, which is a big part of how much it costs to install a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

Application and Choice Diversity - Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps

The ductless heat pump from Daikin is an excellent choice for a wide variety of temperature control applications in a variety of different kinds of buildings, including residential and commercial ones. Daikin also has a wide range of heat pump systems for both commercial and residential buildings. Each of these systems can be changed to fit the needs of the end user. Because Daikin's products are so versatile, they can fit in with any style of decor. This gives them a level of stealth that is unmatched in the industry.

Warranty - Features of Daikin Mini Split ACs/Heat Pumps

All Daikin products come with a standard ten-year warranty, as long as the system is installed by a qualified professional.

You should keep in mind that the warranty begins on the date of installation, not the date of purchase, and that in order for your warranty to be enforceable, you will need to register it online.

System Prices - Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review

Mini-split systems from Daikin have an average price range of between $3,500 and $6,000, and this price range includes the cost of installation.

A single-zone mini-split air conditioner can be bought for anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500, not including the cost of installation. When the installation is taken into account, prices can reach up to $4,000.

There are units available for a mini-split heat pump with a single zone that range in price from $1,200 to $2,700. When you factor in the cost of installation, some pre-assembled units can reach up to $5,000.

ModelsDaikin 9K BTU 25 SEERDaikin 12K BTU 23 SEERDaikin 15K BTU 21 SEERDaikin 18K BTU 20 SEERDaikin 24K BTU 19 SEER
Single Unit Price Only$1,240$1,430$1,760$1,950$2,690
Single Unit Installed Price$3,200$3,590$3,760$4,000$4,720

Products Offered by Daikin Mini Split Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps - Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review

Daikin has put out a lot of mini-split products on the market.

In the initial stage of the project, only single-zone mini-splits designed for air conditioning will be available. These products are perfect for homes that only need cooling in the summer. They have an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

Daikin makes three types of mini-split air conditioners, each of which is made for a single zone. These are the 17 series, the 19 series, and the NV series. Their SEER ratings range from 17 to 19, respectively. In terms of their ability to conserve energy, these products perform adequately.

The NV series is notable for many reasons, but one of the most notable is the low ambient cooling that is available even when the outside temperature is as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit.

The single-zone mini-split heat pumps that are included in Daikin's second tier of mini-splits are capable of both cooling and heating the space they are installed in. Every single one of them consists of one outdoor unit and one indoor unit, and their BTU capacities range anywhere from 9,000 to 24,000.

The SEER ratings can go as high as 26 here, but the lowest one is 11. There are also different ways to install them, such as ceiling cassettes, floor-mounted cassettes, wall-mounted cassettes, and cassettes that hide the ductwork.

The third type is the multi-zone mini-split heat pump, which has one outdoor unit and two or more indoor units. There are four different series represented here, including the VRV IV-S series, the AURORA series, the RMXS series, and the MXS series. The models in this tier can be found in all four of these series.

Daikin Mini Split Systems’ Pros and Cons - Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review

People know that Daikin was the first company to make mini-split systems, but it wouldn't be too much of an exaggeration to say that the company's products aren't perfect.

It is reasonable to anticipate that Daikin will have some of its own shortcomings in light of the growing number of reputable companies entering the market and achieving greater success in the mini-split air conditioner and heat pump niches.

Where to Look for the Best Deals on Daikin Mini-Split Air Conditioners - Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review

First things first, keep in mind that the quality of the installation is always going to be the single most important factor for any residential HVAC project. So, if you want to save money when working with a contractor, you should never give up quality.

Second, keep in mind that you should investigate the most recent tax credits and rebates that are available to you.

Thirdly, before making a decision, get at least three different prices to compare. These estimates will automatically get rid of any contractors who aren't qualified and take into account any rebates or tax credits that may be available.

Conclusion - Daikin Mini Split AC/Heat Pump Review

You can count on Daikin mini-splits to be high-quality products, and you can also anticipate that they will come with a wide variety of features that will blow your mind. The bulk of them make the claim that they are easy to install, have features that are both clever and forward-thinking, and are energy efficient.

They are often used in places where ductwork can't be put in, like in buildings that don't have an attic or where putting in ducts would be hard because of the way the building is laid out. Because you can control the temperature in different parts of the building on your own, mini-split systems are also more energy efficient than standard systems.

If you believe that a Daikin mini-split HVAC system would be a suitable fit for your home or business, it is in your best interest to get in touch with a local HVAC provider to discuss availability as well as the cost of the system.

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