Daikin Air Conditioner Review 2025

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America: A Comprehensive Review

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, a subsidiary of Japan-based Daikin Industries Ltd., has been a prominent player in the HVAC industry since its establishment in 1924. With over a century of experience, Daikin specializes in manufacturing central air conditioning units, heat pumps, ductless air conditioner systems, and furnaces. The company utilizes an extensive network of warehouses, office buildings, and “Comfort Pro” service representatives to distribute products, resolve issues, and provide product support to customers throughout the U.S. Daikin’s product lineup spans a range of AC units, from budget-conscious entry-level models to premium split-system AC units that are on par with many of the most respected U.S. HVAC brands.​

Pros and Cons of Daikin Air Conditioners

The Daikin brand may not be as well known in the United States as industry leaders such as Rheem, Lennox, Carrier, York or Trane, but Daikin is a global leader in the HVAC industry. The company headquartered in Osaka, Japan has 27 manufacturing locations spread across the globe.

Here are some additional considerations when choosing a Daikin air conditioner.

Pros

• Global HVAC leader: Daikin is recognized worldwide, showcasing its vast experience and reliability in the HVAC industry.
• Strong U.S. support: Backed by an excellent support network across the U.S., Daikin ensures customers have access to help and resources.
• Advanced inverter technology: Their industry-leading inverter technology efficiently manages motor speed, enhancing comfort and energy savings.
• U.S. manufactured products: Daikin manufactures its North American products, including well-known brands like Goodman and Amana, in Texas, supporting local jobs and ensuring quality.

Cons

• Needs better insulation: Some professionals suggest improvements could be made to the insulation of air handling cabinets, potentially affecting efficiency.
• Limited contractor availability: Daikin’s strict qualifications for its “Comfort Pro” network might restrict access to authorized contractors in some areas, making installation and service more challenging.

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Types of Daikin AC Units

There’s a big difference between Daikin’s budget-friendly AC units and its high-end split-system air conditioners. Both are made from quality materials and are designed to last, but the entry-level models lack the improved energy efficiency and advanced features found on Daikin’s premium models.

Daikin Entry-Level AC Unit Features

• Between 14.5 and 15.2 SEER2 and 17.2-18 SEER2 for Daikin Fit heat pump-based HVAC systems
• Energy-efficient single-stage compressors
• Missing the added vibration and noise dampening, operates at higher noise volumes
• Typically operate at high or low levels without much in the middle
• Not compatible with ComfortNet control system

Daikin High-End AC Model Features

• High efficiency — up to 24.5 SEER
• Quiet operation — sound levels down to 58 dba or about the same sound level as a dishwasher in the next room over
• Variable-speed compressor
• Proprietary Daikin inverter technology prevents temperature swings
• ComfortNet advanced control system compatible

Cost Ranges for Daikin Air Conditioners

Daikin’s network of U.S.-based distributors set pricing for Daikin AC units and heat pumps. In recent years, HVAC manufacturers and big box home improvement stores have shifted away from providing pricing for AC units, furnaces, heat pumps, and similar products.

These units require professional installation from an authorized Daikin dealer representative, and that’s who ultimately establishes pricing for the Daikin products they sell. That said, homeowners can expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 for a Daikin air conditioner.

Daikin AC Costs by Model

Factors Affecting Total Cost of Daikin ACs

The price you’ll pay for a new Daikin air conditioner depends on a wide range of factors.

• Sizes of the Home and AC Unit: Larger air conditioning units are more expensive than smaller ones. Larger units can handle a much greater volume of air, which is a necessity for bigger homes. The capacity of an AC unit is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A one-ton air conditioner (about 12,000 BTUs) can cool one ton of air each hour.

Air Conditioning Size Calculator

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• Type of AC Unit: Daikin’s entry-level air conditioners will be at the low end of the cost range, while its premium AC units are likely to be much higher. The tradeoff, however, is lower operating costs over the lifespan of the unit.
• Home Design and Location: The region where your home is located greatly affects the type and size of air conditioner you’ll need. Arid regions with extremely hot summers often require larger AC units in order to keep up with sweltering temperatures. Cooler regions with mild summers, meanwhile, may only require moderate use of an air conditioner during summertime.
  • The layout and architecture of your home also comes into play. Homes designed with excessive south-facing windows receive much more direct sunlight in living spaces than homes with other orientations.
  • Other considerations that could impact cost include removal of an existing AC unit, upgrades or repairs to ductwork — between 25% and 40% of cool air is lost in a home’s ductwork — and permitting, if required.

Benefits of Investing in a Daikin Air Conditioner

Daikin is a well-respected HVAC manufacturer with a wide range of products known for their energy efficiency and longevity. Additionally, the company’s premium units operate at lower decibel levels than competitors, so when the unit operates in Quiet Mode you might not even realize your Daikin AC has kicked on.

Additionally, many of Daikin’s multi-zone cooling products come with a 12-year warranty, so you are covered if something does go wrong after the unit is installed.

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Brand Comparison: Daikin Versus Competitors

Daikin stacks up well against other leading HVAC manufacturers

Daikin vs. Trane

Daikin’s premium AC units operate more quietly, and they have a slightly longer warranty. Both Daikin and Trane are at the top of the quality spectrum.

Daikin vs. Carrier

Daikin has made its mark with innovation in inverter technology, while Carrier is more well-known for producing energy-efficient AC systems with advanced air filtration. Carrier products may be easier to source than Daikin, which has stringent requirements to become a dealer representative.

Daikin vs. York

York makes quality products that may be slightly more affordable than comparable cooling systems from Daikin. However, homeowners may sacrifice a bit of energy efficiency in similarly priced models by choosing York over Daikin.

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Is a Daikin Air Conditioner Right for Me?

Daikin is one of the world’s largest HVAC companies. The company has a well-earned reputation for making quality products, but Daikin’s budget AC units don’t offer as many features and aren’t as energy efficient as its high-end models. Regardless, spending money for a Daikin air conditioner remains a solid investment and should provide you with years of trouble-free operation.

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