Are Daikin air conditioners the right choice?
In short Daikin air conditioners sit at the premium end, with a 5 year parts and labour warranty, a large service network and some Australian-made ducted systems. A good fit if efficiency, quiet running and service matter more to you than the lowest price.
Daikin describes itself as a world leader in air conditioning, and it is one of the most commonly quoted brands in Australia. Daikin Industries began in Osaka, Japan, in 1924, and Daikin Australia started in 1980 (daikin.com.au).
The brand sits at the premium end of the market. You will usually pay more for a Daikin than for a comparable unit from a budget brand, and the argument for doing so is efficiency, quiet operation, warranty and a large service network.
The range
Daikin covers the full spread of residential products:
- Split systems, including Alira X, Zena, Cora and Lite, and the XL series (XL and XL Premium) for larger spaces
- Multi-split systems
- Ducted systems, some of which are manufactured in Australia
- Commercial and VRV systems
The split range runs from small bedroom capacities up to units suitable for large open-plan living areas.
Australian manufacturing
Daikin manufactures some products in Australia at Daikin Park in Warwick Farm, New South Wales, a purpose-built facility that includes a factory and assembly line alongside a distribution centre and training centre.
Daikin states that its Ducted Indoor Units, High Static Pressure Indoor Ducted VRV Units, Low Static Pressure Indoor Ducted VRV Units and VRV Packaged Rooftop Air Conditioning Units carry Australian Made certification. Note that this applies to those specific product lines, not to the split system range.
Warranty
Daikin’s 5 year parts and labour warranty applies to Daikin split, multi-split and ducted air conditioners professionally installed in domestic premises in Australia.
Warranty periods and coverage vary by product and application, so check the warranty card for the specific model you are quoted.
What the Government’s energy register shows
The Australian Government’s Energy Rating register lists 642 current Daikin registrations for sale in Australia, as at . Manufacturers have to register every air conditioner sold here with the energy efficiency regulator, along with its tested efficiency.
- Bedroom size (2.0 to 3.0kW wall split, reverse cycle): the most efficient of 33 rates 5.5 stars for cooling and 4 for heating in the average climate zone
- Living area size (6.0 to 8.0kW wall split, reverse cycle): the most efficient of 45 rates 4.5 stars for cooling and 3 for heating
The stars come from the manufacturer’s own tests, submitted to the regulator. They are a fair guide to running cost, not to reliability, and a half-star difference between brands is not worth choosing on. A registration stays listed until it expires, so not every one is still on sale. Check the label for the exact model you are quoted, or look it up on the Energy Rating calculator.
Source: Energy Rating data, Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, licensed under CC BY 3.0 AU. Data as at .
Other things worth knowing
R32 refrigerant Daikin made its patents for equipment using R32 available worldwide free of charge. Its current wall-mounted ranges use R32.
Asthma and allergy Daikin states that its split system air conditioners are approved under the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program. If air quality is a health issue for you, talk to your doctor about what will actually help rather than relying on a product claim.
Dealer network Daikin states it has a network of over 500 Specialist Dealers across Australia, which is one of the larger service networks in the market.
Who Daikin suits
A good fit if:
- You want a premium system and are prepared to pay for it
- Efficiency and quiet operation matter to you
- You want a brand with a large service network and good parts availability
- You are buying ducted and want an option with Australian manufacturing
Look elsewhere if:
- Purchase price is your main constraint. Several brands offer comparable capacity for meaningfully less
- You want the longest headline warranty. Some brands offer 7 years, though the terms differ
Before you buy
If you have decided on Daikin, do not buy from the first place that quotes you. Different dealers charge different prices for the same equipment, and installation costs vary from dealer to dealer, often by more than the equipment price does.
Compare your quotes for the same model and capacity, and check that each includes the same electrical work, mounting, commissioning and removal of your old system.
A reminder about installation only a licensed technician can install an air conditioning system. Anyone installing or servicing a refrigerated air conditioner needs a Refrigerant Handling Licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council. Handling refrigerant without one is an offence. You can check any installer’s licence on the national register at lookforthetick.com.au. Our guide to choosing a reliable installer covers what else to check.