Daikin air conditioners review
Having manufactured and sold air conditioners in Australia for more than 40 years, it’s safe to say that Daikin probably knows a fair bit about what goes into a high-quality air conditioner. So, let’s see what Daikin is all about.
Many models from its split system air conditioner range are also approved by the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice program. Other types of air conditioning systems in Daikin’s line-up include multi split systems, plus ducted air conditioners for households planning on cooling or heating the whole home.
Read more: What country do my appliances come from?
Daikin split system air conditioners
Daikin Zena Air Conditioner
With a name resembling a warrior princess, it’s no surprise that Daikin’s Zena split system air conditioner series is not just designed for fighting the heat but can also keep you warm during the cooler months. This reverse cycle air con range is also approved by the Sensitive Choice program, making it suitable for family members with asthma or allergies. Prices for Daikin split system air conditioners range between $1,000-$3,000.
Wall-mounted Zena Daikin split system models are available in the following capacities:
- 2.5kW
- 3.5kW
- 5kW
- 6kW.
The Zena range includes features you’ve come to expect with a Daikin air conditioner, including the Intelligent Eye function that detects movement and automatically switches to ‘energy-saving operations’ after the room has been empty for 20 minutes to help you avoid wasting energy (and money). Some other features include a Saw Edge fan design to blow larger volumes of air with minimal noise, despite its compact design, and an air purification filter to trap particles, decompose odours and prevent the growth of bacteria.
The Daikin Zena air conditioner is available in either the black wood or white hair line design (pictured). Daikin says the Zena series is recommended for heating or cooling small areas.
Daikin Cora Air Conditioner
Daikin’s Cora series promises whisper-quiet cooling operation with ‘industry-leading’ efficiency levels and is claimed to be so quiet that some models can drop to just 19dBA, which is barely audible to most ears.
The Cora series features precise control, with temperatures able to be set in increments of 0.5°C. As usual, Cora units also boast the 2-Area Intelligent Eye feature to save energy and minimise draught by moving the airflow towards or away from everyone in the room. Prices for Daikin split system air conditioners range between $1,000-$3,000.
Several Daikin Cora air conditioners are available in both reverse cycle and cooling-only varieties. Here are the capacities on offer:
- 2kW
- 2.5kW
- 3.5kW
- 4.6kW
- 5kW
- 6kW
- 7.1kW.
Daikin suggests its wall-mounted Cora series is appropriate for small to large rooms, and for households that want to minimse energy consumption.
Daikin Lite & Multi Lite Systems Air Conditioner
The Lite and Multi Lite systems are two other products from Daikin’s arsenal of Sensitive Choice Approved wall-mounted split system air conditioners. They’re available in reverse cycle and cooling-only varieties, with capacities ranging between 2kW to 7.1kW.
The entry-level split system air conditioner comes with some of the same features built into Daikin’s more premium-priced models, including ‘quiet mode’ and Coanda Airflow for consistent and long-lasting cooling or heating. For an air conditioner that’s big on efficiency, the 2.5kW model is stated to have a 4.5-star energy rating for both heating and cooling.
Daikin’s Lite models are available in the following capacities:
- 2kW
- 2.5kW
- 3.5kW
- 4.6kW
- 5kW
- 6kW
- 7.1kW.
Daikin Alira X Air Conditioner
The Alira X series is another option to consider for allergy sufferers, thanks to the tick of approval from the National Asthma Council Australia. One of the most useful features might be the titanium apatite deodorising air purification filter, which is said to trap microscopic particles, break down odours and kill bacteria.
The Daikin Alira X split system air conditioner is available as a reverse cycle unit in the following capacities:
- 2kW
- 2.5kW
- 3.5kW
- 4.6kW
- 5kW
- 6kW
- 7.1kW.
If you’re looking for an air conditioner that won’t distract the stylish aesthetics of the room, the Alira X series is also said to seamlessly fit into modern decor. Other features include ‘quiet mode’, precision control, 2-Area Intelligent Eye, and Coanda Airflow.
Daikin XL Series Air Conditioner
The Daikin XL Series is the brand’s range of larger capacity models, designed to accommodate bigger living spaces. It comes in XL and XL Premium, and both feature powerful cooling, 3D airflow, intelligent sensors, air purification, and a ‘comfortable mode’ to prevent cold or warm air from blowing directly onto you.
Capacities for XL reverse cycle models include:
- 8.5kW
- 9.4kW.
Capacities for XL Premium reverse cycle & cooling-only models include:
- 8.5kW
- 9.5kW.
Daikin Floor Standing Air Conditioner
Another floor-based air conditioner, the aptly named ‘Floor Standing’ split system series comes in a wide variety of sizes, from 2.5kW all the way up to 7.1kW. If you’ve ever wanted to replace your fireplace, this could be your chance, with the capability to place the unit into a semi-recessed wall, or old fireplace.
The various capacities available include:
- 2.5kW
- 3.5kW
- 4.5kW
- 5kW
- 6kW
- 7.1kW.
Daikin’s Floor Standing air conditioners boast a wide operating range, with top and bottom vents to distribute air evenly. The remote control for the unit additionally comes with a power mode, to give a 20-minute burst of cooling or heating beyond the normal capacity. By the same token, an economy mode is also available to limit power consumption, which can help avoid tripping the circuit breaker on those really hot days when energy use is high.
The Floor Standing series is recommended for small rooms. It’s also said to especially suit households in colder climates which tend to require heating more than cooling.
Read more: Air conditioner running costs
Daikin multi split air conditioners
Daikin Super Multi NX Air Conditioner
If you’re worried about high power bills, the Daikin Super Multi NX range offers an outdoor unit designed to keep running costs low by allowing you to control each air conditioning unit individually. This ensures only the rooms which need air conditioning are turned on. The outdoor model is also stated to use R32 refrigerant, supposedly making the model more efficient and less harmful to the environment.
The types of indoor air conditioning units this model may be compatible with include:
- Wall-mounted
- Bulkhead
- Ducted
- Floor-standing
- Ceiling-suspended
- Cassette.
The Daikin Super Multi NX is offered in the following capacities:
- 5.2kW
- 6.8kW
- 8kW
- 10kW
Daikin VRV IV-S Air Conditioner
The Daikin VRV IV-S is an outdoor multi split system for seriously large homes, with a single unit designed to connect to anywhere between five and 14 indoor units, depending on the model. It’s also said to boast the same technology in Daikin’s commercial models and is claimed to be as energy-efficient and quiet performing.
Types of compatible indoor conditioning units include:
- Wall-mounted
- Bulkhead
- Ducted
- Floor-standing
- Ceiling-suspended
- Cassette.
The reverse cycle air conditioner is available in various capacities, including:
- 9kW
- 11.2kW
- 14kW
- 16kW
- 22.4kW
- 24kW.
Daikin Ducted Air Conditioning Systems
Daikin Premium Inverted Ducted Air Conditioner
The Daikin Premium Inverted Ducted air con is a high-performance model from the brand. It’s designed to offer remarkable energy performance, a flexible design, and R22 retrofit capabilities. It uses a quiet night mode, has heating and cooling abilities, and can be retrofitted into an existing system. Prices for Daikin ducted air conditioners range between $10,000-$15,000.
The various capacities available include:
- 7.1kW
- 8.5kW
- 10kW
- 12.5kW
- 14kW
- 16kW
- 18kW
- 20kW
- 24kW.
Daikin Inverter Ducted Air Conditioner
Designed for smaller spaces, the Daikin Inverted Ducted unit is built to squeeze into the tight areas of your home with its compact indoor unit and space-saving outdoor unit. Like the Premium ducted model, it also has R22 retrofit capabilities (for selected 5-15.5kW models), improved energy efficiency, and a quiet night mode.
The various capacities available include:
- 5kW
- 6kW
- 7.1kW
- 8.5kW
- 10kW
- 12.5kW
- 14kW
- 15.5kW
- 18kW
- 19.5kW
- 20kW
- 23.5kW.
Daikin Slimline Ducted Air Conditioner
The Daikin Slimline air con is said to have unparalleled freedom of design and flexibility. It’s designed to be installed in narrow ceilings or in the floor, and aims to meet the challenges of modern apartment design and density. Models feature a slim-line door, retrofit capabilities, automatic airflow adjustment, air return, and a built-in pump.
The various capacities available include:
- 5kW
- 6kW
- 7.1kW
- 8.5kW
- 10kW
- 12.5kW
- 14kW.
Daikin Bulkhead System Air Conditioner
Standing out as the most discreet of the range, the Daikin Bulkhead System has grill units that sit flush with the ceiling, leaving only the suction air and discharge grills visible in your home. This allows for greater space in your home and stops the unit from disrupting any interior design aesthetic. The model also runs very quietly, to ensure it does not disturb you while operating. The air conditioner features compact performance, low noise levels, a built-in pump, an auto swing grill for improved air circulation, and an auto-clean air filter.
The various capacities available include:
- 2.5kW
- 3.5kW
- 5kW
- 6kW
- 7.1kW.
More air conditioner product reviews:
Should you buy a Daikin air conditioner?
Daikin may be worth sweating over, especially if you’re concerned about maintaining an asthma-friendly home. Many of the models are approved by the Sensitive Choice program and contain air-purifying filters that aim to improve air quality by collecting dust particles and preventing bacteria growth and odours.
Daikin’s air conditioners additionally come with economical features targeted towards reducing unnecessary energy consumption, which can potentially soften the hit from your energy bill over the next few years.
Despite the limited number of model types available, the manufacturer still offers a fairly wide capacity range to cater to most household sizes. Generally, 2kW air conditioners may be suitable for smaller rooms, while anything above 8kW could be used to cool larger areas.
Where can you buy Daikin air conditioners?
Daikin air conditioners are sold exclusively through a Daikin Specialist dealer. There are over 450 independent retailers and Daikin Specialist dealers across Australia. Head to the Daikin website to find your nearest Daikin Specialist retailer.
About the author of this page
This report was written by Canstar Blue’s Content Producer Luciana Lawe Davies. She writes about streaming, appliances and consumer products and services. Luciana enjoys bringing readers the best in what’s on TV and at the shops, including the best deals and latest reviews.
What do customers think about Daikin air conditioners?
In 2022, Australian customers gave Daikin air conditioners 4 out of 5 stars for overall customer satisfaction.
Daikin Air Conditioners
Canstar Blue
Award:
Overall Satisfaction