Daikin Furnaces

Established in 1924, Daikin is a Japanese company that manufactures HVAC systems, water heating systems, refrigerators, and air purifiers. Due to the reliability of its heating and cooling systems, Daikin has established itself as the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world today.

Aside from dependability, Daikin furnaces also deliver high Annual Fuel-Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. An AFUE rating indicates how efficiently a furnace uses its fuel. The higher its rating, the more energy-efficient it is.

Below is a detailed buyer’s guide that includes helpful information on Daikin furnaces, including the types of furnaces and models available, pricing, warranties, and reviews.

Types of Daikin furnaces

Daikin furnaces are generally classified into the following three categories:

Multispeed furnaces

Low-tier Daikin furnaces are equipped with a motor blower that can operate at two different speeds. They run on the lower setting most of the time to reduce energy consumption, but they switch to the higher setting when the temperature drops to an extreme level. If you are looking for an affordable Daikin furnace that incurs relatively low energy and maintenance costs, a multispeed furnace is a good option.

Variable-speed furnaces

If you can spend more for improved comfort and energy efficiency, opt for one of Daikin’s variable-speed furnaces. These models use intelligent technology to enable the blower motor to adjust its speed incrementally to meet your changing heating needs. They are more expensive than the lower-tier models, but they are worth the extra money because they deliver stronger heating, greater energy savings and better noise reduction

Modulating furnaces

Top-tier Daikin furnaces are modulating furnaces that operate in highly precise increments of about 1%. As such, they are able to run continuously on a very low setting, resulting in increased efficiency, balanced heating and reduced wear and tear. One of Daikin’s modulating furnaces has an AFUE rating of 98%, meaning it turns 98% of the fuel it consumes into heat to minimize energy waste.

Daikin furnace models

There are 24 Daikin furnace models with varying prices, energy-efficiency levels, and features. These models are divided into four groups according to their AFUE ratings, including:

80%-AFUE models

There are 11 models in the 80%-AFUE category. If upfront cost is your main consideration, the DM80SS is one of the best options. This affordable furnace is equipped with a multispeed blower motor and a single-stage gas valve to deliver relatively efficient heating. Similar to all the other Daikin furnaces, it uses gas for fuel. Additionally, it comes with a stainless steel tubular heat exchanger for enhanced durability and a self-diagnostic control board for easy detection of mechanical problems.

For better comfort, consider buying the DM80HS. This unit has all the basic features found in the DM80SS, but it uses a two-stage gas valve to create more even temperatures throughout your home. It also has a silicon nitride ignition system that is more durable and efficient than the hot-surface igniter in the DM80SS.

If you plan to install your new furnace in the attic, you should choose the DD80HS. This is a down-flow furnace that disperses warm air down into the ductwork. As such, it is a suitable option for homes that do not have a crawlspace or basement.

The DM80VC is one of two 80%-AFUE Daikin furnaces that feature a variable-speed motor. Besides producing more precise temperatures for enhanced comfort, it also features Daikin’s ComfortNet Control System, which provides automatic maintenance alerts and enables you to monitor your furnace from a remote location.

92%-AFUE models

The 92%-AFUE group consists of three models. If you want a furnace that strikes the right balance between comfort and efficiency, opt for the DC92SS. Similar to the DM80SS, it has a quiet multispeed blower motor and a single-stage gas valve. However, it comes with a secondary heat exchanger for improved efficiency.

The DM92SE also uses a single-stage gas valve, but it delivers higher comfort levels with its advanced Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) blower motor. This technology enables the furnace to produce precise airflow and quiet, draft-free comfort.

96%-AFUE models

There are eight Daikin furnace models with an AFUE rating of 96%. The DC96HS is one of the most affordable units in this category. It shares the same features as the DC92SS, but it has a two-stage gas valve. The DC96VE is the ECM-equipped version of the DC96HS. It is an ENERGY STAR-certified product, meaning it meets the stringent energy-efficiency standards of the Environmental Protection Agency and may qualify for a tax credit.

If you want to get a high-performance furnace that is efficient and easy to manage, you can buy the DM96VC. This model features a variable-speed ECM motor and compatibility with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat. The thermostat gives you Wi-Fi capability, allowing you to monitor and control your furnace remotely via an app on your smartphone.

97%-AFUE models

The DC97MC and DM97MC are the two most energy-efficient Daikin furnaces. The DC97MC is rated at 97% AFUE, while the DM97MC tops the lineup at 98%. These models come with a self-calibrating modulating gas valve and variable-speed ECM blower motor to ensure your home will always be at the perfect temperature while keeping your heating bills to a minimum. Due to exceptional energy efficiency, the 97%-AFUE models won the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2019 award.

Daikin furnace pricing

Daikin furnaces with higher AFUE ratings and more features cost more. However, there are other factors that can affect their prices, including the size, layout, and location of your home. The furnaces come in sizes ranging from 40,000 to 140,000 BTUs. The following are the unit-only prices for different 80,000-BTU models:

• DM80SS – $775
• DD80HS – $1,200
• DM80HS – $1,200
• DM80VC – $1,385
• DC92SS – $1,215
• DM92SS – $1,215
• DC96HS – $1,750
• DC96VC – $1,995
• DM96VC – $1,980
• DC97MC – $2,100
• DM97MC -$2,200

Besides pricing, you also need to take into account installation costs, which can prove substantial. Generally, a down-flow furnace involves a more complicated installation process, so you pay more if you get this type of furnace. You should hire a qualified HVAC technician to conduct a pre-installation inspection. By performing a home inspection and asking questions about your lifestyle and furnace usage pattern, the technician can help you choose the right furnace for your home and give you an accurate installation quote.

Daikin furnace warranties

All Daikin furnaces come with a lifetime limited warranty on their heat exchangers and an industry-leading 12-year limited warranty on their functional components. Several models — including the DM80HE, DC96HS, DM96HS and DM96VE — offer a limited six-year unit replacement warranty. For better coverage, consider signing up for the Asure Extended Warranty plan. Depending on the type of plan you choose, you can get coverage on your furnace’s components and labor costs for six years, 12 years or even 99 years.

Daikin furnace reviews

One of the best ways to make an informed buying decision is to read reviews from owners of Daikin furnaces. You can find unbiased customer reviews for Daikin furnaces at HVAC.com.

Frequently asked questions