Daikin is a mid-range brand in the HVAC industry known for its high-quality AC units, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, and packaged rooftop units. Most homeowners pay around $4,200 for a Daikin air conditioner—but every scenario is different due to factors specific to the situation.
Need a new AC unit soon? Read our guide on the best HVAC companies to find one for your installation.
- Daikin is a mid-range brand known for its high-quality air conditioners.
- Your cost will vary based on the model you choose, particularly its efficiency and size.
- You’ll need a professional HVAC technician to install your Dalkin AC unit.
What Is the Typical Cost of a Daikin Air Conditioner?
On average, homeowners spend approximately $4,200 for an installed Daikin air conditioner, or between $3,100 and $5,300. Of course, prices vary drastically based on factors specific to your installation, such as the model, efficiency rating, and installation difficulty.
Daikin Air Conditioning Cost By Model
The cost of a new Daikin air conditioning unit varies based on several factors—including the model you choose, as some models are pricier than others. Generally, the more efficient the unit, the higher you will pay for the cooling system. The chart below reviews Daikin central air conditioner prices with the installation of both the indoor unit (air handler) and outdoor unit (condenser).
| Model | Efficiency Rating | Installed Cost |
| DX6VS | 17.2 SEER2 | $3,600 to $5,500 |
| DX17VSS | 18 SEER | $3,700 to $5,300 |
| DX20VC | 24.5 SEER | $3,600 to $6,100 |
| DX9VC | 22.5 SEER2 | $4,000 to $6,200 |
| DX18TC | 19 SEER | $3,800 to $5,500 |
| DX7TC | 17.2 SEER2 | $3,600 to $5,400 |
| DX16TC | 17 SEER | $3,500 to $5,100 |
| DX16SA | 16 SEER | $3,500 to $4,900 |
| DX5SE | 15.2 SEER2 | $3,200 to $4,800 |
| DX14SA | 15.5 SEER | $2,900 to $4,400 |
| DX4SE | 14.3 SEER2 | $2,800 to $4,200 |
| DX14SN | 15.5 SEER | $2,700 to $4,000 |
| DX4SQ | 14.3 SEER2 | $2,700 to $4,400 |
| DX13SA | 14.5 SEER | $2,800 to $4,400 |
| DX3SE | 13.4 SEER2 | $2,600 to $4,200 |
| DX13SN | 14.5 SEER | $2,300 to $3,800 |
| DX3SQ | 13.4 SEER/SEER2 | $2,300 to $3,700 |
How Much Do Daikin AC Units Cost vs. Competitors?
| Daikin | Carrier | Frigidaire | |
| Premium Unit Cost | $3,600 to $6,100 | $7,500 to $8,700 | $3,800 to $5,700 |
| Low-End Unit Cost | $2,300 to $3,800 | $4,000 to $5,300 | $2,400 to $3,500 |
| Top Efficiency Rating | 24.5 SEER | 24 SEER2 | 20 SEER |
| Warranty | 12-year unit replacement, 12-year parts | 10-year parts, lifetime or 20-year on major components | 10-year parts |
Which Factors Impact Daikin Air Conditioning Costs?
The cost of a Daikin air conditioner varies drastically based on factors specific to your situation. While your installation might cost a specific amount, another installation with a similar model might cost substantially more or less. It all depends on your situation, hinging on factors like the efficiency rating, unit size, and local climates.
Efficiency Rating
Before you commit to one HVAC system over another, it doesn’t hurt to consider your efficiency options. Daikin offers a wide range of efficiency ratings, from 14.5 SEER to 24.5 SEER. The efficiency rating of your AC unit will play a role in the final cost of the system, as more efficient units are usually pricier than their less efficient counterparts.
Daikin units with higher SEER/SEER2 ratings (above ~17 SEER) tend to have two-stage or variable speed compressors, compared to one-stage compressors on their low-efficiency units (lower than ~17 SEER).
Variable-speed AC units are the most efficient and provide the most even cooling in your home. Two-stage air conditioners have moderate to high efficiency, and single-stage units are the least efficient and tend to leave more hot and cold spots in your home.
As you sift through the Daikin air conditioner models, you’ll see varying SEER and SEER2 ratings. These Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings represent the ratio of the unit’s cooling output over a typical cooling season divided by its energy use (in Watt-hours). Units sporting higher numbers are more efficient.
At the time of writing, many of Daikin’s air conditioners only feature SEER ratings—but in the near future, they’ll likely move to SEER2 ratings due to shifts in requirements. The SEER2 rating system paints a more accurate picture of the overall efficiency, as it accounts for the influence of ductwork on external static pressure.
While many top AC brands have switched, Daikin has yet to do so with all of its models. When it does, many of its units will boast slightly lower SEER2 numbers than their previous ratings, as the new rating accounts for real-world conditions. However, several Daikin AC units have Energy Star ratings, which emphasize their efficiency.
Installation and Labor
When preparing for a new air conditioner, it’s important to budget for installation and labor costs. These factors contribute a large sum to the final total, so it’s essential to consider them as you budget for the new AC system.
More complex installations, like those requiring ductwork replacements or installations, usually cost considerably more. Conversely, simpler installations, like those requiring a quick unit replacement, usually cost much less.
On average, homeowners pay between $1,200 to $2,500 in labor for installation. However, this cost may rise drastically if your home requires ductwork replacements or installations, as these are major remodeling projects.
Location and Climate
Your home’s location and climate are essential factors to consider as you sift through your options. Residents in hotter, more extreme locations will need more efficient units to combat the high temperatures. In contrast, residents in areas with mild summers don’t need units with as high of efficiency ratings.
The U.S. Department of Energy outlines specific guidelines for residents nationwide. Residents in the northern portion of the nation must install AC units with a minimum efficiency rating of 13 SEER. Southeast and Southwest residents need more efficient AC units to combat the heat and humidity, so the energy department requires a minimum efficiency of 14 SEER.
In most cases, air conditioners with higher efficiency ratings are pricier than their less efficient counterparts, so you can expect to pay more for a higher efficiency system than a less efficient system. Since Daikin’s models start at a higher efficiency rating, the price difference doesn’t vary much based on location. However, if you opt for a more efficient unit, you can expect to pay more.
Maintenance and Repair
Routine maintenance is critical to keep your air conditioner up to par and in working condition. Upholding a maintenance schedule can help catch issues before they spiral into major problems requiring expensive repairs, so it’s usually well worth it.
Ideally, you should service your air conditioning unit at least once per year. If you have the system professionally serviced, you can expect to pay between $120 and $360. Of course, prices may vary based on location, system type, necessary repairs, and other factors.
Unit Size
As you budget for your new air conditioning system, planning for varying costs associated with system size (cooling capacity) is essential. The correct system size for your home will hinge on the square footage of your house. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you need approximately 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling output per square foot of living space.
So, if you live in a 1,000-square-foot house, you’ll need an AC unit with approximately 20,000 BTUs of cooling output. Most manufacturers size their units in tons, so you must translate the BTU measurement to tons. Divide the number by 12,000 (1 ton = 12,000 BTUs), and you’ll have your answer. In this case, you need a 1.6-ton unit, so the closest size is a 1.5-ton unit.
However, it’s important to note that this calculation doesn’t account for variables that can affect the proper system size. For example, the orientation of your house, the amount of sun your house receives, and your home’s insulation quality can affect the correct system size.
Larger units generally cost more than smaller ones, so you can expect to pay more for bigger systems. For example, if you need a 1.5-ton system, you’ll probably pay between $2,300 and $4,500 for the installed system. Conversely, if you need a 5-ton system, you’ll likely pay between $3,800 and $6,200 for the installed system. Of course, size is only one piece of the puzzle, so prices may fluctuate based on factors specific to your installation. For example, HVAC installation costs are typically higher for larger AC units because they are much heavier and more difficult to complete.
Type of Refrigerant Needed
Daikin employs R-32 refrigerant in its units, which a few other AC brands—like Goodman—use. Most brands use R-410A refrigerant, which replaced Freon due to EPA regulations. R-32 refrigerant can be difficult to handle, so recharging a system that utilizes it may cost more than a system with R-410A refrigerant.
Most homeowners pay around $400 to recharge and repair a leaky AC unit—although costs may vary based on the situation.
How To Save on Daikin Air Conditioning Costs
Although Daikin air conditioners aren’t the priciest on the market, they’re not the cheapest option either. To help you save costs on your new Daikin air conditioner, we compiled a few saving tips to keep in mind:
- Financial incentives: You might be eligible for tax credits when switching to a new, more efficient AC unit. Talk to your accountant to determine whether your unit makes you eligible for available credits. In addition, keep an eye out for rebates and discounts. Some contractors and brands offer deals throughout the year, so pay attention! If you don’t see any available rebates or discounts, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
- Maintenance: Upholding a regular maintenance schedule is essential in avoiding unexpected and pricey repairs. Ensure you stay on schedule with routine maintenance and have a professional service the system at least once yearly. While it will cost you money to service the system, it’s better to keep it well maintained with routine service appointments than skip it altogether and encounter expensive repairs later.
- Shop around: Before you commit to one HVAC contractor, shop around by obtaining quotes from a few local contractors. Certain HVAC contractors can offer better rates than others, so compare your options to ensure you get the best price!
- Upgrades: If you’re upgrading to a new, more efficient unit than your old air conditioner, you’ll likely notice savings in your utility bills. While the difference might be small if you’re only switching to a slightly more efficient unit, you’ll probably see more drastic changes when switching from an old, inefficient unit to a top-of-the-line, high-efficiency unit.
So, Are Daikin Air Conditioners Worth the Cost?
Daikin air conditioners can be the perfect solution to keep your home cool and comfortable throughout the sweltering summer months. As you prepare to purchase a new unit, remember to budget for all aspects of the project. While most homeowners pay around $4,200 or between $3,100 and $5,300 for a new system, costs may vary based on factors specific to you. Budget for potential scenarios and shop around to ensure you get the best rates.
FAQs About Daikin Air Conditioning Costs
Is Daikin a good air conditioner brand?
Daikin is known as a quality brand with long-lasting and well-constructed products. The company is consistently a top pick among the extensive list of HVAC brands—so if you’re in the market for a new air conditioner, Daikin might be a good fit.
How much do Daikin split units cost?
The cost of a Daikin split unit depends on a few factors, including the number of zones, size, and model. On average, a single-zone mini-split system costs between $400 and $700—although the price may fluctuate based on the size and model.
How much does an air conditioner cost for a 2,000-square-foot home?
The cost of an air conditioner for a 2,000-square-foot home hinges on several factors, including the brand, model, size, and efficiency rating. Based on size alone, a home of this size would need a 4-5 ton unit, usually costing between $5,000 and $7,000 with installation.
What is the difference between a window air conditioner and a split air conditioner?
Window air conditioners and split air conditioners are popular cooling solutions in homes that don’t have ductwork, as neither system requires an extensive network of ductwork to cool the home.
Window air conditioners sit inside the window frame and draw hot air out of the room using a fan on the inside. With a mini split air conditioner, the system is split into two units—one outside and the other inside. The inside unit is often mounted high on the wall, out of the way. The outside unit cools air and sends it to the inside unit to condition the room.
