This Daikin heat pump review covers everything you need to know, from real efficiency figures and running costs to model comparisons and what other Kent homeowners are saying about them.
Daikin Heat Pump Review: Key Facts
Here is a quick-glance overview of everything that matters before you commit to a Daikin heat pump.
| Category | Details |
| Brand | Daikin (founded 1924, headquartered in Osaka, Japan) |
| Main UK Product Range | Altherma 3 (LT, HT, Monobloc, Hybrid), Altherma 4 (R290) |
| Efficiency Rating (SCOP) | 4.2 to 5.0+ depending on model and conditions |
| Energy Label | Up to A+++ |
| Unit Cost (ex. installation) | £3,120 to £9,235 depending on model and size |
| Full Installed Cost | £7,000 to £14,000 (unit + installation + components) |
| After BUS Grant (£7,500) | From approximately £0 to £6,500 net |
| Installation Cost (labour) | £2,500 to £4,000 |
| Annual Running Costs | £700 to £1,200 per year for a typical UK home |
| Annual Savings vs Gas Boiler | Up to £828 per year / approx. 30–50% less than gas |
| Trustpilot Rating (Daikin UK) | 4 out of 5 stars from over 2,200 reviews |
| Which? Rating | Recommended brand (check current listings at which.co.uk) |
| Standard Warranty | 2 years standard; extendable to 5 years (free) or 7 years (paid, via Daikin Sustainable Home Expert installer) |
| Operating Temperature Range | Down to -25°C outside |
| Refrigerant | R32 (Altherma 3) and R290 (Altherma 4) |
| Best Property Types | New builds, well-insulated homes, properties with underfloor heating; HT models suit older homes with radiators |
| Servicing Requirements | Annual service recommended; typically £100 to £200 per year |
| MCS Certified | Yes (required for BUS grant eligibility) |
| Available Sizes | 4 kW to 16 kW |
Are Daikin Heat Pumps Worth It?
Daikin heat pumps are worth it for most UK homeowners who want a reliable, efficient system backed by one of the world’s most established HVAC manufacturers. Here is some context on the company before we weigh up the pros and cons.
Daikin was founded in Osaka, Japan in 1924 and has grown into the world’s largest air conditioning and heat pump manufacturer. Daikin holds a 4 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot from more than 2,200 UK customer reviews, which speaks to a broadly positive experience.
Their Altherma range is specifically engineered for the UK and European climate, operating efficiently even when outdoor temperatures drop as low as -25°C.
When compared to the Vaillant arotherm plus, Daikin typically offers a lower entry price point, though Vaillant is often praised for slightly higher SCOP figures in real-world tests. Against the Mitsubishi Ecodan, Daikin’s average COP of 4.8 compares favourably to Mitsubishi’s average of 4.1, and Daikin units generally come in at a lower average installed cost.
Pros and Cons of Daikin Heat Pumps
Pros:
- A well-established global brand with nearly 100 years of heating experience
- SCOP ratings of up to 5.0+, meaning exceptional energy efficiency from every unit of electricity
- Wide model range covering low temperature, high temperature, monobloc, hybrid and the newer R290 Altherma 4
- Compatible with underfloor heating and standard radiator systems
- Qualifies for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, significantly reducing upfront costs
- Operates down to -25°C, making it reliable through UK winters
- Warranty extendable up to 7 years via a Daikin Sustainable Home Expert installer
- Smart grid ready on newer models, enabling use of off-peak electricity tariffs
- 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from over 2,200 UK customer reviews
Cons:
- Standard warranty is only 2 years unless you register and extend
- Higher upfront unit cost compared to some competitors like the Cosy 6 heat pump (Octopus Energy’s own-brand offering, which is often installed at lower net cost after the grant)
- Some customers report that finding a local Daikin Sustainable Home Expert installer can be challenging in rural areas
- The Altherma 3 HT models have a lower SCOP (around 3.33) compared to the low temperature range
- Smart controls require setup and may feel complex for less tech-savvy homeowners
What Is the Efficiency of a Daikin Heat Pump?
The Daikin Altherma 3 range achieves SCOP ratings of between 4.2 and 4.7 across different models and operating conditions. The newer Altherma 4, which uses the more environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant, pushes this up to 5.0 and above. In practical terms, a SCOP of 4.2 means the system produces 4.2 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity it consumes, which is 420% efficient. No gas boiler can match that.
For context, the Samsung heat pump range typically achieves SCOP figures in a similar bracket, and the LG heat pump is also competitive in this range. However, the Panasonic air source heat pump tends to edge ahead slightly on SCOP at certain flow temperatures, a point worth noting if maximum efficiency is your primary concern.
Flow Temperature and Efficiency
The lower the flow temperature your heating system runs at, the more efficient your heat pump will be. Daikin’s low temperature models (LT range) are designed to work at 35°C to 45°C flow temperatures, which is ideal for underfloor heating and well-insulated homes.
High temperature models (HT) can deliver up to 70°C, making them suitable for older properties with smaller radiators, though this comes at the cost of some efficiency.
Daikin Heat Pump Range
The Daikin heat pump range in the UK centres around the Altherma series, with several distinct models designed to suit different property types and heating requirements. Whether you are in a modern new build in Tonbridge or a period property in Canterbury, there is likely a Daikin model built for your situation.
| Model | Type | Output Sizes | Efficiency Label | Best For | Unit Price (approx.) |
| Altherma 3 R Monobloc | All-in-one outdoor unit | 9–16 kW | Up to A++ | Compact installs, smaller gardens | £3,120 to £6,690 |
| Altherma 3 R Split (LT) | Split system, low temp | 4–16 kW | Up to A+++ | New builds, underfloor heating | £4,000 to £7,110 |
| Altherma 3 H HT Split | Split system, high temp | 4–16 kW | Up to A++ | Older homes with existing radiators | £5,000 to £9,200 |
| Altherma 3 Hybrid | Heat pump + gas boiler combined | 4–8 kW | A+++ (HP element) | Part-renovated homes, gradual gas transition | £4,000 to £7,500 |
| Altherma 4 (R290) | Monobloc, next-gen refrigerant | 4–12 kW | Up to A+++ | Eco-conscious buyers, future-proofed homes | £5,000 to £9,000 |
The Altherma 4 is Daikin’s newest generation, using R290 (propane) refrigerant, which has a global warming potential of just 3 compared to over 2,000 for older refrigerants. If you are making a long-term investment in your Kent home, this is the model range to look at most seriously.
When comparing ranges, the Nibe heat pump F2040 series and the Viessmann Vitocal 150-A offer similarly broad product families, but neither matches the sheer depth of Daikin’s Altherma lineup in terms of configurations available for different property types.
How Much Do Daikin Heat Pumps Cost?
Daikin heat pump costs in the UK typically run from £7,000 to £14,000 fully installed, before the government grant is applied. After the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, which is available to homeowners in England and Wales, many Daikin installs become significantly more affordable.
Daikin Heat Pump Pricing Breakdown
| Model | Unit Cost | Installation | Total Before Grant | Total After £7,500 Grant |
| Altherma 3 Monobloc 9kW | ~£3,120 | £2,500–£3,500 | ~£7,000–£8,000 | ~£0–£500 |
| Altherma 3 LT Split 8kW | ~£4,200 | £2,500–£3,500 | ~£8,000–£9,000 | ~£500–£1,500 |
| Altherma 3 HT Split 11kW | ~£6,200 | £3,000–£4,000 | ~£10,500–£11,500 | ~£3,000–£4,000 |
| Altherma 4 (R290) 8kW | ~£6,000 | £3,000–£4,000 | ~£10,500–£11,500 | ~£3,000–£4,000 |
| Altherma Hybrid 4kW | ~£5,000 | £2,500–£3,500 | ~£9,000–£10,000 | ~£1,500–£2,500 |
Prices shown are approximate and include VAT. Additional components such as a hot water cylinder may add £500 to £1,500 to the total.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant of £7,500 is available to homeowners in England and Wales and is deducted directly from your installer’s quote. It is extended until 2030. If you are based in Maidstone, Folkestone, Sevenoaks or anywhere else across Kent, you may well be eligible.
Worcester Bosch and Vaillant heat pumps tend to sit at a similar or slightly higher price point than Daikin’s entry models. The Aira heat pump (a newer Swedish brand) has made headlines for competitive pricing, though it has a much shorter track record in the UK market compared to Daikin’s established presence.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Daikin Heat Pump?
Running costs for a Daikin heat pump average between £700 and £1,200 per year for a typical UK household, depending on your electricity tariff, property size and insulation levels. When compared directly with a gas boiler, homeowners can expect to spend 30 to 50% less on heating over a full year.
Running Cost Savings
Daikin’s own data shows annual running cost savings of around 27% on heating compared to running a gas boiler alone. Independent analysis puts annual savings at around £828 per year against a comparable gas system.
Over a 15-year lifespan, those savings can comfortably recoup the initial investment, particularly when you factor in the government grant.
One of the smartest ways to reduce your running costs further is to switch to a time-of-use electricity tariff such as Octopus Energy’s Cosy Octopus or Intelligent Go. These tariffs charge significantly less per kWh during off-peak hours, and because the Daikin Altherma 4 is smart grid ready, it can be programmed to draw electricity during the cheapest periods.
Midea and Hitachi heat pumps are also competitive on running costs, but Daikin’s stronger network of trained UK service engineers means ongoing maintenance is often easier to arrange, which factors into the true long-term cost picture.
What Is Daikin’s Warranty?
Daikin’s warranty starts at 2 years as standard on all residential heat pump products, but it can be extended significantly at no extra cost through their registration programme.
Warranty Options
- 2-year standard warranty: Applies automatically to all Daikin residential heat pumps
- 5-year extended warranty: Available free of charge when your installer registers your unit on Daikin’s Stand By Me portal
- 7-year warranty: Available as a paid upgrade, but only when installed by a Daikin Sustainable Home Expert
The 2-year base warranty is notably shorter than some competitors. Samsung heat pump offers a 12-year warranty on the compressor, and Grant heat pumps give 10 years as standard.
The good news is that Daikin’s 5-year free extension largely closes this gap, provided you ensure your installer registers the system promptly after installation.
Which Property Types Are Best Suited for a Daikin Heat Pump?
Daikin heat pumps are best suited for well-insulated properties, but the wide range of Altherma models means there is a suitable option for most property types across Kent.
Best Property Matches
Daikin Altherma 3 LT (Low Temperature) is ideal for:
- New build homes in Kent with high insulation standards
- Properties with underfloor heating installed
- Any home with an EPC rating of C or above
- Modern semi-detached and detached houses
Daikin Altherma 3 HT (High Temperature) is ideal for:
- Older Victorian and Edwardian terraces in areas like Tunbridge Wells or Faversham
- Properties that still have conventional radiator systems rather than underfloor heating
- Homes where a full radiator upgrade is not in the immediate budget
Daikin Altherma 3 Hybrid is ideal for:
- Homeowners who want to start reducing their gas dependency without a full system overhaul
- Rental properties where a phased approach to decarbonisation makes more financial sense
- Properties where the existing gas infrastructure is relatively new
Daikin Altherma 4 (R290) is ideal for:
- Homeowners prioritising environmental impact as well as running costs
- Anyone building or undertaking a full renovation
- Future-proofed installations ahead of the planned phase-out of new gas boiler sales
Insulation and Heat Pumps
One of the most common questions we hear from Kent homeowners is whether they need to upgrade their insulation first. The short answer is: the better insulated your home is, the more efficient any heat pump will be. A pre-installation survey will check your property’s heat loss figure and confirm whether your current insulation is adequate.
What Are Daikin’s Customer Ratings?
Daikin’s customer ratings across independent review platforms paint a broadly positive picture, with consistently strong scores across thousands of verified UK reviews.
Trustpilot
Daikin UK holds a 4 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot, based on over 2,200 customer reviews. Positive reviews regularly highlight the energy efficiency of the systems, the quality of build, and the helpfulness of the support team.
Some negative reviews focus on the warranty registration process and wait times for service visits, which underlines the importance of choosing an installer who will manage the aftercare process on your behalf.
Which?
Daikin is recognised by Which? as a credible heat pump brand in the UK market. We recommend checking the current Which? heat pump reviews directly, as ratings are updated regularly and will reflect the most recent customer feedback and performance testing data. Their assessments cover reliability, installation ease and running cost accuracy, all of which are strong points for the Altherma range.
When stacked against the Mitsubishi heat pump range, Daikin scores comparably on reliability. The Vaillant arotherm tends to score slightly higher in Which? assessments on ease of installation, though Daikin edges ahead on value for money in several independent comparisons.
Is a Daikin Heat Pump Right for You?
Choosing the right heat pump for your home is a significant decision, and a Daikin heat pump is the right choice for some homeowners, but not necessarily all.
Choose a Daikin Heat Pump If…
- You want a globally trusted brand with nearly 100 years of heating experience behind it
- Your home is reasonably well-insulated, ideally with an EPC rating of C or above
- You have underfloor heating or are willing to upgrade your radiators to larger low-temperature versions
- You want a system with a potential SCOP of over 5.0, especially with the newer Altherma 4 range
- You are keen to take advantage of the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant while it remains available until 2030
- You want flexible warranty options, including the option to secure 5 years at no added cost
- You are a landlord in Kent looking to improve your rental property’s EPC rating and reduce tenant energy costs
- You want a system that is smart grid ready and compatible with cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs
- You are concerned about reliability and want access to a wide UK network of approved service engineers
Do Not Choose a Daikin Heat Pump If…
- Your home has very poor insulation and you are not planning any improvement works in the near future
- Your budget is extremely tight and you cannot stretch to even the post-grant cost of a Daikin unit (in which case, the Cosy 6 heat pump from Octopus Energy may be worth exploring as a lower-cost entry point)
- You need the longest possible warranty as standard without any registration steps (in which case, Samsung or Grant heat pumps may suit you better)
- Your property type or size requires output above 16 kW, where other specialist commercial-grade systems may be more appropriate
Get a Free Air Source Heat Pump Quote in Kent
If this Daikin heat pump review has helped you get closer to a decision, the next step is straightforward. Guscott Heating installs air source heat pumps across Kent, covering areas including Maidstone, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Folkestone, Sevenoaks, Ashford, Sittingbourne, Medway, Faversham, Dover, Deal and the surrounding towns and villages.
Request your free air source heat pump installation quote today.
We only recommend systems we genuinely believe are right for your property, and we will handle the grant application process on your behalf.
There has never been a better time to make the switch. The BUS grant is confirmed until 2030, but availability is limited and installation slots fill quickly, especially in the warmer months when demand rises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Daikin heat pumps work with my existing hot water cylinder?
Daikin Altherma heat pumps work best with a dedicated thermal store or compatible hot water cylinder. In most cases, your existing cylinder will need to be replaced with an unvented cylinder or a Daikin-approved tank, as standard direct-fed cylinders are not compatible with the lower flow temperatures a heat pump produces. Your installer should confirm this during the survey stage before any work begins.
Can a Daikin heat pump heat my home and provide hot water at the same time?
Yes. The Daikin Altherma range is designed to handle both space heating and domestic hot water in a single integrated system. Some models, such as the Altherma 3 R split range, include an indoor unit that connects directly to a hot water cylinder, managing both functions efficiently from one outdoor unit. The system can be programmed to prioritise hot water heating during off-peak electricity periods to keep running costs low.
Will a Daikin heat pump add value to my Kent home?
Research suggests that installing a heat pump can increase property value by around 3%. With EPC ratings becoming increasingly important to buyers and tenants, upgrading from a gas boiler to a heat pump can also push your property’s energy rating up by one or two bands, which is a significant benefit if you are a landlord subject to minimum EPC requirements.
How noisy is a Daikin heat pump?
Daikin Altherma outdoor units typically operate at around 55 to 58 decibels at one metre distance, which is quieter than a standard gas boiler. Most homeowners in Kent report that the outdoor unit is no more noticeable than a quiet refrigerator hum. Daikin also offers a quiet mode on newer models that reduces noise further during evening hours, which is useful if the unit is positioned near a neighbour’s boundary.
Do I need planning permission to install a Daikin heat pump in Kent?
In most cases, air source heat pump installations in Kent are considered permitted development and do not require planning permission, provided the unit meets certain size and placement conditions set out by the local planning authority. There are exceptions for listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties in certain designated zones. Guscott Heating will confirm planning requirements as part of your pre-installation survey and advise you accordingly before any work begins.
