Choosing between a Daikin or Vaillant heat pump is a choice between two of the most trusted names in home heating. Daikin is the Japanese air conditioning giant with decades of heat pump know how, while Vaillant is the German heating specialist that many UK homeowners already know from their boiler.
Both make excellent air source heat pumps that qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant. The right one for you depends on your home, your budget and what matters most to you, whether that is the lowest price, the quietest unit or the best fit for an older property.
At Guscott Heating, we install air source heat pumps for homeowners and landlords across Kent and the South East. In this Daikin vs Vaillant heat pump guide, we provide a comparison of their costs, performance, reliability and warranties to help you decide.
Daikin vs Vaillant Heat Pump: Key Facts
Daikin and Vaillant both offer established air source heat pump ranges, but they differ in pricing, refrigerant options and available models. Vaillant may appeal to homeowners prioritising newer refrigerant technology and higher flow temperatures, while Daikin offers a broad choice of systems at different price points. The table below compares their most popular models to help you decide which brand best suits your home.
| Key fact | Daikin | Vaillant |
| Founded | 1924, Osaka, Japan | 1874, Remscheid, Germany |
| Best known for | World leading air conditioning and heat pumps | Boilers and home heating |
| Popular air source models | Altherma 3 R, Altherma 3 H HT, Altherma 4 | aroTHERM plus |
| Refrigerant | R32 on most Altherma 3 models, R290 on newer models | R290 (natural refrigerant) |
| Maximum water temperature | Up to around 65°C (standard), up to 70°C or more on high temperature models | Up to around 75°C |
| Efficiency rating | Up to A+++ for low temperature heating | Up to A+++ for low temperature heating |
| Typical SCOP (low temperature) | Up to around 4.5 to 5 | Up to around 4.5 to 5 |
| Cold weather operation | Down to around minus 25°C | Down to around minus 20°C |
| Noise | Quiet, varies by model and size | Known as one of the quieter units available |
| Typical installed cost before grant | Around £8,000 to £14,000 | Around £9,000 to £15,000 |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme eligible | Yes, £7,500 | Yes, £7,500 |
| Warranty | Varies by model and installer scheme, extended cover available through approved installers | Varies by model and installer scheme, extended cover available through approved installers |
| Smart controls | Onecta app, Madoka controller | myVAILLANT app, sensoCOMFORT controller |
| Monobloc and split options | Both widely available | Mainly monobloc (aroTHERM plus), split available |
| Which? rating | [Add current Which? score] | [Add current Which? score] |
| Trustpilot rating | [Add current Trustpilot score] | [Add current Trustpilot score] |
Costs, warranty terms and ratings change over time, so always check the latest details for the exact model you are considering. Installed costs are typical ranges for an average three bedroom home and depend on your property.
Get expert advice on Daikin and Vaillant heat pumps in Kent. Guscott Heating provides air source heat pump installation across Kent and the wider South East. We will survey your home, recommend the right brand and model for your property and give you a clear price with the £7,500 grant already taken off. Request your free heat pump estimate today.
Daikin vs Vaillant Heat Pump: Which Is Better?
The best choice between Daikin and Vaillant depends on your property, budget and heating requirements. Both brands offer efficient air source heat pumps, but Daikin may appeal to homeowners looking for competitive pricing and a wide choice of models, while Vaillant is worth considering if you prioritise quiet operation and compatibility with higher-temperature heating systems, including some older radiator setups.
Why Choose Daikin Heat Pumps
Daikin is one of the biggest names in heating and cooling in the world. The company was founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1924 by Akira Yamada, originally making radiator tubes. In 1951 it produced Japan’s first packaged air conditioner, and it has since grown into the world’s largest air conditioning manufacturer by sales. Daikin has operated in Europe since the early 1970s, with its European headquarters in Ostend, Belgium.
Daikin launched its Altherma air to water heat pump range in Europe in 2006, and Altherma models are now among the most widely installed heat pumps in the UK. The range is huge, covering monobloc and split systems, high temperature models for older homes, hybrid systems and indoor units with a built in hot water cylinder. Heat pumps sold in Europe are largely made in Daikin’s European factories.
Pros & Cons of Daikin
| Pros | Cons |
| Often slightly cheaper to buy and install | Most Altherma 3 models use R32, which has a higher climate impact than R290 |
| Very wide range, including split, monobloc and high temperature models | Standard models reach lower maximum water temperatures than Vaillant |
| Decades of heat pump and air conditioning experience | The range can feel confusing because there are so many options |
| Strong cold weather performance, down to around minus 25°C | Some models are a little louder than the quietest competitors |
| Stylish design, with the distinctive black fronted Altherma 3 R | Best warranty terms depend on using an approved installer |
Should You Choose Daikin?
Choose Daikin if:
- You want a reliable, well proven heat pump at a competitive price.
- You need a split system because the outdoor unit must sit away from the house.
- You like the idea of an all in one indoor unit with a built in hot water cylinder.
- Your home is reasonably well insulated and suits a standard flow temperature.
Do not choose Daikin if:
- You specifically want a natural R290 refrigerant on a budget model.
- Your older home needs very hot radiators and you want to avoid any radiator upgrades.
- Low noise is your top priority and your unit will sit close to a neighbour’s window.
Why Choose Vaillant Heat Pumps
Vaillant is one of Europe’s oldest heating brands. Johann Vaillant founded the company in Remscheid, Germany, in 1874, and in 1894 he patented a closed system gas water heater that changed home heating. The famous hare logo dates back to the late 1890s. Today Vaillant Group is still family owned and also includes the Glow worm and Saunier Duval brands, with a long established UK presence.
Many UK homeowners know Vaillant from their boiler, and the company has put heat pumps at the centre of its future. Its aroTHERM plus air source heat pump, launched in the UK in 2021, uses the natural refrigerant R290 and can heat water to around 75°C. It has become one of the most popular heat pumps installed in UK homes.
Pros & Cons of Vaillant
| Pros | Cons |
| Uses R290, a natural refrigerant with a very low climate impact | Usually a little more expensive than equivalent Daikin models |
| Reaches up to around 75°C, ideal for older homes and radiators | A smaller range, mainly built around the aroTHERM plus |
| Known for very quiet operation | Fewer split system options than Daikin |
| A familiar, trusted name thanks to its boilers | Best warranty terms depend on using an approved installer |
| Simple, well regarded myVAILLANT app and controls | Monobloc units must sit close enough to the house for water pipes |
Should You Choose Vaillant?
Choose Vaillant if:
- You live in an older or period home and want to keep more of your existing radiators.
- You want a natural refrigerant that is better for the environment and future proof.
- Low noise matters, for example in a terraced street or close to neighbours.
- You already have a Vaillant boiler and like the brand.
Do not choose Vaillant if:
- Keeping upfront cost as low as possible is your main goal.
- Your property needs a split system with the outdoor unit placed well away from the house.
- You want the widest choice of indoor units and system types.
Daikin vs Vaillant Heat Pump: Key Differences
The Daikin vs Vaillant heat pump key differences come down to refrigerant, maximum water temperature, noise, price and product range, as both brands are very evenly matched on efficiency and reliability. Here is a closer look at each area, with our verdict on which brand comes out on top.
Efficiency
Daikin and Vaillant heat pumps are both highly efficient. Their main air source models achieve the top A+++ energy rating for low temperature heating and seasonal efficiency (SCOP) figures of up to around 4.5 to 5 in test conditions. In simple terms, that means you could get four to five units of heat for every unit of electricity you pay for.
In real homes, the difference between the two brands is tiny. The things that matter far more are how well the system is designed, whether the radiators are sized correctly and how the controls are set up. A well installed Daikin will always outperform a badly installed Vaillant, and the other way round.
Winner: Draw. Both are excellent, and installation quality matters more than the badge.
Performance in Cold Weather
Both brands keep working well in cold weather, far below anything Kent normally experiences. Daikin’s Altherma 3 range can operate in temperatures down to around minus 25°C, while the Vaillant aroTHERM plus is designed to work down to around minus 20°C. Kent and the South East are among the mildest parts of the UK, so on a frosty morning in Ashford (TN23) or Sevenoaks (TN13), either heat pump will have plenty in reserve.
Winner: Daikin, by a small margin on paper, although you are unlikely to notice any difference in Kent.
Maximum Water Temperature for Older Homes
This is one of the biggest differences between the two. The Vaillant aroTHERM plus can heat water to around 75°C, close to what a gas boiler produces. Standard Daikin Altherma 3 R models reach around 65°C, although Daikin’s dedicated high temperature models, such as the Altherma 3 H HT, can reach 70°C or more.
Higher temperatures matter in older homes with smaller radiators, such as Victorian terraces in Canterbury (CT2) or Edwardian homes in Tunbridge Wells (TN2). A unit that can run hotter may mean fewer radiator upgrades, saving money and disruption.
Winner: Vaillant, for its high temperatures across the standard aroTHERM plus range.
Noise Levels
Both brands make quiet heat pumps, but Vaillant has built a strong reputation for low noise. The aroTHERM plus is often singled out as one of the quietest air source heat pumps on the market, which helps in terraced streets and close knit neighbourhoods across Medway, Thanet and Dartford. Daikin units are also quiet in normal use, with noise varying by model and size.
To count as permitted development in England, a heat pump must meet a noise limit of 42 decibels at your neighbour’s nearest window, and both brands can comfortably meet this when positioned correctly.
Winner: Vaillant.
Refrigerant and Environmental Impact
The refrigerant is the fluid that carries heat round the system. Vaillant uses R290, a natural refrigerant better known as propane, which has a global warming potential of just 3. Most Daikin Altherma 3 models use R32, which has a global warming potential of 675. That is far lower than older refrigerants, but much higher than R290. Daikin now offers R290 in newer models, such as the Altherma 4, so the gap is closing.
European rules are steadily pushing manufacturers towards natural refrigerants, so R290 is widely seen as the more future proof choice.
Winner: Vaillant.
Reliability and Build Quality
Daikin and Vaillant are both known for reliable, well built products and have large UK support networks for parts and servicing. Daikin brings decades of experience from making millions of air conditioning and heat pump units worldwide. Vaillant brings almost 150 years of heating experience and a strong UK service network built on its boiler business.
In our experience, reliability depends mostly on correct installation, commissioning and annual servicing rather than the brand.
Winner: Draw.
Installation and Running Costs
A Daikin heat pump is often slightly cheaper to buy and install. As a rough guide for a typical three bedroom home, a Daikin system might cost around £8,000 to £14,000 before the grant, compared with around £9,000 to £15,000 for Vaillant. After the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, many homeowners pay somewhere between £500 and £7,500 for either brand.
| Cost | Daikin | Vaillant |
| Typical installed cost before grant | £8,000 to £14,000 | £9,000 to £15,000 |
| Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant | £7,500 | £7,500 |
| Typical cost after grant | £500 to £6,500 | £1,500 to £7,500 |
| VAT on installation | 0% (until at least March 2027) | 0% (until at least March 2027) |
| Approx. yearly running cost, standard tariff | Around £740 | Around £740 |
| Approx. yearly running cost, heat pump tariff | Around £430 | Around £430 |
| Annual service | Around £100 to £200 | Around £100 to £200 |
Installed costs are rough guides for a typical three bedroom home. The running costs are illustrative and assume:
- about 10,000 kWh of heat a year
- a SCOP of around 3.5
- electricity at around 26p per kWh, or around 15p per kWh on a heat pump tariff
Actual bills depend mainly on your home’s insulation, how well the system is designed and your electricity tariff.
Running costs are very similar because both brands are equally efficient. Your bills will depend far more on your home’s insulation, your system design and your electricity tariff.
Winner: Daikin, for a slightly lower upfront cost in many cases.
Warranty and Aftercare
Both brands offer a standard manufacturer warranty, with longer cover available when the heat pump is fitted and registered by one of their approved installers. Daikin runs its own installer programmes, and Vaillant offers extended cover through its Vaillant Advance installer network. The exact length of cover depends on the model, the installer and whether you keep up annual servicing.
Winner: Draw. Always ask your installer to confirm the warranty in writing for your exact model.
Smart Controls and Apps
Both brands offer modern smart controls. Daikin uses the Onecta app and the Madoka wired controller, while Vaillant uses the myVAILLANT app and sensoCOMFORT controller. Both let you change temperatures, set schedules and check energy use from your phone. Many users find the myVAILLANT app slightly simpler to get to grips with, which can be handy for landlords handing a system over to tenants.
Winner: Vaillant, narrowly, for ease of use.
Product Range and Flexibility
Daikin has the much wider range. It offers monobloc and split systems, high temperature models, hybrids and all in one indoor units with a built in hot water cylinder, which can save space in smaller homes. Vaillant’s range is more focused, built mainly around the aroTHERM plus monobloc in several sizes, along with matching cylinders and an all in one indoor unit.
Winner: Daikin.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
Both brands are widely reviewed by UK homeowners, and customer ratings on sites such as Which? and Trustpilot can change over time. When comparing reviews, remember that many complaints about heat pumps relate to poor installation rather than the product itself, so installer reviews are just as important as brand reviews.
Winner: Draw. Check the latest scores for both brands before you decide.
Design and Appearance
The Daikin Altherma 3 R stands out with its distinctive black front grille, which many people find modern and stylish. The Vaillant aroTHERM plus has a clean, light grey finish that blends in easily against most walls.
Winner: Draw. This one comes down to personal taste.
Ready to Choose Between Daikin and Vaillant for Your Home?
Deciding between Daikin and Vaillant air source heat pumps starts with finding the right system for your property. Guscott Heating offers free online heat pump estimates to help you compare your options, understand the likely installation costs and choose a solution that suits your home’s heating requirements and budget.
Request your free online heat pump estimate today and find out which system could be right for your property.
We can also explain how the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant could reduce your installation costs, subject to eligibility.
Guscott Heating provides expert air source heat pump installation across Kent and the wider South East of England, helping homeowners and landlords find suitable alternatives to traditional gas and oil heating systems.
Whether you are replacing an existing boiler or upgrading the heating in a rental property, our team can help you explore the available options and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Daikin and Vaillant Heat Pumps Last?
Daikin and Vaillant heat pumps typically last around 15 to 20 years when installed correctly and serviced once a year. That is longer than the average gas boiler, which usually lasts 10 to 15 years. Keeping the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris also helps it last.
What Size Daikin or Vaillant Heat Pump Do I Need?
The size of Daikin or Vaillant heat pump you need depends on how much heat your home loses, which is worked out with a room by room heat loss calculation. The Vaillant aroTHERM plus comes in 3.5, 5, 7, 10 and 12 kW sizes, and the Daikin Altherma 3 R comes in sizes from around 4 kW upwards. Most three bedroom homes need somewhere between 5 and 10 kW.
Do I Need to Match My Heat Pump Brand to My Existing Boiler?
You do not need to match your heat pump brand to your existing boiler. A Vaillant boiler can be replaced with a Daikin heat pump, and a Worcester Bosch or Baxi boiler can be replaced with a Vaillant heat pump. The heat pump replaces the boiler entirely, so the old brand makes no difference.
Can I Use a Different Brand of Hot Water Cylinder?
You can usually use a different brand of hot water cylinder, as long as it is designed for heat pumps and has a large enough heating coil. However, using the manufacturer’s matching cylinder can make setup simpler and may be needed for some extended warranties, so check the terms before you mix brands.
Do Daikin and Vaillant Heat Pumps Work With Solar Panels?
Daikin and Vaillant heat pumps both work well with solar panels. Free electricity from your roof can power the heat pump during the day, especially for heating hot water, which cuts running costs further. Many models can be set up to make the most of surplus solar power, and adding a battery lets you store it for the evening.
