The brands. Both are high-end brands in the cooling world, but how do their key features and trademark technology compare? EfficiencySome heat pumps use less energy than others to deliver the same level of comfort. If you want to cool or heat specific rooms with better efficiency and less clutter than window ACs and space heatersand less complexity than central HVACconsider a mini-split system. Even in the perfect location, mini-split indoor units take up a chunk of wall space and theyre not the most attractive things in the world, as we heard separately from two friends who recently installed them. Daikin 1FDYQ125KA-KV. If yours is an older home, its always a good idea to upgrade your insulation and seal any air leaks, regardless of how you heat it. She holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Relations and English Literature and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Queensland. If you live in a warm climate, pay closer attention to the SEER. Good enough for a small room, but tougher in larger ones. Conversely, some but not all heat pumps are also available as mini-splits. Contractors who bid on your job should calculate the required heating and cooling capacity using a recognized method, such as one found in the ACCAs Residential Load Calculation Manual, also called Manual J. Heat pumps heat more gently than other systemsits a constant trickle of warm air, rather than blasts of heat every few hours. (Though dont forget, heat pumps also provide cooling.) Daikin Premium Inverter FDYA140AV1 / RZAS140CV1 (Priced around $4,999) Rated Capacity: 14kW Cooling Capacity Range: 5-16kW Total Rated Input Power: 3.93kW, this means if your electricity cost is $0.26per kWh this unit will cost you $1.02 per hour to run when the unit is running at it's rated capacity of 14kW. Cool, that offer models that are marketed for DIY installation. So anything you do to heat more efficiently, and with cleaner sources of energy, will go a long way toward making your home more sustainable. The ideal temperature to set your air con to is 25 degrees. This model is approved under the Sensitive Choice Program by the National Asthma Council Australia. Models marketed as cold-climate heat pumps can work to their full potential all the way down to 5 F and may deliver some heat even down to -20 F or lower. The way a mini-split disperses air is better than a window unit or a portable AC. The most efficient models have a SEER of 33.1 or an HSPF of 14. title: "" The Daikin Cora (2.5kW) Split System features an Intelligent Eye human sensor that ensures draught-free cooling for people in each room and turns the unit off when its unoccupied. You probably dont have a ton of choice on which exact pieces of equipment you needthats determined mostly by your homes size, climate, and the heating and cooling needs youre addressing. All air-source heat pumps struggle to perform as temperatures drop; the space they can effectively heat shrinks, and they dont work as efficiently. Heat pumps are still a niche product in colder parts of the country (though that is changing quickly), so green-energy resource groups might be able to help you find a contractor who is familiar with the technology and knows how to install a good system. But good insulation is especially beneficial in homes that use heat pumps. Sponsored products are clearly disclosed as suchon website pages. Panasonic shares the advantage of being a stable, global brand, but it has disadvantages relative to its other mainstream North American competitors. Such scores are higher than Trane's 14-20 SEER scores, which means Daikin's heat pump's cooling abilities are more proficient in colder environments than Trane's. Some indoor units can also be mounted on the floor or recessed into a ceiling. The Ambi Climate 2 is the most in-depth of the three. Its convenient, but it lacks some of the basic mini-split controls, like adjusting air direction, which the Ambi provides. Its either on or off. This is a multi-thousand-dollar job, but wed advise this even for simpler workit really gives you a clear sense of what the market for this work is like and often helps you weed out options youre less comfortable with, giving you the confidence to commit to the best place available. With the system split between an indoor and outdoor unit, the only noise in the room is the fan needed to move air. The higher the number, the colder the winters. Your house is poorly insulated, or leaky. Two-stage unit Pros It's leading and trusted HVAC brand Daikin maintains and regulates both fresh air and temperatures effectively Includes a five-year warranty Energy-efficient heating and cooling Some Dalkin models have 6+ star ratings Discreet but stylish designs Quit soft noise Smart technologies like Wi-Fi and sensors Another downside to window units, De Stasio said, is that every time that air conditioner shuts off and stays off for 20 minutes, youre not doing any kind of dehumidification. Since the mini-splits variable speed can dial down to near zero once the target temperature is reached, its actually at its most efficient when you leave it at the setting you find comfortablewin-win. This model comes with multiple operating modes, the brands signature Nanoe X air purification technology, iAUTO-X technology for optimum cooling and energy efficiency, Wi-Fi connectivity via the Panasonic Comfort Cloud app, and support with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Are you looking for a new aircon? The table position of a Sponsored product does not indicate any ranking or rating by Canstar. You need to replace your central AC (or add new built-in air conditioning). De Stasio told us a typical single-unit install costs roughly $3,000-$5,000, but if youre looking to create a whole-house systemwhich needs multiple indoor units and a larger outdoor unit to support themit can start getting cost-prohibitive. Equipment manufacturers can give you a bit of a head start: You can search for a qualified contractor in your area at the sites of Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitsu, Panasonic, LG, and other makers. We like that you can also control the AC unit directly from the puck, which you cant do with the Ambi. Who you hire to install a mini-split system is as critical and difficult a decision as choosing the equipment itself. Also th Panasonic we get here is a premium inverter, and has a wider operating range from the lowest capacity to the highest compared to the Daikin. They can also add air conditioning to a high traffic area like a kitchen or living room, or even a room where you just might want a little extra temperature control like a nursery. A heat pump heats and cools your home, functioning like a combined furnace and central air conditioner. You live somewhere with heat pump subsidies. Another winning feature in the Daikin range is an automatic self-cleaning filter which removes dust to maintain the airflow and reduce power consumption. Ducted Air Conditioning is an ideal solution for cooling or heating in larger areas for greater comfort. A contractor can help you figure out whether this makes sense in your home. The minimum federal standards are all set to increase in early 2023 to a SEER of no less than 14 in northern regions, and 15 in southern regions, as well as a minimum HSPF of 8.8. Plus, we offer advice on how to make the most of your heat pump once its installed. Great Air. Among air-to-air heat pumps, two types are most common in residential homes. It involves electrical work, plumbing, checking for refrigerant leaks, and drilling a 3 -inch hole through the side of your house (and another one for the electrical line). We evaluated the options by looking broadly at the characteristics common to the brands as a wholecomparing things like warranty, aesthetic options, smart features, and other factors that would make a meaningful impact if we were shopping for ourselves. The pucks can be wall mounted or stand alone and look like miniature Nest units though they arent as substantial. Great features with the standard AC but even better with the connected iZone functionality. It features multiple operating modes (including timers, eco and whisper quiet), good energy efficiency, advanced air purification with Nanoe X technology, and smart connectivity via the Comfort Cloud app. I can count on one hand how many replacement parts I've had to put on a Mitsubishi mini-split system, De Stasio said. The most practical choice for heating or cooling large air conditioning remains a challenge. The only caveat: Leaky, uninsulated ducts are bad for any heating system, but especially for heat pumps (more on that below). Its designed to run almost constantly, adjusting itself over time to deliver only as much heating or cooling as it takes to keep your home comfortable. A ducted heat pump can be connected to the existing ductwork to provide whole-home heating and cooling. In addition, a long-life Ion Deodorisation Filter removes any odours such as smoke or the lingering reminders of last night's curry. Your contractor should also scope out a proper location for the outdoor unit. The 5-zone unit our Hawaii friend installed required a dedicated 40 A breaker for its 230-volt service, and his installation crew used a licensed electrical sub-contractor for the work, adding cost. The ability to go down to 3.3kW is very good, because it spends a lot of it's time under 5kw (inferred from a 1.5kW power draw). And sources we spoke to said whole-house heat pumps for cold climates can easily cost more than $10,000. These strips use a ton of energy, but theyre very inexpensive to install and maintain, and its a cost-effective way to get through short cold snaps. The Panasonic Z XKR Series range also comes with a compact and moderndesign, making it a great fit for any home. Representing a good mid-range option, the Panasonic Z XKR Series (3.5kW/4.0kW) Reverse Cycle Split System features multiple operating modes, an energy-efficient cooling setup, and an advanced air purification system. Its basically a boxy rectangle, or, as one owner put it, a big stupid plastic giant lunchbox thing on your wall. Some manufacturers offer a variety of colors, at least, and LG seems to be hearing these complaints with models like their Art Cool Mirror line. You want to add heat to a chilly room. The Panasonic Z XKR Series (8.0kW/9.0kW) Wi-Fi Reverse Cycle Split System is suitable for larger rooms and likely capable of handling a familys needs. If the room is empty for 20 minutes, it will adjust to an energy-saving setting and then return to its original setting when someone re-enters the room. You live in an extremely cold climate. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). Make plans for maintenance: Mini-split maintenance is usually minimal but is also best done by an HVAC technician, at least until you watch them enough times to know the ins and outs yourself.