Daikin Review UK (2026)
Quick Answer
Japanese heat-pump specialist with the widest UK air-source range, strong hybrid and HT variants.
Data verified April 2026. UK installed pricing varies with installer, site and package.
At a Glance
| Origin | Japan (founded 1924), global leader in heat pumps and air conditioning |
| UK support | Very strong, large UK office, Daikin Sustainable Home Centre, extensive installer network |
| Capacity / sizing | 4 kW – 16 kW (Altherma 3 range) |
| SCOP | 4.2–4.7 depending on model and conditions (Altherma 3 R, A7/W35) |
| Warranty | 3 years standard; extendable to 7 years via accredited installer |
| Indicative UK price | £9,500–£14,500 installed before BUS grant |
Strengths
- Widest range of models, low-temp (LT), high-temp (HT), hybrid gas-boiler backup variants available
- Hybrid options (Altherma 3 H HT) suit older UK homes needing 70°C+ capability without a full retrofit
- Excellent app (ONECTA) and third-party integration (Home Assistant community)
- Monobloc and split options, flexible install
Weaknesses
- Standard warranty is shorter than Vaillant (3 vs 5 years)
- R32 still used on much of the range, lower GWP than older refrigerants but not as low as R290
- Premium pricing on HT and hybrid variants
Who Daikin Suits Best
Older UK homes needing higher flow temperatures, or homeowners wanting a hybrid setup that keeps a gas boiler for cold snaps.
When to Avoid
You want the longest standard warranty, Vaillant edges ahead via G.A.S. accreditation.
Popular Models
- Altherma 3 R (monobloc, R32)
- Altherma 3 M (monobloc mid-range)
- Altherma 3 H HT (high-temp, hybrid)
- Altherma 3 R MT (medium-temp monobloc R32)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Daikin Altherma cost in the UK?
Daikin Altherma 3 installations typically cost £9,500–£14,500 before the £7,500 BUS grant. Hybrid and high-temp variants (Altherma 3 H HT) sit at the higher end.
What's the difference between Altherma 3 R, M, and H HT?
Altherma 3 R is the standard monobloc (R32, low-temp, most homes). Altherma 3 M is a mid-range monobloc. Altherma 3 H HT is a high-temperature model suited to older homes with existing radiators, and is available as a hybrid with a gas boiler.
Is Daikin on the BUS grant list?
Yes. All Daikin Altherma 3 variants qualify for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme when installed by an MCS-certified installer.
Does Daikin make a hybrid heat pump?
Yes, the Altherma 3 H HT Hybrid combines the heat pump with a gas boiler. The boiler only runs on cold days when the heat pump becomes less efficient, reducing running costs for larger or poorly-insulated homes.
Compare with Other Heat Pump Brands
| Brand | UK support | Warranty | Indicative price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vaillant | Strong, large UK installer and service network, significant G.A.S. partnership | 5 years standard; up to 10 years via accredited installer (G.A.S.) | £9,000–£14,000 installed before BUS grant (-£7,500) | View → |
| Mitsubishi Ecodan | Very strong, largest installer base of any ASHP brand in the UK | 7 years standard on accredited installs (Mitsubishi Electric Hybrid+ programme) | £9,000–£13,500 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| NIBE | Strong, UK office plus VIP+ installer network (extended warranty programme) | 5 years standard; up to 10 years via VIP+ accredited installer | £10,000–£15,000 installed before BUS grant (air source); significantly more for ground source with boreholes | View → |
| Grant Aerona | Strong in rural UK and off-gas areas, established oil-boiler heritage and installer base | 7 years on the Aerona R290 with registration | £8,500–£13,500 installed before BUS grant (-£7,500) | View → |
| Viessmann Vitocal | Established UK office and trained installer network, strong technical support | 5 years standard; extendable via accredited installers | £9,500–£14,500 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Panasonic Aquarea | Good UK distribution and installer network, established air conditioning heritage | 5 years standard; up to 7 via accredited installers | £8,500–£13,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Samsung EHS | Growing UK installer network, established air conditioning presence | 5 years standard; up to 7 via accredited installers | £8,000–£12,500 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| LG Therma V | Growing UK network, established HVAC and air conditioning presence | 5 years standard; up to 7 via accredited installers | £8,500–£13,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Aira | Direct Aira-employed installers and aftercare, not a traditional dealer network | Long warranty and performance guarantee as part of the Aira package | Upfront from around £6,500 net after grant, or a monthly subscription | View → |
| Bosch Compress | Strong, leans on the large Worcester Bosch heating installer base in the UK | Up to 7 years via accredited installers | £9,000–£14,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Ideal Heating | Strong UK manufacturing base and a large existing boiler installer network | Up to 7 years via accredited installers | £8,500–£13,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
| Midea | Growing UK distribution; Midea also manufactures units badged by other brands | 5 years standard; extendable via accredited installers | £7,500–£12,000 installed before BUS grant | View → |
Get a Quote Including Daikin
Most MCS-certified installers carry multiple heat pump brands — ask for a quote specifying Daikin if you want a heat pump from this brand. Use the form below to reach local installers.
Sources
John Rooney is the founder of Solar Info and has been covering the UK solar energy market since 2023. He researches every battery and inverter brand against manufacturer datasheets, MCS and Ofgem data, and feedback from the MCS-certified installers in our directory before publishing.