In this Daikin heat pump review, we examine the 2026 Altherma 3 series, highlighting their world-class efficiency and cold-weather resilience for UK homes in Tyne and Wear, Newcastle, and the wider North East.
Homeowners and landlords seeking reliable renewable heating will discover how these air-to-water systems deliver consistent warmth while slashing bills.
Daikin Heat Pump Review: A Quick Overview
Daikin heat pumps, featuring the Altherma 3 range, excel with Japanese innovation and A+++ efficiency, making them a premium choice for sustainable air source heating in the UK’s cooler regions. Here’s a comprehensive review table to give you all the essentials at a glance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Models | Altherma 3 R (4-16kW), Altherma 3 H HT (8-18kW), Altherma 3 M (4-16kW) |
| Efficiency | A+++ rating, SCOP up to 5.43 at 35°C, COP up to 5.25 – up to 543% efficient |
| Unit Costs | £3,100-£9,200 (excl. VAT, installation, grants) |
| Installation Costs | £7,000-£14,000 total (incl. labour, cylinder, upgrades); £7,500 BUS grant eligible |
| Running Costs | £700-£1,200 annually for 3-bedroom home; 50-70% savings vs gas |
| Trustpilot Ratings | 4.0/5 (2,134 reviews) – praised for quiet performance and energy savings |
| Which? Ratings | Positive for efficiency and reliability in comparative tests |
| Maintenance | Annual £150-£300; filter checks quarterly; full service every 1-2 years |
| Best For | 2-5 bedroom homes; suits retrofits and new builds with good insulation |
| Warranty | 3-7 years (extendable to 7 with certified installer) |
| Noise Levels | 38-49dB – among the quietest in class |
| Environmental Impact | R32 or R290 refrigerants (low GWP); reduces CO2 by 50-70% vs fossils |
| Smart Features | Daikin Residential Controller app, scheduling, and solar integration |
For North East residents in Tyne and Wear or Newcastle, get in touch today with Future Heat Ltd for a free air source installation quote tailored to your location – our experts navigate grants and installations seamlessly.
Why You Should Consider a Daikin Heat Pump?
You should consider a Daikin heat pump if you want cutting-edge renewable heating with proven global reliability. Daikin, a Japanese company founded in 1924, is the world’s largest HVAC manufacturer, with the Altherma series air source heat pumps engineered for efficiency in diverse climates, including the UK’s.
Pros & Cons of Daikin Heat Pumps
Pros
- Exceptional efficiency with A+++ ratings and SCOP up to 5.43, maximising savings on energy bills.
- Operates down to -28°C, perfect for harsh North East winters.
- Ultra-quiet at 38dB, ideal for residential peace.
- High flow temperatures up to 70°C for radiator compatibility.
- Smart app integration for easy monitoring and optimisation.
- Strong build quality with positive user feedback on longevity.
Cons
- Higher initial costs than budget options, offset by grants.
- May require home upgrades like insulation for peak performance.
- App can be complex for non-tech users.
- Limited high-temp models compared to some rivals.
What Is the Efficiency of Daikin Heat Pumps?
The efficiency of Daikin heat pumps is outstanding, with A+++ labels and SCOP values reaching 5.43, producing over five times the heat from electricity used. This Seasonal Coefficient of Performance outshines gas boilers by 400-500%, ideal for renewable energy in the North East. The Altherma 3 H HT, for instance, hits COP 5.25 at 35°C flow, suiting underfloor heating.
In practice, expect 50-70% bill cuts at 2026 tariffs, influenced by insulation and local weather. Inverter compressors adjust output dynamically, saving more; solar PV pairing via the app enhances eco-benefits. Review your EPC for tailored air-to-water efficiency.
Daikin Air Source Heat Pump Range of Models
The Daikin air source heat pump range of models spans the Altherma 3 series, providing monobloc and split options for UK flexibility with advanced controls.
Here’s a table detailing the range:
| Model Series | Key Variants | Capacity (kW) | Refrigerant | Flow Temp (°C) | Noise (dB) | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altherma 3 R | Monobloc | 4-16 | R32 | Up to 65 | 38-49 | Standard homes |
| Altherma 3 H HT | High Temp | 8-18 | R32 | Up to 70 | 42-52 | Retrofits |
| Altherma 3 M | Monobloc | 4-16 | R32 | Up to 60 | 40-50 | Compact installs |
Daikin Heat Pumps: Costs
The costs of Daikin heat pumps reflect premium engineering, offering strong value via long-term renewable savings. Units range £3,100-£9,200, with installations £3,900-£4,800, totalling £7,000-£14,000 pre-grants. The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme reduces to £0-£6,500 net. Annual running for average homes is £700-£1,200, saving £400-£600 vs oil.
Here’s a pricing table for key Daikin models:
| Model | Capacity (kW) | Unit Price (excl. VAT) | Estimated Installed Cost (pre-grant) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altherma 3 R | 4-8 | £3,100-£4,500 | £7,000-£9,500 | Small 2-3 bed homes |
| Altherma 3 R | 10-16 | £5,000-£7,500 | £9,000-£12,000 | Family semis |
| Altherma 3 H HT | 8-18 | £6,000-£9,200 | £10,000-£14,000 | Older properties |
Daikin Heat Pumps: Warranty Period
The warranty on Daikin heat pumps is 3-7 years, extending to 7 years with a certified installer. This covers parts and labour, ensuring durability for your air source system. Annual maintenance is key, and Future Heat Ltd in the North East can maximise it.
Property Best Suited for Daikin Heat Pumps
Daikin heat pumps are best suited for 2-5 bedroom well-insulated semis or detached homes, thriving with underfloor or radiator systems. They suit new builds or retrofits in Newcastle, handling small commercials. Landlords in Tyne and Wear value their cold tolerance. Poor insulation needs assessment.
Customer Ratings for Daikin Heat Pumps
The ratings for Daikin heat pumps underscore reliability and efficiency.
Trustpilot Ratings for Daikin Heat Pumps
Trustpilot ratings for Daikin average 4.0/5 from 2,134 reviews, commending quietness and bill savings.
Which? Ratings for Daikin Heat Pumps
Which? ratings highlight Daikin’s efficiency and cold-weather prowess in tests.
Daikin vs Other Brands
Daikin heat pumps dominate with cold resilience and efficiency, but comparisons reveal fits for North East users. This aids internal links.
Daikin vs Cosy 6 (Octopus Energy)
The Cosy 6 is an entry-level unit designed for mass adoption. While the Cosy 6 offers deep integration with Octopus smart tariffs, Daikin provides significantly better build quality and higher efficiency (SCOP), especially in the sub-zero temperatures typical of a Newcastle winter.
Daikin vs Aira
Aira is a new Swedish challenger offering a sleek design and a unique 15-year “Comfort Guarantee.” However, Daikin has a much wider range of hardware, including high-temperature models that Aira currently lacks, making Daikin the safer choice for older North East retrofits.
Daikin vs Panasonic
Panasonic’s Aquarea range is a formidable rival, often matching Daikin on efficiency. However, Daikin’s Altherma 3 H HT is generally considered the quieter unit, which is a major factor for homeowners in densely populated areas like Gateshead or Sunderland.
Daikin vs Nibe
Nibe is the “engineer’s choice” for high-end, complex systems. While Nibe offers incredible control depth, Daikin’s user interface and app are more accessible for the average homeowner, and Daikin parts are generally easier to source in the UK.
Daikin vs Samsung
Samsung offers some of the most compact units (Mono HT Quiet). While Samsung is often more budget-friendly, Daikin’s long-term reliability and specialised focus on HVAC (versus Samsung’s broad electronics range) give it an edge in longevity.
Daikin vs Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Ecodan is the UK’s market leader. Comparing the two, Daikin often wins on aesthetics and low-noise operation, whereas Mitsubishi is praised for its “tried and tested” simplicity and massive installer network.
Daikin vs Viessmann
Viessmann’s Vitocal range is exceptionally well-built with German precision. However, Daikin’s Altherma range is often more cost-effective for the average semi-detached home without sacrificing any meaningful performance.
Daikin vs Worcester Bosch
Worcester Bosch is the UK’s most trusted boiler brand, and their heat pumps are gaining ground. However, Daikin has been manufacturing heat pumps for decades longer, leading to more refined “Inverter” technology and higher efficiency ratings.
Daikin vs Hitachi
Hitachi heat pumps are known for their “Tropical” heritage, meaning they are incredibly robust. Daikin, however, offers a better “smart home” experience through the Onecta app and generally higher seasonal efficiency for the UK’s damp climate.
Daikin vs LG
LG Therma V units are packed with high-tech features and smart diagnostics. While LG heat pumps are a strong contender on price, Daikin’s anti-corrosion protection is superior, making it the better choice for properties near the North Sea coast.
Daikin vs Vaillant
Vaillant’s aroTHERM Plus is a fan favourite for its use of R290 (Propane) refrigerant. Daikin is currently catching up in the natural refrigerant space, but their current Altherma 3 range remains more versatile for high-temperature applications.
Daikin vs Midea
Midea is the value leader, offering A+++ efficiency at a lower price point. While Midea is excellent for those on a budget, Daikin offers a more premium finish, quieter operation, and a longer established UK support infrastructure.
Is a Daikin Heat Pump Worth It?
A Daikin heat pump is worth it for advanced, efficient renewables, but evaluate your needs. This guide helps decide.
Choose Daikin if:
- Cold winters demand -28°C operation in your North East home.
- A+++ SCOP 5.43 for 50-70% savings appeals.
- Smart controls and quiet 38dB fit your lifestyle.
- Grants and insulation align for retrofits.
Don’t choose Daikin if:
- Budget prioritises cheaper brands.
- Basic features suffice; overkill for small setups.
- No upgrades planned – efficiency needs support.
- Extreme quiet is vital; some rivals are lower.
Request Your Air Source Heat Pump Quote From Future Heat
Ready to upgrade your home with a heat pump? Future Heat provides expert air source heat pump installations across Tyne and Wear, Newcastle, and the wider North East. Whether you are a homeowner or a landlord, we offer expert advice and local service you can trust.
Get in touch with Future Heat today for a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Daikin’s App Enhance Heat Pump Use?
Daikin’s Residential Controller app allows voice control via Alexa and real-time energy tracking, optimising for North East tariffs.
Can Daikin Heat Pumps Provide Cooling in Summer?
Yes, reversible Daikin models offer cooling via fan coils, providing year-round comfort in milder UK summers.
What Refrigerant Options Does Daikin Offer?
Daikin uses R32 for standard and R290 for eco-models, balancing efficiency with low GWP for future regulations.
How Do Daikin Units Perform in High Humidity?
Daikin’s anti-corrosion coatings and dehumidification modes maintain efficiency in damp North East conditions.
Are Daikin Heat Pumps Eligible for ECO4 Funding?
Daikin qualifies for ECO4 alongside BUS, potentially fully funding installs for low-income North East households.
Jamie Maguire is Managing Director at Future Heat Ltd, the UK-based renewable energy company specialising in heat pumps, solar panels and energy-efficient boiler solutions. He leads the company’s strategic vision to decarbonise homes and businesses across the UK by delivering innovative, sustainable heating and power systems. Jamie is passionate about shaping the future of energy, supporting communities and empowering teams of skilled engineers to deliver lasting value and carbon reductions nationwide.
