Should you buy a Daikin or Mitsubishi aircon?

Daikin vs Mitsubishi aircon: compare like with like

For an HDB flat, compare one model from each maker at the same cooling capacity and system type, then check the same five points for both. If you are deciding on Daikin or Mitsubishi, work out the capacity each room needs first, then shortlist a matching wall-mounted single split or multi-split from each range.

Two of the checks come from the National Environment Agency (NEA): its Energy Label and its refrigerant limit for split-type household aircons. Both apply whatever the brand.

Once two models match on these points, their quotes become a fair comparison.

Energy Label and refrigerant

NEA's Energy Label shows 1 to 5 ticks, and more ticks means a more energy-efficient model. The label covers household aircons, clothes dryers and other appliances, and only registered models may be supplied in Singapore. Read the ticks for the exact model on each quote rather than for the brand as a whole.

NEA's tips on buying energy-efficient appliances suggest comparing the life-cycle cost, which is the purchase price plus the running cost over the years of use, not only the price tag. NEA also suggests choosing the more efficient model with more ticks. If you are weighing two ratings, the 5-tick vs 3-tick aircon comparison looks at that choice in more detail.

Refrigerant is the other check. Since 2022, NEA's refrigerant rules have required split-type household aircons supplied in Singapore to use a refrigerant with a GWP of no more than 750. Goods supplied before then are not affected. Check the refrigerant named on each model's spec sheet.

Warranty terms

Compare each maker's own warranty documents, not a showroom summary.

Daikin's published warranty terms give a general warranty of 15 months from the date of delivery or 12 months from the date of installation, whichever is earlier, as set out on the warranty certificate. The hermetically sealed compressor is covered for a further period stated on the certificate. Daikin repairs or replaces defective parts free of charge, provided the aircon has been properly installed, used and maintained.

For a Mitsubishi Electric model, read the warranty card for that specific model.

When you compare quotes, ask each seller which certificate or card comes with the model, and keep it once the unit is installed. The aircon warranty explained guide covers how warranty terms work in more detail.

Servicing and error codes

Mitsubishi Electric's FAQs say that if the indoor unit has no power, you should check the power supply source for a trip. For poor cooling, the same FAQs say the air filters, line flow fan or cooling coil may be dirty. They also say the latest Starmex series of wall-mounted indoor units come with a Microparticle Catching Filter that can filter PM2.5 particles, so ask about it if you are comparing Mitsubishi Electric models.

If a Daikin unit displays an error code, look it up in the Daikin aircon error codes guide before you book a visit, and give the code to your servicing company.

Installation in an HDB flat

The same installer standard applies whichever brand you choose. HDB's guidelines for air-conditioner installation works say air-conditioners must be installed by a BCA-trained air-conditioning condensing unit installer, and an installation report must be submitted to the HDB Branch within 14 days after installation. Ask your installer who will submit it.

HDB's guidelines also say condensing units cannot be placed along the common corridor, and the aircon ledge is only for the condensing unit. All aircon piping must run internally, pipe joints must be insulated and condensate must discharge into a floor trap in the flat. Hacking through reinforced concrete is not allowed.

BCA's air-conditioning safety page says only trained air-conditioning unit installers certified by BCA can install an aircon unit outside or projecting from a building, and owners can check BCA's list of trained installers.

The installation price depends on the job, so compare both sellers' quotes line by line with the aircon installation quote checklist.

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