Gree vs. Daikin Air Conditioner: Which Is a Better Option for You?
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When shopping for a new mini split ductless air conditioner, two of the most encountered brands on today’s market are Gree and Daikin. If you’re deciding between Gree and Daikin air conditioners for your home or business, learn about the pros and cons of each brand before making your choice.
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Company Overview
Daikin is a Japanese company and the largest manufacturer of HVAC products in the world. Gree is a Chinese company, the top producer of air conditioners in China, and the largest HVAC supplier and exporter worldwide.
Both companies are headquartered in East Asia, where three of the top five countries with the highest percentages of homes with air conditioning are located. The popularity of air conditioning units in the countries where Daikin and Gree are headquartered reflects the level of experience both companies possess. While both are quality manufacturers, the best option for your home depends on the features you’re looking for in an air conditioning unit.
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Cooling Capacity
All air conditioners feature a numeric value ending with the letters BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit and is a unit of energy measurement (specifically, heat energy). One BTU corresponds to the amount of energy required to heat 1 lb. of water by 1°F. It is equal to about 1,055 Joule or 0.29 Watt-hours.
In the context of air conditioners, the BTU rating indicates how powerful the product is and how quickly it can heat or cool a room. However, it is critical to understand that the highest BTU rating you can find isn’t necessarily the best one.
To achieve optimal results, you must use an air conditioner with just the right BTUs to cover your available surface. Think of the BTU rating as a way to estimate the size of the house or building it is intended to serve. Not enough power causes your air conditioner to run constantly and struggle to cool your rooms down. Too much, and it will shut off too quickly, not giving your air conditioner enough time to remove moisture.
Here, the brand with the most comprehensive range of sizes and BTUs is the best because it means they can cover a broad range of homes and commercial buildings with suitable products.
Gree’s product catalog is suitable for rooms of all sizes, ranging from 150 to 2,300 ft², with BTU ratings ranging from 9,000 to 42,000. In contrast, the most powerful Daikin models available rarely exceed 30,000 BTU.
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Consider Efficiency
One of the most common ways to measure and compare an air conditioning unit’s efficiency is to check its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. It is a measurement of the air conditioner’s cooling output divided by its power consumption.
An air conditioner’s SEER rating is comparable to a motor vehicle’s fuel efficiency in miles per gallon (MPG). It serves as an indicator of maximum efficiency; your unit’s actual efficiency may vary depending on your home, local temperatures, and other variables.
The higher your unit’s SEER rating, the better. AC units must have a rating of at least 13 in the north and 14 in the southeast and southwest to meet the Department of Energy’s legal minimum requirements. The highest SEER rating achieved by a Daikin product is 26.1, and most of the products on their lineup have ratings between 15 and 20.
In comparison, most Gree mini split units offer ratings of at least SEER-21, with some products reaching as high as 38. In more practical terms, a Gree air conditioner with a SEER-22 rating will allow you to save up to 41% more money on annual energy costs compared to a legal minimum SEER-13 air conditioner. With a Gree SEER-38 unit, these savings reach as high as 65%, making it the preferable option if you’re looking for maximum efficiency and cost savings.
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Pricing and Value for the Money
The total price of your air conditioning unit is often the decisive factor when determining which model to choose. There is no denying that both companies produce high-quality products; after all, both are worldwide leaders, and each is the preferred manufacturer in its respective home country.
A typical Daikin AC unit for a single home or equivalent 2,500 sq. ft. surface costs between $2,100 and $3,800 on average ($0.84 to $1.52 per square foot), not counting installation costs. They are high-quality but pricey.
In contrast, Gree units with comparable performance and surface coverage are available for as low as $800, with most models falling into the $1,000 to $3,200 price range ($0.40 to $1.28 per square foot). In terms of value for your money, Gree is, without contest, the best choice.
Purchase Your Next Mini-Split from Us Today
No matter which mini split or air conditioning unit you choose, our priority at ComfortUp is to provide you with a positive and comfortable experience.
When shopping from our large selection of Gree products, we guarantee the lowest prices possible and a 30-day return window. To protect your investment, consider including an Extended Product Warranty. If there is an issue with your system within five years of purchase or professional installation, you can count on the warranty coverage for any necessary repairs.
