Review · Brand
Daikin Altherma 3 review
Japan's biggest heat pump brand against the UK's premium incumbents. Where it wins and where it loses.
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The Daikin Altherma 3 is the most-installed heat pump worldwide. UK install cost £9,500–£13,500, SCOP 4.5 on the R32 standard variant. The H HT variant runs to 70°C for harder retrofits. Daikin's Onecta app is the best user experience on the market.
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Strengths
- Onecta app is class-leading — weather compensation, schedules, multi-zone.
- Wide range covering 4–16 kW, R32 and R290 options.
- 3-year warranty standard, 5 years with registration.
- Massive UK installer base — easy to find spares.
Trade-offs
- R32 variant is being phased down; check installer is fitting the R290 H or EBLA range for futureproofing.
- Slightly louder than Vaillant — 38–42 dB(A) at 3m.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a Daikin Altherma 3 cost installed?
- A typical 8–11 kW Altherma 3 installs at £9,500–£13,500 in the UK in 2026, £2,000–£6,000 net after the £7,500 BUS grant.
- Is the Altherma 3 a good choice for retrofit?
- The standard R32 Altherma 3 flows to 60°C — fine for most retrofits with some radiator uprating. The H HT variant pushes 70°C for older homes that need it.
Sources
- MCS Certified — Installer certification scheme required for grant eligibility.
- Energy Saving Trust — Heat pump efficiency, running cost and SCOP benchmarks (UK).
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