Daikin DX13SA Review

The DX13SA is an entry-level model from Daikin, and while it will be relatively affordable to purchase, it’s a comparatively basic air conditioner when you look at what else the brand has to offer. 

This model is a single-stage air conditioner with a mid-efficiency SEER, so don’t expect the dramatic energy savings you'd see compared to a high-efficiency model.

The DX13SA isn't going to be the right air conditioner for a lot of homes because of the more basic design elements and lower SEER, but this model review will explain when and where the DX13SA could work.

The review will talk about efficiency, price, potential energy savings, features, design elements, warranty details, and more. And so you can see what else Daikin has on the market, the DX13SA model review will also compare it to three other of the brand’s air conditioners.

The Daikin DX13SA in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3,000 to $5,000

Top Features

• Industry-leading warranty
• Relatively quiet operation for a single-stage model
• Equipped with a single-speed PSC condenser fan motor
• Comes with Copeland® CoreSense diagnostics 
• Has a specially engineered compressor blanket to reduce operational noise

The Bottom Line

The DX13SA is a fairly basic air conditioner in terms of design specifications and features. It has a single-stage scroll compressor, and while scroll compressors are quieter and more efficient than traditional ones, the single-stage operation means this model can only operate at 100 percent capacity. 

That means there will be more noise, a lower efficiency rating, less moisture management, and more hot and cold spots around the house. 

Further, this model only has a mid-efficiency SEER, so it will save you less on energy bills compared to a high-efficiency model. 

More importantly, this air conditioner may not be powerful or efficient enough for a lot of homes in Canada, unless you have lower cooling demands because you live in a smaller house or a milder part of the country. 

However, if you have a large space to cool, like to keep the summertime temperature of your house low, or live somewhere that has long periods of humidity or high heat, then this may not be the model for you.

And be aware that this air conditioner may not qualify for a lot of rebates, in case you were hoping to save money that way.

In Depth Review

Daikin DX13SA Product Specifications

• Compressor: Single-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 14.5
• ENERGY STAR certified: No
• Decibel rating: As low as 71
• Tonnage: 1.5 to 5 tons
• Cooling capacity: 18,000 to 60,000 Btus

Features Overview

One great thing about the DX13SA is that it still comes with some more advanced features compared to other entry-level models, including self-diagnostics. These systems are great because when problems arise, an HVAC technician can easily figure out and fix what's wrong.

Further, this model is backed by an excellent warranty, but its longevity is also guaranteed by a number of design elements, including a filter drier that removes moisture and acid from the unit, a heavy-gauge galvanized steel cabinet, a powder-paint finish that protects the cabinet from UV, and more. 

Finally, the DX13SA has some features to reduce noise, including a sound-control top and a high-density foam compressor sound blanket.

Other Key Features

• Wire grille protects the fan from damage 
• Steel coil guard prevents harm to important components
• Has maintenance access panels on the top and side to make repairs faster and easier
• Equipped with a copper and aluminum tube in fin coil

Warranty Information

Despite being an entry-level model, the DX13SA still comes with an industry-leading warranty that includes a six-year unit replacement warranty and a 12-year parts warranty. 

By comparison, most entry-level models only come with 10-year coverage for parts, and many don’t have unit replacement warranties. 

A unit replacement warranty means the manufacturer will provide a brand new air conditioner if the compressor fails during the coverage period. 

Just make sure you register the unit with Daikin within 60 days of installation. Otherwise, the unit will only be covered by a five-year parts warranty.

Comparable Models by Daikin

Model Comparison by Price: DX13SA versus DX20VC

The DX13SA is one of Daikin’s most affordable air conditioners, whereas the DX20VC is their most expensive. It costs an average of $5,000 to $6,000+ to buy and install in Canada. 

There are a lot of selling features that come with the additional price, including a variable-speed compressor that can make incremental changes to the cooling output. Air conditioners like this are quieter and far more efficient, and the DX20VC has a SEER of 24.5.

Other benefits of the DX20VC include a longer 12-year unit replacement warranty, compatibility with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, ENERGY STAR certification, quieter operation, and a multi-speed ECM condenser fan motor. 

Nonetheless, there are reasons why the DX20VC might not be appropriate for a lot of homes in Canada. Namely, the purchase price is much higher because of the ultra-high SEER. However, the SEER goes well beyond what's typically required in Canada, so you won’t see a good return on investment.

Model Comparison by Features: DX13SA versus DX16TC

The DX16TC isn't Daikin’s most sophisticated air conditioner, but it’s one of the best value air conditioners from the brand.

It’s in the middle in terms of pricing, design specifications, and features. It has a quiet and efficient two-stage compressor, a SEER of 17, ENERGY STAR certification, 12-year unit replacement and parts warranties, and compatibility with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat.

Here's why the DX16TC offers such great value: it’s mid-range in terms of budget, but it’s going to save you a great deal on energy bills, it will qualify for most rebates, and it’s going to provide your home with efficient, consistent cooling power. Plus, it should be powerful enough for any home in Canada. 

Model Comparison by Tier: DX13SA versus DX14SA

The DX13SA and DX14SA are nearly identical in terms of pricing, warranty, design features and specifications, and beyond. The main difference is that the DX14SA is going to be slightly more expensive because it has a higher SEER of 15.5. 

It still doesn’t have ENERGY STAR certification, but the efficiency rating is closer to what most homeowners look for in Canada, and it’s going to save you a little more on your monthly cooling bills over the years. 

Because of the better efficiency, the DX14SA is going to be a little better equipped to keep your house cool, even if you're battling warmer temperatures or humidity.