Daikin DX14SN Review

The DX14SN is an entry-level model from Daikin, and while it’s not their most basic air conditioner, it’s at the lower end in terms of efficiency, price, and features. 

There are pros and cons with the DX14SN, and this model review will help you decide which ones outweigh the other, and whether this is a good air conditioner for your home. 

Along with talking about the DX14SN’s efficiency, pricing, features, and warranty, the model review will also compare this air conditioner to three other models from Daikin based on price, features, and tier. 

The Daikin DX14SN in a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $3,000 to $5,500

Top Features

• Mid-efficiency SEER
• Protected by an excellent warranty 
• Quiet operation compared to some single-stage models
• Equipped with a single-speed PSC condenser fan motor
• Many design elements to protect from the elements, damage, and corrosion

The Bottom Line

The DX14SN is a single-stage air conditioner with a single-stage condenser fan motor, and these are the most standard specifications for air conditioners. Unlike more advanced two-stage and variable-speed A/Cs, single-stage ones can only operate at 100 percent capacity. 

As a result, the DX14SN is less efficient than some other Daikin air conditioners, and the 15.5 SEER rating is considered mid-efficiency. This model will reduce your energy bills compared to a standard-efficiency model, but not as much as a high-efficiency one. 

The DX14SN will be more affordable than other Daikin units, but it may not qualify for the same rebates as the high-efficiency ones. 

Make sure you have an experienced HVAC technician assess your home and cooling needs before buying this air conditioner. It falls slightly short of the 16 to 18 SEER range that’s typically recommended for Canada, so it might not be powerful enough to cool your home thoroughly or efficient enough to produce the energy savings you're looking for.

In Depth Review

Daikin DX14SN Product Specifications

• Compressor: Single-stage 
• SEER: Up to 15.5
• 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

Most of the noteworthy features of the DX14SN are related to design elements that protect the unit from damage and increase the lifespan of the system. 

For example, it’s equipped with a filter drier that removes moisture and acid from the system that could damage important components. As for the exterior, the unit has been tested to show that it can withstand salt and corrosion.

And the cabinet is made with a heavy-gauge galvanized steel that’s further protected by a baked-on enamel finish that protects from the elements, including damaging UV rays. 

Beyond that, the cabinet also has a sound-control top that both protects internal components and reduces noise from the unit.

Other Key Features

• Built with premium copper tubing
• Has an aluminum fin condenser coil
• Has easy-access gauge ports for faster installation and maintenance 
• Easy maintenance and installation thanks to the access panels on the top and side of the unit
• Coil is protected by a steel guard

Warranty Information

Even Daikin’s entry-level air conditioners are protected by an excellent warranty, and that’s because Daikin stands behind their products and cares about customer satisfaction.

The DX14SN is protected by a two-year unit replacement warranty and a 12-year parts warranty. Not only is it uncommon for entry-level models to come with a unit replacement warranty, but many also have parts coverage for only 10 years. 

With the unit replacement warranty, this is a guarantee that Daikin will provide you with a new air conditioner if the compressor fails during the coverage period.

There is a caveat: to get the full warranty coverage, you'll have to register the DX14SN with Daikin. After installation, you'll have a 60-day window to register the unit, otherwise it will only be eligible for a five-year parts warranty.

Comparable Models by Daikin

Model Comparison by Price: DX14SN versus DX20VC

The DX20VC is Daikin’s most powerful, efficient, and expensive air conditioner. In Canada, it costs an average of $5,000 to $6,000+ to buy and install. 

There are a number of reasons for the higher price, including the variable-speed swing compressor with inverter technology. It can automatically make incremental adjustments to the cooling output, so it promises excellent efficiency, quiet operation, great moisture management, and consistent temperatures throughout the house. 

It also has a more efficient multi-speed ECM condenser fan motor, a 12-year unit replacement warranty, and compatibility with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat, which can further improve energy savings and comfort. 

One thing about the DX20VC is that the SEER of 24.5 is beyond what most Canadians will need to cool their homes. Air conditioners like this are designed for places with hotter and longer summers, so it may cost more than you'll recoup on energy savings compared to a 16- to 18-SEER air conditioner.

Model Comparison by Features: DX14SN versus DX16TC

The DX16TC is going to cost more than the DX14SN because it has more appealing features and design elements. 

It’s a two-stage air conditioner with a SEER of 17 and ENERGY STAR certification. That means it’ll be powerful and efficient enough to cool just about any home, it’s going to produce excellent energy savings over the years, and it could qualify for high-efficiency rebates that make it more affordable. 

Beyond that, the DX16TC will also produce more consistent cooling around the house, especially if you pair it with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat that it’s compatible with. 

Further, the DX16TC has a longer 12-year unit replacement warranty, and it’s equipped with self-diagnostics. 

Model Comparison by Tier: DX14SN versus DX14SA

The DX14SN and DX14SA are very similar in many ways. They're both entry-level Daikin models with single-stage compressors, single-speed fans, SEERs of 15.5, no ENERGY STAR certification, and all the same protective elements. 

However, there are a couple of important differences between the two models, and the DX14SA is arguably the superior air conditioner, though it will cost a little more. 

For one thing, the DX14SA has a scroll compressor, and these types of compressors have fewer moving parts than traditional alternatives. That makes them a little more efficient and quieter, and they usually require less maintenance. 

The DX14SA is also equipped with a Copeland® CoreSense diagnostics system that monitors air conditioner performance and provides error codes to help with maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs. 

Finally, the DX14SA has a longer six-year unit replacement warranty.