Daikin DX18TC Review

The premium-grade Daikin DX18TC is one of the brand's top air conditioner models. The unit boasts an ENERGY STAR® SEER up to 19, making it ideal for Canadian consumers who want an especially high performing system for their home.

This model review of Daikin’s DX18TC will talk about the average price Canadians pay for this air conditioner, its key features and design elements, the efficiency rating, warranty details, and what types of homes might need an air conditioner like this.

It will also compare the DX18TC to three other models from Daikin based on price, features, and tier. By the end of the review, you'll know if this model would be a wise investment for you.

In a Nutshell

Average Price (with installation): $5000 - $6000+

Top Features

• ENERGY STAR certification and high-efficiency SEER
• High rebate eligibility
• Quiet operation
• Has a more advanced scroll compressor
• Uses a chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant, so it doesn’t deplete the ozone layer
• Awarded ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2021
• Compatible with Daikin’s smart thermostat, Daikin One+
• Has an ECM condenser fan motor that’s quiet and efficient
• Backed by an amazing warranty

The Bottom Line

The DX18TC model operates at the efficiency it does thanks in part to the two-stage Copeland® UltraTech™ scroll compressor. This type of compressor is highly efficient and quiet because it can operate at a higher and lower stage when it’s running.

This model is also equipped with Copeland’s CoreSense™ diagnostics system, which can reduce downtime and possibly labour costs by making it easier for HVAC technicians to pinpoint and fix problems.

The Daikin DX18TC offers Canadian consumers some technological features, like compatibility with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat. It can give you more precise control over your temperature, humidity, and ventilation settings, as well as Wi-Fi access to the system so that you can control settings from anywhere.

One thing to know about the DX18TC is that it’s one of Daikin’s most expensive air conditioners, but the SEER of 19 makes it a little more powerful than most Canadians might need, unless you have a very large space to cool or live in a part of the country with extended heat waves or periods of high humidity.

In-Depth Review

Daikin DX18TC Specifications:

• Compressor: Two-stage scroll
• SEER: Up to 19
• ENERGY STAR certified: Yes
• Decibel rating: As low as 68
• Tonnage: 2 to 5 tons
• Cooling capacity: 24,000 to 60,000 Btus

Features Overview

The Daikin DX18TC is built with long-term durability in mind. That’s why it has a heavy-gauge cabinet made from galvanized steel that’s protected by a custom Nickel Gray powder-paint finish.

Internal components are protected as well thanks to things like the wire fan grille, steel coil guard, and filter drier.

Another feature that makes the DX18TC appealing is its quiet operation, which it achieves thanks to components like the two-stage compressor, ECM motor, sound-control top on the cabinet, and high-density foam compressor sound blanket.

Other Key Features

• The filter drier keeps the refrigerant system contaminant-free to promise long-lasting reliability
• Top and side maintenance access to make service calls easy
• The baked enamel finish guarantees long-term durability
• 500-hour salt-spray testing guarantees long-lasting performance
• Has a condenser coil made of copper tube and aluminum fin
• Outfitted with diagnostic indicator lights to display fault codes
• Equipped with temperature and coil sensors

Warranty Information

Backed by Daikin’s comprehensive warranty coverage, the DX18TC is an investment that comes with peace of mind.

The high-efficiency unit is covered by a limited 12-year unit replacement warranty and a limited 12-year parts warranty.

This is a very generous warranty, but you do have to register the unit within 60 days to be eligible for the full coverage. Unregistered units are only protected by a five-year parts warranty.

Warranty coverage can save you plenty on repair bills, so registration is highly recommended. All you have to do is provide Daikin with contact details for yourself and the licensed HVAC installer, the air conditioner’s serial and model numbers, and the installation date.  

Comparable Models from Daikin

Model Comparison by Price: DX18TC versus DX13SA

The DX13SA is one of the most affordable air conditioners in Daikin’s line, costing an average of $3,000 to $5,000 to buy and install in Canada.

It may be tempting to go with the cheaper option when you're on a budget, but you have to be careful with air conditioners like the DX13SA.

It’s a single-stage air conditioner with a mid-efficiency SEER of 14.5. That means it won’t save you as much on energy bills compared to a high-efficiency model, and it may not be powerful and efficient enough to cool some homes.

Further, the DX13SA also doesn’t have ENERGY STAR and may not qualify for a lot of rebates, it has less warranty coverage, and it’s not compatible with Daikin’s smart thermostat.

Model Comparison by Features: DX18TC versus DX20VC

Compared to the Daikin DX20VC air conditioner, the DX18TC model might seem as though it’s missing something. This is due to the DX20VC's superior variable-speed compressor with inverter technology, which delivers an unrivalled level of cooling comfort.

In Canada, however, you also have to be careful with air conditioners like the DX20VC. It has a SEER of 24.5, which is far more powerful than most Canadians would ever need to cool their homes.

It’s going to cost a lot more than the DX18TC but won’t return a lot of additional energy savings, so you might not recoup the extra money you put into the DX20VC.

Model Comparison by Tier: DX18TC versus DX16TC

The DX16TC is very similar to the DX18TC in many ways. They're both two-stage air conditioners with high-efficiency SEER ratings, ENERGY STAR certification, self-diagnostics, and compatibility with the Daikin One+ smart thermostat.

However, the DX16TC is going to be more affordable because it has a slightly lower SEER of 17. The thing is, even though the DX16TC is a little less efficient, it may actually provide better value overall.

The ideal SEER for Canada is typically between 16 and 18. This range offers the best balance between purchase price and long-term energy savings. Anything more efficient will cost more but won’t return proportional energy savings.

The DX16TC falls right smack in the middle of the ideal range, so it will offer great energy savings at a more affordable price than the DX18TC.