Daikin DC96HS Review

The Daikin DC96HS Multi-Speed Gas Furnace achieves respectable energy efficiency with established technology. This unit will work hard to keep your home at a consistently comfortable temperature and generate savings on your energy costs. 

In A Nutshell

Average price (installed): $3,500 - $4,330

Top Features

• Hybrid, dual-stage furnace
• Multi-speed blower motor
• AFUE: 95-96%

The Bottom Line

While not the most advanced home heating technology money can buy, this Daikin furnace serves as a good compromise between technology and cost. 

In-Depth Review

Daikin DC96HS Product Specifications:

• Sub-models available: 0402BNA, 0603BNA, 0804CNA, 1005CNA, 1205DNA
• AFUE: 95-96%
• BTU input: 40,000-120,000
• BTU output: 38,400-114,000
• Compressor type: Hybrid Two-Stage, Multi-Speed
• Stainless-steel secondary heat exchanger
• Durable Silicon Nitride igniter
• Two-stage gas valve
• Heavy-duty stainless-steel tubular heat exchanger
• Heavy-gauge steel cabinet with durable finish
• Cabinet air leakage (QLeak) ≤ 2%
• AHRI Certified
• ETL Listed

Features Explained 

Hybrid, dual-stage furnace - The two-stage gas valve ensures that fuel is used efficiently, running the majority of the time on a low setting, consistently heating your home. If there is a sudden drop in temperature, the unit can ramp up to full capacity, keeping the temperature inside steady.

Multi-speed blower motor - The DC96HS is able to adjust the speed at which it blows warm air through your home. By having multiple speeds, as opposed to just on and off, the unit can be more accurate in keeping your indoor environment cozy. The multi-speed blower also means a reduced noise factor. 

AFUE: 95-96% - This furnace offers an AFUE, rating of 95-96%, far exceeding the Canadian minimum of 90%. With a Daikin DC96HS, for every dollar that you spend, 95-96 cents is being converted to heat your home directly.

Other Key Features

• Fully insulated heat exchanger and blower section
• Quiet single-speed induced draft blower
• Self-diagnostic control board with constant memory fault code history output to a LED

Warranty Information

One of the reasons customers choose Daikin is their Daikin Comfort Promise. Customers who buy a Daikin furnace and enlist a registered Daikin installer, are entitled to a one-year trouble-shooting house call. 

Also, Daikin stands behind this product with a:

• Lifetime limited heat exchanger warranty
• 6-year unit replacement limited warranty

Comparable Models By The Same Brand

By lower price: Daikin DC96HS vs. Daikin DM92SS

The DC96HS is a hybrid two-stage furnace, while the DM92SS is a single-stage model. The DC96HS features fully insulated heat exchanger and blower section, while the DM92SS has a foil-faced insulated heat exchanger cabinet. Daikin backs both units with a similar warranty, but the brand goes further with the DC96HS, adding in a 6-year unit replacement limited warranty. 

By features: Daikin DC96HS vs. Daikin DM96VC

The Daikin DC96HS and DM96VC models have a similar AFUE, 95-6% and 96%, respectively. The DC96HS features a multi-speed blower, in comparison to the DM96VC’s variable-speed ECM. Both units are two-stage furnaces, but the DC96HS is a hybrid. Daikin offers the same warranty for the two units, but, the DC96HS has a 6-year unit replacement limited warranty to the DM96VC’s 12-year one.

By tier: Daikin DC96HS vs. Daikin DC97MC

Though the DC97MC is touted by Daikin as one of the best furnaces they offer, the DC96HS can still hold its own, offering solid energy efficiency. The DC97MC tops out at 97% AFUE, but the DC96HS is not far behind with an AFUE of 95-96%. The DC97MC is a modulating furnace with a variable-speed ECM, while the DC96HS is a hybrid, dual-stage furnace with a  multi-speed blower motor. Both models are backed with Daikin’s extensive warranty, but the DC97MC has a 12-year unit replacement limited warranty, to the DC96HS’s 6-year one.