Daikin DC96VE Review

The Daikin DC96VE Two-Stage, Multi-Speed, Multi-Position Gas Furnace isn’t Daikin’s premier unit, but it has many aspects that make it an attractive investment. With high-efficiency ratings, durable construction and an extensive warranty, the DC96VE is a stand out in Daikin’s economy range. 

In A Nutshell

Average price (installed): $2,600-$4,300

Top Features

• ENERGY STAR ® certified
• Dual-stage gas valve
• Multi-speed ECM blower motor

The Bottom Line

Even though Daikin ranks the DC96VE in a lower price range, this unit manages to provide great efficiency and includes many of the innovations of the furnaces offered at a higher price point.

In-Depth Review

Daikin DC96VE Product Specifications:

• Sub-models available: 0403BNA, 0603BNA, 0803BNA, 1005CNA
• AFUE: 96%
• BTU input: 40,000-100,000
• BTU output: 38,400-96,000
• Compressor type: Two-Stage, Multi-Speed ECM
• Energy Star Certified
• Stainless-steel secondary heat exchanger
• Durable Silicon Nitride igniter
• 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

ENERGY STAR certified - The DC96VE high efficiency delivers a commendable 96% AFUE, meaning that for every dollar you spend on heating your home, 96 cents will go directly to usable heat. Consumers can also feel reassured that this unit is ENERGY STAR certified. 

Dual-Stage Gas Valve  - The gas valve will operate, generally, at a low setting, providing fuel to the burners, heating your home consistently. If there is a request for more heat, this unit can react quickly, switching to full capacity to heat your space faster. Once the desired temperature has been reached, it will then switch back to a low setting, saving on fuel, and keeping your bills lower. 

Multi-speed ECM blower motor - Like the dual-stage gas valve, the ECM blower motor can run at more settings than a traditional furnace, giving you more consistent heating, while using fuel economically. An ECM blower motor can adjust its fan settings incrementally, offering superior precision.

Other Key Features

• Fully insulated heat exchanger and blower section
• Quiet two-speed induced draft blower
• Low continuous fan speed options

Warranty Information

Many customers choose the Daikin brand for its comprehensive warranty. Part of this is the Daikin Comfort Promise. This promise states that if for any reason, you feel your high-efficiency furnace needs attention in the first year of its operation, your installation company will make a house call, free of charge. 

The Daikin DC96VE also has a:

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

Comparable Models by the Same Brand

By lower price: Daikin DC96VE vs. Daikin DC92SS

Beyond a fully insulated cabinet and a two-speed induced draft blower, these two don’t have much in common. The DC96VE is a dual-stage unit with an AFUE of 96%, while the DC92SS is a single-stage unit with an AFUE of 92%. The DC92SS has a multi-speed blower motor, but it’s no match for the DC96VE’s ECM. 

They have a similar warranty, but the DC96VE also has an additional 6-year unit replacement limited warranty.

By features: Daikin DC96VE vs. Daikin DC96VC

The two furnaces are dual-stage with a fully insulated cabinet. They offer closely aligned warranties, bar the DC96VE’s 6-year unit replacement limited warranty and the DC96VC’s 12-year unit backing. The DC96VE has a multi-speed ECM and the DC96VC has a variable-speed ECM.

By tier: Daikin DC96VE vs. Daikin DC96HS

These two units are dual-stage, offer similar AFUE (96% and 95-96% respectively) and have fully insulated cabinets. They also feature the same extensive Daikin warranty. The DC96VE has a highly precise multi-speed ECM, in comparison to the DC96HS’s multi-speed blower motor.