Daikin DM96VC Review

The Daikin DM96VC Variable-Speed ComfortNet™ Communicating Systems Furnace offers a superior comfort experience with multiple advanced features to keep your home at a consistent temperature while keeping your energy bills low. 

In A Nutshell

Average price (installed): $4,330 - $5,160

Top Features

• Efficient and quiet variable-speed airflow system 
• Dual-stage gas valve 
• Multiple continuous fan speed options 

The Bottom Line

The Daikin DM96VC employs a lot of the current furnace technology to give you a unit that provides precise comfort, adapts to sudden temperature changes and uses fuel efficiently, all with a mid-range price tag.

In-Depth Review

Daikin DM96VC Product Specifications:

• Sub-models available: 0403BNA, 0603BNA, 0803BNA, 0804CNA, 1005CNA, 1005DNA, 1205DNA
• AFUE: 96%
• BTU input: 40,000-120,000
• BTU output: 38,400-115,200
• Compressor type: Two-Stage, Variable-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
• Auto-Comfort and enhanced dehumidification modes available
• Cabinet air leakage (QLeak) ≤ 2%
• AHRI Certified
• ETL Listed

Features Explained

Efficient and quiet variable-speed airflow system - The DM96VC uses innovative technology to monitor the temperature of your home and react with precision. Using a variable-speed ECM, the unit can incrementally adjust the blower motor speed to ensure consistent comfort and increased fuel efficiency. 

Two-stage gas valve - This dual-stage furnace will run most of the time on a low setting. In the event of a sudden drop in temperature, the fan can then kick into high gear. The transition from low to high settings is much less dramatic than a single-stage furnace and results in more efficient fuel use.

Multiple continuous fan speed options - This unit will heat your home without the disruption of furnaces of the past. Because the fan is continuously running, there are no longer those dramatic uptakes of air, meaning a lower Noise Factor and a quieter home for you.

Other Key Features

• ENERGY STAR Certified
• Fully insulated heat exchanger and blower section
• Utilizes ComfortNet™ communicating, two-stage or single-stage thermostats

Warranty Information

The Daikin brand offers the Daikin Comfort Promise: As long as your unit is installed by a certified Daikin Comfort Pro, if you have any concerns in the first year of use, a technician will come to your home to resolve any problems, free of charge.

Warranty for this furnace also includes:

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

Comparable Models by the Same Brand

By lower price: Daikin DM96VC vs. Daikin DC96VE

Both of these furnaces offer fuel-efficient solutions with dual-stage technology and a fully insulated cabinet. Both offer an innovative blower motor, the DC96VE, with a multi-speed ECM, is edged out by the DM96VC’s more precise variable-speed ECM. The DM96VC has a 12-year unit replacement limited warranty, while the DC96VE coverage is for 6 years.

By features: Daikin DM96VC vs. Daikin DC97MC

These two furnaces are similar in lots of ways, but the DC97MC takes energy efficiency the extra mile. While the DM96VC ranks highly for efficiency with its dual-stage feature, the modulating DC97MC is able to achieve greater precision. Both units have Daikin’s extensive warranty, variable-speed ECM and insulated cabinet.

By tier: Daikin DM96VC vs. Daikin DC92SS

Both units have Daikin’s comprehensive lifetime limited heat exchanger warranty and 12-year parts limited warranty, but only the DM96VC has the 12-year unit replacement limited warranty. While the DM96VC has all the bells and whistles of a high-efficiency unit, the DC92SS has a foil-faced insulated heat exchanger cabinet as its sole efficiency feature. Both have noise factoring reducing technology, the DM96VC has a variable ECM and the DC92SS has what Daikin describes as a “quiet single-speed induced draft blower.”