Frequently Asked Questions

A “3 in 1” Renewable Energy Solution For Home

Heating, Cooling and Domestic Hot Water
Why use a Heat Pump?
Space Heating, Domestic Hot Water, and Cooling
WHERE DOES IT ALL START?
A heat pump only needs a heat source
(the outside air), two heat exchangers
(one to absorb and another one to release heat)
and a relatively small amount of drive energy to
keep the system going.

A heat pump extracts thermal energy from the

environment. In the case of Daikin Altherma the
source is the outside air. The pump extracts the
energy at a certain temperature, increases that
temperature, and then releases it into a medium
which in Daikin Altherma system is the water HOW DOES A HEAT PUMP WORK?
running to your low temperature radiators, 1. A heat exchanger contains refrigerant, which
under floor heating system or fan coil units. is colder than the outside air. As the air
Between those two media the heat is moved by passes the exchanger, the refrigerant
means of a refrigerant (R-410A). Daikin Altherma absorbs the latent heat from the outside air
is an air-to-water heat pump system. and evaporates.
2. The vapor passes into the compressor and is
compressed, increasing its pressure and
temperature, effectively concentrating the
heat.
3. Hot vapor is condensed in the second heat
exchanger where heat is rejected and the
vapor condenses back into a liquid. The
rejected heat passes into the central heating
and hot water system, ready for use in the
home.
4. The liquid refrigerant passes back through an
expansion valve, ready to start the cycle
again.
WHY CHOOSE A HEAT PUMP?
The latest energy saving and carbon reduction
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE
legislation means that there is now more
FROM THE HEAT PUMP?
emphasis than ever to reduce our reliance on
131oF (55oC)
fossil fuels and adopt more sustainable,
renewable energy solutions.
What is Daikin Altherma?
WHAT IS DAIKIN ALTHERMA? IS IT POSSIBLE TO COMBINE DAIKIN ALTHERMA
Daikin Altherma is an innovative system that heats, WITH SOLAR THERMAL TUBES FOR DOMESTIC HOT
produces domestic hot water and can even cool WATER HEATING?
spaces. Daikin Altherma offers your customers maximum Yes, Daikin offers an integrated solar connection kit.
comfort the whole year through. The Solar Kit model number: EKSOLHWAVJU. This kit
includes the Digital I/O PCB model number:
WHAT IS THE LOWER OPERATION LIMIT TEMPERATURE EKRP1HBAAU.
FOR THE DAIKIN ALTHERMA SYSTEM?
The guaranteed operation limit is to -4oF (-20oC) but the CAN I CONNECT RADIATORS TO THE DAIKIN
heat pump will continue to operate below this point. At ALTHERMA SYSTEM EVEN THOUGH THE
low ambient temperatures, the backup heater generates TEMPERATURE IS LIMITED AT 131oF (55oC)?
additional heating capacity. Yes, Daikin Altherma can be connected to radiators.
In many cases, old radiators that are sized for 158oF
IS THE HOT WATER FUNCTION ALWAYS INCLUDED? (70oC) are heavily oversized and can also be used with
Yes, but you need a Daikin hot water tank to make it a water temperature of 131oF (55oC) or lower.
operational. The Daikin DHW tank option also includes a
3-way diverting valve. CAN FAN COIL UNITS AND FLOOR HEATING BE
COMBINED IN THE SAME SYSTEM?
IS THE COOLING FUNCTION ALWAYS INCLUDED? Yes, but the leaving water temperature must then be
No, the cooling function is an option available only on adjusted to match the temperature requirement for
the reversible versions of the Hydrobox model numbers the fan coil units. The temperature in the floor loops
EKHBX030 and EKHBX054. and EBLQ036, 048 & 054 must be reduced to a suitable level by the use of a
Monobloc. mixing valve or shunt connection. The heat pump
capacity and COP will decrease with increasing water
temperatures. (Refer to Installation Instructions field
setting #7 for dual set point control status)
Daikin only offers a dual set point control function.
With this function two set points can be generated.
Depending on the required water temperature (floor
heating loops and/or fan coil units are required) first
set point or second set point can be activated.
Daikin Altherma Considerations
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS DAIKIN ALTHERMA CAN ALTHERMA PRODUCE HOT WATER IN SUMMER?
CAN BE CONFIGURED? Yes, Daikin Altherma can run in hot water mode up to an
There are 3 different possible configurations for ambient temperature of 95oF (35oC). The heating and
Altherma system. cooling version alternate between hot water mode and
cooling mode. At outside temperatures exceeding 95oF
1. Mono-Valent (Mild Climate): this configuration would (35oC), hot water can still be produced using the booster
generally be used in mild climates, where winter temp. heater, or through Solar if integrated to a solar thermal
would not fall under -4oF on a consistent basis. solution.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM WATER CONTENT OF THE

SYSTEM?
2.6 gallons (10 liters) for sizes: 018-030
5.3 gallons (20 liters) for sizes: 036-054
are minimum water volume for the systems. This volume
excludes the volume of the heat emitters selected.

2. Mono-Energetic (Cold Climate): a back-up electric

heater is used to supplement the heat pump operation
on the coldest days of the year

WHY IS THERE A MINIMUM WATER VOLUME IN THE

HYDRONIC SYSTEM?
The minimum water volume is to ensure complete defrost
cycles and to eliminate short cycling of the outdoor unit.
3. Bi-Valent (Ultra-Cold Climate): it’s configured so an This allows the system to operate efficiently and reliable.
external boiler can be used for the coldest months. Do not include the water volume from the hydrobox in the
(Must use accessory EKRP1HBAAU I/O PCB kit) system minimum water volume.

IS THERE A NEED FOR AN ADDITIONAL BUFFER TANK TO

ENSURE THAT THE WATER TEMPERATURE DOES NOT
DROP DURING DEFROST?
It is not necessarily required but the backup heater will
provide the necessary heating capacity if the water
temperature drops below 59oF (15oC). In specific
applications where a buffer tank is requested,
it can be implemented in the hydronic
system.
 Daikin Altherma Considerations
WHAT IS THE DAIKIN ALTHERMA SYSTEM OPERATING
RANGE? The operating range for 018-030 is displayed in the
The operating range for 036-054 is displayed in the following figure:
following figure:
Operating Range Cooling Mode

Operating Range Cooling Mode

oFDB oCDB oFDB oCDB
Pull down area
115 46 110 43
Outdoor Temperature

Outdoor Temperature
50 10 50 10
5 22 oC oC
5 22 50
41 72 oF oF
41 72 122

Leaving evaporator water temp. Leaving evaporator water temp.

oFDB oCDB
Units with optional backup heater only Units with optional backup heater only
95 35 oFDB oCDB
Operating Range Cooling Mode

Operating Range Cooling Mode

77 25
Outdoor Temperature

Outdoor Temperature
50 10

32 0 32 0

5 -15
-4 -20 oC
-4 -20
15 25 40 55 15 25 30 50 oC

59 77 104 131 oF oF
59 77 86 122
Leaving condenser water temperature
Leaving condenser water temp.

oFDB oCDB
Booster heating operation Booster heating operation
oFDB oCDB
Units with optional backup heater only
110 43
110 43
Operating Range Domestic

Operating Range Domestic

95 35 95 35
Outdoor Temperature

Outdoor Temperature
Water Heating Mode

Water Heating Mode

77 25

32 0 41 5

5 -15 5 -15
-4 -20 oC
-4 -20
25 40 55 80 oC
77 104 131 176 oF 25 45 50 55 80
77 113 122 131 176 oF

Domestic hot water tank temperature Domestic hot water tank temp.

WHAT IF MY HYDRONIC CIRCUIT FLOW IS GREATER THAN WHAT SIZE FUSES DO I NEED FOR THE OUTDOOR UNIT
THE MAXIMUM FLOW THROUGH DAIKIN ALTHERMA? POWER SUPPLY?
A primary/secondary piping configuration will have to be For (ERLQ) split type sizes 018-030 use 20 Amp breaker and
used by incorporating closely spaced tees or a hydro sizes 036-054 use 30 Amp breaker. For (EBLQ & EDLQ)
separator. Maximum flow through the hydrobox is 15 Monobloc type sizes 036-054 use 30 Amp breaker.
GPM for 054 size and 11 GPM for 030 size. Refer to the Installation Manual for instructions and
conform to local code.
DO I NEED TO TREAT THE WATER IN THE HYDRONIC
SYSTEM? WHEN DO I NEED TO INCLUDE BUFFER TANK INTO MY
Typically no, most municipalities meet stringent water DESIGN ?
requirements. The water used in the Daikin Altherma With 5.3 Gallon Minimum System Volume and no Zones
hydronic system should have a pH of 7 to 8, hardness Activated (Buffer Tank May be required), and it is
below 7 grains, and chlorine below 100 gpm. These recommended to Pipe in Series to Flow
requirements also apply if antifreeze is being used. Refer through Tank.
to local codes.
Daikin Altherma Considerations
CAN I INTEGRATE A DAIKIN ALTHERMA SYSTEM TO AN HOW DOES THE COMPRESSOR OPERATE IN HOT WATER
EXISTING HEATING/HOT WATER SOLUTION? MODE?
Yes, the Bi-Valent application is ideal for The compressor starts at the highest frequency, but
refurbishment/upgrade installations. See details in the controls to maximize heat transfer to water.
following diagram:
WHAT ARE THE OPERATION HEATING SUPPLY WATER
TEMPERATURES FOR ALTHERMA?
Typical values are:
Floor heating: 86° to 95°F / 30° to 35°C
Fan Coil Units: 86° to 113°F / 30° to 45°C
Low temperature radiators:
104° to 122°F / 40° to 50°C

WHAT IS AN INVERTER COMPRESSOR?

An inverter compressor gradually increases or decreases
its capacity based on the duty needed to cool down or
heat up the water.

CAN BOTH HEAT SOURCES OPERATE SIMULTANEOUSLY

IN A BI-VALENT APPLICATION?
No, only one heating solution (boiler) or Altherma can
operate at a time, when using the Bi-Valent WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVERTER COMPRESSOR ?
configuration. Longer run periods at lower capacities. Better
dehumidification, fewer compressor starts mean less wear
CAN I COOL THE SPACE BY USING UNDER-FLOOR and tear on the compressor = longer life
COOLING? Lower compressor speeds = higher system efficiency,
Because cool air drops and the minimum temperature Higher efficiency = Lower electric bills
for under floor cooling is 64°F/18°C (to eliminate
condensate from forming), cooling the slab or floor is
not an effective or it is efficient but only works in low
humidity conditions. Overhead radiant cooling can be
effective if utilized correctly.
What is a Hydrobox?
WHAT IS A HYDROBOX? WHERE IS THE BACKUP HEATER LOCATED?
The hydrobox unit is the indoor part of Altherma split The backup heater is inside the hydrobox. All the circulating
system range and consists of two main versions: water passes through the heat exchanger and then through
a heating /cooling (EKHBX) version and a heating only the backup heater cylinder.
(EKHBH) version. Both versions are delivered with an
integrated backup heater for additional heating capacity WILL THE BACKUP HEATER ALWAYS BE SWITCHED ON?
during cold outdoor temperatures. The backup heater No, the backup heater will only switch ON if the heat pump
also serves as a backup in case of malfunctioning of the cannot reach the leaving water set- point temperature
outdoor unit. The backup heater models are available for within a certain time period. When the set-point is reached,
a heating capacity of 3 and 6 kW. The Monobloc has the the backup heater switches OFF again.
hydrobox incorporated with the outdoor unit and is only
available with a 6kW backup heater. CAN DAIKIN ALTHERMA BE DELIVERED WITHOUT A
BACKUP HEATER?
No. The backup heater must be installed to ensure that the
Split Outdoor Type
Indoor water temperature never drops below 59oF (15oC) during
Hydrobox startup of the system or during defrost. It can be
disengaged for normal operation if needed.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO UPGRADE A LOW CAPACITY BACKUP

HEATER TO A LARGER CAPACITY?
No. A larger capacity backup heater is not available, but
3kW and 6kW (2 stage) backup heaters are available.

WHY IS THE WATER TEMPERATURE LIMITED TO 131oF

(55oC) EVEN THOUGH I AM USING AN ELECTRIC BACKUP
CAN I UPGRADE A HEATING-ONLY VERSION OF THE HEATER?
HYDROBOX TO A REVERSIBLE HYDROBOX WITH The return water temperature to the heat pump is limited
COOLING? to 131oF (55oC). A return water temperature above this will
No. The reversible Hydrobox has extra insulation on the activate safety devices and the compressor frequency will
pipes because of condensation. There is also a software decrease.
difference between the two models
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE OUT OF
CAN I CONNECT A MINI-SPLIT OUTDOOR UNIT TO A THE BACKUP HEATER?
HYDROBOX? 131oF (55oC).
No. The RA type mini-split condensing units are not
configured to operate with a Hydrobox. The PCBs in
these condensing units are configured for DX operation
only and do not incorporate the parameters for water
heating and cooling.

WHAT IS A BACKUP HEATER?

The backup heater provides supplementary space
heating capacity in addition to the heat pump in severe
weather conditions.
What is a Hydrobox?
WILL THE BACKUP HEATER AND BOOSTER HEATER WHAT TYPE OF EXPANSION TANK IS SUPPLIED IN THE
WORK SIMULTANEOUSLY? HYDROBOX?
The backup heater is never operational in heat pump A bladder type of 2.6 gal (10 l) volume is provided in the
hot-water mode. Both heaters can be operational if the hydrobox and comes pre-charged at 14.5 psi (1 bar) with
backup heater is running and the booster heater ON dry nitrogen. Nitrogen has bigger molecules than air and is
temperature is reached, or if the outdoor unit breaks less likely to penetrate through the internal bladder in the
down and the backup heater has to cover the entire expansion.
space heating load. The simultaneous operation of the
backup heater and booster can be prevented by a field HOW MANY VERSIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE
setting. This needs to be changed-when field setting HYDROBOX?
4.01=0 (default or factory setting) both heaters can Available in two versions: EKHBH for heating only, EKHBX
operate simultaneously for heating and cooling

IS THERE ANY WIRING BETWEEN THE HYDROBOX AND

DOMESTIC TANK?
Yes. Refer to the Installation Manual.

ARE THERE SEPARATE POWER SUPPLIES FOR THE

ELECTRIC HEATERS AND THE OUTDOOR UNIT?
Yes. Refer to the Installation Manual.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO REMOTE MOUNT THE HYDROBOX

INTERFACE CONTROLLER?
In the installation instructions we state 1640 feet (500
m) (With a Monobloc, it is recommended to remote
locate the interface controller)

IS IT POSSIBLE TO INSTALL THE HYDROBOX OUTSIDE?

No. The hydrobox installation location must be frost-
free. Temperatures should range between 33oF (1oC) to
95oF (35oC). The hydrobox is not agency certified for
outdoor installation.

WHAT MATERIAL IS USED FOR THE BRAZED PLATE HEAT

1. Air purge valve 16. Flow Switch
EXCHANGER LOCATED IN THE HYDROBOX? 2. Back up Heater 17. Pump (Multi Speed)
The braze plate heat exchanger is made of cupro-nickel 3. Temperature Sensors 18. Back Up Heater
material for efficient heat transfer and corrosion 4. Electrical Box Thermal protector
resistance. 5. Braze Plate Heat Exchanger 19. Back Up Heater
6. Expansion Vessel (2.6G / 10l) Thermal Fuse
7. User Interface 20. Pressure Relief Valve
CAN I FLOOR-MOUNT THE HYDROBOX? 8. Refrigerant Liquid Pipe 21. Pressure Relief Valve
No, the water, refrigerant and electrical connections are Connection Hose
all at the bottom of the hydrobox. A minimum of 45.27 9. Refrigerant Gas Pipe
Connection
inches (1150mm) from the floor to the bottom of the 10. Shut Off Valves
hydro-box is required for access to these connections. 11. Water Inlet Connection
This height requirement makes it difficult to store items 12. Water Outlet Connection
on the top of the hydrobox, which could block the 13. Drain and Fill Valves
14. Water Filter
ventilation holes. The hydrobox is designed for wall- 15. Manometer
mounted installation only.
What functions are on the user interface?
WHAT ARE THE MAIN OPERATION FUNCTIONS ON THE CONTROLLER? 3 4

The controller has several levels, and many settings are set by 2 5
the installer during commissioning. The main user settings are: 1
1. ON/OFF
2. Space heating operation 9
3. Space cooling operation
4. Water heating operation
5. Silent mode operation
6
6. Programming Buttons 8
7. Timer Adjust Buttons
8. Water Temperature Adjust Buttons 7
9. External Control Icon

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE TIMER? WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SCHEDULE TIMER IF THE CLOCK IS
The schedule timer allows the user to set the operation RESET?
of the system according to a daily or weekly program. The schedule timer will continue operation but the clock
• Switch ON/OFF the installation at a scheduled time, in needs to be reset to reflect the actual time.
combination with a set-point temperature for a space
heating/cooling program. WHICH OPERATIONAL MODE HAS PRIORITY?
• Switch ON/OFF the installation at a scheduled time for The system works according to the greatest temperature
a water heating program, booster heater program, or difference between actual water temperature and set-
silent mode program. point. If Daikin Altherma is running in space heating, it will
immediately switch to domestic hot water if the
CAN I USE SEPARATE ROOM THERMOSTATS AND temperature difference in the tank is larger than the
PROGRAMMABLE TIMERS? temperature difference for space heating. When the
Yes, separate controls can be used to adjust room system is running in hot water mode, the set-point must be
temperatures and will notify the Daikin Altherma system reached before the system switches back to space heating
when the room requires heating/cooling. Daikin mode.
Altherma will then operate to deliver the set leaving
water temperature. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE EQUILIBRIUM
BALANCE POINT (THERMAL BALANCE POINT) AND
WHAT IS THE EQUILIBRIUM POINT? ECONOMICAL BALANCE POINT?
It is the point at which the heat pump performance most The thermal balance point is the outside temperature at
closely matches the heating demand and no additional which the amount of heating provided by Daikin Altherma
heat source is required. This is also known as the equals the amount of heat lost from the house at set-point.
thermal balance point. At this point, Daikin Altherma capacity matches the full
heating needs of the house. The economic balance point is
WHAT IS THE AUTO RESTART FUNCTION? the outside temperature at which the cost of heat energy
The Auto Restart function reapplies the user interface supplied by Daikin Altherma equals the cost of heat
settings when the power returns after a supply failure. supplied by a supplementary heating system. In most cases
the thermal balance point will be reached long before
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CLOCK WHEN A POWER the economic balance point on a properly working
SUPPLY FAILURE OCCURS? Daikin Altherma system.
A power failure exceeding one hour will reset the clock.
 What functions are on the user interface?
WHAT IS THE WEATHER-DEPENDENT SETPOINT AND CAN THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR THAT IS USED TO
WHEN SHOULD IT BE USED? DETERMINE THE WEATHER-DEPENDENT SETPONT BE
The weather dependent set-point or sometimes called MOUNTED REMOTELY FROM THE OUTDOOR UNIT?
outdoor reset is when Daikin Altherma senses outside No. The sensor is calibrated to a certain resistance and
temperature and readjusts the heating system water to a changing the wire length impacts this calibration.
minimum water temperature to satisfy the heat loss of the
home. This accomplishes two major things: one it will save WHAT IS A WEATHER-DEPENDENT SETPOINT
energy and second it creates more comfort by eliminating (OUTDOOR RESET)?
short cycling of Daikin Altherma at mild outdoor When the weather-dependent set-point functionality is
temperatures. During weather dependent operation, the enabled, the set-point for the leaving water temperature
user has the option to shift up or down the target water will be dependent upon the outside ambient temperature.
temperature by a maximum of 9°F (5°C). At low outside ambient temperatures, the leaving water
Tt
temperature increases to satisfy the increasing heating
requirement of the building. At warmer temperatures, the
leaving water temperature decreases to save energy.
Lo_Ti
.09oF(.05oC) CAN I USE THE WEATHER-DEPENDENT SETPOINT IF I
00
INSTALL MY OUTDOOR UNIT IN A GARAGE THAT IS
Hi_Ti Shift value
WARMER THAN THE AMBIENT OUTDOOR TEMPERATURE?
-.09oF(-.05oC) No, the floating set-point is dependent on the temperature
sensor in the outdoor unit. If the outdoor unit is installed in
a warm place, a fixed set-point temperature must be used.
Lo_A Hi_A TA
DO I HAVE TO USE A ROOM THERMOSTAT CONNECTED TO
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A WEATHER DEPENDENT THE HYDROBOX?
SETPOINT? Even though Daikin Altherma operates without an external
The floating set-point ensures that the heat emitter thermostat, Daikin highly recommends this feature to be
temperature is never higher than necessary and this leads included. This will prevent excessive space heating and save
to the highest possible comfort level. A heat pump requires energy since the system will stop operating when the room
more energy input the higher the water temperature, temperature has the thermostat set point.
meaning that the floating set-point also ensures the lowest
possible energy consumption. DO I HAVE TO USE A DAIKIN THERMOSTAT?
It is also recommended to use a Daikin thermostat. The
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE WEATHER-DEPENDENT SETPOINT control logic of the Daikin thermostat matches Daikin
IF THE SUN SHINES OF THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR? Altherma for enhanced reliability. If a third party
The set-point might deviate and give a lower water thermostat is used, it must be capable of setting the
temperature than is actually needed. It is recommended to heating minimum run-time of six (6) minutes. Thermostats
install some type of sun protection above the outdoor unit. with minimal heating run times are not readily available
and may be difficult to source.
HOW DO I KNOW WHERE THE EQUILIBRIUM POINT IS?
The equilibrium point is not a fixed point. The backup
heater switches ON if the heat pump cannot reach the set-
point water temperature within a certain time period
independently of the ambient temperature, as long as the
backup heat operation is not disabled by the field setting.
Derived from system selection
Domestic Hot Water
WHY DOESN’T THE BOOSTER HEATER SWITCH ON WHAT ARE THE DHW RECOVERY CHARACTERISTICS?
IMMEDIATELY WHEN THERE IS A REQUEST FOR HOT On average, 55 minutes without booster heater. See chart
WATER? below for details (recovery times based on 80°F/44.5°C ΔT):
It is desirable to let the heat pump cover as much of the Daikin Altherma DHW Recovery Times (minutes)
hot water production load as possible with high COP.
The booster heater delay ensures that the booster Recovery Times (minutes)
heater is not used more than necessary. Capacity BTUH
50 gal 80 gal
(220 L) (300 L)
WILL I STILL HAVE SUFFICIENT CAPACITY OF HOT
WATER EVEN IF THE HEAT PUMP OR BOOSTER HEATER (018) 18,000 111 178
DOES NOT SWITCH TO HOT WATER MODE (024) 24,000 83 133
IMMEDIATELY?
Yes. Daikin Altherma is not based on instant water (030) 30,000 67 107
heating like a gas boiler. The tank has a storage volume (036) 36,000 56 89
of 50 or 80 gallons (200 or 300 liters) of hot water that
covers the load while the system switches to hot water (048) 48,000 42 67
mode. (054) 54,000 37 59

WHY IS THE DHW TANK HEAT EXCHANGER VOLUME

AND SURFACE AREA SMALLER THAN TYPICAL INDIRECT Recovery times based on 80°F/44.5°C Δ T
WATER HEATERS? Booster heater delay default setting is minimum 20 minutes
The heat exchanger is designed to optimize heat transfer (Maximum is 95 minutes)
for both heat pump and solar operation and takes into
account Daikin inverter compressor technology allowing CAN I INTEGRATE DAIKIN ALTHERMA DHW WITH SOLAR
higher heat pump capacities at lower outdoor ambient COLLECTOR?
conditions. The DHW tank heat exchanger volume is 1.8 The solar kit integrates the field-supplied solar thermal
gal/6.8 l and surface area is 15.6 ft2/1.45 m2. panels with the pump station and domestic hot water tank.
The solar kit provides the transfer of solar heat to the
WHAT MATERIAL IS USED FOR THE DHW TANK? Daikin Altherma hot water tank via an external heat
DHW tank is stainless steel 316L. The DHW tank uses exchanger. In contrast to tanks with two heat exchangers,
1.57 inch (40mm) thick polyurethane foam insulation this system allows the entire content of the tank to be
which keeps standby heat losses to a maximum of efficiently heated with solar heat and, if necessary, with
0.5°F/0.3°C per hour. heat pump energy.

CAN I USE A THIRD PARTY DHW TANK INSTEAD OF THE

DAIKIN ALTHERMA DHW TANK?
Yes, a third party tank can be used for increased storage
capacity and where double wall heat exchangers are
required. (Refer to the Engineering Data book for third
party DHW tank kit information)

EKHWS
Hot water tank
EKSOLH
solar kit
 Installation Considerations
ARE THERE ANY REFRIGERANT PIPING LIMITATIONS? ARE THERE ADDITIONAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS?
Yes, see following list: It is sometimes necessary to install an oil trap per the
REQUIREMENT 018-030 036-054
following information:

Maximum allowable refrigerant piping length 98.4 ft. 246 ft. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
between outdoor unit and indoor unit. (30 m) (75 m) Since there is a possibility of oil
Minimum required refrigerant piping length 9.8 ft.(a) 9.8 ft.(a) held inside the riser piping flowing
between outdoor unit and indoor unit. (3 m) (3 m) back into the compressor when
stopped and causing liquid
Maximum allowable height difference 65.6 ft. 98.4 ft. compression phenomenon.
between outdoor unit and indoor unit. (20 m) (30 m) Installed trap required at each
Maximum allowable distance between the 3- 10 ft. 10 ft. difference in height of
way valve and the indoor unit (only for (3 m) (3 m) 32.8 ft. (10 m).
installations with domestic hot water tank).
Maximum allowable distance between the 32.8 ft. 32.8 ft. *Trap installation spacing:
domestic hot water tank and the indoor unit (10 m) (10 m) A Outdoor unit B Indoor unit C Gas
(only for installations with domestic hot water piping D Liquid piping E Oil trap Oil
tanks). The thermistor cable supplied with the trap is not necessary when the
domestic hot water thank is 39.4 ft. outdoor unit is installed in a higher
(12 m) in length. position than the indoor unit.
(a) When <16.4 ft. (<5 m), recharging of the outdoor unit is required. Refer
to the installation manual of the outdoor unit. CAUTION: TRAP REQUIRED FOR ERLQ036, 048, 054 MODELS ONLY

All refrigerant piping must be insulated along its full run

WHAT CONSIDERATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE WHEN using a minimum of 1/2” wall thickness insulation
SIZING THE HYDRONIC PIPING? (e.g. Armaflex®). It is recommended to use a minimum 3/4”
Select piping diameter in relation to required water flow wall thickness insulation when running refrigerant piping
and available ESP of the pump. See following example: through unconditioned spaces (attics, garages, crawl spaces
and outdoors). (Refer to local codes). Note that:
1. Refrigerant gas and liquid piping should not be
insulated together.
2. All joint areas must also be fully insulated.

WHAT IS A DIFFERENTIAL BYPASS VALVE ?

It is a valve, which opens and closes automatically in
response to motorized zone valves opening and closing, to
dissipate the head pressure produced by a heating
circulating pump.

WHY SHOULD I USE A DIFFERENTIAL BYPASS VALVE?

If a heating system is fitted with motorized zone valves
(MZVs) on, say, 5 out of 7 under floor heating, a situation
(018-030) (036-054)
could arise where the (MZVs) close and all the water being
Water flow rate for Hydrobox: circulated by the pump would be forced around the
Min (030): 3.2 gpm Min (054): 4.2 gpm remaining two zones. This could result in increased water
Max (030): 11.1 gpm Max (054): 15.3 gpm velocity and a resultant increase in system noise. The
(feet of head = psi x 2.31)
pump is under more strain and has a shorter life.
 Installation Considerations
IS ANTIFREEZE NECESSARY FOR MONOBLOC DAIKIN ARE THERE CONSIDERATIONS WHEN INSTALLING THE
ALTHERMA? ALTHERM SYSTEM AT HIGH ALTITUDE LOCATION?
Antifreeze can be used in Daikin Altherma Monobloc 1. Determine the altitude at the location the Daikin
applications where the site is not occupied or monitored, Altherma system is being considered for.
can be exposed to temperatures below freezing (32°F, 2. Verify the altitude correction factor from the table
0°C) for long periods of time or could experience a high (see following Altitude table).
occurrence of power outages. Only propylene glycol 3. If an altitude falls within specified values, use the
formulated for hydronic heating can be used (must correction graph to determine the applicable capacity
include biocide). Always remember that adding antifreeze correction factor.
will reduce the output capacity of Daikin Altherma and 4. Since the Daikin Altherma selection and simulator
may require larger expansion tank and circulators. To software does not correct for altitude, add the altitude
keep antifreeze mixtures at a minimum, Daikin correction factor to the load requirements before the
recommends antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor mixtures initial selection is made.
for burst protection. Refer to installation instructions for 5. Conduct the equipment selection based on these
propylene glycol mixtures and capacities corrections. conditions as per normal procedures.
Refer to local codes when using antifreeze.
Capacity Correction Factor – due to lower air density
CAN I USE ANTIFREEZE IN SPLIT-TYPE DAIKIN Altitude Density Capacity
ALTHERMA? (ft) (m) (lb/ft3) (kg/m3) %
It is not recommended to use antifreeze. Daikin Altherma 0 0 0.0807 1.293 100%
has a freeze protection mode programmed in the 1,000 305 0.7785 1.247 98%
hydrobox controller. It is not recommended to use 2,000 610 0.0750 1.202 96%
antifreeze. The split-type Daikin Altherma should be 5,000 1,524 0.0672 1.076 90%
installed in the conditioned space. 7,500 2,286 0.0611 0.979 85%
10,000 3,048 0.0555 0.889 81%
WHEN IS THE CONDENSATE KIT REQUIRED AND WHAT IS
ITS FUNCTION?
The condensate kit (EKHBDP) for the hydrobox is required
for cooling applications. The function of the condensate
kit is to insulate the water piping in the hydrobox to
eliminate any water from dripping on and possibly
damaging components in the hydrobox. It is in kit form to
facilitate ease of hydrobox installation. The condensate kit
is installed after all required water and refrigerant piping
connection have been made to the hydrobox.

WHAT TYPES OF CONNECTIONS DO I NEED TO INSTALL

THE ALTHERMA SYSTEM? WHEN IS THE EKRP1HBAAU DIGITAL I/O PCB KIT
All Daikin Altherma systems are equipped with BSP REQUIRED?
(British Standard Pipe Thread) connections at the various Primarily, this kit is required for solar thermal applications
hydronic components. The BSP connector is similar to, to set solar priority (included with solar kit) and for Bi-
but not interchangeable with the more common NPT Valent applications. It can also be used with the hydrobox
connector. The thread pitch is different in most cases, and outdoor unit for remote alarm and operation status
and the thread angle is 55° instead of the 60° angle found reporting via voltage free (dry) contacts.
on NPT threads. Daikin Adaptor Kit (BSP to NPT) have
been prepared to address challenges in the field with
sourcing the necessary fittings to make your installation as
easy.
Comfort and Energy Efficiency
WHAT ARE SOME OF BENEFITS THAT DAIKIN WHAT TYPE OF SAVING ON MY OPERATIN COST WITH
ALTHERMA OFFERS? DAIKIN ALTHERMA vs. TRADITIONAL HEATING SYSTEM?
• Complete renewable solution for home heating and Altherma system works more efficiently and saves more
hot water energy than a traditional heating system that using fossil
• Deliver considerable savings in energy fuel. Daikin Altherma generates at least 3 to 5 kW of
• Significant contribution in the fight against CO2 additional heat per 1kW of electricity used and 66 to 80%
emissions additional heat.
100% Daikin Altherma
• Cost effective on installations
Air/Water heat pump
• Low energy consumption 82%
• Safe, easy to maintain and comfortable all year round 68%
Gas boiler
• No extensive ground works
• No Flues, fuel lines or fuel tanks Fuel Oil boiler
• Providing all your heating and hot water needs
throughout the year
• Superior technology ensuring performance is OPERATING COSTS: Conditions: Required annual heating energy:
unaffected in a cool climate, in fact even as low as 20,000 kWh. Source: Energy prices based on EUROSTAT statistics [first
-4°F (-20°C) semester 2007].

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DAIKIN

WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FORCED ALTHERMA?
AIR vs. RADIANT HEAT? Simply contract us by phone, email or our Daikin AC
A room with Radiant In-Floor space heating will have a Web: www.daikinac.com
very uniform temperature from the ceiling to the floor.
Heating a basement floor is an ideal application for a Product & Applications Support:
radiant heat system. If you've lived in a house with 972.245.1510
forced air, you know that you can crank the heat up, but [email protected]
the basement floors will remain chilled. Installing a
radiant floor warming system will add comfort and For “Error code troubleshooting”
warmth to your lifestyle. Web: www.drdaikin.com

SMS: Send the word “Error” and the code to the following number:
32075 (as you would send to any regular phone numbers) For example
“Error A3”. Please note there must be a space between the words “Error”
and “A3”. Press send. Within 30 seconds you will receive a reply back.

(After-Sales Support) - Installation, Commissioning &

Service Support
Service Hotline (866).4.DAIKIN,
Option 3 (866.432.4546)
[email protected]

Parts Identification Support: Phone 972.512.1988

WHAT IS THE FACTORY WARRANTY FOR ALTHERMA? [email protected]
The North American Warranty is:
7 years for the compressor, 5 years for parts (including Training - Schedule & Registration Support
Fan Coil Unit, DHW tank and Hydrobox components), 1 972.512.1954
year limited labor. Please refer to the official Daikin AC [email protected]
Warranty Terms and Conditions for detailed information.
 WARNINGS
Always use a licensed installer or contractor to install this product. Improper installation can result in
water or refrigerant leakage, electrical shock, fire or explosion.

Use only those parts and accessories supplied or specified by Daikin. Ask a licensed contractor to install
those parts and accessories. Use of unauthorized parts and accessories or improper installation of parts
and accessories can result in water or refrigerant leakage, electrical shock, fire or explosion.

Read the User’s Manual carefully before using this product. The User’s Manual provides important safety
instructions and warnings. Be sure to follow these instructions and warnings.

For any inquiries, contact your local Daikin sales office.

ISO14001 assures an effective environmental

management system in order to help protect
human health and the environment from the
potential impact of our activities, products,
and services and to assist in maintaining and
improving the quality of the environment.

Daikin Europe N.V. is approved by LRQA for its Quality

Management System in accordance with the ISO9001
standard. ISO9001 pertains to quality assurance
regarding design, development, and manufacturing,
as well as to services related to the product.

2011 Daikin Industries, Limited.

Daikin, Daikin AC Absolute Comfort, its design, and Daikin Altherma are trademarks of Daikin Industries, Limited.

Daikin AC (Americas), Inc.

1645 Wallace Drive, Suite 110
Carrollton, TX 75006 USA
www.daikinac.com/altherma
866-4DAIKIN
972-245-1510

Daikin’s products are subject to continuous improvements. Daikin reserves the right to modify product design, specifications and information in this DACA-FAQ05-11B
brochure without notice and without incurring any obligations.