Daikin vs. Gree Mini Splits: Entry-Level Showdown
If you’re shopping for a ductless mini split and feeling like you’re drowning in acronyms and spec sheets—don’t worry, you’re not alone. As someone who’s been installing mini splits in the Phoenix area for almost three decades, I’ve seen both Daikin and Gree systems in action. I’m not here to sell you either brand—just to break down the facts about their single-zone mini splits, using only U.S.-available models and manufacturer data. Let’s dive in comparing Daikin vs Gree!
Models We’re Comparing:
- Daikin LV Series (Wall-mounted single-zone systems)
- Gree Livo Gen4 (Wall-mounted single-zone systems)
Both are popular entry-level systems that offer inverter-driven compressors (variable speed), decent efficiencies (for ductless units – high efficiency compared to ducted systems), and reliable cooling for Phoenix-area homes—especially garages, home offices, or casitas. I own one of these personally in my own garage and we have another brand cooling our offices in Mesa as well as our fireplace showroom in downtown Mesa, AZ. I’ll discuss those more at the end of the article for anyone interested.
1. Daikin vs Gree Efficiency Ratings (SEER2 & HSPF2)
| Feature | Daikin LV Series | Gree Livo Gen4 |
|---|---|---|
| SEER2 (cooling) | Up to 18.9 | Up to 20.0 |
| HSPF2 (heating) | Up to 8.9 | Up to 8.6 |
| Inverter Compressor | Yes | Yes |
What this means:
- Both use inverter technology, which means they ramp up and down as needed instead of cycling on/off. That translates to better efficiency, longer system life, and quieter operation.
- Gree has a slight edge in SEER2, while Daikin edges ahead on HSPF2. For Phoenix, where cooling dominates, both are more than adequate.
2. Daikin vs Gree Heating & Cooling Performance
| Feature | Daikin LV | Gree Livo Gen4 |
| Cooling Operating Range | 14°F to 115°F | 5°F to 122°F |
| Heating Operating Range | 5°F to 75°F | -4°F to 75°F |
What this means:
- Gree has a significant the edge here, for homes in both cooler climates and in the Phoenix metro area where we can exceed 115 degrees – something that seems to be happening more and more frequently in recent years.
- The extended range in heating may matter more for Northern AZ or high-elevation second homes and in other cold climates.
3. Installation Considerations
- Both models are wall-mounted indoor units and require a matching outdoor condenser.
- Line set lengths, mounting brackets, and install procedures are nearly identical.
- Both brands require professional setup for warranty protection and optimal performance.
Tip: Both need proper sizing and expert installation to avoid hot spots, short cycling and other problems that occur often when installed by people untrained in how to properly install these products.
4. Daikin vs Gree Warranty Differences
| Feature | Daikin | Gree |
| Standard Warranty | 12-Year Parts (with Daikin Comfort Pro install) | 10-Year Parts & Compressor (with Gree Select Dealer install)* |
| Licensed Installer Required? | Yes (for full coverage) | Yes (or warranty void) |
| Non-Licensed Installs | Voids warranty | Voids warranty |
What this means:
- Daikin offers one of the best warranties in the industry if you use a licensed Daikin Comfort Pro contractor.
- Gree offers a 10-year parts and compressor warranty when installed by a Select Dealer, like Magic Touch Mechanical.
- Without that designation, the standard Gree warranty is 5 years parts, 7 years compressor.
*Standard warranty applies if not installed by a Gree Select Dealer.
5. Parts & Support Availability
Daikin:
- Broad dealer network in the U.S.
- Parts are widely available but often need to be ordered through authorized distributors.
- U.S.-based tech support is solid.
Gree:
- Fewer authorized dealers, but growing U.S. presence. Gree is one of the largest AC manufacturers in the world. Their claim to fame is “1 in 3 is Gree”, meaning 1 in every 3 AC units made worldwide is manufactured by Gree. They entered the US market a few years ago and have been rapidly growing their presence ever since.
- Replacement parts are readily available to Gree Select Dealers like Magic Touch. If you’re not in the Phoenix area, check your local area for Gree Select Dealers.
- AZ based tech support is solid. May vary in other parts of the US.
Bottom Line:
- If you’re going DIY or using an unlicensed contractor, you’re out of luck with both brands—your warranty is toast, and you might have trouble getting support.
Final Thoughts
Both the Daikin LV Series and Gree Livo Gen4 are solid, energy-efficient choices for smaller spaces where ductwork isn’t ideal. If you’re looking for better warranty coverage, Daikin beats Gree by 2 years—but you’ll want to make sure you go with a Comfort Pro dealer to lock it in. If you’re looking for a much more affordable install, Gree not only holds its own, it exceeds Daikin on a couple of very important performance and efficiency specs. for Phoenix area home and business owners.
No matter which way you lean, proper sizing, professional installation, and licensed contractors make all the difference—especially in the Phoenix heat. Just call Magic Touch Mechanical and you’ll be in great hands!
Want help choosing the right mini split for your home or garage? Give Magic Touch Mechanical a call at (480) 855-8789 or book your free estimate online. We’ve installed thousands of these systems across the Valley—and we’ll help you choose the best one for your space, not just the one with the flashiest brochure.
My Gree Livo Gen4 Mini Split Heat Pump
Magic Touch Mechanical has been installing mini split heat pumps for over 28 years in the greater Phoenix area. In fact, I remember having to explain what a mini split even was to many people in the early days. If I had to guess (and I do because I don’t know), I’d estimate my team has installed two to three thousand mini splits in Arizona over the last 1/4 century.
A lifelong technician at heart, as you might expect my garage shares space with my home workshop. I collect and build BMX bikes, work on my motorcycles, and do a little woodworking and metal fabrication in it. Without air conditioning that space would be useless to me 1/2 the year, so I installed a mini split heat pump.
I chose a Gree Livo Gen4 for my garage for the following reasons:
- Cooling operation up to 122 degrees Fahrenheit
- Efficient operation
- Low noise level (inside and out)
- Lower price than my other favorite mini split brand (hint: see below)
Mitsubishi Mini Split Heat Pumps at Magic Touch
I bought the building where Magic Touch’s offices and warehouse are located almost 20-years ago. We needed a large yard for our fleet of trucks, warehouse space, storage space, etc. Finding a yard as large as ours in downtown Mesa is no easy task, so when the property became available I moved quickly. What wasn’t ideal was the HVAC system and duct design in the front offices – one office was freezing when the next office was hot.
Mitsubishi Multi Zone Mini Split Solution
It was a no-brainer to install a multi zone mini split heat pump system in our offices. Each office has it’s own air handler allowing my team to set their temperature to their individual preference. If they want to freeze out their office, fine by me – the system is incredibly efficient!
Our Mitsubishi system has many more features than both the Daikin or Gree we covered in this product comparison. As an example, I’ll share one that still amazes me to this day – infrared sensors. Each Mitsubishi air handler is equipped with an infrared sensor that scans the temperature of every corner of the room – it then perfectly dials in it’s output. But, that’s not the amazing feature! What’s more impressive is that the unit detects where people are in the room – from their you tell it if you want the air to blow directly on you or not!
The Fire Place Design Center & Showroom Mini Split
Magic Touch owns a fireplace showroom & design center in downtown Mesa, AZ as well. It’s a complete design center showcasing about 40 different wall finishes, complete fireplace media walls, entertainment centers, mantels, and more. On top of that we have over 18 different fireplaces on display (fully installed and operable), many gas log sets, fireplace inserts, etc. You get the picture … there’s a lot of “cool” to cool! – *or should i say “hot” to cool?
Anyway, here’s where a mini split comes in: The Fire Place is heated and cooled by two systems. One is a Lennox ducted heat pump (so we could show off our exposed spiral ductwork – the other a Mitsubishi mini split. Unlike the ductless units in this Daikin vs Gree comparison which have wall mount air handlers – we chose a hidden ceiling cassette for our showroom. Technically, ours isn’t ‘hidden’ as it’s a commercial space with an exposed ceiling – but in a drywall ceiling (most homes) the unit would be flush with the ceiling.
Trust Us With Your Fire & Air!
Now the pitch (it’s a softball though)! If you’re in the Phoenix Metro or any surrounding city in the west valley or east valley – we’d love to earn your business. With our 5-Star Service Guarantee and our Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee, the only thing you risk is falling in love with us! CALL NOW or click BOOK NOW for the service you’re interested in.
