Ducted heatpump model feedback

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acetone

181 posts

Master Geek

#318657 8-Feb-2025 15:08

Hi,

I have been quoted with two different models of Daikin heat pumps
Slim-Line ducted unit (Model FBA60BZ-VCV) and a standard FDYAN60-CV
I was told the slimline was a premium model and more efficient than the standard inverters.
Just looking for some feedback between the two models, slimline and standard.

Thanks.

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#3340556 8-Feb-2025 15:28

I asked http://perplexity.ai to compare the two models. The slimline looks a little more efficient. What the price difference? To me the minimum power output is an important consideration, those are both similar. Oversizing causes problems.

Where are you thinking of having it installed? In a home, with multiple bedrooms? Are you having zones with temperature control? I wouldn't have a ducted system without per-room temperature control. You've probably seen my ducted heat pump guide here, if not it's probably worth a read. e.g. Make sure you get a bypass damper, rather than using a spill zone if you get an Airtouch.

"In summary, the FBA60BZ-VCV is more energy-efficient and has a slimmer indoor unit, while the FDYAN60-CV offers slightly higher airflow. The choice between these models would depend on specific installation requirements and priorities regarding energy efficiency versus airflow capacity.

Efficiency

FBA60BZ-VCV: EER/COP of 3.59/4.15
FDYAN60-CV: EER/COP of 3.37/3.59"

tweake

2391 posts

Uber Geek

#3340564 8-Feb-2025 16:03

the fba has less airflow, strangely more efficient, but more importantly a whole ton more noise (63 dba vers 35 dba. its a huge difference so i wonder if its written poorly, worth double checking). i would expect smaller ducts to be more noisy.

acetone

181 posts

Master Geek

#3340672 8-Feb-2025 21:59

The price difference is 2k. The FBA being the cheaper option but I will have to pay for them to cut a hole to get the unit in the room and re plaster/paint on top of the quoted price. Apparently the FDY unit can be fit through the return air hole and won't have that issue.
I presume the price different is down to the business overheads rather than the units them selves though. The two quotes are from different companies.

This would be for 3 bedrooms in a home, not full house, we have another heatpump for the main living area.
Because the rooms are so small, I don't like the idea of having units in each room, they will consume too much space and look out of place, hence the ducted option.

I have thought about zoning but not 100% sure if we will put the extra cost into it initially.
Have you have thoughts on the Daikin zoning options rather than Airtouch? I believe it is called Daikin AirZone.

timmmay:

I asked http://perplexity.ai to compare the two models. The slimline looks a little more efficient. What the price difference? To me the minimum power output is an important consideration, those are both similar. Oversizing causes problems.

Where are you thinking of having it installed? In a home, with multiple bedrooms? Are you having zones with temperature control? I wouldn't have a ducted system without per-room temperature control. You've probably seen my ducted heat pump guide here, if not it's probably worth a read. e.g. Make sure you get a bypass damper, rather than using a spill zone if you get an Airtouch.

"In summary, the FBA60BZ-VCV is more energy-efficient and has a slimmer indoor unit, while the FDYAN60-CV offers slightly higher airflow. The choice between these models would depend on specific installation requirements and priorities regarding energy efficiency versus airflow capacity.

Efficiency

FBA60BZ-VCV: EER/COP of 3.59/4.15
FDYAN60-CV: EER/COP of 3.37/3.59"

timmmay

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#3340676 8-Feb-2025 22:24

I don't know anything about Daikin AirZone sorry. If one room gets warmer than the others, north facing usually, that's when you really want the zoning. If the rooms stay about the same temperature regardless of weather you could get away without it. I wouldn't though. Also, simpler and cheaper to get it done when it's installed rather than retrofitting.

Don't forget you need undercut doors by around 1-2cm or return grills (wall or door) to let the air out of the rooms efficiently. Or you can do per-room returns, which have advantages and disadvantages.

acetone

181 posts

Master Geek

#3341339 10-Feb-2025 22:03

When looking at the zoning options from Daikin, it seems that the FDY models can't do Airside control which is the ability to reduce the fan speed when some zones are off.
So that does rule in favour of the FBA model.

timmmay

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#3341343 10-Feb-2025 22:18

acetone:

When looking at the zoning options from Daikin, it seems that the FDY models can't do Airside control which is the ability to reduce the fan speed when some zones are off.
So that does rule in favour of the FBA model.

Can you just reduce the fan speed yourself?

Does it have an API that you can access using something like home assistant? With that you can often do many things based on events and state.

acetone

181 posts

Master Geek

#3341344 10-Feb-2025 22:23

I would need to get the Wifi adapter in order to access the unit and have no idea what I would have access to for the ducted system.

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timmmay

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#3341355 11-Feb-2025 07:18

Perplexity AI says the Airzone is similar to the Airtouch, that you can change damper positions directly if needed - though AIs aren't 100% reliable that would need to be checked with the docs. It might be something to look at later if it's not working quite how you prefer. For the Airtouch4 the spill zone was the main problem for us, and I wanted better control of on / off / mode than it provided - the AT4 programs didn't even let you change the mode.

turtleattacks

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#3341358 11-Feb-2025 07:52

Have you considered other brands? What era was your house built in?

We are thinking about getting it for a 1950's house but am open to all brands, especially Mitsubishi.

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Kickinbac

427 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3341509 11-Feb-2025 14:09

tweake:

the fba has less airflow, strangely more efficient, but more importantly a whole ton more noise (63 dba vers 35 dba. its a huge difference so i wonder if its written poorly, worth double checking). i would expect smaller ducts to be more noisy.

You're comparing sound power and sound pressure measurements which is not like for like.

Kickinbac

427 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3341510 11-Feb-2025 14:11

FBA60BZ-VCV COP 4.14 & 35 dBA sound pressure level on high speed

FDYAN60-CV COP 3.59 & 34.1 dBA sound pressure level on high speed

They both have similar static pressure FBA60 is 150 Pa and the FDYAN60 is 130Pa

They both use essentially the same outdoor unit.

The main differences is that the FDYAN60-CV can be separated into two sections to get through an existing ceiling hatch and doesn't need a return air plenum as it has a built in spigot.

If it was me buying, I'd go the FBA60 as the COP is better. The difference in sound pressure and static pressure are neither here nor there.

D1023319

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#3342339 13-Feb-2025 10:10

I have had a underfloor ducked heat pump in my 20's bungaloo for several years now
It has 5 outlets with 2 return inlets and is controlled by Airtouch
The outdoor unit is Dakin RZAV85CV1

It works like a dream from the wall control panel or Airtouch App on Cellphone
Each room has a temperature sensor and can have different room temp set (Although not heating and cooling at same time)

I strongly suggest you dont play with dampers yourself

timmmay

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#3342345 13-Feb-2025 10:22

D1023319:
I strongly suggest you dont play with dampers yourself

I've been talking to an HVAC technician in Australia who does warranty and repair work on air touch units. His opinion seems to be that if the airtouch is installed properly with a bypass damper they work great. If the system is set up with a spill zone it tends to be more problematic.

I have the spill zone and I have to mess with the dampers to stop overheating or overcooling. Next time I get any work done like this I will definitely be adding the bypass damper.

I've recently configured the Daikin to turn off all airflow when the system is at Target temperature both and heating and cooling modes. That has definitely improved comfort. In heating mode having a breeze when it's up to heat makes you feel cold. In cooling mode it overcools the spill zone again making it uncomfortable.

D1023319

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Ultimate Geek

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#3342352 13-Feb-2025 10:38

timmmay:

D1023319:
I strongly suggest you dont play with dampers yourself

I've been talking to an HVAC technician in Australia who does warranty and repair work on air touch units. His opinion seems to be that if the airtouch is installed properly with a bypass damper they work great. If the system is set up with a spill zone it tends to be more problematic.

I have the spill zone and I have to mess with the dampers to stop overheating or overcooling. Next time I get any work done like this I will definitely be adding the bypass damper.

I've recently configured the Daikin to turn off all airflow when the system is at Target temperature both and heating and cooling modes. That has definitely improved comfort. In heating mode having a breeze when it's up to heat makes you feel cold. In cooling mode it overcools the spill zone again making it uncomfortable.

whats a spill zone or a bypass damper?

FYI - I have no drafts when its in operation and can choose from the app various fan speeds
As to turning off unit at choosen temp - as each room has a different temp so that is damper controlled

Kickinbac

427 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3342353 13-Feb-2025 10:39

timmmay:

D1023319:
I strongly suggest you dont play with dampers yourself

I've been talking to an HVAC technician in Australia who does warranty and repair work on air touch units. His opinion seems to be that if the airtouch is installed properly with a bypass damper they work great. If the system is set up with a spill zone it tends to be more problematic.

I have the spill zone and I have to mess with the dampers to stop overheating or overcooling. Next time I get any work done like this I will definitely be adding the bypass damper.

I've recently configured the Daikin to turn off all airflow when the system is at Target temperature both and heating and cooling modes. That has definitely improved comfort. In heating mode having a breeze when it's up to heat makes you feel cold. In cooling mode it overcools the spill zone again making it uncomfortable.

Good points. The only thing I don't like about switching the fan off is the change in noise. I prefer a constant fan noise. Is your system super quiet that you don't notice?

The setting is commonly referred to as 'thermo off' so the fan switches off when the setpoint is achieved. But a problem can be if there is no air flow through the system it may not be sensing correctly. Mostly a problem when using the return air sensor.

I mainly do commercial A/C so we like the ducted indoor unit fan to be always on as we are usually introducing fresh air into the system through this.

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