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Daikin expands its Compact series with the new Compact R air handling unit

Press release, January 2026

Product news / Vienna, 7 January 2026 –This solution integrates a rotary wheel heat recovery system into an exceptionally space-saving casing – while improving energy performance. With this addition, the Compact series offers another strong option for commercial applications in modern buildings. Key new features include side duct connections for greater flexibility, simplified installation and enhanced choice for selecting the right AHU for modern buildings.

A versatile solution for modern commercial buildings

Compact R is available in seven sizes covering airflow rates from 500 to 6,000 m³/h, making it suitable for a wide range of environments such as shops, offices and educational facilities. The units are offered in right- or left-hand configurations, with side connections that simplify integration into different plant layouts.

Thanks to its compact dimensions, the unit can be installed indoors or outdoors, providing a flexible solution for both new builds and refurbishments. Efficient airflow management helps improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) across various settings.

Flexibility through accessories and configuration

Whether for project requirements in retail, hospitality, office buildings or schools, Compact R can be equipped with a wide range of accessories – including cooling and heating coils, electric heaters for pre- or post-treatment, additional filtration stages and sound attenuators. This allows the system to be configured to meet the performance and comfort needs of a wide variety of applications.

 

Integration with Daikin technology

Compact R is fully compatible with the Daikin AHU-DX1) kit, creating a single integrated system that combines the air handling unit and the condensing unit under one control platform. This minimizes wiring, improves commissioning efficiency and ensures optimal performance. The main coil – available as water or DX coil – is integrated directly inside the unit, preserving the compact footprint.

The AHU-DX kit also supports decarbonization efforts, enabling cooling and heating operation without gas boilers. It is compatible with R-410A and R-32, offering flexible and sustainable system design options.

Through Astra Web, Daikin’s AHU selection software, configuration is accurate and straightforward.

Compact R can also be combined with Daikin R-32 systems such as VRV5 or ERA for highly efficient heating and cooling, supported by built in Shirudu technology for R-32 systems.

Efficient energy recovery

A rotary heat recovery wheel – available in condensation or sorption versions – allows Compact R to recover both sensible (temperature) and latent heat (humidity). By recovering energy from the return air to the incoming fresh air, the unit reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining stable indoor conditions resulting in better indoor air quality throughout the year.

 

Reliable operation with reduced maintenance

The filtration system includes an ePM1 50% (F7) filter on the supply air and an ePM10 75% (M5) filter on the return air as standard. This ensures high-quality indoor air while protecting internal components from dust accumulation. Combined with Daikin engineering and the compact layout, this results in a reliable, low-maintenance solution.

 

Eurovent certified performance

Compact R is Eurovent certified, ensuring full transparency and independent validation of all technical data. This provides designers, consultants and end users with confidence that the unit will perform as specified.

 

Fast availability and simplified installation

Compact R is produced following a Make-to-Stock (MTS) approach, ensuring short lead times. Larger sizes are delivered in two separate modules to facilitate handling in confined spaces, especially during renovations. While the unit is configured for indoor installation by default, an outdoor kit is available for full installation flexibility. Compact R is delivered plug-and-play, with pre-configured factory settings to streamline installation and easy commissioning.

Smart control and performance monitoring

As a decentralized ventilation solution, Compact R enables zone-by-zone control and quick installation. Integration with the Daikin Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) sensor allows monitoring of indoor air quality and enables Demand Controlled Ventilation (DCV), adjusting fan speed and ventilation rates according to real indoor air quality needs.

Compact R is also compatible with Daikin on Site (DoS), Daikin’s 24/7 remote monitoring platform. DoS improves system reliability, reduces downtime, and provides continuous performance insights.

The unit features Daikin’s Pro open control platform, offering full interoperability with modern Building Management Systems (BMS) and allowing technicians to fine-tune operation, monitor performance and implement tailored control strategies.

 

More information about Daikin’s Compact series: Air Handling Units | Daikin

 

Abbreviation:

1) AHU-DX = Air handling unit direct expansion

 

Copyrights pictures: Daikin

 

About

100+ years Daikin  

The story of Daikin has always been shaped by groundbreaking ideas, technological innovations, and dedicated people. It began in 1924 when the young Japanese engineer Akira Yamada founded an enterprise in Osaka to manufacture aircraft radiators with a 15-member team. More than 100 years later, the Daikin Industries group brings future-proof solutions for heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) to global markets. 103,500 employees in 173 countries continue the company's legacy of leading technologies to advance low carbon heating and cooling, while ensuring the highest level of comfort.

Read more on 100 Years Daikin

 

Daikin Industries Ltd.

Daikin Industries is a global leader in heat pump, air conditioning and air filtration technology, employing more than 103,500 people. Founded in Osaka in 1924, it is the only manufacturer in the world that develops and manufactures HVAC-R equipment, compressors and refrigerants in-house. Daikin has been recognized as one of the world’s top 100 most innovative companies by Clarivate (UK) and LexisNexis (USA) for its leadership in technology research and intellectual property patents. For its fiscal year 2024 (1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025) Daikin reported a record sales result of 28,98 billion euro sales.

Read more on  www.daikin.com

 

Daikin Europe N.V. 

The Daikin Europe group is a leading provider of heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification and refrigeration technology across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Daikin Europe caters to a diverse customer base within the region by designing, manufacturing, and marketing an extensive range of products, maintenance services, and turnkey solutions tailored for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The group employs over 13,800 people across more than 56 subsidiaries and operates 15 manufacturing sites in Europe (12), Turkey (1) and the Middle East (2). Refrigeration products from Daikin include the brands Daikin, Tewis, Zanotti, Hubbard, and AHT. Headquartered in Ostend, Belgium, for over 50 years, the Daikin Europe group is a subsidiary of Daikin Industries Ltd. 

Read more on www.daikin.eu

 

Daikin Airconditioning Central Europe

Daikin Airconditioning Central Europe, founded in 1999 with its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, operates as a subsidiary of Daikin Europe. Its portfolio includes products and total solutions for heating, cooling, ventilation, air purification, and refrigeration in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. With over 700 employees and 3,400 partners, the company manages sales and service activities across 16 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Austria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

With 'Your Daikin World' at the Vienna headquarters and the 'Daikin Inspiration Park' in Warsaw, the HVAC-R industry and the construction sector have access to two state-of-the-art B2B-experience centers for co-creating customized solutions for hotels, retail, offices, and large commercial applications. Daikin runs ten out of 141 B2B-training centers across the EMEA region in the CE-region. Consumers and homeowners receive consultations at four B2C-Experience centers in Vienna, Belgrade, Bratislava and Budapest.

Read more on www.daikin-ce.com

 

Media contact 

Doris Passler

Manager Corporate Communications Central Europe
Daikin Airconditioning Central Europe HandelsgmbH
Lemböckgasse 59/1/1, 1230 Vienna, Austria
T: +43 (0) 664 24 56 444
M: passler.d@daikin.at

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