You may know them as cottages, casitas, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - compact, self-contained living spaces designed for versatility and comfort.
Whether used for rental income, multigenerational living, as a home office, or simply as an extra space, these units offer flexible solutions for a modern lifestyle. To make the most of the spaces, a properly sized and efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential to ensure year-round comfort.
Key Comfort Concerns for Secondary Living Spaces.
Limited space
With very limited space, the HVAC solution should be small and unobtrusive, with flexible installation options. Slim wall-mounted units that don't take up valuable floor space may be ideal.
Energy efficiency
High-efficiency heating and cooling systems are designed to help reduce energy usage – making an ADU or a separate rental unit an affordable and attractive living space.
Independent climate control
Free-standing, self-contained spaces often need a heating and cooling system that operates independently from a main house, allowing for separate temperature settings and billing.
Quiet operation
Noise is noticeable in small spaces. A quiet heating and cooling system is essential for maintaining a comfortable yet peaceful environment.
Ways to Use an Accessory Dwelling Unit
Guest House
Home Office
Aging-in-Place Suite
Remote Work Studio
Creative or Hobby Space
Rental Unit
Daikin offers a range of ductless, mini-split indoor comfort solutions that address the unique challenges of separate living quarters.
Compact
DesignWall-mounted or floor-mounted units with flexible placement, fitting nearly any space.
High Energy Efficiency
Adaptive inverter technology precisely adjusts the compressor speed to match demand.
Independent Operation
Occupants control the indoor temperature independently of the main house, making it ideal for rentals or extended family use.
Quiet
OperationLow sound levels from both indoor and outdoor units provide comfort and peaceful quiet.
Easy
InstallationNo ductwork means minimal installation disruption or excessive cost.
Solving your ADU comfort needs.
The Daikin ATMOSPHERA single-zone mini-split system, featuring R-32 refrigerant, provides a high-efficiency ductless heat pump solution. Its compact, high-efficiency design makes it a great choice for small, independent living quarters that need year-round comfort for warm summers and cold winters. The flexible wall-mounted placement options enable easy professional installation in various locations, accommodating nearly any layout.
The Daikin ATMOSPHERA
The Daikin ATMOSPHERA delivers high energy efficiency comfort through adaptive inverter technology, which adjusts the compressor speed to meet your distinct cooling or heating demands. With a Daikin ductless single-zone mini-split system, you can control the temperature without affecting the main house. It’s ideal for ADUs or rentals, with a separate system that allows for individual metering.
The quiet operation can help provide a peaceful environment, with low sound levels from both indoor and outdoor units enhancing comfort. Professional installation is quick and non-invasive, requiring no ductwork and only minimal disruption to the property.
Overview
Daikin solutions for additional dwelling units
Transforming square footage can be a great way to enhance the value, functionality, and comfort of your home. Explore the ATMOSPHERA, the versatile OTERRA, and the AURORA, available in various indoor placement options. Discover how Daikin can keep your additional dwelling unit comfortable throughout the year.
DAIKIN ATMOSPHERA
 | DAIKIN OTERRA
 | DAIKIN AURORA
 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEER2 | Up to 27.4 | Up to 21.0 SEER2 | Up to 21.0 SEER2 |
| HSPF2 | Up to 11.2 | Up to 10.2 HSPF2 | Up to 10.2 HSPF2 |
| Also Available as Cooling Only |  No
|  Yes
| No
|
| Indoor Sound Pressure | As low as 22 dB(A) | As low as 19 dB(A) | As low as 19 dB(A) |
| Wi-Fi | Included | Included with 230V, Adapter needed for 115V | Included |
| Self-Adjusting “Intelligent Eye” | Yes | No
| Yes |
| Outdoor Operating Temp Range | -13°F to 115°F | -5°F to 122°F | -13°F to 115°F |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ | $$$ |
Easy and elegant comfort control.
DAIKIN ONE LITE
In addition to the hand-held remote control, the optional Daikin ONE+, Daikin ONE touch, or Daikin ONE lite smart thermostats are designed to fit seamlessly into your tiny space and connect to select Daikin Ductless models. These Wi-Fi–enabled connected thermostats work with the Daikin ONE home app, so you can set schedules and control comfort from your phone—or just by asking Amazon Alexa* or Google Assistant† to change the temperature.
*Amazon and Alexa are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. †Google and Assistant are trademarks of Google LLC.
What Should I Consider?
Get a Professional HVAC Assessment
It is highly recommended to consult with a Daikin Pro for a precise load calculation to determine the correct size for your ADU’s mini split system. The Daikin Pro will also recommend the location of the indoor and outdoor unit, the type of system required, and whether a financing option is available, as well as tax credits and incentives. * Those are all critical steps to make the space work for your needs and our budget.
*This information does not and should not be considered tax advice. All information is for general purposes only. Contact your tax professional for specific, applicable details.
Utility Connections
Connecting to existing utilities (water, sewer, electricity) can be a significant cost. Ensure your property can support the new ADU as a separate building. The amp draw of some mini splits can be low, such as the Daikin OTERRA 115V, allowing systems to operate on a typical 115V circuit, which saves investment costs and allows for a focus on other areas.
Single vs. Multi-Zone Systems
Mini-splits are available for a single room or multiple rooms. A multiple-room (multi-zone) system allows for individual control and comfort for each room, especially important if your ADU is larger than a studio and requires heating or cooling in a living room space and a separate bedroom.
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