Daikin apologises for German funding error
GERMANY: Daikin Germany is advising purchasers of an energy-labelling error on certain models of its air-to-air heat pumps that may preclude them from receiving German government funding.
The federal government of Germany’s BEG scheme provides funding to support energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energies in the construction and renovation of buildings. It applies to all residential and non-residential buildings.
Daikin Germany has informed customers of “possible contradictions” in the energy labels of individual Daikin multi-split devices which could affect applications for BEG funding. It blames “inconsistencies” in the database for the incorrect efficiency data being displayed. As a result the affected products do not meet the technical requirements for BEG funding.
Apologising for the inconvenience caused, Daikin Airconditioning Germany MD Filip De Graeve said in a press statement: “We very much regret that for selected device combinations of air-to-air heat pumps, the energy label, which is necessary for the application for BEG funding, has to be checked and reconfirmed on a case-by-case basis.”
The error is said to affect certain combinations of multi-split air-to-air heat pump outdoor units (under 12kW) with certain indoor units. “All other heat pumps from Daikin are not included,” it says.
Affected customers are warned that they will receive a letter from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA), which will also include information from Daikin on how to proceed. Daikin says it aims to provide full support to all customers affected by the review.
Daikin has not said how many installations may be ineligible for funding but has set up a page on its website with further information.
The German funding guidelines have been in effect since January 1, 2021. The subsidy rate is 20% of the investment sum for the modernisation of ventilation and air conditioning systems in non-residential buildings. A subsidy rate of 35% applies in the case of modernisation with a heat pump in residential or non-residential buildings. Replacing an oil heating system with a heat pump provides a subsidy of 45%.
