Mini Split 36,000 BTU Daikin Polara 18 SEER2 WiFi Cool Only System, RKV36AVJU9, FTXV36AVJU9
Three tons is the ceiling for Daikin single-zone ductless cooling, and the RKV36AVJU9 Polara condenser paired with the FTXV36AVJU9 wall-mounted air handler is where the cool-only lineup ends. Rated 18.00 SEER2 with 34,400 BTU/h of cooling on R-32 refrigerant, this system has no heat pump function, no reversing valve, and no electric heat element — it is purpose-built for spaces that need cooling and nothing else. The indoor unit pushes 971 CFM at high speed through a 48-13/16" cabinet, and the outdoor unit moves 2,871 CFM to reject that heat. A wireless remote is included, the system is Wi-Fi capable, and it communicates with the Daikin ONE+ smart thermostat for building-level control.
Is a 36,000 BTU Cool-Only System the Right Size?
At three tons from a single head, this is a commercial-scale ductless solution more often than a residential one. The RKV36AVJU9 delivers 34,400 BTU/h rated cooling with 21,960 BTU/h sensible and modulates down to 10,200 BTU/h, drawing 3.510 kW at rated conditions on a 25 A circuit. Efficiency settles at 18.00 SEER2 and 9.80 EER2 — the lowest in this cool-only group, which is the expected cost of the highest single-zone capacity Daikin offers here.
The practical limit at this size is rarely capacity; it is air distribution. Three tons of cooling concentrated at one wall location will stratify and short-circuit if the space is tall, partitioned, or long and narrow. Before specifying it, evaluate ceiling height, whether destratification fans are present, exterior door and dock traffic, process and equipment heat gain, and the throw distance from the mounting wall to the farthest corner. When a space needs three tons but has more than one distinct area, two smaller heads on a multi-zone condenser almost always deliver better comfort per dollar than one 36,000 BTU unit.
Ideal for: Large commercial floors, warehouse and shop bays, data and telecom rooms, manufacturing offices, fitness studios, church sanctuaries, and high-ceiling great rooms in hot climates.
Need more capacity? This is the largest single-zone system in the line. For loads beyond three tons, or for multiple separate areas, compare the full single zone cool only mini split systems range or move to a multi zone mini split system that splits the load across several indoor heads.
Recommended applications are general guidelines only. Actual system requirements depend on insulation, window area, ambient conditions, occupancy, internal heat gain, and installation details. Request free sizing assistance, contact Budget Heating, or call 813-885-7999.
What's Included
| Outdoor Condensing Unit | RKV36AVJU9 — 3.0 Ton Polara Cool Only Inverter Condenser |
|---|---|
| Indoor Air Handler | FTXV36AVJU9 Wall-Mounted Ductless Air Handler |
| Operating Mode | Cool Only — No Heat Pump, No Electric Heat |
| Rated Cooling Capacity | 34,400 BTU/h Rated (modulates 10,200 – 34,400 BTU/h) |
| Efficiency | 18.00 SEER2 / 9.80 EER2 — 3.510 kW Cooling Input |
| Refrigerant | R-32, 3.68 lb Factory Charge |
| Line Set Sizes | 1/4" Liquid × 5/8" Suction — 99 ft Max Total, 66 ft Max Vertical |
| Electrical | 208-230V, Single Phase, 60 Hz — 22 A MCA, 25 A MOCP |
| Indoor Airflow | 971 / 794 / 600 / 533 CFM — Four Fan Speeds |
| AHRI Certificate | 218080556 |
Physically this system matches the 30,000 BTU Polara — the same 128 lb outdoor cabinet, the same 48-13/16" indoor unit, and the same 1/4" and 5/8" insulated copper line set requirement — so an installer familiar with the 30K will find nothing new here except the higher airflow and 22 A minimum circuit ampacity. Line set and 14/4 stranded communication wire are sold separately. Set the condenser on a Cladlite hurricane-rated condenser pad or a properly rated stand, and see the full Daikin equipment catalog for controls and matching accessories.
Outdoor Condenser & Air Handler Features
RKV36AVJU9 Outdoor Condensing Unit
- Largest single-zone cool-only condenser in the Daikin ductless range
- Inverter compressor modulating 10,200 to 34,400 BTU/h
- 2,871 CFM condenser airflow for high-ambient heat rejection
- Cooling operation from 50°F to 115°F standard
- Extended low-ambient cooling to -4°F with the air direction adjustment grille
- R-32 factory charge of 3.68 lb, pre-charged for 49 ft of line
- 99 ft maximum total line length, 66 ft maximum vertical rise
- 29-1/2" x 34-1/4" x 12-5/8" cabinet, 128 lb
- 22 A MCA on a 25 A maximum overcurrent device
- Anti-corrosion coil treatment for coastal and industrial sites
FTXV36AVJU9 Wall-Mounted Air Handler
- 971 CFM top-speed airflow — the highest in this cool-only group
- Four fan speeds at 971 / 794 / 600 / 533 CFM
- 37 dBA on Super Low for occupied-space installations
- 48-13/16" x 12-15/16" x 10-15/16" cabinet, 42 lb
- Dual flap system and wide-angle louvers for 3-D airflow reach
- Titanium apatite photocatalytic air-purifying filter, washable
- Weekly and 24-hour timers for scheduled commercial operation
- Econo mode limits draw when circuit capacity is tight
- Wireless remote included; Daikin ONE+ smart thermostat compatible
- Self-diagnosis display speeds troubleshooting on service calls
Specifications & Manuals
Product documentation includes the factory submittal with full performance and electrical data, separate condenser and air handler installation instructions, and warranty information to assist with equipment selection, installation, and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 36,000 BTU the largest single-zone cool-only system available?
In the Daikin ductless single-zone cool-only range, yes. Loads beyond three tons are handled either with multiple systems, a multi-zone condenser feeding several indoor heads, or ducted equipment rather than a larger wall-mounted unit.
What is the difference between the RKV36AVJU9 and the RXV36AVJU9?
The RKV designation is the cool-only condenser; RXV is the heat pump version of the same platform. They share the cabinet and most cooling-side data, but the RKV has no reversing valve and produces no heat. This listing is the cool-only RKV36AVJU9.
Does the 36K Polara reach -22°F like the 30,000 BTU model?
The submittal for this capacity lists extended low-ambient cooling to -4°F with the air direction adjustment grille, rather than the -22°F figure published for the 2.5-ton Polara. For a process-cooling application with a hard low-ambient requirement, verify the setting against the submittal for your specific model.
Why is airflow higher here than on the 30,000 BTU Polara if the cabinets match?
The FTXV36AVJU9 uses the same housing as the FTXV30AVJU9 but runs its blower faster, delivering 971 CFM on high versus 925 CFM. That extra airflow is how the larger coil moves its additional capacity through an identically sized cabinet.
What circuit does a three-ton ductless cool-only system need?
Minimum circuit ampacity is 22 A with a 25 A maximum overcurrent protection device on 208-230V single phase — the same 25 A breaker as the 18K, 24K, and 30K models, but with less headroom. Verify wire sizing for the actual run length and local code.
Would two smaller heads outperform one 36,000 BTU unit?
In a partitioned, tall, or long floor plan, usually yes. A single head can only condition what it can throw air to. Two 18,000 BTU heads placed at opposite ends of a space will hold a more even temperature than one 36,000 BTU head at one wall, even though total capacity is the same.
Daikin RKF Condenser Installation ManualDaikin FTXV Air Handler Installation ManualDaikin Warranty Certificate
