How to use your Daikin system efficiently on the Sunshine Coast
July 14, 2025
Should I Leave My Ducted Air Con Running All Day in Winter?
How to use your Daikin system efficiently on the Sunshine Coast
When Sunshine Coast mornings start in the single digits, it’s tempting to leave your ducted reverse cycle air conditioning running all day to stay toasty. But is this the most efficient way to use your system—or just a fast track to a sky-high power bill?
Let’s take a look at how to use your Daikin ducted air conditioning system smartly during winter, so you stay warm without wasting energy.
The Short Answer: It Depends on How You Use It
Leaving your system running all day can be efficient — if:
- Your home is well insulated
- You’re using zoning to heat only the necessary areas
- You’re running the system at a moderate temperature
- You’ve had your system serviced and filters cleaned
If you’re heating the entire house all day at 26°C, your power bill will reflect it. But Daikin’s advanced inverter technology allows for steady, energy-efficient comfort when used thoughtfully.
Why We Recommend Daikin for Winter Efficiency
At The Cool Shop, we exclusively supply and install Daikin ducted reverse cycle systems. Why? Because Daikin focuses on:
- Energy efficiency
- Long-term performance
- Comfort across seasons
And with Queensland’s coastal climate (hello salty air!), we know Daikin can stand up to the conditions.
Key winter-friendly Daikin features:
- Inverter technology that maintains your chosen temperature efficiently
- Zoning capability for targeted heating
- Smart temperature sensors on select controllers

Top Tips for Running Your Daikin System Efficiently in Winter
✅ 1. Set a Sensible Temperature
Stick to 20–22°C. Every degree above that can increase your energy use by around 10%.
✅ 2. Use Zoning Wisely
If your system includes zoning (like with Zone X or MyAir), make use of it. Always run the control zone plus at least one other zone — this is essential for airflow and system health. You don’t need to heat the whole house if you’re only using the living area and kitchen.
✅ 3. Schedule, Don’t Blast
Rather than turning the system on full blast when you walk in, set a schedule to pre-warm the home before you wake up or get home from work. Daikin’s controllers make this easy to do.
✅ 4. Keep Your Filters Clean
Clogged filters force your system to work harder. Clean them monthly in winter or ask us to do it during your service.
✅ 5. Book Regular Servicing
A clean, well-maintained Daikin system performs better and costs less to run. It’s also more likely to last 15+ years, especially in coastal environments like ours.
When It’s Not Worth Running It All Day
If your home is empty during the day, there’s no need to keep the heating running the whole time. Instead:
- Use the Daikin controller’s scheduling feature
- Heat your control zone and one additional zone only, such as the home office or lounge
- Close doors to unused rooms to help retain warmth in the active zones
🔧 Important: Daikin ducted systems require the control zone to be on, plus one additional zone. Running only the control zone can cause airflow issues and strain your system.
What About Running Costs?
Daikin’s inverter technology is far more efficient than older systems. For a modern 3-bedroom Sunshine Coast home:
- Running your Daikin ducted system in just 2 zones during the day could cost far less than expected
- Compared to a 15-year-old system, upgrading to a new Daikin could reduce your energy use by up to 40%
Need Help with Your Daikin System?
Whether you’re unsure how to set up your controller, want to explore zoning, or are considering a system upgrade, we’re here to help.
At The Cool Shop, we’ve been working with Daikin systems on the Sunshine Coast for over 15 years. We provide:
- Professional system servicing
- System upgrades and replacement quotes
- New Daikin ducted installations
- Advice on energy efficiency
Stay Warm Without Overdoing It
With a high-quality system like Daikin and the right usage habits, you can enjoy all-day comfort without breaking the bank.
👉 Need advice on your system or want to book a service? Contact The Cool Shop today for friendly, expert help.