Installing ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that distributes either heated or cooled air throughout your home via ducts located in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives air through well-placed vents, and temperature control is managed through a wall-mounted controller, enabling comprehensive climate control for the entire house. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer electric reverse cycle ducted heating, a system that effectively provides warmth in winter and cool air in summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating is another viable option, and this guide offers an in-depth comparison of both systems.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the ducted heating installation process, covering critical components such as system sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on installation day. We will delve into the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate applicable for transitioning to electric systems, and essential questions to ask any installer prior to making a commitment.
- According to the Australian Government’s energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners boast efficiency ratings that range from 300% to 600%.
- Energy.gov.au also indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems tend to operate more economically than gas heating systems.
- Most installations can be completed in a single day; however, larger homes or complex duct layouts may require an additional day.
- The VEU rebate is applicable when replacing an old gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.
What Types of Ducted Heating Solutions Can You Install in Your Home?
There are two primary types of ducted heating systems available for homes in Melbourne, along with an option to add cooling to an existing gas system.
- Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit that work together to heat or cool your entire home through a unified set of vents. This is the most frequently installed system, with additional details found on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
- Gas Ducted Heating. A gas furnace generates warm air, which is then circulated through the ducts by a fan. While gas ducted heating installations still take place, many homeowners in Melbourne are opting to move away from gas instead of installing new gas heaters.
- Add-on Cooling for an Existing Gas Heater. If your gas ducted heater is relatively modern, an add-on cooling system can be integrated, utilising the same ducts and controller to provide cooling.
If your gas heater is ageing, requiring frequent repairs or incurring high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option delivers both heating and cooling in a single installation. For more information on switching from gas ducted heating to electric heating, consult our comprehensive guide.
How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Work?
Reverse cycle ducted heating operates by transferring heat rather than generating it. The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au heating and cooling guide explains that reverse cycle air conditioners can convert one unit of electrical energy into three to six times as much heating or cooling energy, achieving efficiency ratings between 300% and 600%. This contrasts with an electric bar heater, which converts one unit of electricity into one unit of heat.
During winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the surrounding air and moves it indoors through refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, located in the roof space or under the floor, distributes this warm air through the ducts to each vent. In summer, the process reverses, allowing the same system to cool your home. For a detailed explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system functions, refer to our article that outlines each component.
How Is Ducted Heating Properly Sized for Your Home?
Proper sizing is crucial to ensure that a ducted heating system operates efficiently during the chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system struggles to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system leads to unnecessary expenses. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the correct capacity for your home and consulting professionals before making significant purchases like ducted heating and cooling systems.
During our home assessment, we evaluate the number of rooms and vents, the duct routing (whether through the ceiling or beneath the floor), whether your home is single or multi-storey, and the intended use of each room. Providing house plans can help us determine duct runs before our visit. For detailed guidance on sizing a ducted heating system tailored to your Melbourne home, refer to our sizing guide.
Is Zoning an Important Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?
Zoning functionality allows you to control which rooms receive heating. For example, you might wish to keep bedrooms unheated during the day and living areas unheated at night, instead of heating the entire house at once. If your previous gas ducted heater lacked zoning, it is wise to install a zoned system with the new installation, as it simplifies the configuration process.
Thermostat settings are also essential. Energy.gov.au states that increasing heating by each degree in winter can raise your energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Most systems we install can be controlled via mobile applications, enabling you to activate the heating before returning home from work, ensuring a comfortable environment upon your arrival without the need for continuous operation throughout the day.
What Adjustments Are Made to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?
New ducting is installed with every system installation. Existing ducting from an old gas heater is often unsuitable for a reverse cycle system and typically accumulates dust from years of use. The new ducting is correctly sized for both heating and cooling, connecting to the same outlet points in your ceiling or floor, resulting in new vents and grilles rather than patched openings from the previous system.
For ceiling installations, we access the roof space by removing tiles or sheets, dismantling the old unit and ducts, and fitting the new system and ductwork in their place. Approximately one-third of the homes we encounter have floor ducting, where the indoor unit is installed in the subfloor, requiring careful handling due to limited access.
Where Is the Best Location for the Outdoor Unit?
A reverse cycle ducted system consists of both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected through pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is located outside the house. We discuss its placement with you during the in-home assessment, and if your property has specific challenges, we will identify the most suitable location before installation day.
What Is the Typical Duration for Ducted Heating Installation?
Most ducted heating installations are completed within a single day. Larger homes or more intricate duct layouts may extend the installation period to a second day. We confirm the expected duration during our assessment, ensuring you are aware of what to expect before work begins.
On installation day, our team removes the old heater, installs the new ducting and vents, sets up both the indoor and outdoor units, and connects the controller. As licensed mechanical plumbers, we can also cap the gas line of the old heater during the installation, eliminating the need for a separate tradesperson. If you continue to use gas for hot water or cooking, those connections remain intact. Before we finish our visit, we ensure that the new system operates correctly and provide instructions on how to use the controls.
For extensive information on what to expect on installation day, refer to our article detailing the heating and cooling installation process.
How Do Running Costs of Ducted Reverse Cycle Heating Compare to Gas Ducted Heating?
According to Energy.gov.au, the operating costs for ducted gas heating can be substantial due to high gas consumption and the electricity required for the fans. In comparison, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally considered more cost-effective than gas heating. Ducted systems are usually less efficient than wall-mounted units, primarily due to larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design crucial.
Your running costs will fluctuate based on your home’s size, insulation quality, zoning usage, and whether you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can take advantage of your solar power during daylight hours, a benefit unavailable with gas heating. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes provides an in-depth analysis of running cost figures.
How Does the VEU Rebate Work When Transitioning from Gas Ducted Heating?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme encourages households to switch from gas heating to an efficient electric system. The rebate applies when an existing gas heating appliance is removed and replaced with a qualifying premium inverter reverse cycle system. Generally, if a home has never had gas heating, the rebate does not apply.
We manage all VEU paperwork during the installation process, and the rebate is deducted from your payment at the point of sale, saving you from filling out forms or waiting for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies the eligibility criteria and coverage details.
What Important Questions Should You Ask Before Committing to a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?
Ducted heating quotes can be complex to compare, as one quote may include elements that another omits. Use these questions to evaluate quotes effectively:
- Is the quoted price all-inclusive, with the VEU rebate already factored in?
- Does the quote cover new ducting and vents, or does it propose reusing existing ducts?
- Was the system sized based on an in-home assessment or merely through a phone consultation?
- Is zoning included, and how many zones does the quote accommodate?
- Who will handle the removal of the old gas heater and capping the gas line?
- Will the installation be conducted by the installer’s in-house team or subcontracted out?
- What workmanship guarantee is provided with the installation?
Choose Beyond Heating and Cooling for Reliable Ducted Heating Installation in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs
Beyond Heating and Cooling provides expert installation of ducted heating and cooling systems throughout Melbourne’s northern and northeastern suburbs. Our team comprises qualified refrigeration mechanics and mechanical plumbers who specialise in both refrigerant and gas systems. We hold an ARC refrigerant handling licence (L073783), and all installations are executed by our licensed team, not subcontractors. We offer a robust workmanship guarantee for our services.
Every quote begins with a complimentary in-home assessment. We evaluate your current heating system, ducts, and home layout, discuss the most suitable system options, and provide a quote that includes the VEU rebate where applicable. We collaborate with a variety of leading heating and cooling brands to recommend the best system tailored to your needs.
If you are considering the installation of new ducted heating, contact us at 1800 239 663 or request a quote online. Adam or another team member will be happy to assist you in exploring your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.
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