Ducted Heating Installation: Essential Options to Consider

Installing ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that effectively distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home using ducts located in the ceiling or under the floor. Each room benefits from air delivered through strategically positioned vents, with temperature control managed via a wall-mounted controller, enabling comprehensive climate control for the entire house. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer electric reverse cycle ducted heating systems, which efficiently provide warmth during winter and coolness in summer through the same vents. Gas ducted heating serves as an alternative, and this guide presents a thorough comparison of the two systems.

This guide provides an in-depth overview of the ducted heating installation process, covering essential elements such as system sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on installation day. We will examine the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate applicable to electric systems, and crucial questions to ask any installer before making a decision.

Essential Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au highlights that reverse cycle air conditioners have efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• According to Energy.gov.au, ducted reverse cycle systems are more economical to operate compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations can be completed within a single day, although larger homes or intricate duct configurations may require additional time.
• The VEU rebate is applicable when replacing an outdated gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

What Types of Ducted Heating Solutions Are Suitable for Your Home?

In Melbourne, two primary types of ducted heating systems are available for residential properties, along with the option to add cooling capabilities to an existing gas system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit, working together to heat or cool your entire home through a single network of vents. It is the most commonly installed system, with further details available on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
• Gas Ducted Heating. This system relies on a gas furnace to generate warm air, which is circulated through the ducts by a fan. While installations of gas ducted heating continue, many homeowners in Melbourne are opting to transition 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, you can integrate an add-on cooling system that utilises the same ducts and controller for cooling purposes.

If your gas heater is aging and requires frequent repairs or leads to high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option provides both heating and cooling in one installation. For more insights on transitioning from gas ducted heating to electric heating, view 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 more heating or cooling energy, achieving efficiency ratings between 300% and 600%. In contrast, an electric bar heater only converts one unit of electricity into one unit of heat.

During winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the ambient air and transports it indoors through refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, located in the roof space or subfloor, distributes this warm air via 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, please refer to our article that breaks down each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Properly Sized for Your Home?

Correct sizing is critical to ensure that a ducted heating system functions effectively during Melbourne’s chilly mornings. An undersized system will struggle to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system results in inflated costs. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the appropriate capacity for your home and consulting with experts prior to making substantial purchases, such as ducted heating and cooling systems.

During our home assessment, we take into account the number of rooms and vents, the duct routing (whether through the ceiling or under the floor), whether your home is single or multi-storey, and the intended use of each room. Providing house plans can assist us in determining duct runs ahead of our visit. For comprehensive guidance on sizing a ducted heating system that is customised for your Melbourne home, refer to our sizing guide.

Is Zoning an Essential Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality allows you to control which rooms receive heating. For instance, you might prefer to keep bedrooms unheated during the day while keeping living areas unheated at night, rather than heating the entire house simultaneously. If your previous gas ducted heater lacked zoning, it is beneficial to install a zoned system during the new installation, as this simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings are also vital. Energy.gov.au states that increasing heating by each degree in winter can elevate your energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Most systems we install can be controlled via mobile applications, enabling you to activate the heating before arriving home from work, ensuring a comfortable environment upon your return without the need for continuous operation throughout the day.

What Changes Are Made to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

New ducting is installed with every system installation. Existing ducting from an old gas heater typically does not suit a reverse cycle system and is often filled with 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 feature floor ducting, where the indoor unit is installed in the subfloor, requiring careful handling due to limited access.

What Is the Ideal Location for the Outdoor Unit?

A reverse cycle ducted system includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected through refrigerant pipes. The outdoor unit is positioned outside the house. We discuss its placement with you during the in-home assessment, and if your property presents challenges, we identify the most appropriate location before the installation day.

What Is the Typical Duration for Ducted Heating Installation?

Most ducted heating installations are completed within one day. Larger homes or more complex duct layouts may extend the installation to a second day. We confirm the anticipated duration during our assessment, ensuring you are well-informed about 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 will remain intact. Before concluding 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 the Running Costs of Ducted Reverse Cycle Heating Compare to Those of Gas Ducted Heating?

According to Energy.gov.au, the operating costs for ducted gas heating can be significant due to high gas consumption and the electricity required for the fans. In comparison, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally viewed as more cost-effective than gas heating. Ducted systems are typically less efficient than wall-mounted units, primarily because of larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design critical.

Your running costs will vary based on your home’s size, quality of insulation, zoning usage, and whether you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can utilise your solar power during daylight hours, a benefit not available with gas heating. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes provides a thorough analysis of running cost figures.

How Does the VEU Rebate Work When Switching from Gas Ducted Heating?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme provides incentives for households that transition 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 will not apply.

We manage all VEU paperwork during the installation process, and the rebate is deducted from your payment at the point of sale, so you do not need to complete forms or wait for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies the eligibility criteria and coverage details.

What Key Questions Should You Ask Before Accepting a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Ducted heating quotes can be complex to compare since one quote may include items that another does not. Use these questions to assess 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 suggest 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 be responsible for removing the old gas heater and capping the gas line?
• Will the installation be performed by the installer’s own team or subcontracted out?
• What workmanship guarantee accompanies 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 conducted by our licensed team, not subcontractors. We offer a strong 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 incorporates the VEU rebate where applicable. We collaborate with a variety of leading heating and cooling brands to recommend the best system tailored to your specific needs.

If you are contemplating the installation of new ducted heating, call us at 1800 239 663 or request a quote online. Adam or another team member will be pleased to assist you in exploring your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.