Ducted Heating Installation: Top Options to Consider

Installing ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that efficiently distributes warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts located in the ceiling or under the floor. Each room receives airflow through carefully positioned vents, with temperature regulation managed through a wall-mounted controller. This system provides comprehensive climate control for your entire house. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is particularly popular among homeowners, as it efficiently delivers both heating in winter and cooling in summer using the same ductwork. Gas ducted heating is another option, and this guide provides a comprehensive comparison of these two systems.

This guide offers an in-depth look at the installation process for ducted heating. It covers essential components like sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on the day of installation. We will also delve into the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate for transitioning to electric systems, and crucial questions to ask any installer before making a decision.

Essential Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• According to energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners boast efficiency ratings between 300% and 600%.
• Energy.gov.au indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations can typically be completed in a single day, though larger homes or complex duct layouts might require a second day.
• The VEU rebate is available when replacing an outdated gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

What Types of Ducted Heating Systems Can Enhance Your Home?

In Melbourne, there are two primary types of ducted heating systems available, along with an option to add cooling to an existing gas system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system features both an outdoor and an indoor unit, working together to heat or cool your entire home through a unified set of vents. It is the most commonly installed system, with further details available on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
• <a href="https://limitsofstrategy.com/ducted-heating-system-sizing-for-homes-in-melbourne/">Gas Ducted Heating.</a> A gas furnace generates warm air that is circulated through the ducts by a fan. While gas ducted heating installations are still common, many homeowners in Melbourne are shifting away from gas rather than opting for new installations.
• Add-on Cooling for Existing Gas Heating Systems. If your gas ducted heater is relatively new, an add-on cooling system can be integrated, utilising the same ducts and controller to provide cooling.

If your gas heater is old, frequently requires repairs, or results in high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This choice delivers both heating and cooling in one installation. For further information on transitioning from gas ducted heating to electric heating, consult our comprehensive guide.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Function?

Reverse cycle ducted heating operates by transferring heat instead of generating it. As clarified by energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners can convert one unit of electrical energy into three to six times more heating or cooling energy, achieving efficiency ratings of between 300% and 600%. In contrast, an electric bar heater converts one unit of electricity directly into one unit of heat.

During the winter months, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the ambient air and transports it indoors through refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, located either in the roof space or beneath the floor, distributes this warm air via the ducts to each vent. In summer, the system reverses its operation to cool your home. For a detailed explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system functions, please 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 performs effectively on chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system struggles to adequately warm distant rooms, while an oversized system leads to unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the right capacity for your home and consulting professionals before making major purchases like ducted heating and cooling systems.

During our home assessment, we examine 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 help us to determine duct runs before our visit. For comprehensive guidance on sizing a ducted heating system tailored 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 example, you may prefer to keep bedrooms unheated during the day and living areas unheated at night, rather than heating the entire house simultaneously. If your previous gas ducted heater lacked zoning, it is advisable to install a zoned system during the new installation, as this simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings are also significant. Energy.gov.au notes 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 arriving home from work, ensuring a warm 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 fit a reverse cycle system and is often filled with dust from years of use. The new ducting is appropriately 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 Should the Outdoor Unit Be Positioned?

A reverse cycle ducted system consists of both an outdoor and an indoor unit, linked by pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is placed outside the house. We discuss its placement with you during the in-home assessment, and if your property presents challenges, we will identify the most suitable location before the 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 complex duct layouts may extend the installation to a second day. We confirm the expected duration during our assessment, ensuring you are well-informed about what to anticipate before work begins.

On installation day, our team removes the old heater, installs 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 Gas Ducted Heating?

Energy.gov.au states that the operating costs for ducted gas heating can be substantial due to high gas consumption and the electricity needed for fans. In contrast, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally considered more economical compared to gas heating. While ducted systems tend to be less efficient than wall-mounted units due to larger fans and potential energy loss through ductwork, proper sizing and duct design are vital.

Your running costs will depend on your home’s size, insulation quality, zoning usage, and whether you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can harness 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 an in-depth analysis of running cost figures.

How Does the VEU Rebate Apply When Transitioning from Gas Ducted Heating?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme incentivises 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, eliminating the need for you to fill out forms or wait 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?

Evaluating ducted heating quotes can be complex, as one quote may include aspects that another omits. Use these questions to compare 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 cover?
• Who is responsible for removing the old gas heater and capping the gas line?
• Will the installation be completed by the installer’s own team or subcontracted out?
• What guarantee does the installation come with regarding workmanship?

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 consists of 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.

Each quote begins with a complimentary in-home assessment. We assess 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 work with a wide range of leading heating and cooling brands to recommend the best system tailored to your specific 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 pleased to assist you in exploring your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.