Ducted Heating Options for Your Installation Needs

Installing ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that circulates either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts located in the ceiling or under the floor. Each room receives air through strategically positioned vents, and a wall-mounted controller manages the temperature, enabling complete climate control for your entire house. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is often the preferred choice among homeowners. This system effectively provides heating during the winter months and cooling in the summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating is another option available, and this guide presents a comprehensive comparison of both systems.

In this guide, we will delve into the installation process of ducted heating, covering essential components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to anticipate on installation day. We will examine the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate applicable to the transition to electric systems, and crucial questions to ask any installer prior to making a decision.

Essential Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• According to the Australian Government’s energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners boast efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also notes that ducted reverse cycle systems are more economical compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations can usually be completed within a single day, although larger homes or intricate duct layouts might require a second day.
• The VEU rebate is applicable when an old gas heater is replaced with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

What Types of Ducted Heating Systems Can You Choose for Your Home?

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

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system consists of both an outdoor and an indoor unit, working together to heat or cool your entire home through a single set of vents. It is the most commonly installed system, and further information can be found on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
• Gas Ducted Heating. This system uses a gas furnace to generate warm air, which is then circulated through the ducts by a fan. While installations of gas ducted heating still occur, many homeowners in Melbourne are opting to transition away from gas rather than 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 uses the same ducts and controller to provide cooling.

If your gas heater is outdated, requiring frequent repairs or causing high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This solution provides both heating and cooling in one installation. Our detailed guide on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating offers further insights into this transition.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Work?

Reverse cycle ducted heating operates by transferring heat instead of 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 converts one unit of electricity into one unit of heat.

During winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the external air and transports 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 is reversed, allowing the same system to cool your home. For an in-depth explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system functions, please refer to our article detailing each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Properly Sized for Your Home?

Proper sizing is crucial to ensure that your ducted heating system operates efficiently during the cold mornings in Melbourne. An undersized system struggles to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary expenses. Energy.gov.au recommends choosing a model with the correct capacity for your home and consulting experts before making significant purchases like ducted heating and cooling.

During our home assessment, we consider 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 prior to our visit. For comprehensive guidance on sizing a ducted heating system tailored to 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 may prefer keeping bedrooms unheated during the day and warming living areas at night, rather than heating the entire house simultaneously. If your previous gas ducted heater lacked zoning capabilities, it is advisable to opt for a zoned system during your new installation, as it simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings are also critical. 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 are controllable via mobile applications, enabling you to activate heating before returning home from work, ensuring a warm environment upon your arrival without needing to run the system continuously 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 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 installing 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.

What 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 carry refrigerant. The outdoor unit is placed outside the house. During the in-home assessment, we discuss its placement with you. If your property presents unique challenges, we 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 into a second day. We confirm the expected duration during our assessment, ensuring you are well-informed about what to expect before the 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 comprehensive information on what to expect on installation day, refer to our article detailing the heating and cooling installation process.

How Do the Operating Costs of Ducted Reverse Cycle Heating Compare to Gas Ducted Heating?

As reported by Energy.gov.au, the operating costs for ducted gas heating can be substantial due to high gas consumption and the electricity needed for the fans. In contrast, ducted reverse cycle systems are typically seen as more cost-effective than gas heating. Ducted systems tend to be less efficient than wall-mounted units, primarily due to larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design vital.

Your running costs will depend on various factors, including your home’s size, insulation quality, 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 an in-depth analysis of running cost figures.

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

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme encourages households to 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 Key Questions Should You Ask Before Accepting a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Comparing ducted heating quotes can be complex, as one quote may include elements that another omits. Use these questions to assess quotes effectively:

• Is the quoted price all-inclusive, with the VEU rebate already factored in?
• Does the quote include 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 cover?
• Who will handle the removal of the old gas heater and capping the gas line?
• Will the installation be performed by the installer’s own team or outsourced to subcontractors?
• What warranty accompanies the workmanship of 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 specialising 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 solid 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 most suitable system tailored to your needs.

If you are considering the installation of new ducted heating, call 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.