Ducted Heating Installation: Top Options to Consider

Installing ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that efficiently distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts located in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room benefits from air supplied through carefully positioned vents, while a wall-mounted controller allows for easy management of the temperature, offering comprehensive climate control for the entire house. In Melbourne, a popular choice among homeowners is electric reverse cycle ducted heating, which effectively provides warmth during the winter months and cooling in summer through the same vents. Alternatively, gas ducted heating remains a viable option. This guide presents a detailed comparison of both systems to help you decide.

This comprehensive guide outlines the installation process for ducted heating, covering essential components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to anticipate on installation day. We will also delve into the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate applicable to the switch 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 that range from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems are more economical compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations are usually completed in a single day, though larger homes or complex duct layouts might require an additional day.
• The VEU rebate is applicable when replacing an old gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

Which Ducted Heating Solutions Can You Choose for Your Home?

In Melbourne, homeowners have access to two primary types of ducted heating systems, along with an option to incorporate cooling into 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 using a single set of vents. It is the most commonly installed system, with more information available on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
• Gas Ducted Heating. This system uses a gas furnace to generate warm air, which is circulated through the ducts via a fan. Although gas ducted heating installations are still prevalent, 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 to provide cooling.

If your gas heater is ageing and necessitating 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. 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 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 converts one unit of electricity into just one unit of heat.

During winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the external air and transports it indoors via 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, please refer to our article outlining each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Properly Sized for Your Home?

Proper sizing is crucial to ensure that a ducted heating system operates effectively during Melbourne’s chilly mornings. An undersized system may struggle to heat distant rooms, while an oversized system can lead to unnecessary expenses. Energy.gov.au advises selecting a model with an appropriate capacity for your home and consulting experts before making significant purchases such as ducted heating and cooling.

During our home assessment, we consider factors such as the number of rooms and vents, the duct routing (whether through the ceiling or 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 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 wise to install a zoned system during the new installation, as this simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings are also essential. Energy.gov.au indicates that raising the heating by each degree in winter can increase 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 warm environment upon arrival without the need for continuous operation throughout the day.

What Changes Are Made to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

New ducting is installed with each system installation. Existing ducting from an old gas heater typically does not accommodate a reverse cycle system and is often filled with dust from years of use. The new ducting is properly 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 gain access to 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 situated outside the house. We discuss its placement with you during the in-home assessment, and if your property presents 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 in 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 expect before work commences.

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 conclude 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 Operating 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 significant due to high gas consumption and the electricity required for the fans. In contrast, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally seen as more cost-effective than gas heating. Ducted systems tend to be less efficient than wall-mounted units primarily because of larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design crucial.

Your running costs will depend on factors such as your home’s size, the quality of insulation, zoning usage, and whether you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can utilise your solar power during daylight hours, which is 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 Benefit Households Transitioning 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. Typically, 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, so you won’t need to fill out forms or wait for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate outlines the eligibility criteria and details of what is covered.

What Important 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 effectively evaluate quotes:

• 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 Expert Ducted Heating Installation in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs

Beyond Heating and Cooling provides professional installation of ducted heating and cooling systems across 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 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 appropriate 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, 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.