Ducted Heating Installation: Essential Options to Explore

Installing ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that circulates either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts installed in the ceiling or under the floor. Each room receives air through strategically placed vents, and the temperature is controlled through a wall-mounted controller, enabling comprehensive climate management for the entire house. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer electric reverse cycle ducted heating, a system that efficiently provides heating in winter and cooling in summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating remains a viable alternative, and this guide provides an in-depth comparison of both systems.

This guide outlines the complete installation process for ducted heating, covering critical aspects such as 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 relevant to transitioning to electric systems, and essential questions to ask any installer before making a commitment.

Essential Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• According to the Australian Government’s energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners achieve efficiency ratings from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au further states that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations can typically be completed within a single day, though 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 Ducted Heating Systems Are Right for Your Home?

In Melbourne, homeowners have access to two primary types of ducted heating systems, with an option to integrate cooling into an existing gas system.

• <a href="https://writebuff.com/air-conditioner-summer-ready-6-signs-you-must-check/">Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling.</a> This system includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit, which work together to heat or cool your entire home through a single set of vents. This is the most commonly installed system, with further details available on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
• Gas Ducted Heating. A gas furnace produces warm air, which is distributed through the ducts by a fan. Although gas ducted heating installations still occur, many Melbourne homeowners 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 and requiring frequent repairs or leading to high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option offers both heating and cooling in a single installation. Our comprehensive guide on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating provides further insights on making 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 ambient 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. The process reverses in summer, 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 detailing each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Properly Sized for Your Home?

Proper sizing is critical to ensure that a ducted heating system operates efficiently during Melbourne’s chilly mornings. An undersized system struggles to heat distant rooms, while an oversized system leads to unnecessary expenses. Energy.gov.au advises selecting a model with the right capacity for your home and consulting professionals 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 help us determine duct runs prior to 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 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 it simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings also significantly impact energy consumption. Energy.gov.au notes that increasing heating by each degree in winter can raise your energy use by 5% to 10%. Most systems we install are controllable via mobile applications, allowing you to activate the heating before you return home from work, ensuring a warm environment upon your 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 every system installation. Existing ducting from an old gas heater usually 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, which requires careful handling due to limited access.

Where Should the Outdoor Unit Be Located?

A reverse cycle ducted system consists of both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected by pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is positioned outside the house. We discuss its placement with you during the in-home assessment, and if your property poses challenges, we identify the most suitable location prior to 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 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 conclude our visit, we ensure that the new system operates correctly and provide instructions on how to use the controls.

For detailed information on what to expect on installation day, refer to our article outlining the heating and cooling installation process.

How Do the Running Costs of Ducted Reverse Cycle Heating Compare with 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 used by the fans. In contrast, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally considered 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 correct sizing and duct design 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 take advantage of your solar power during daylight hours, an advantage 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 Transitioning from Gas Ducted Heating?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme incentivises households that 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 will not be applicable.

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 Critical 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 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 call?
• 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 completed by the installer’s own team or subcontracted out?
• What workmanship guarantee is provided with the installation?

Select Beyond Heating and Cooling for Reliable Ducted Heating Installation in Melbourne’s North

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 refrigerant and gas systems. We hold an ARC refrigerant handling licence (L073783), and all installations are performed 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, call us at 1800 239 663 or request a quote online. Adam or another team member will be pleased to help you explore your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.