Ducted Heating Installation: Key Options to Explore

Installing ducted heating involves the setup of a central unit that distributes 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, while a wall-mounted controller manages the temperature, allowing for comprehensive climate control across the entire house. In Melbourne, many homeowners opt for electric reverse cycle ducted heating, which efficiently provides heating in winter and cooling in summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating is an alternative option, and this guide provides a thorough comparison of both systems.

This guide offers an in-depth look at the installation process for ducted heating, covering essential components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on installation day. We will also 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 before making a final 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 states that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically than gas heating systems.
• Most installations can usually be completed in a single day, although 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 Types of Ducted Heating Systems Can You Choose for Your Home?

Homeowners in Melbourne have access to two primary types of ducted heating systems, 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 details can be found 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, which a fan circulates through the ducts. While installations of gas ducted heating still occur, many homeowners in Melbourne are opting to move away from gas instead of installing new gas heaters.
• Add-on Cooling for Existing Gas Heaters. 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 ageing, frequently requiring repairs or resulting in high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option provides both heating and cooling in one installation. For additional insights on transitioning from gas ducted heating to electric heating, consult 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 converts one unit of electricity into one unit of heat.

In winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the surrounding 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 operates, please refer to our article outlining each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Accurately Sized for Your Home?

Proper sizing is crucial to ensure that a ducted heating system effectively operates during the chilly mornings in Melbourne. An undersized system struggles to heat distant rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the right 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 detailed guidance on sizing a ducted heating system specific 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 example, you may prefer to keep bedrooms unheated during the day and living areas unheated at night, instead of 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 influence energy consumption. Energy.gov.au notes that increasing heating by each degree during winter can raise your energy usage by 5% to 10%. Most systems we install are controllable via mobile applications, enabling you to activate the heating before returning home from work, ensuring a warm environment upon your arrival without the need for continuous operation throughout the day.

What Changes Occur to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

New ducting is installed with every system installation. Existing ducting from an old gas heater often does not accommodate a reverse cycle system and is typically 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 instead of 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 You Position the Outdoor Unit?

A reverse cycle ducted system includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected through 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 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 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 extensive information on what to expect on installation day, refer to our article detailing the heating and cooling installation process.

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

Energy.gov.au indicates that 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 considered more cost-effective than gas heating. Ducted systems are often less efficient than wall-mounted units, primarily due to larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design crucial.

Your running costs will depend on the size of your home, 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, a benefit that is not available with gas heating. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes provides a detailed analysis of running cost figures.

How Does the VEU Rebate Apply When Switching 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, saving you from filling out forms or waiting for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies the eligibility criteria and coverage details.

What Important Questions Should You Ask Before Accepting 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 deducted?
• Does the quote include 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 performed by the installer’s own team or subcontracted out?
• What workmanship guarantee is offered with 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 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 wide range 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, contact 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.