Ducted Heating Installation: Options to Consider

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 conditioned air through strategically positioned vents, while a wall-mounted controller allows you to manage the temperature for comprehensive climate control across the house. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer electric reverse cycle ducted heating, a system that effectively provides heating in winter and cooling in summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating is another option, and this guide presents a thorough comparison of both systems.

This guide provides an in-depth overview of the ducted heating installation process, covering essential components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to anticipate on installation day. We will also examine the operational costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate relevant to transitioning to electric systems, and key questions to ask any installer before 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 further indicates 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 applies 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 can select from two primary types of ducted heating systems, along with an option to add cooling to an existing gas heating system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system features both an outdoor and an indoor unit that work together to heat or cool your entire home through a single set of vents. This is the most commonly installed system, with more details available on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
• Gas Ducted Heating. A gas furnace generates warm air, which a fan circulates through the ducts. While gas ducted heating installations continue, many Melbourne homeowners are opting to move away from gas rather than installing new gas heaters.
• Cooling Add-On for an Existing Gas Heater. If your gas ducted heater is relatively modern, you can integrate an add-on cooling system, utilising the same ducts and controller to provide cooling.

If your gas heater is ageing and requires frequent repairs or incurs high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This solution offers both heating and cooling in a single installation. For further insights on transitioning from gas ducted heating to electric heating, check our comprehensive guide.

What Is the Mechanism Behind Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating?

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 delivers it indoors through refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, located in the roof space or beneath the floor, distributes warm air via the ducts to each vent. In summer, the system reverses its function, providing cooling for 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 Sized Correctly for Your Home?

Proper sizing is crucial to ensure that a ducted heating system functions effectively on chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system will struggle to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system results in unnecessary expenses. 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 help us determine duct runs before our visit. For detailed 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 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 configuration.

Thermostat settings are also significant. Energy.gov.au indicates that increasing heating by each degree in winter can raise 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 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 and connects 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 visit have floor ducting, where the indoor unit is installed in the subfloor, necessitating careful handling due to limited access.

What Is the Best Location for the Outdoor Unit?

A reverse cycle ducted system comprises both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected through pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is mounted 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 prior to the installation day.

What Is the Typical Duration of 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 anticipated duration during our assessment, ensuring you know 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 will remain intact. Before we conclude our visit, we ensure that the new system functions correctly and provide guidance on using 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?

According to Energy.gov.au, operating costs for ducted gas heating can be significant due to high gas consumption and the electricity needed for the fans. In contrast, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally seen as more cost-effective than gas heating. Ducted systems are usually 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 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 offers a detailed analysis of running cost figures.

How Does the VEU Rebate Work 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. Typically, if a home has never had gas heating, the rebate will not apply.

We handle all VEU paperwork during the installation process, and the rebate is deducted from your payment at the point of sale, so you do not need 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 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 evaluate quotes effectively:

• Is the quoted price comprehensive, with the VEU rebate already included?
• 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 conducted by the installer’s team or subcontracted out?
• What workmanship guarantee accompanies the installation?

Select 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 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 performed by our licensed team, not subcontractors. We offer a strong 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 requirements.

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 assist you in exploring your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.