Ducted Heating Installation Options You Should Explore

Installing ducted heating entails setting up a central unit that distributes either warm or cool air across your home through ducts situated in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives air via strategically placed vents, with temperature control managed through a wall-mounted controller, ensuring comprehensive climate management for your entire residence. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is a popular option for homeowners, as this system efficiently provides warmth during winter and cooling in summer through the same vents. While gas ducted heating continues to be a viable alternative, this guide presents a thorough comparison of both systems.

This guide thoroughly details the installation process for ducted heating, highlighting essential components such as system sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on the installation day. We will explore the operating costs connected with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate applicable for transitioning to electric systems, and crucial questions to pose to any installer before making a commitment.

Key Insights into Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au notes that reverse cycle air conditioners have efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically than gas heating systems.
• Most installations can typically be completed in a single day; however, larger residences or intricate duct layouts may extend the process to an additional day.
• The VEU rebate is available when replacing an old gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

What Are the Best Ducted Heating Solutions for Your Home?

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

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system combines 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, with further details 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 by a fan. Although gas ducted heating installations are still carried out, many homeowners in Melbourne are choosing to move away from gas rather than install 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 for cooling purposes.

If your gas heater is ageing and frequently requires repairs or results in high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option delivers both heating and cooling in a single installation. Our comprehensive guide on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating provides further insights into making this transition.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Operate?

Reverse cycle ducted heating functions by transferring heat rather than generating it. According to the Australian Government’s energy.gov.au heating and cooling guide, 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, situated 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 comprehensive explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system operates, please refer to our article detailing each component.

How Is Your Ducted Heating System Sized Accurately?

Proper sizing is essential to ensure that a ducted heating system operates efficiently during Melbourne’s chilly mornings. An undersized system struggles to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting 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 evaluate the number of rooms and vents, the duct routing (whether through the ceiling or beneath 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 before our visit. For detailed guidance on sizing a ducted heating system tailored to your Melbourne home, refer to our sizing guide.

Is Zoning a Necessary Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality enables 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 advisable to install a zoned system during the new installation, as it simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings significantly influence energy consumption. Energy.gov.au states that increasing heating by each degree in winter can raise your energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Many systems we install are controllable via mobile applications, allowing 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 Modifications Are Made to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

Every system installation includes the installation of new ducting. Existing ducting from an old gas heater often does not suit a reverse cycle system and is typically filled with dust from years of usage. The new ducting is correctly 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 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 Your Outdoor Unit Be Located?

A reverse cycle ducted system features 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 prior to the installation day.

What Is the Typical Timeframe 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 informed about what to anticipate before work commences.

On the day of installation, 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 utilise gas for hot water or cooking, those connections remain intact. Before concluding our visit, we ensure 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 Running 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 substantial due to high gas consumption and the electricity needed for the fans. In contrast, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally perceived 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 essential.

Your running costs will vary based 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 that is 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 Function 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 apply.

We manage all VEU paperwork during the installation process, and the rebate is deducted from your payment at the point of sale, removing 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 Considerations Should You Keep in Mind 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 effectively evaluate quotes:

• Is the quoted price comprehensive, with the VEU rebate already included?
• Does the quote encompass 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 is responsible for removing the old gas heater and capping the gas line?
• Will the installation be executed by the installer’s own team or subcontracted out?
• What workmanship guarantee accompanies the installation?

Choose Beyond Heating and Cooling for Dependable Ducted Heating Installation in Melbourne’s North

Beyond Heating and Cooling offers professional 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 both refrigerant and gas systems. We hold an ARC refrigerant handling licence (L073783), and all installations are carried out by our licensed team, not subcontractors. We provide a robust workmanship guarantee for our services.

Every quote commences with a complimentary in-home assessment. We analyse your current heating system, ducts, and home layout, discuss the most suitable options, and provide a quote that includes the VEU rebate where applicable. We partner 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 delighted to assist you in exploring options for your home. You can also view our full range of ducted heating and cooling installations.