Ducted Heating Installation: Key Options to Consider

Installing ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that effectively distributes either heated or cooled air throughout your home via ducts located in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room is supplied with air through carefully placed vents, and temperature control is managed through a wall-mounted controller, which enables comprehensive climate management across the entire house. In Melbourne, many homeowners opt for electric reverse cycle ducted heating, a system that efficiently provides warmth during winter and coolness in summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating is still a viable alternative, and this guide presents an in-depth comparison of both heating systems.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the ducted heating installation process, covering crucial aspects such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, outdoor unit placement, and what to expect on installation day. We will also examine the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate relevant for transitioning to electric systems, and critical questions to ask any installer before making a commitment.

Essential Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• As highlighted by the Australian Government’s energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners boast efficiency ratings between 300% and 600%.
• Energy.gov.au further notes that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically than gas heating systems.
• Most installations can usually be completed in a single day; however, larger homes or complex duct configurations may require an additional day.
• The VEU rebate applies when upgrading an old gas heater to a qualifying reverse cycle system.

What Types of Ducted Heating Solutions Can You Choose for Your Home?

In Melbourne, there are two primary types of ducted heating systems available, 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 through a single set of vents. This is the most frequently installed system, with further information available on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
• Gas Ducted Heating. A gas furnace generates warm air, which is circulated through the ducts by a fan. 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 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 aging, frequently needing repairs or leading to high running 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 provides further insights on making this transition.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Work?

Reverse cycle ducted heating operates 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%. This contrasts with an electric bar heater, which 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 beneath 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 operates, please refer to our article that outlines each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Properly Sized for Your Home?

Proper sizing is crucial to ensure that a ducted heating system functions efficiently during chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system may struggle to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system can lead to unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the appropriate capacity for your home and consulting experts before making significant purchases like ducted heating and cooling systems.

During our home assessment, we examine 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 facilitate our determination of duct runs prior to our visit. For extensive guidance on sizing a ducted heating system tailored to your Melbourne residence, consult 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 choose 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 it simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings are also integral. 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 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 Are Made to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

New ducting is installed with every system installation. Existing ducting from an old gas heater often does not support 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 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 the Outdoor Unit Be Located?

A reverse cycle ducted system consists of both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected through 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 pinpoint the most suitable location before installation day.

What Is the Typical Duration for Ducted Heating Installation?

Most ducted heating installations are completed within a single day. larger homes or intricate duct layouts may extend the installation process 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 concluding 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 to Gas Ducted Heating?

According to Energy.gov.au, the operating costs associated with ducted gas heating can be substantial 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 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 fluctuate based on your home’s size, insulation quality, zoning usage, and whether you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can harness your solar power during daylight hours, a benefit that gas heating cannot provide. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes offers an in-depth analysis of running costs.

How Does the VEU Rebate Work When Transitioning from Gas Ducted Heating?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme incentivises households that shift 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 be applicable.

We handle 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 complete 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 Committing to a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Ducted heating quotes can be complex to compare, as one quote may include components 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 cover new ducting and vents, or does it suggest reusing existing ducts?
• Was the system sized based on an in-home assessment or solely 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 executed by the installer’s own team or subcontracted out?
• What workmanship guarantee accompanies the installation?

Choose Beyond Heating and Cooling for Reliable Ducted Heating Installation in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs

Beyond Heating and Cooling provides 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), ensuring that all installations are performed by our licensed team, rather than 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, 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.