Ducted Heating Installation: Options to Consider

Installing ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts installed in the ceiling or under the floor. Each room receives airflow through strategically positioned vents, while temperature control is managed through a wall-mounted controller, enabling comprehensive climate management across the house. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer electric reverse cycle ducted heating, a system that efficiently provides warmth during winter and coolness in summer through the same vents. Alternatively, gas ducted heating is available, and this guide provides an in-depth comparison of both systems.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the ducted heating installation process, covering crucial elements such as system 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 relevant to switching to electric systems, and essential inquiries to make of any installer before committing.

Essential Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au highlights that reverse cycle air conditioners boast efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au further notes that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically than gas heating systems.
• Most installations can generally be completed in a single day; however, 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.

Which Ducted Heating Solutions Are Best for Your Home?

Two primary types of ducted heating systems are available for residences in Melbourne, with an option to incorporate cooling into an existing gas system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit, working together to heat or cool your entire home through a single network 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 generates warm air, which is circulated through the ducts by a fan. Although gas ducted heating installations still take place, many Melbourne homeowners are opting 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, you can integrate an add-on cooling system that uses the same ducts and controller to provide cooling.

If your gas heater is old, frequently needing repairs, or incurring high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option provides both heating and cooling in one installation. Our detailed guide on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating offers further insights into making this transition.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Function?

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 transforms 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 via the ducts to each vent. The process reverses in summer, allowing the same system to cool your home. For a thorough explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system operates, please refer to our article detailing each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Properly Sized for Your Home?

Proper sizing is crucial to ensure that a ducted heating system operates effectively 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 prior to making substantial 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 comprehensive 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 capability 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 play an important role. Energy.gov.au states that increasing heating by each degree in winter can boost your energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Most systems we install are controllable via mobile applications, allowing you to activate the heating before returning home from work, ensuring a comfortable environment upon your arrival without needing to run the system continuously throughout the day.

What Adjustments 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 usually filled with dust from years of operation. The new ducting is accurately 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 for Optimal Performance?

A reverse cycle ducted system comprises both an outdoor and an indoor unit, linked by pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is positioned outside your home. We discuss its placement with you during the in-home assessment, and if your property poses challenges, we identify the best location prior to 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 the new system operates correctly and provide instructions 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 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 significant due to high gas consumption and the electricity needed for the fans. Conversely, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally considered more cost-effective than gas heating. Ducted systems typically exhibit lower efficiency 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 vary based on your home’s size, insulation quality, zoning usage, and whether you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can utilise 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 Transitioning from Gas Ducted Heating?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme incentivises households that transition from gas heating to an efficient electric system. The rebate is applicable when an existing gas heating appliance is removed and replaced with a qualifying premium inverter reverse cycle system. Generally, homes that have never had gas heating will not be eligible for the rebate.

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 complete 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 encompass 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 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 will be responsible for removing the old gas heater and capping the gas line?
• Will the installation be carried out by the installer’s own team or subcontracted?
• 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 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 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 delighted to assist you in exploring your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.