Ducted Heating Installation: Essential Options to Consider

The installation of ducted heating involves establishing a central unit that distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts positioned in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives airflow through strategically placed vents, with temperature regulation managed by a wall-mounted controller. This setup allows for comprehensive climate control across your entire residence. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is a popular option for homeowners, as it effectively provides warmth during winter and cooling throughout summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating remains a viable alternative, and this guide presents a thorough comparison of both systems.

This guide meticulously outlines the ducted heating installation process, covering essential components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on the installation day. We will explore the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate applicable for transitioning to electric systems, and vital questions to ask any installer before making your decision.

Key Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au reports that reverse cycle air conditioners have efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also states that ducted reverse cycle systems are more economically efficient than gas heating systems.
• Most installations can typically be completed within 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 an eligible reverse cycle system.

Which Ducted Heating Solutions Are Best for Your Home?

Homeowners in Melbourne can select from two primary types of ducted heating systems, with an additional option to incorporate cooling into an existing gas setup.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system comprises both an outdoor and indoor unit, collaborating to heat or cool your entire home through a unified set of vents. It is the most commonly installed system, with additional details available on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
• Gas Ducted Heating. A gas furnace generates warm air that is circulated through the ducts by a fan. Although gas ducted heating installations still occur, many homeowners in Melbourne 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, an add-on cooling system can be integrated, utilising the same ducts and controller for cooling functionalities.

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 alternative offers both heating and cooling in a single installation. Our comprehensive guide on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating provides further insights into this transition.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Operate?

Reverse cycle ducted heating functions by transferring heat instead of generating it. The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au heating and cooling guide indicates 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 only converts one unit of electricity into one unit of heat.

During 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 beneath the floor, distributes this warm air via 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 outlining each component.

How Is Your Ducted Heating System Accurately Sized?

Proper sizing is essential to ensure that a ducted heating system operates effectively during the brisk Melbourne mornings. An undersized system struggles to warm remote rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary expenses. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the appropriate capacity for your home and consulting professionals 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), the layout of your home (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 Important Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality enables you to control which rooms receive heating. For instance, you might prefer to keep bedrooms unheated during the daytime and living areas unheated at night, instead of heating the entire house simultaneously. If your previous gas ducted heater lacked zoning, it would be advisable to install a zoned system during the new installation, as it simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings significantly impact energy consumption. Energy.gov.au states that increasing heating by each degree in winter can elevate your energy usage 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 comfortable 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 fitting 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 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 the Outdoor Unit Be Installed?

A reverse cycle ducted system comprises both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected through pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is located outside the house. We discuss its placement 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 within a single day. Larger homes or more intricate 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 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 utilise 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 guidance 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 considerable due to high gas consumption and the electricity required for the fans. In contrast, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally regarded 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 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 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 offers 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 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, 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 Key Factors Should You Consider Before Accepting a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Ducted heating quotes can be complex to compare, as one quote might include elements that another omits. Use these questions to effectively evaluate quotes:

• Is the quoted price comprehensive, 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 accommodate?
• 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 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 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 carried out by our licensed team, not subcontractors. We provide 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 present 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 delighted to assist you in exploring options for your home. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.