Ducted Heating Installation: Essential Options to Consider

The installation of ducted heating involves setting up a central unit that efficiently distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts installed in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives air through carefully positioned vents, and temperature control is managed through a wall-mounted controller. This setup allows for comprehensive climate regulation across your entire living space. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating has gained popularity among homeowners for its dual capabilities, providing warmth during winter and cooling in summer via the same vents. Gas ducted heating remains a feasible alternative, and this guide presents a thorough comparison of both systems.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the ducted heating installation process, addressing crucial 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 important questions to ask any installer prior to making a commitment.

Key Insights into Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au indicates that reverse cycle air conditioners have efficiency ratings between 300% and 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also highlights that ducted reverse cycle systems generally operate more economically compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations are typically completed within a single day; however, larger homes or complex duct layouts might necessitate an additional day.
• The VEU rebate is available when replacing an old gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

Which Ducted Heating Systems Are Best for Your Home?

In Melbourne, homeowners typically have two main options for ducted heating systems, with the possibility of adding cooling to an existing gas system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This setup includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit, which work in tandem to heat or cool your entire home using a single set of vents. This system is the most commonly installed, and more details can be found 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 gas ducted heating installations are still common, many Melbourne homeowners are choosing to transition 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, using the same ducts and controller for cooling purposes.

If your gas heater is aging, frequently requires repairs, or results in high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option provides both heating and cooling in one installation. For more information on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating, consult our comprehensive guide.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Function?

Reverse cycle ducted heating operates on the principle of 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 units of heating or cooling energy, achieving efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 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 ambient air and transports it indoors via refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, typically located in the roof space or under the floor, distributes this warm air through the ducts to each vent. In summer, the process reverses, enabling 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 Appropriately Sized?

Proper sizing is essential to ensure that a ducted heating system functions efficiently during the chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system struggles to heat distant rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au advises selecting a model with the suitable capacity for your home and consulting experts before making significant investments, such as ducted heating and cooling.

During our home assessment, we consider 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 a Crucial Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality allows you to control which rooms receive heating. For instance, you might prefer to keep bedrooms unheated during the day while leaving 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 just one degree in winter can raise your energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Many systems we install can be controlled 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 Occur to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

Every system installation includes the addition of new ducting. Existing ducting from an old gas heater is often unsuitable for a reverse cycle system and is typically filled with dust from years of use. 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, necessitating careful handling due to limited access.

Where Should You Position 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 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 Standard Duration 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 well-informed about what to anticipate before work begins.

On the day of installation, our team will remove the old heater, install the new ducting and vents, set up both the indoor and outdoor units, and connect 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 will remain intact. Before we conclude our visit, we ensure that the new system operates 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 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 required 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 imperative.

Your running costs will differ 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 unavailable with gas heating. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes provides a detailed analysis of running cost figures.

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

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme encourages households to 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 be applicable.

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 Key Factors Should You Consider 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 effectively evaluate quotes:

• Is the quoted price comprehensive, with the VEU rebate already accounted for?
• 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 are accommodated in the quote?
• Who will be responsible for removing the old gas heater and capping the gas line?
• Will the installation be completed by the installer’s own team or outsourced?
• 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 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.

Each quote begins with a complimentary in-home assessment. We assess your current heating system, ducts, and home layout, discuss the most suitable system options, and present a quote that includes the VEU rebate when 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, 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.