Ducted Heating Installation: Essential 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 beneath the floor. Each room receives air through strategically positioned vents, and temperature control is managed via a wall-mounted controller. This setup allows for comprehensive climate regulation across your entire home. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is increasingly popular among homeowners due to its efficiency in providing warmth during winter and cooling in summer through the same vents. Gas ducted heating remains a viable choice as well, and this guide offers a detailed comparison of both systems.

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

Key Insights into Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au informs us that reverse cycle air conditioners can achieve efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• According to energy.gov.au, ducted reverse cycle systems generally operate more economically compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations are typically completed in a single day, although larger residences or complex duct layouts may necessitate an additional day.
• The VEU rebate is applicable when replacing an outdated gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

Which Ducted Heating Solutions Are Ideal for Your Home?

In Melbourne, homeowners can select from two primary types of ducted heating systems, as well as an additional option to integrate cooling into an existing gas system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system comprises both an outdoor and an indoor unit, working in tandem to heat or cool your entire home using a single set of vents. It is the most frequently 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. While gas ducted heating installations are still carried out, many Melbourne homeowners are opting to transition away from gas rather than 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 for cooling purposes.

If your gas heater is ageing, frequently requiring repairs or leading to high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option provides both heating and cooling in a single installation. For more information, consult our detailed guide on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Function?

Reverse cycle ducted heating operates by transferring heat instead of generating it. As noted in 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.

During winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the ambient air and transports it indoors through refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, situated in the roof space or beneath the floor, distributes this warm air through the ducts to each vent. This process is reversed 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 Accurately Sized?

Proper sizing is essential to ensure that a ducted heating system operates efficiently during the chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system struggles to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au advises 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 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 aid 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 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 also significantly impact 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 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 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 generally 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, requiring careful handling due to limited access.

Where Should the Outdoor Unit Be Located?

A reverse cycle ducted system comprises both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected by 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 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 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 functions 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 typically regarded as more cost-effective than gas heating. Ducted systems may 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 fluctuate based on your home’s size, insulation quality, zoning usage, and whether you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can leverage 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 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 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 apply.

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 fill out forms or wait for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies the eligibility criteria and coverage details.

What Crucial Factors Should You Consider 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 all-inclusive, with the VEU rebate already factored in?
• Does the quote incorporate 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 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 performed 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 provide a quote that includes the VEU rebate where applicable. We partner 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 delighted to assist you in exploring options for your home. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.