Ducted Heating Installation: Key Options to Explore

Installing ducted heating involves the setup of a central unit that delivers either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts placed in the ceiling or under the floor. Each room receives air through strategically positioned vents, with temperature control managed through a wall-mounted controller, enabling comprehensive climate regulation for your entire home. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is a popular choice among homeowners. This system efficiently provides warmth in winter and cooling in summer through the same vents. Gas ducted heating remains a viable option, and this guide offers an in-depth comparison of both systems.

This guide comprehensively outlines the installation process for ducted heating, covering essential components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on the day of installation. We will delve into the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate relevant to the transition to electric systems, and critical questions to ask any installer before making a decision.

Essential Insights into 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 also indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically than gas heating systems.
• Most installations can typically be completed in a single day; however, larger residences or complex duct layouts may require an additional day.
• The VEU rebate is applicable when replacing an old gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

Which Ducted Heating Solutions Are Suitable for Your Home?

In Melbourne, homeowners can choose from two primary types of ducted heating systems, with an additional option to integrate 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 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, an add-on cooling system can be integrated, using the same ducts and controller for cooling purposes.

If your gas heater is aging, frequently requiring repairs or resulting in high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option provides both heating and cooling in a single installation. Our comprehensive guide on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating offers further insights on making this transition.

What Is the Operating Mechanism of Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating?

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%. 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 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 detailed explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system operates, please refer to our article outlining each component.

How Is Your Ducted Heating System Properly Sized?

Correct sizing is crucial 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 expenses. 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.

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 prior to 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 functionality allows you to control which rooms receive heating. For example, you may prefer to keep bedrooms unheated during the day and living areas unheated at night, rather than heating the entire house at once. 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 a significant role in 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 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?

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 usually 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 Positioned?

A reverse cycle ducted system includes 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 with you during the in-home assessment, and if your property presents challenges, we identify the most suitable location before the installation day.

What Is the Typical Duration for Ducted Heating Installation?

Most ducted heating installations are completed in 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 day of installation, 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 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 viewed 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 essential.

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 unavailable 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 Work When Transitioning from Gas Ducted Heating?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme incentivises households that 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 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 fill out forms or wait for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies the eligibility criteria and coverage details.

What Key Considerations Should You Keep in Mind 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 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?

Select Beyond Heating and Cooling for Reliable Ducted Heating Installation in Melbourne’s North

Beyond Heating and Cooling provides expert installation of ducted heating and cooling systems throughout 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 executed 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 wide array 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 pleased to assist you in exploring options for your home. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.