Ducted Heating Installation: Essential Options to Consider

The installation of ducted heating entails setting up a central unit that distributes either warm or cool air throughout your residence via ducts located in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives air through strategically placed vents, while temperature control is managed through a wall-mounted controller. This system enables comprehensive climate regulation across your entire home. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is a preferred option for many homeowners. This system efficiently provides warmth in winter and cooling in summer through the same ducts. Gas ducted heating remains a viable alternative, and this guide delivers a thorough comparison of both systems.

This guide outlines the complete installation process for ducted heating, detailing essential components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what you can expect on the day of installation. We will explore the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate applicable to the transition to electric systems, and key questions to pose to any installer before making a decision.

Crucial Insights into Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au indicates that reverse cycle air conditioners have efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also suggests that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically than gas heating systems.
• Most installations can usually be completed within a single day; however, larger homes or intricate 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• The VEU rebate is applicable when replacing an outdated gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.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 Options Are Best Suited for Your Home?

In Melbourne, homeowners can select from two primary types of ducted heating systems, with an additional possibility 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 via a single set of vents. It is the most commonly installed system, with more 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 continue, many Melbourne homeowners are opting 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, utilising the same ducts and controller for cooling purposes.

If your gas heater is aging, frequently needing 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 this transition.

What Is the Functioning Mechanism of Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating?

Reverse cycle ducted heating operates by transferring heat instead of 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.

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 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 functions, please refer to our article outlining each component.

How Is Your Ducted Heating System Accurately Sized?

Correct sizing is vital 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 advises 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 usage 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 a Crucial Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality allows you to control which rooms receive heating. For instance, you may wish 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 streamlines 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 through 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 accommodate a reverse cycle system and is usually filled with dust accumulated over 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 brand new vents and grilles rather than patched openings from the previous system.

For ceiling installations, we gain access to 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 Is the Optimal Position for the Outdoor Unit?

A reverse cycle ducted system includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected via pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is positioned 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 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 use 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 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 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 Function 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 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 Key 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 accounted for?
• Does the quote comprise 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 guarantee of workmanship accompanies the installation?

Choose Beyond Heating and Cooling for Dependable Ducted Heating Installation in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs

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 executed 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 collaborate with a wide range of leading heating and cooling brands to recommend the best system tailored to your needs.

If you are contemplating 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.