Ducted Heating Installation: Essential Options to Consider

The installation of ducted heating involves establishing a central system that distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts situated in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives airflow through strategically placed vents, and temperature adjustments are managed through a wall-mounted controller. This setup enables comprehensive climate control for your entire residence. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating has become a preferred option among homeowners. This system efficiently provides warmth during winter and cooling in summer through the same vents. Gas ducted heating also remains a viable option. This guide presents a detailed comparison of both systems.

In this guide, we thoroughly outline the installation process for ducted heating, addressing key components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to anticipate on the day of installation. We will explore the operating costs related to gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate applicable to the transition to electric systems, and crucial questions to pose to any installer before making your decision.

Key Insights into Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au highlights that reverse cycle air conditioners demonstrate efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations can typically be completed within a single day; however, larger homes or complex duct layouts may necessitate an additional day.
• The VEU rebate applies when replacing an outdated gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

What 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 system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system comprises both an outdoor and an indoor unit that work together to heat or cool your entire home through a single set of vents. This is the most commonly installed system, with further information 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 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 and often requires repairs or leads to high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This option offers both heating and cooling in a single installation. Our extensive guide on replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating provides further insights on making this transition.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Work?

Reverse cycle ducted heating functions 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 comparison, 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 beneath 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 an in-depth explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system operates, please consult 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 recommends selecting a model with the right capacity for your home and consulting professionals before making significant purchases such as ducted heating and cooling.

During our home assessment, we evaluate the number of rooms and vents, the duct routing (either 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 Important Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality enables you to manage 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 this simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings also significantly influence 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?

Each system installation includes the fitting of new ducting. Existing ducting from an old gas heater often does not accommodate 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 former 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 consists of an outdoor and an indoor unit connected through pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is placed 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 informed about what to anticipate before the work begins.

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 will remain intact. Before we conclude our visit, we ensure that the new system operates correctly and provide instructions on how to use the controls.

For comprehensive information on what to expect on installation day, refer to our article detailing the heating and cooling installation process.

How Do Operating Costs of Ducted Reverse Cycle Heating Compare with Gas Ducted Heating?

According to Energy.gov.au, the operating costs associated with 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 compared to wall-mounted units, primarily due to larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design crucial.

Your running costs will depend on your home’s size, insulation quality, zoning usage, and whether solar panels are 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 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 encourages households to 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 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 Factors Should You Consider Before Accepting a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Evaluating ducted heating quotes can be complex, as one quote may include elements that another omits. Use these questions to effectively assess quotes:

• Is the quoted price all-inclusive, with the VEU rebate already incorporated?
• Does the quote encompass 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 conducted 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 Northern Melbourne

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 assess 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 specific 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.