Ducted Heating Installation: Best Choices to Explore

Installing ducted heating requires the establishment of a central unit that distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts located in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives air through strategically placed vents, while a wall-mounted controller regulates the temperature, offering comprehensive climate control across your entire residence. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer electric reverse cycle ducted heating, which efficiently provides warmth during winter and coolness in summer using the same vents. Alternatively, gas ducted heating remains a viable option, and this guide provides a thorough comparison of both systems.

This guide details the ducted heating installation process, addressing essential components such as system sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what you can expect on installation day. We will also explore the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate for transitioning to electric systems, and critical questions to ask any installer prior to making a decision.

Essential Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• According to the Australian Government’s energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners boast efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more cost-effectively compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations can generally be completed in a single day, although larger homes or complex duct configurations may require an additional day.
• The VEU rebate applies when replacing an old gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

What Are the Different Types of Ducted Heating Systems Available for Your Home?

In Melbourne, homeowners can choose from two main types of ducted heating systems, with the option to add cooling to an existing gas system.

• <a href="https://writebuff.com/air-conditioner-summer-ready-6-signs-you-must-check/">Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling.</a> This system includes 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 produces warm air, which is circulated through the ducts by a fan. While installations of gas ducted heating still occur, many Melbourne homeowners are now opting to move away from gas instead of installing new gas heaters.
• Add-on Cooling for Existing Gas Heaters. If your gas ducted heater is relatively modern, an add-on cooling system can be integrated, using the same ducts and controller to provide cooling.

If your gas heater is ageing and requiring frequent repairs or incurring high operating costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This choice provides both heating and cooling in a single installation. For more insights on transitioning from gas ducted heating to electric heating, refer to our detailed guide.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Operate?

Reverse cycle ducted heating functions by transferring heat rather than generating it. The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au heating and cooling guide explains that 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 via refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, located in the roof space or under the floor, distributes this warm air through the ducts to each vent. The process reverses in summer, enabling the system to cool your home efficiently. For a complete explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system operates, please consult our article detailing each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Accurately Sized for Your Home?

Proper sizing is essential to ensure that a ducted heating system operates effectively during Melbourne’s chilly mornings. An undersized system struggles to heat distant rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the appropriate capacity for your home and consulting with experts before making major 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 under 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 a Valuable Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality enables you to control which rooms receive heating. For instance, you may prefer to keep bedrooms cool during the day and living areas unheated at night, rather than heating the entire house at the same time. If your previous gas ducted heater lacked zoning, it is advisable to install a zoned system during the new installation, as it simplifies the setup process.

Thermostat settings are also crucial. Energy.gov.au states that increasing heating by each degree in winter can raise your energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Most systems we install can be controlled via mobile applications, allowing you to activate the heating before arriving home from work, ensuring a comfortable environment upon your arrival without the need for continuous operation throughout the day.

What Modifications Are Made to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

New ducting is installed with every system installation. 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 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 Is the Optimal Location for the Outdoor Unit?

A reverse cycle ducted system consists of both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected through pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is positioned outside the house. We discuss its location with you during the in-home assessment, and if your property presents challenges, we identify the most suitable site prior to the installation day.

What Is the Estimated 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 informed about what to expect before work commences.

On 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 use gas for hot water or cooking, those connections 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 detailed information on what to expect on installation day, refer to our article outlining the heating and cooling installation process.

How Do the Operating 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 required for the fans. In comparison, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally regarded as more economical than gas heating. Ducted systems are typically less efficient than wall-mounted units, primarily because of 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 you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can utilise your solar power during daylight hours, a benefit not available with gas heating. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes offers an extensive analysis of running cost figures.

How Does the VEU Rebate Facilitate the Transition from Gas Ducted Heating?

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) programme incentivises households that 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 be applicable.

We handle all VEU paperwork during the installation process, and the rebate is deducted from your payment at the point of sale, so you do not need to fill out forms or wait for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies the eligibility criteria and coverage details.

What Key Questions Should You Consider Before Accepting a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Comparing ducted heating quotes can be challenging, as one quote may include elements that another omits. Use these questions to evaluate quotes effectively:

• Is the quoted price comprehensive, with the VEU rebate already included?
• Does the quote cover 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 encompass?
• 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 subcontracted out?
• What workmanship guarantee is provided with the installation?

Select 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 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.

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 incorporates the VEU rebate where applicable. We collaborate with a diverse 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 pleased to assist you in exploring your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.