Ducted Heating Installation Options You Should Consider

Installing ducted heating requires the establishment of a central unit that efficiently circulates either heated or cooled air throughout your home via ducts situated in the ceiling or under the floor. Each room receives air through strategically positioned vents, while temperature regulation is managed through a wall-mounted controller, allowing for effective climate control across the entire house. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer electric reverse cycle ducted heating, a system that effectively delivers warmth in winter and cool air in summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating remains a viable option, and this guide offers a thorough comparison of both heating systems.

This guide presents a detailed overview of the ducted heating installation process, addressing key elements such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, outdoor unit placement, and what to anticipate on installation day. We will also analyse the operating costs of gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate available for transitioning to electric systems, and important questions to pose to any installer before making a decision.

Crucial Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• As stated by the Australian Government’s energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners boast efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au also notes that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically than traditional gas heating systems.
• Most installations can typically be completed in a single day; however, larger homes or intricate duct configurations may necessitate an additional day.
• The VEU rebate is applicable when upgrading an outdated gas heater to a qualifying reverse cycle system.

Which Types of Ducted Heating Solutions Are Available for Your Home?

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

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system includes both an outdoor and an indoor unit, working in tandem to heat or cool your entire home through a single set of vents. It 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 installations of gas ducted heating still occur, many homeowners in Melbourne are moving 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 to provide cooling.

If your gas heater is ageing, frequently requiring repairs, or resulting in high running 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 into making this transition.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Function?

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%. This contrasts with an electric bar heater, which 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, located in the roof space or beneath the floor, distributes this warm air through the ducts to each vent. In summer, the process reverses, allowing the same system to cool your home. For a thorough explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system operates, please refer to our article that details each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Accurately Sized for Your Home?

Proper sizing is essential to ensure that a ducted heating system operates efficiently during the chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system may struggle to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system can incur unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the correct capacity for your home and consulting experts before making significant purchases like ducted heating and cooling systems.

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 extensive guidance on sizing a ducted heating system tailored to your Melbourne residence, consult our sizing guide.

Is Zoning a Necessary Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality allows you to control which rooms receive heating. For instance, you may choose 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 are also crucial. Energy.gov.au indicates 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, enabling you to activate the heating before returning home from work, ensuring a warm environment upon your arrival without the necessity for continuous operation throughout the day.

What Modifications Are Made to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

New ducting is installed with each system installation. Existing ducting from an old gas heater often does not support a reverse cycle system and is typically filled with dust from years of use. The new ducting is appropriately 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 consists of both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected through pipes that transport refrigerant. The outdoor unit is installed 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 installation day.

What Is the Typical Time Frame for Ducted Heating Installation?

Most ducted heating installations are finished within a single day. larger homes or complex duct layouts may extend the installation process to a second day. We confirm the expected duration during our assessment, ensuring you are well-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 utilise gas for hot water or cooking, those connections remain intact. Before concluding our visit, we ensure that the new system functions correctly and provide instructions on using 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 Running Costs of Ducted Reverse Cycle Heating Compare to Gas Ducted Heating?

According to Energy.gov.au, the operating costs associated with ducted gas heating can be significant 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 vital.

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 leverage your solar power during daylight hours, a benefit that gas heating cannot provide. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes offers an in-depth analysis of running costs.

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. Typically, 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, eliminating the need for you to complete forms or wait for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies the eligibility criteria and coverage details.

What Key Questions Should You Ask Before Committing to a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Ducted heating quotes can be intricate to compare, as one quote may encompass components that another omits. Use these questions to assess quotes effectively:

• Is the quoted price all-inclusive, with the VEU rebate already considered?
• Does the quote cover new ducting and vents, or does it recommend reusing existing ducts?
• Was the system sized based on an in-home assessment or solely 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 is included 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 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), guaranteeing that all installations are performed by our licensed team, rather than subcontractors. We provide a solid 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 present a quote that includes the VEU rebate where applicable. We collaborate with a variety 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 your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.