Ducted Heating Installation: Essential Options to Explore

Installing ducted heating involves the setup of a central unit that effectively distributes heated or cooled air throughout your home via ducts located in the ceiling or under the floor. Each room receives air through strategically placed vents, while temperature control is managed through a wall-mounted controller, allowing for comprehensive climate management across your entire residence. In Melbourne, many homeowners prefer electric reverse cycle ducted heating, a system that efficiently provides warmth during winter and coolness in summer through the same vents. Gas ducted heating remains a viable alternative, and this guide offers a detailed comparison of both heating systems.

This guide presents an extensive overview of the ducted heating installation process, addressing key aspects such as system sizing, zoning, ductwork, outdoor unit placement, 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 available for transitioning to electric systems, and essential questions to ask any installer before making a commitment.

Crucial Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

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

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

In Melbourne, there are two primary types of ducted heating systems, along with an option to add cooling to an existing gas system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system comprises both outdoor and indoor units 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 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 via a fan. While gas ducted heating installations are still performed, many Melbourne homeowners 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, using the same ducts and controller to provide cooling.

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

What Is the Functionality 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%. This is in contrast to an electric bar heater, which converts one unit of electricity into one unit of heat.

During winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the ambient 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 comprehensive explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system operates, please refer to 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 efficiently during the chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system may struggle to heat distant rooms, while an oversized system can lead to unnecessary expenses. Energy.gov.au recommends selecting a model with the correct capacity for your home and consulting experts before making significant purchases such as 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 in determining duct runs before our visit. For more detailed guidance on sizing a ducted heating system tailored to your Melbourne home, consult our sizing guide.

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

Zoning functionality enables you to control which rooms receive heating. For instance, you might 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 boost your energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Most 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?

New ducting is installed with every system installation. Existing ducting from an old gas heater often cannot 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 instead of 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 assess have floor ducting, where the indoor unit is installed in the subfloor, requiring careful handling due to limited access.

Where Is the Optimal Location for the Outdoor Unit?

A reverse cycle ducted system consists of both outdoor and indoor units, connected through 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 before installation day.

What Is the Typical Duration for Ducted Heating Installation?

Most ducted heating installations are completed within a single day. Larger homes or intricate 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 anticipate before work begins.

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 comprehensive 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 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, mainly due to larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design crucial.

Your running costs will vary based 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 gas heating cannot offer. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes provides 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 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. Typically, if a home has never had gas heating, the rebate will not be applicable.

We manage all VEU paperwork during the installation process, and the rebate is deducted from your payment at the point of sale, removing 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 Finalising a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Ducted heating quotes can be complex to compare since one quote may include components 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 cover new ducting and vents, or does it suggest reusing existing ducts?
• Was the system sized based on an in-home assessment or exclusively 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 executed by the installer’s own team or outsourced?
• What workmanship guarantee accompanies the installation?

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

Beyond Heating and Cooling offers professional 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), ensuring that all installations are carried out by our licensed team, rather than 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 variety of leading heating and cooling brands to recommend the best system tailored to your specific needs.

If you are considering installing new ducted heating, contact us at 1800 239 663 or request a quote online. Adam or another team member will gladly assist you in exploring your home’s options. You can also view our complete range of ducted heating and cooling installations.