Ducted Heating Installation: Explore Essential Options

The installation of ducted heating involves establishing a central unit that distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home via ducts installed in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives air through strategically placed vents, while a wall-mounted controller manages temperature settings, allowing for comprehensive climate control across your entire home. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is particularly favoured by homeowners, as this system efficiently provides warmth in winter and cooling in summer through the same vents. Gas ducted heating is also a valid option, and this guide provides a detailed comparison of both systems.

This guide thoroughly explains the installation process for ducted heating, highlighting key components such as system sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on the installation day. It also addresses the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate relevant to upgrading to electric systems, and important questions to pose to any installer before making a commitment.

Essential Information on Ducted Heating Installation

• The Australian Government’s energy.gov.au points out that 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 are typically completed in one day; however, larger homes or complex duct layouts may necessitate an additional day.
• The VEU rebate applies when replacing an old gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

Which Ducted Heating Systems Are Best for Your Home?

In Melbourne, homeowners can select from two main types of ducted heating systems, as well as an additional option to incorporate cooling into an existing gas system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system features both an outdoor and an indoor unit, functioning together to heat or cool your entire home through a single set of vents. This is the most commonly installed system, with additional 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. While gas ducted heating installations still occur, many Melbourne homeowners are choosing to move away from gas instead of 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 for cooling functions.

If your gas heater is ageing, frequently needing repairs, or resulting in high running costs, consider upgrading to an electric reverse cycle ducted system. This solution offers both heating and cooling in a single installation. For more information on transitioning from gas ducted heating to electric heating, consult our comprehensive guide.

How Does Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating Work?

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%. In contrast, an electric bar heater converts one unit of electricity directly into one unit of heat.

In winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the surrounding air and transfers it indoors through refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, typically located in the roof space or under the floor, distributes this warm air via 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 functions, please refer to our article detailing each component.

How Is Your Ducted Heating System Appropriately Sized?

Accurate 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 correct capacity for your home and consulting experts before making significant purchases like ducted heating and cooling systems.

During our home assessment, we consider 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 how each room will be utilised. Providing house plans can assist us in determining duct runs prior to our visit. For detailed 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 allows you to manage 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, consider installing a zoned system during the new installation, as it simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings also significantly affect energy consumption. Energy.gov.au states that increasing the heating by each degree in winter can raise your energy usage 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 comfortable environment upon your arrival without the need for continuous operation throughout the day.

What Adjustments Are Made to Ductwork and Vents During Installation?

Every system installation includes new ducting. Existing ducting from an old gas heater often does not suit 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 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 encounter have floor ducting, where the indoor unit is installed in the subfloor, necessitating careful handling due to limited access.

Where Should the Outdoor Unit Be Installed?

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

What Is the Average Duration for Ducted Heating Installation?

Most ducted heating installations are completed in a single day. larger homes or more complex duct layouts may extend the installation to a second day. We confirm the anticipated duration during our assessment, ensuring you are well-informed about what to expect before work commences.

On the installation day, our team removes the existing 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 will remain intact. Before concluding our visit, we ensure that the new system operates 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 Operating Costs of Ducted Reverse Cycle Heating Compare to Gas Ducted Heating?

According to Energy.gov.au, the operational costs for 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 than wall-mounted units, primarily due to larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design critical.

Your running costs will depend on your home’s size, the quality of its insulation, zoning usage, and whether you have solar panels installed. A reverse cycle system can utilise your solar power during daylight hours, a benefit absent in gas heating. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes provides a thorough 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 energy-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 complete forms or wait for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies eligibility criteria and coverage details.

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

Comparing ducted heating quotes can be complex, as one quote may include elements that another does not. Use these questions to effectively assess quotes:

• 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 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 Melbourne’s North

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 strong workmanship guarantee for our services.

Every quote begins with a complimentary in-home assessment. We review your current heating system, ducting, 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 requirements.

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.