Ducted Heating Installation Options You Should Consider

The installation of ducted heating entails setting up a central unit that distributes either warm or cool air throughout your home using ducts positioned in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives air through strategically placed vents, and temperature is managed via a wall-mounted controller, allowing for whole-house climate control. In Melbourne, many homeowners favour electric reverse cycle ducted heating, a system that efficiently provides heating during winter and cooling in summer using the same vents. Gas ducted heating remains an alternative, and this guide offers a detailed comparison of both systems.

This guide thoroughly details the installation process for ducted heating, addressing vital components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on installation day. we will explore the operating costs associated with gas systems, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate relevant to the transition to electric systems, and essential questions to pose to any installer before making a commitment.

Key Insights on Ducted Heating Installation

• As highlighted by the Australian Government’s energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners have efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
• Energy.gov.au further indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically compared to gas heating systems.
• Most installations can typically be completed in a single day, although larger residences or complex duct layouts may necessitate a second day.
• The VEU rebate applies when replacing an old gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.

What Ducted Heating Solutions Are Available for Your Home?

Two main types of ducted heating systems are available for homes in Melbourne, along with an option to integrate cooling into an existing gas system.

• Electric Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating and Cooling. This system comprises both an outdoor and an indoor unit, working in synchrony 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 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 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, requiring frequent repairs or resulting in high operating 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 on making this transition.

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 clarifies that reverse cycle air conditioners can transform 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.

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 under 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 a detailed explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system works, please refer to our article outlining each component.

How Is Ducted Heating Appropriately Sized for Your Home?

Correct sizing is essential to ensure that a ducted heating system operates effectively during chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system struggles to warm distant rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary expenses. Energy.gov.au recommends choosing a model with the appropriate capacity for your home and consulting experts prior to making significant 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 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 a Necessary Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?

Zoning functionality enables 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 at once. If your previous gas ducted heater did not have zoning, it is advisable to install a zoned system during the new installation, as it simplifies the configuration process.

Thermostat settings also play a crucial role. 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 are controllable via mobile applications, allowing you to activate the heating prior to 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 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, requiring 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 situated 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 the installation day.

What Is the Average Time Frame 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, negating 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 extensive information on what to expect on installation day, refer to our article detailing 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 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 are typically less efficient than wall-mounted units, primarily because of larger fans and energy loss through ductwork, making proper sizing and duct design essential.

Your running costs will vary depending 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 that is not available with gas heating. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes offers an in-depth analysis of running cost figures.

How Does the VEU Rebate Apply 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 is applicable 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 Questions Should You Consider Before Committing to a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?

Ducted heating quotes can be intricate to compare, 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 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 carried out 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 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 wide range 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, call 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 array of ducted heating and cooling installations.