The installation of ducted heating includes setting up a central unit that efficiently distributes heated or cooled air throughout your home via ducts located in the ceiling or beneath the floor. Each room receives airflow through strategically positioned vents, with temperature regulation managed via a wall-mounted controller. This system offers comprehensive climate control for your entire property. In Melbourne, electric reverse cycle ducted heating is especially popular among homeowners, as it effectively provides both heating in winter and cooling in summer using the same ductwork. Another option is gas ducted heating, and this guide presents a thorough comparison of both systems.
This guide provides a detailed examination of the installation process for ducted heating. It discusses essential components such as sizing, zoning, ductwork, the outdoor unit, and what to expect on the 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 before making a decision.
- According to energy.gov.au, reverse cycle air conditioners have efficiency ratings ranging from 300% to 600%.
- Energy.gov.au indicates that ducted reverse cycle systems operate more economically than gas heating systems.
- Most installations can usually be completed within a single day; however, larger homes or intricate duct layouts may necessitate a second day.
- The VEU rebate is available when replacing an outdated gas heater with a qualifying reverse cycle system.
Which Ducted Heating Systems Will Improve Your Home’s Comfort?
In Melbourne, homeowners can choose from two main types of ducted heating systems, with the option to add cooling 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 unified set of vents. It is the most widely installed system, and further details can be found on our ducted reverse cycle air conditioning page.
- <a href=”https://limitsofstrategy.com/ducted-heating-system-sizing-for-homes-in-melbourne/”>Gas Ducted Heating.</a> A gas furnace produces warm air that is circulated through the ducts by a fan. Although gas ducted heating installations remain common, many Melbourne homeowners are choosing to move away from gas instead of opting for new installations.
- Add-on Cooling for Existing Gas Heating Systems. If your gas ducted heater is relatively new, an add-on cooling system can be integrated, using the same ducts and controller to provide cooling.
If your gas heater is outdated, frequently needs repairs, or incurs high operating 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, please consult our comprehensive guide.
What Is the Functionality of Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating?
Reverse cycle ducted heating works by transferring heat instead of generating it. As explained by energy.gov.au, 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.
During winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside air and transports it indoors through refrigerant pipes. The indoor unit, positioned either in the roof space or beneath the floor, distributes this warm air via the ducts to each vent. In summer, the system reverses its operation to cool your home. For a detailed explanation of how a refrigerated reverse cycle system operates, please refer to our article that outlines each component.
How Is Ducted Heating Appropriately Sized for Your Home?
Proper sizing is essential to ensure that a ducted heating system functions effectively on chilly Melbourne mornings. An undersized system struggles to adequately warm distant rooms, while an oversized system incurs unnecessary costs. Energy.gov.au recommends choosing a model with the appropriate capacity for your home and consulting professionals 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 comprehensive guidance on sizing a ducted heating system tailored for your Melbourne home, please refer to our sizing guide.
Is Zoning a Key Feature for Your New Ducted Heating System?
Zoning functionality allows you to control which rooms receive heating. For example, you may prefer 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 this simplifies the configuration process.
Thermostat settings also play a significant role. Energy.gov.au notes that increasing heating by each degree in winter can elevate your energy consumption by 5% to 10%. Most systems we install can be managed via mobile applications, allowing you to activate the heating before returning home from work, ensuring a warm environment 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 typically does not suit a reverse cycle system and is often 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 Is the Best Location for the Outdoor Unit?
A reverse cycle ducted system comprises both an outdoor and an indoor unit, connected by 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 will determine the most suitable location before the installation day.
What Is the Expected Duration for Ducted Heating Installation?
Most ducted heating installations are completed within 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 installation day, our team removes the old heater, installs 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 details on what to expect on installation day, refer to our article outlining the heating and cooling installation process.
How Do Running Costs of Ducted Reverse Cycle Heating Compare to Gas Ducted Heating?
Energy.gov.au states that the operating costs for ducted gas heating can be significant due to high gas consumption and the electricity needed for fans. In contrast, ducted reverse cycle systems are generally considered more economical than gas heating. While ducted systems tend to be less efficient than wall-mounted units due to larger fans and potential energy loss through ductwork, proper sizing and duct design are crucial.
Your running costs will be influenced by 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 not available with gas heating. Our comparison of ducted gas and reverse cycle heating for Melbourne homes provides an in-depth analysis of running cost figures.
How Does the VEU Rebate Work When Switching 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. 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, eliminating the need for you to fill out forms or wait for a refund. Our article on the VEU rebate clarifies eligibility criteria and coverage details.
What Key Questions Should You Ask When Reviewing a Ducted Heating Installation Quote?
Evaluating ducted heating quotes can be intricate, as one quote may encompass elements that another omits. Use these questions to effectively compare quotes:
- Is the quoted price all-inclusive, with the VEU rebate already factored in?
- 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 cover?
- Who is 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 guarantee does the installation come with regarding workmanship?
Choose Beyond Heating and Cooling for Expert Ducted Heating Installation in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs
Beyond Heating and Cooling provides professional installation of ducted heating and cooling systems across 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), and all installations are carried out by our licensed team, not subcontractors. We offer 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 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.
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