Compare Ducted Heating Quotes

Ducted heating installation costs vary significantly based on system type, home size, and features. Ducted gas heating costs $4,000-$8,000 for complete installation (heating-only system), while ducted reverse cycle (heating and cooling combined) costs $10,000-$25,000. Gas heating pricing breakdown: Small homes (100-150m²) with 15-20kW system cost $4,000-$5,000, medium homes (150-200m²) with 20-25kW system cost $5,000-$6,500, large homes (200m²+) with 25-30kW+ system cost $6,500-$8,000+. These prices include: gas heating unit, complete ductwork installation in roof cavity, ceiling outlets (8-24 outlets depending on size), gas connection and certification, electrical work, zoning dampers (2-4 zones typical), controller/thermostat, commissioning and testing. Additional costs may include: gas line installation if not available ($1,500-$3,000), upgraded zoning systems ($1,000-$2,000), premium brands like Brivis or Rinnai (10-15% more), difficult roof access ($500-$1,000 surcharge), and two-storey homes (additional ductwork $1,000-$2,500). Reverse cycle ducted systems cost more initially but provide both heating and cooling year-round, making them excellent value in climates with hot summers and cold winters. See ducted air conditioning for cooling options, or compare gas heating installation for dedicated heating systems.

This is one of the most important decisions for whole-home heating. Ducted gas heating costs $4,000-$8,000, provides heating-only, has very low running costs ($0.40-$0.80/hour vs electric heating $1.50-$3.00/hour), offers powerful quick warmup (reaches temperature 2-3x faster than reverse cycle), requires natural gas connection or LPG, has 15-25 year lifespan, and is best for cold climates like Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide where heating is the priority. Reverse cycle ducted (ducted AC with heating function) costs $10,000-$25,000, provides year-round heating AND cooling, has higher initial investment but eliminates need for separate cooling system, is extremely energy efficient for heating (300-400% efficiency - produces 3-4kW heat per 1kW electricity), runs on electricity only (no gas connection needed), adds significant property value, and is best for extreme climates like Canberra or climates with hot summers and cold winters. Running cost comparison: Gas heating $300-$600/year for moderate use, reverse cycle heating $400-$800/year (still cheaper than traditional electric heaters). Consider: If you need cooling anyway, reverse cycle is better value (heating+cooling vs separate systems). If heating-only and you have natural gas, gas heating has lowest running costs. For climates with mild winters but hot summers, reverse cycle makes more sense. See ducted air conditioning for detailed reverse cycle information and cooling benefits.

Ducted heating installation takes 2-5 days. Gas heating: 2-3 days. Reverse cycle ducted: 3-5 days. Includes ductwork installation, unit installation, zoning setup, testing, commissioning.

Gas heating: 15-20kW for 100-150m², 20-25kW for 150-200m², 25-30kW for 200m²+. Reverse cycle: 10-12kW for 100-150m², 14-16kW for 150-200m², 18-20kW+ for 200m²+.

Yes, ducted heating can be retrofitted if there's adequate roof cavity space (minimum 600mm clearance). Ductwork installed in ceiling, outlets cut into ceilings, system installed in roof or outside.

Yes. Modern ducted gas heating is 80-90% efficient. Reverse cycle ducted heating is 300-400% efficient (produces 3-4kW heat per 1kW electricity). Zoning improves efficiency by heating only occupied rooms.

Best ducted heating brands vary by system type and priorities. For gas ducted heating: Brivis (premium Australian brand, excellent build quality, designed for Australian conditions, 5-10 year warranties, superior customer service, 10-15% premium pricing), Bonaire (good mid-range option, reliable performance, competitive pricing, widely available parts and service), Rinnai (Japanese engineering, very efficient, quiet operation, strong warranty coverage), Braemar (budget-friendly Australian brand, basic but reliable, good for tight budgets, limited features). For reverse cycle ducted heating/cooling: ActronAir (premium Australian-made, industry-leading hot climate performance, best for extreme heat AND cold, comprehensive warranties), Daikin (exceptional reliability, whisper-quiet heating, advanced inverter technology, 5-10 year warranties), Mitsubishi Electric (superior efficiency, excellent heating performance in cold weather, great smart home integration), Fujitsu (best energy ratings, 5-6 star systems common, very efficient heating, competitive pricing). Selection criteria: Climate suitability (Brivis and ActronAir excel in harsh Australian conditions), efficiency ratings (5-6 star systems save $200-$500/year on running costs), warranty coverage (look for 5+ year comprehensive warranties), after-sales support (Australian brands often have better local service networks), and budget (premium brands cost $1,000-$3,000 more but offer better longevity and lower running costs). Installation quality matters as much as brand - always use licensed installers. For repairs and maintenance, see our heating repair services.

Only for gas ducted heating. Natural gas connection required ($1,500-$3,000 if not available) or LPG alternative. Reverse cycle ducted uses electricity only, no gas needed.

Yes, zoning allows independent temperature control by area. Gas heating: 2-4 zones typical. Reverse cycle: 2-8 zones available. Zoning adds $500-$2,000 but reduces running costs 30-40%.

This is a critical consideration for many Australian homes. If you live in an area with both cold winters AND hot summers (most of Australia), reverse cycle ducted systems offer exceptional value despite higher initial cost. Here's why: Cost comparison - separate systems (ducted gas heating $4K-$8K + ducted cooling $10K-$15K = $14K-$23K total) vs reverse cycle ducted ($10K-$25K for both heating AND cooling). Reverse cycle provides: whole-home heating in winter using the same system that cools in summer, superior energy efficiency (300-400% efficient for heating), single system maintenance and servicing, consistent invisible aesthetics year-round, and significantly increased property value. Climate considerations: Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide (cold winters + hot summers) - reverse cycle highly recommended. Brisbane, Perth, Darwin (mild winters + very hot summers) - reverse cycle essential for cooling, heating is bonus. Hobart, alpine areas (very cold winters, mild summers) - gas heating may be better value. Running costs: Reverse cycle heating $400-$800/year, cooling $400-$1,000/year. Total $800-$1,800/year for year-round comfort. For comprehensive comparison of all heating and cooling options, visit our heating and cooling services hub. Most installers recommend reverse cycle for whole-home Australian climate control.

Ducted heating systems last 15-25 years with annual servicing. Gas heating service $150-$250/year. Reverse cycle service $200-$400/year. Regular maintenance extends lifespan and maintains efficiency.

Government rebates and incentives for ducted heating vary by state and change regularly. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program offers rebates for energy-efficient heating upgrades, typically $200-$500 for high-efficiency gas heaters or reverse cycle systems. NSW Energy Savings Scheme provides certificates that reduce installation costs by $300-$800 for qualifying energy-efficient systems. Some states offer additional support through low-interest green loans for energy-efficient home improvements. Federal government rebates are less common but occasionally available through environmental initiatives. Reverse cycle systems often qualify for more rebates due to superior energy efficiency. Check your state government energy department website or ask installers about current rebates - they often handle paperwork on your behalf. Rebates can reduce total installation cost by 5-15%.