Ducted Gas Heating vs. Reverse Cycle: Which One is Better?

When it gets into winter (especially in Melbourne), you’re going to want good heating to combat the cold. But what should you invest in: ducted gas heating or reverse cycle?

Gas ducted heating heats up the air by creating a flame in a gas furnace and distributing it throughout the home. As for reverse cycle heating, a heat pump technology is used to convert the outside air into a heat source that works.

Both have their pros and cons, but the deciding factor depends on the size of your home, energy-efficiency preferences, the design you’d like to go for, how you use the room on a daily basis, and more. This article will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of both systems.

Choosing a Heating System in Melbourne

A heating system is the largest component of your annual energy bill, so you want to choose carefully before locking in a heating unit. Think about the type of heating, fuel, efficiency, size (or floor heater) of the space you want to heat and how you use your home.

If you are planning to replace an existing heating system, electric reverse cycle air conditioners (modern split systems) are cheaper to run than traditional gas ducted options. For most who live in Victoria, reverse cycle heating is the best bang for your buck.

Reverse cycle systems not only offer heating in winter but also cooling in summer, making them a more versatile, year-round solution. That said, there are still situations where ducted gas heating may be preferred, such as in larger homes or for people who want whole-home heating at the push of a button. However, with running costs rising for gas and new technologies making electric systems more efficient than ever, it’s worth taking a close look at all your options.

Reverse Cycle Heating: Reasons to Install

Here’s why you should consider reverse cycling heating for your Melbourne home or commercial property.

1. There isn’t a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can happen with faulty gas systems
2. Heating and cooling are affordable and energy-efficient
3. You don’t need to maintain them as often as gas systems, as they have a lower safety risk
4. Includes modern features in comparison to gas (dehumidifiers, air purification technology, and inverters), such as the Daikin models
5. Reverse cycle systems produce a lot less greenhouse gas emissions than gas systems
6. They are whisper-quiet: ducted heat, especially older models, is very noisy.

What are some of the cons?

1. The system compressor (outside) is noisy when operating
2. High installation and purchase costs, but often a cheaper investment than ducted
3. There’s a chance you’ll need a switchboard upgrade or a three-phase power for larger systems, as they can consume more electricity, and it’ll add to the installation cost

Gas Ducted Heating: Advantages

1. Heats your property faster than reverse cycle air conditioners
2. Some systems can be zoned so you heat areas you’re using
3. Separate zones can be controlled by different thermostat settings
4. They have greater efficiency in colder climates

What are some of the cons?

1. Usually operates on natural gas, but costs more if it’s run on LPG
2. It is more expensive than a gas room (space) heater to run and install
3. Significantly more expensive to operate than electric reverse cycle aircons
4. Air circulation fans consume a lot of electricity
5. A separate air conditioner is needed to cool your spaces during summer

It is recommended by Sustainability Victoria to set your temperature between 18°C and 20°C. Every 1°C higher will add around 15% to your heating bills! Read about how much gas ducted heating could cost to run.

Gas Ducted and Reverse Cycle Heaters

How are they similar?

1. They can be zoned, so you can heat different areas independently of each other
2. They have outdoor units
3. They include thermostats for more precise temperature control
4. They are central heating systems that use ducts to distribute warm air throughout your home

How are they different?

1. The method of heating. Reverse cycle units use electrically powered heat pumps to transfer heat, whereas gas systems use LPG/natural gas combustion to generate this heat.
2. Gas ducted is heating only, whereas reverse cycle air conditioning has the luxury of both.
3. Reverse cycle units need to have an Energy Star rating. Although gas energy rating labels exist, they don’t always have them, so you might face a bit of uncertainty with what’s energy-efficient.
4. Gas heating doesn’t have cooling; however, you can add-on cooling where refrigerated air conditioning is delivered using the same ducts with a separate controller and outdoor unit. Add-on cooling doesn’t need installation at the same time, but it should be considered from the beginning.

If you’d like to learn more about refrigerant heating, have a read of: 5 Easy Ways to Lower Your Heating and Cooling Costs!

Installation and Supply Costs

Whether it’s gas or a heat pump, it depends on the number of outlets you’ll need, the size of the system, and other things that can complicate it. For example, if you have an older home and want gas heating installed, the ductwork could require a few extra steps and be more expensive to complete.

How much do both cost? Generally, gas ducted heating will be cheaper to supply and install, with an average of $3,000 to $7,000 or more. As for reverse cycle, supply and installation can range from $6,000 to $12,000 or more.

The majority of properties are connected to electricity, but few have gas connections. If you need to add this, it will increase the costs, so keep that in mind.

With this in mind, Australia is cutting back its dependence on gas

Clean electricity is becoming a priority as per the government’s plan to implement solar energy into more Victorian households.

More specifically, the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program, a government initiative designed to support a transition from gas to electricity, offers rebates of up to $5,000 (conditions apply). They reduce greenhouse gases by providing access to discounted energy-efficient products and services.

According to Energy Victoria, households spend up to $800 a year, or a third of the energy bill, on heating! Reduce costs by replacing old heating and cooling systems with more energy-efficient ones.

Here is the Cora model by Daikin, a split system air conditioner which has been styled to perform.

Some of the features include an R32 refrigerant for increased energy efficiency, powerful operation with a remote control, an Intelligent Eye human sensor for energy-saving operations, precision control, Coanda airflow, and air purification, which decomposes odours and bacteria.

Daikin was recently awarded Australia’s Most Trusted Brand for Air Conditioners, so thousands of Australians put their trust in the brand.

Why Choose Templestowe Heating & Cooling?

1. Over 60 years as a family-owned and operated business
2. We are service agents for Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin and Haier
3. A Mitsubishi Electric Diamond dealer and a preferred Daikin dealer
4. Preferred provider to Austin Hospital
5. Sales, services, repair and maintenance are all in-house
6. Zero sub-contractors
7. Local showroom
8. Fully insured and accredited

What industries do we serve?

1. Commercial
2. Office spaces
3. Homes
4. Businesses
5. Nursing homes
6. Schools
7. Childcare
8. And more!

As well as repairs, we take care of all of your regular split systems servicing, maintenance, and can come to you when you need. From general maintenance to scheduled servicing or commercial maintenance, request a quote for heating and cooling today!

Heating and Cooling for Melbourne Properties: Get in Touch!

Do you need heating and cooling services in Doncaster, Eltham, Heidelberg, Kew, Mitcham, South Yarra, Templestowe, Warrandyte, Blackburn, or Camberwell?

Whether you’re keen on installing gas ducted heating, ducted refrigerated, multi-head split systems, evaporative cooling or bulkhead air conditioning, we have been providing great customer service and top-quality products to Aussie families for decades. We work with other brands like Panasonic, Fujitsu, and LG if you have something specific in mind for your space.

Contact us on 03 9852 2335 or email mail@temptv.com.au to learn more about how we can help, or pop in and visit our showroom in Bulleen. Enquire for a service or quote now.