Gas Ducted and Reverse Cycle Heating Explained

Mar 19, 2024

With winter fast approaching, there is no better time than now to invest in high-quality heating. If you want reliable heating in your Melbourne home, you have two main options to consider:

Gas ducted heating is a popular and conventional choice for central heating systems in homes. It has been widely used for many years due to its efficiency and reliability. Gas ducted systems use a gas furnace to create a flame that heats air and distributes it throughout your home.

Reverse cycle heating is a modern option, also known as reverse cycle air conditioning. Reverse cycle systems use heat pump technology to absorb heat from outside and transfer it indoors. These systems can also reverse the process to act as air conditioners.

Traditionally, ducted gas heating has been considered the go-to option for homeowners seeking a cost-efficient way to warm their living spaces. However, in recent years, there has been a surge of evidence challenging this long-standing belief. The emergence of reverse cycle heating systems has provided an alternative that is not only energy-efficient but also delivers superior performance and comfort levels.

In light of these advancements, we will move on to discuss whether reverse-cycle or ducted heating may be the best option for your home.

What is Gas Ducted Heating?

Gas ducted heating is a heating system that operates by pulling air into your property, heating it using gas combustion, and then distributing the warmed air throughout your home via ducts in either the floor or ceiling. This method is suitable for both residential and commercial properties, offering practicality, energy efficiency, and effective heating.

If your property already has ductwork in place, our team at Absolute Airflow can potentially upgrade these existing ducts to accommodate your new gas-ducted heating system. Alternatively, if there are no existing ducts, we may need to install new ones to establish the heating system.

Once installed, a gas-ducted heating system can serve your property for many years. In the future, if you wish to upgrade or replace the system, you can do so simply by replacing the unit while utilising the same ductwork

Why Choose Gas Ducted Heating?

Your gas ducted unit can provide whole-of-home and whole-of-business heating, as well as heating specific areas thanks to zoning technology. The decision to choose gas-ducted heating offers several more benefits:

Efficiency: Gas ducted heating systems are known for their efficiency compared to alternative heating options.

Consistency: These systems are not affected by external temperatures, providing reliable heating regardless of weather conditions.

Aesthetics: Gas ducted heating offers a streamlined appearance that seamlessly integrates into the interior of your property.

Comfort: Enjoy quiet and efficient heating without the discomfort of dry air commonly associated with other heating methods.
Want to learn more about heating and cooling that will benefit your home throughout all seasons? Check out the pros and cons of bulkhead air conditioners for a comprehensive look!

What is a Reverse Cycle System?

Reverse cycle heating and cooling systems are a hallmark of modern home climate control. Renowned for their straightforward installation, quiet operation, and energy efficiency, reverse cycle systems have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking versatile temperature regulation solutions.

Unlike traditional split systems, reverse cycle systems utilise innovative technology to provide both heating and cooling capabilities within a single unit. Similar to split systems, reverse cycle systems also consist of two main components: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

The outdoor unit contains essential components such as coils, compressors, and fans, while the indoor unit, typically wall or floor-mounted, disperses conditioned air into the living space. With the option of multi-head systems, multiple indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor unit, offering heating and cooling flexibility in various rooms.

If you’re in need of a versatile heating and cooling solution for your home or business, consider the advanced features of a reverse cycle split system from Absolute Airflow. We provide ducted heating services to Blackburn, Ringwood, Hawthorn, Kew, and surrounding areas.

Why Choose Reverse Cycle Heating and Cooling?

Reverse cycle systems offer a range of benefits, making them an attractive option for property owners: Modern Efficiency: Reverse cycle systems boast contemporary design and high operational efficiency, ensuring optimal performance in any climate.

Whisper-Quiet Operation: Enjoy the comfort of a peaceful environment with virtually silent operation from your reverse cycle system.

Environmentally Friendly: With no need for ductwork, reverse cycle systems minimise energy waste and are eco-friendly heating and cooling solutions.

Customisable Comfort: Experience tailored temperature control with the ability to heat and cool individual rooms or multiple areas simultaneously.

Fresh Air Quality: Benefit from filtered air circulation, enhancing indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment.

Absolute Airflow specialises in supplying, installing, repairing, and maintaining reverse cycle systems throughout Melbourne. Whether you’re outfitting your home or business, our team is equipped to deliver innovative solutions from leading brands like Rinnai, Brivis, Daikin, or our Mitsubishi air conditioner service in Melbourne. Contact us today to receive a quote tailored to your specific needs.

Cost of Running Gas vs. Reverse Cycle

The costs of heating are always different and usually vary according to energy tariffs, usage patterns, the type of heating system, the climate, and the building’s insulation. To remain informed on which option is the most cost-effective for you, let’s consider three factors: upfront costs, running costs and maintenance and repair costs.

Upfront Costs

The initial cost that comes with installing a gas heating system is relatively lower than that of installing a reverse cycle heating system. To have a gas heating system, you would need to install a gas connection and piping. In the case of reverse-cycle heating systems, the installation of reverse-cycle air conditioners is required. To become fully functional, outdoor units and internal ductwork must also be installed.

Running Costs

There is generally a higher running cost attached to gas heating systems when compared to reverse-cycle heating systems. With fluctuations in gas prices that market conditions may cause, there may be higher bills to contend with. The amount of gas used will depend on the level of usage as well as the size of the heating system.

On the contrary, reverse-cycle heating systems use electricity to power the system. Compared to gas heating systems, this can make them more stable in pricing, and there may be more economic sense to install them instead.

Maintenance and Repair Costs

A gas heating system requires a gas heater, and this needs more frequent maintenance and repair than what is required by a reverse-cycle heating system. Gas heating systems are made up of different mechanical components. These mechanical components require regular cleaning for the system to function correctly.

Where adequate maintenance is not carried out, gas leakages may occur, which can be dangerous if not attended to promptly. There are fewer maintenance requirements for reverse-cycle heating systems, and some money may be saved here. However, the cost of repairs can be higher as a result of the complexity of the system.

Offering air conditioning services to Burwood, Thomastown, Fairfield, Preston, Werribee, and many areas across Melbourne, we offer you a free, competitive quote on heating and cooling products.

Speak with a Heating and Cooling Expert

Whether you have your eyes set on gas or reserve cycle ductwork, it never hurts to get a second opinion from a professional. An experienced HVAC technician can assess your home, find a suitable location for installation and supply a free quote.

As one of Melbourne’s leading HVAC companies, we can provide end-to-end installation for reverse cycle air conditioning in Heidelberg, ducted gas heating in Burwood, and various other tailored solutions.

Contact us today if you already have ductwork in place and want to upgrade. .  We’re more than happy to install a cost-effective and efficient replacement.