How much does ducted heating and cooling cost?

How much does ducted heating cost? The cost of ducted heating and cooling systems typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, including installation. Several factors influence the final price, such as the brand and quality of the unit, the size of your home, and whether you choose electric ducted heating and cooling or a gas-powered system.

Ducted heating is an excellent solution for keeping your home warm in winter, while electric ducted heating and cooling systems offer year-round comfort by providing both heating and cooling functions. If you’re building a new home or upgrading an outdated system, investing in ducted heating and cooling can enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort.

Most ducted heating systems operate through gas, but electric options are becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability and dual-function capability. While gas models require a separate cooling unit, some manufacturers offer combined evaporative heating and cooling systems that work within the same duct network.

In this cost guide, we’ll cover:

• The benefits of ducted heating and cooling
• Ducted heating and cooling systems prices and installation costs
• Running costs, including electric ducted heating cost
• How to get accurate quotes for your ducted heating service, and more.

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Ducted heating and cooling systems prices

So, how much does ducted heating cost? Ducted heating and cooling systems prices typically range between $5,000 and $15,000, including installation.

In Sydney, for example, complete installs may cost:

• 1–2 bedroom home: $5,000 – $7,000

• 3–4 bedroom home: $7,000 – $10,000

• 5+ bedroom home: $10,000 – $15,000+

While many standard ducted heating systems cost between $5,000 and $52,000 installed, larger homes, premium zoned systems, or complex retrofit installations can exceed $15,000 or more. Costs vary depending on factors such as ductwork requirements, electrical or gas upgrades, and accessibility within the home.

Additional costs that may affect your total installation price

While advertised ducted heating prices usually cover the system itself, several additional factors can increase the overall installation cost:

• Zoning systems ($1,000–$3,000):
  Allow different areas of the home to be heated independently, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

• Energy efficiency upgrades ($1,500–$3,000):
  Higher-efficiency units or advanced controls can reduce running costs but increase upfront spend.

• Electrical upgrades ($500–$2,000):
  May be required if your existing electrical system cannot support the new heating system.

• Ductwork ($1,000–$5,000+):
  Costs vary depending on home size, roof access, layout, and installation complexity.

• Labour costs ($1,000–$4,000):
  Influenced by system size, access to roof or subfloor spaces, and whether structural modifications are required.

What affects the cost of ducted heating installation?

The overall ducted heating cost depends on several factors, particularly for electric ducted heating, such as:

• The size of your property
• Ceiling height
• Number of windows
• Whether you choose zoning
• If it’s a new build or an existing home
• Whether it’s a single or multi-storey home (multi-storey properties require vertical ducting)

Windows play a significant role in heat loss. If your home has large or numerous windows, you’ll likely need a higher-capacity system to maintain efficient heating.

The cost of ducted heating and cooling can be lower if installed during the construction phase, as air conditioning specialists can fit the ductwork before walls and gyprock go up. However, retrofitting an electric ducted heating and cooling system into an existing home is also a viable option and has become increasingly popular.

The ducted heating service cost and overall price will also depend on the brand you choose. In Australia, leading brands include Samsung, Braemar, Daikin, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, and more.

When choosing a system, consider factors such as warranty, features, and suitability for your home. It’s always a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends and family to help you find the best electric ducted heating and cooling system for your needs.

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How much does ducted heating cost to run?

Is ducted heating expensive to run? The cost of ducted heating and cooling depends on several factors, including the size of your home, the efficiency of your system, and its energy output. If you have a large home or a high-kilowatt electric ducted heating system, your energy bills will likely be higher than average.

On average, homeowners can expect to pay $1,300 to $3,345 per year to heat their home with a ducted heating system. The final cost will vary based on factors such as the size of your home, the system’s star rating, and the temperature settings you use.

If you’re unsure about potential running costs, consider:

• Asking friends or family who use ducted heating and cooling systems about their expenses
• Consulting a heating expert for a tailored estimate based on your home’s size and insulation

Optimising settings, maintaining your unit, and choosing an energy-efficient system can help reduce your electric ducted heating cost over time.

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How much does gas ducted heating cost?

Ducted gas heaters circulate heated air throughout your home via floor or ceiling ducts, providing an energy-efficient way to create instant warmth without relying on electricity. Most systems are compatible with either natural gas or LPG, making them a versatile heating solution.

How much is ducted heating for gas systems? The cost of ducted heating and cooling for gas-powered units typically ranges between $3,000 and $8,000 (excluding installation).

Total costs including installation depend on factors such as:

• Size of your home
• Type of unit installed
• Number of ducts required
• Experience and rates of the technician

Most tradies charge an hourly rate of $60 to $120 per hour or about $1,250 to $5,000 for installation. The total ducted heating service cost will also depend on any additional features or modifications needed to suit your home’s layout.

A typical total system might cost:

• Small homes: $4,000 – $7,000
• Medium homes: $5,000 – $9,000
• Large homes: $7,000 – $11,000

How much does gas ducted heating cost to run?

Gas ducted heating systems have proven to be an affordable and energy-efficient option, offering lower running costs compared to reverse cycle air conditioning systems that rely on electricity. The ongoing costs of using gas are typically more cost-effective than electrical alternatives.

On average, you can expect to pay between $635 and $1,645 per year to run a gas ducted heating system, depending on the star system and size of your home.

Here’s a comparison of gas ducted heating prices versus other running costs:

• Retail electricity rate: 25 – 45c per kWh
• LPG running costs: 17-20c per kWh
• Natural gas: 11-15c per kWh

Many homeowners choose gas ducted heating systems over electric ducted heating options due to the significant savings on both installation and running costs. Gas systems generally provide a more affordable long-term heating solution, especially for larger homes.

The move away from gas

In Australia, there is growing momentum to reduce reliance on gas due to its environmental and health impacts. This shift is particularly noticeable in the areas of heating and hot water systems.

Different states are taking varied approaches to phase out gas. Some are offering financial incentives or rebates for switching to alternative appliances, while others have implemented partial bans on new gas installations.

From 1 January 2024, homes in Victoria that require a planning permit will no longer be allowed to connect to natural gas.

However, this change does not affect existing homes or specific new developments, such as home extensions.

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Maintaining your ducted heating system

While ducted heating systems can be costly to install, they can save you money in the long run and increase your property’s value. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your system runs efficiently and lasts longer. Scheduling an annual inspection helps keep everything in working order, as technicians will clean filters, check for wear, and ensure optimal performance.

It’s also important to keep the outdoor unit clear of plants, debris, and overgrowth to avoid airflow obstruction. Ask your installer about the system’s warranty and maintenance advice to ensure you’re taking the best care of your unit.

How much does a ducted heating service cost?

The cost of servicing a ducted heating system can vary depending on the type of system, its age, the complexity of the service, and the technician’s experience. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a routine ducted heating service.

Routine maintenance typically includes:

• Inspection of the system’s components
• Cleaning of the ducts and filters
• Checking for any leaks or blockages
• Ensuring the system is running efficiently

For more extensive repairs or issues, the ducted heating service cost may be higher. Some additional factors that can influence the cost include:

• The size and type of system (e.g., gas vs. electric ducted heating)
• The frequency of servicing (annual or bi-annual maintenance)
• The need for replacement parts

To ensure the longevity of your ducted heating system and keep running costs low, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance. Be sure to ask your service provider for a quote before committing to any work, and compare prices to get the best deal.

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What’s included in a ducted heating and cooling system?

Unlike a split system, which is very obvious to the eye and isolated to one room, a ducted system can cover the entire house seamlessly, quietly and without a large unit on display. The ducted system itself consists of a number of elements to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, including:

• Control panel and thermostat
• Ceiling grills or vents
• Outdoor unit
• Ducted units

With a lot of the latest systems, you can use your smartphone to control the ducted heating or cooling, so that your home or property is cooled or heated upon arrival. If you’ve chosen the functionality of zoning, you can control which rooms are heated when they are being used and set them to different temperatures to suit your family.

The inclusions of your system will be outlined in your provider’s quote, and you can compare and make a decision based on these inclusions. Many companies offer different warranties, so you should explore those available options.

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Get free ducted heating installation quotes

If you’re still wondering, “How much does ducted heating cost?” comparing multiple quotes is a great way to get a sense of current market rates in your area. Whether you’re considering electric ducted heating, gas ducted heating, or ducted air conditioning, gathering several quotes will help you choose the system that suits your needs and budget.

When comparing ducted heating systems, keep in mind that a higher star rating typically indicates better energy efficiency. Ensure that the systems you’re comparing are similar in size (measured in kW) to get an accurate comparison. You can check the specifications for your system on the manufacturer’s website or consult the Australian Government Energy Rating website for more details.

Consulting a local air conditioning expert can also provide valuable insight into the best system for your home. They can offer advice on the most suitable energy ratings, help you find the right kW for efficient heating, and inform you of the best ducted heating prices available in your area.

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*All prices quoted were sourced at the time this ducted heating cost guide was written and should be used as an estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions: Ducted Heating and Cooling Systems Prices