How much does Ducted Gas Heating cost?

Replacing an inefficient heating system is one of the most important things that you can do to save money. Even though there is an initial cost, the money saved over the long run can more than pay for the initial expense. The terms ducted, central, and gas heating are often used interchangeably in many sources and mean the same thing. The average ducted gas heating cost is around $5,000 to $9,000, depending on the size of your home and the efficiency of the unit that you choose.

Ducted heating cost varies according to the area in which you live. When considering the installation costs, labour is the main difference in the total cost of the job. A heating and air conditioning installer must have the certifications to do gas fittings, electrical work, and must have specialized HVAC training.

Here are a few examples of what you could expect to pay in various areas of Australia in relation to the median national rate of approximately $25 per hour.

Ducting Heating Installation Costs Across Australia

City	Average Heating Installation Costs
Sydney	$25 per hour
Melbourne	$26 per hour
Brisbane	$27 per hour
Canberra	$28 per hour
Perth	$28 per hour
Darwin	$37 per hour
Hobart	$24 per hour
Adelaide	$27 per hour

One of the main reasons to consider ducted gas heating is that it is costs less over time and is more efficient to run. When you consider the ducted heating installation cost, you might be wondering, how much does ducted gas heating cost to run and if it is worth it. It typically costs the average person about $1,055 per year to heat a 170 square metre home with the least efficient system.

With the most efficient system, this cost drops to around $160 per year. Even when you consider the ducted heating service cost, this is still a considerable saving. By comparison, electricity costs about 30 cents per kWh to run, and natural gas costs about 11 to 15 cents per kWh to run.

Ducted heating systems all work on the same principle. They take in cold air, heat it, then blow it back out into the room. This can heat a room quite quickly. The ducted heating cost per hour depends on the fuel that is used to heat the air and how efficiently it does so.

The two main types of fuel used to heat the cold air are electric and gas. The cost of gas is often much less than electric, which translates into lower overall costs. Gas tends to heat the air quickly, which means the heating unit does not have to run as long. In addition, you can close off rooms that you are not using and save even more because there is less space to heat.

Several factors can affect ducted heating prices. Here are a few of the factors that you need to consider and how they might affect the cost of ducted heating installation.

Size of your home

It goes without saying that the larger your home, the more it will cost to install and operate your gas heating system. The same principle applies to ducted aircon cost. One of the differences between electric and gas heating installation costs is that with a gas system, you cannot retrofit it and use it for both heating and cooling.

You must have a separate system installed for heating and for cooling. The central heating cost per hour will be independent of the heating cost with a gas system. The cost of a ducted gas heating system is around $2,500 to $5,000. By comparison, a ducted reverse cycle air con unit can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000 to install.

The difficulty of installation

There are some cases where the ductwork might be difficult to access. One example is in older homes where the system is enclosed. If this is the case, it can add significantly to the cost of installation due to the extra construction work needed. In addition, the condition of the electrical system could add to the cost if it needs to be replaced.

Length to the ceiling

Homes with taller ceilings will contribute to the cost of installation and the cost of operation. The longer the air has to travel after it is heated, the more it will cost because of heat loss as the air travels along the system.

Brand of the heater or duct type

The brand and type of system that you install will affect the cost. In general, the more efficient the system, the more the cost will be initially. However, these costs will be recouped in energy saving more quickly, too. For example, Bonaire ducted heating prices are around $2,800 for a five-outlet system. Another popular model is Braemar, with the Braemar 7-star heater price hovering around $3,300.

The average cost of installing ducted heating depends on the heating unit, and it depends on the type of ductwork that is installed. You have several options available when it comes to material. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cost.

Sheet Metal Air Duct – Sheet metal is the most durable alternative, and it will last the longest, but it is also the most difficult and expensive to install. It comes in galvanized steel and aluminium, with aluminium being the least expensive. Sheet metal ductwork can cost between $3 to $12 per linear metre.

Fibreboard Air Duct – Fibreboard ductwork is made from bonded board fibreglass, and foil that serves as a water barrier. It has superior acoustical properties and can make the system run quieter. This option costs between $9 to $12 per linear metre.

Flexible Air Duct – Flexible ductwork can be made from rubber, PVC, stainless steel, silicone, or plastic. It can be bent and formed to accommodate unusual building shapes. It can also be used to connect existing sections of ductwork. They are the least expensive and can cost between $2 to $4 per linear metre. 

Hiring a ducted heating installer is an investment. It is important to hire someone who can do the job right and at the best possible price. Here are some tips for hiring the right person for the job.

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

The cost of ducted heating installation varies significantly, and there are a few things that you can do to help your professional give you an accurate estimate.

• Research the different types of gas systems and ductwork options. Know what you want before you call.
• Have an estimate of the approximate distances between where the heating unit will be installed and the various rooms of your home.
• Let your professional know about the age of your electrical system and any structural difficulties that they might want to know about.

Licencing and Qualifications

Installing gas heating systems requires at least a Certificate III in gas fitting. The person will also need an appropriate electrician’s certifications and general contracting licenses. Gas can pose health hazards, so you need someone who is properly licensed and trained. Here are a few questions to ask before you hire someone.

• Do you have all of the licenses required to perform the installation in the area?
• Are you properly insured?
• How many years of experience do you have with this type of installation?

Here are a few ways to save money when hiring a ducted heating installer.

• Get at least three quotes, but remember that the lowest one might not always be the best choice.
• Be sure to find out what is included in the contract. Some might offer additional perks, such as service and maintenance contracts or warranties for a certain amount of time.
• Insist on shopping local for the unit and materials to save on shipping costs.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources