🎉 Limited Time: Save Up to $6,000 on Heating & Cooling Upgrades VEU REBATE AVAILABLE

Getting the right heating system for a Melbourne home involves more than just picking a brand. The type of system — ducted gas, reverse cycle, or heat pump — affects running costs, comfort, and how the home responds to Victoria'sincreasingly mild winters and hot summers. We've been installing and servicing heating systems in the Eastern Suburbs since 1985, and we'll give you a straight assessment of what makes sense for your home rather than upselling youto something you don't need.

We cover Doncaster, Templestowe, Balwyn, Kew, Box Hill, Eltham, Warrandyte, Camberwell, Ringwood, and surrounding suburbs for both residential and light commercial work.

Ducted Gas Heating

We caDucted gas heating remains one of the most common heating solutions in Melbourne's established suburbs. A central gas furnace heats air and distributes it through ceiling or underfloor ducts to vents in each room. It heats a home quickly, operates quietly, and the running cost per hour has historically been competitive with electric alternatives — though the economics have been shifting as gas prices rise.

We are authorised dealers for Brivis and Lennox ducted gas systems — two of the most well-regarded brands in the Australian market. Both offer modern, high-efficiency furnaces with variable-speed fans that modulate output based on demand, which reduces energy waste compared to older single-speed systems.

What a Ducted Gas Install Involves

A new ducted gas heating installation is a significant job. It involves positioning the furnace unit (typically in the roof space or a utility area), designing and installing the duct network, fitting return air grilles and supply vents, connecting to the gas supply, and commissioning the system. For an existing home with no ductwork, this typically takes one to two days depending on the size of the home and roof space accessibility.

  • Full site assessment including roof space access and duct routing options
  • Furnace sized to the home's heat load — not just floor area
  • Duct design for even airflow distribution across all zones
  • Gas connection handled by our licensed gas fitters
  • All electrical work completed under our licensed electrician accreditation
  • System commissioned and tested across all zones before handover
  • Thermostat programming and full homeowner walkthrough

If you already have ducted gas heating and it's developing faults, we service and repair Brivis, Lennox, Braemar, Pyrox, and other major brands. We carry common replacement parts and can diagnose most faults in a single visit.

Reverse Cycle Heating (Heat Pump)

Reverse cycle air conditioning — either split system or ducted — provides heating by extracting heat from outside air and moving it indoors. Even when it's cold outside, there's enough heat energy in the air to make this process workefficiently. The result is that a reverse cycle system can deliver two to three kilowatts of heating for every one kilowatt of electricity consumed, making it significantly more efficient than any resistive electric heater and increasinglycompetitive with gas on a cost-per-hour basis.

For homes without existing ductwork, a split system reverse cycle unit is often the most practical and cost-effective heating solution. For whole-home heating, a reverse cycle ducted system replaces the gas furnace entirely andhandles both heating and cooling from the one unit — eliminating the need to maintain two separate systems.

Gas vs Reverse Cycle: Which Is Better for Your Home?This is the question we get asked most often. The honest answer is that it depends on your home, your usage patterns, and what systems are already in place. Here's how the main factors compare:

Factor Ducted Gas Reverse Cycle
Upfront cost (new install) Moderate Moderate–high (ducted); lower for split
Running cost trend Rising (gas prices increasing) Stable–decreasing (solar-compatible)
Heating efficiency 80–95% (gas combustion) 250–350% (heat pump coefficient)
Cooling capability No (heating only) Yes (heating and cooling)
VEU rebate available No Yes — up to $6,000
Maintenance Annual gas service required Annual filter clean and check
Best suited to Homes with existing gas infrastructure New installs, gas replacements, solar homes

If you're replacing an existing ducted gas system that's at end of life, the VEU rebate makes a reverse cycle upgrade worth serious consideration. We can run through the numbers for your specific situation when we quote.

Heating System Service and Maintenance

A ducted gas heater should be serviced annually. The service covers cleaning the heat exchanger and burner assembly, checking the flue for blockages, testing the gas valve and ignition, inspecting the fan motor and belt (whereapplicable), and verifying safe operation. Carbon monoxide testing is included in our gas heating services — a cracked heat exchanger can allow combustion gases into the air stream, which is a genuine safety concern in oldersystems.

For reverse cycle systems, an annual service is recommended by most manufacturers. This involves cleaning the indoor coil, checking refrigerant charge, inspecting electrical connections, and testing operation in both heating and cooling modes.

We service all major brands, including systems we haven't installed. If you've moved into a property with an existing heating system and you're not sure when it was last serviced, a service call is the right starting point.

Heating System Repairs

When a ducted gas heater stops working or develops a fault, the cause is usually one of a manageable set of issues — failed igniter, faulty gas valve, blocked flue, failing fan motor, cracked heat exchanger, or a control board fault. Our technicians carry common parts for Brivis and Lennox systems and can resolve most faults in a single visit.

For reverse cycle heating faults, the diagnostic process is similar to air conditioning repair — refrigerant charge, fan motor condition, compressor peration, and control board faults cover the majority of issues.

If a system is beyond economical repair — particularly older gas heaters where heat exchanger replacement costs approach new system cost — we'll tell you clearly and provide a replacement quote, including any applicable VEU rebate. We don't recommend repairs that don't make financial sense.

Brivis Ducted Gas: Australian-made, well-supported parts supply, available in a range of capacities. Suited to small through to largehomes.

Lennox Ducted Gas: High-efficiency variable-speed models available. Strong performance in larger homes and commercial applications.

Daikin Reverse Cycle Ducted: Whole-home heating and cooling from one system. Eligible for VEU rebate when replacing a gas heater.

Split System Reverse Cycle: Cost-effective heating and cooling for individual rooms or open-plan areas. Lower install cost than full ducted.

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about heating system installation, service, and repairs in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs. Still not sure? Call us on (03) 9852 1550.

INSTALLATION & UPGRADES
How much does it cost to install ducted gas heating in Melbourne?
The cost of installing ducted gas heating depends on the size of the home, system capacity, and ductwork requirements. In most Melbourne homes, installation can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the system and complexity of the installation. We provide clear quotes after assessing your property.
Should I replace my gas heater with a reverse cycle system?
Reverse cycle systems provide both heating and cooling and are generally more energy efficient. However, ducted gas heating is still a popular option for fast, powerful heating in colder climates. The best choice depends on your home layout, insulation, and energy preferences. Our technicians can recommend the most suitable option.
Can I add zone control to my existing ducted heating?
In many cases, yes. Zone control allows you to heat only the rooms you are using, which can improve comfort and reduce running costs. The feasibility depends on your existing ductwork and system type.
How long does a ducted heating installation take?
Most ducted heating installations are completed within one to two days, depending on the size of the property and whether new ductwork needs to be installed.
Do you need to replace ductwork when installing a new heater?
Not always. If the existing ductwork is in good condition and compatible with the new system, it may be reused. However, older ductwork may need replacing to ensure proper airflow and system efficiency.
What size heating system do I need for my home?
The correct system size depends on factors such as floor area, insulation, ceiling height, and room layout. Installing an undersized or oversized system can reduce efficiency. A professional assessment ensures the system is correctly sized for your home.
SERVICE, SAFETY & REPAIRS
How often should ducted gas heating be serviced?
Ducted gas heaters should be professionally serviced every 1–2 years to ensure safe operation, efficient performance, and compliance with safety standards.
My heater turns on but doesn't produce much heat — what's wrong?
This can be caused by several issues including blocked filters, airflow restrictions, thermostat problems, or worn components. A technician can inspect the system and diagnose the problem quickly.
Is carbon monoxide a risk with ducted gas heating?
Gas heaters can produce carbon monoxide if they are faulty or poorly maintained. This is why regular servicing and safety checks are essential. Our technicians inspect heat exchangers and ventilation systems to ensure safe operation.
Do you service heating brands you haven't installed?
Yes. Our technicians service and repair most major heating brands, even if the system was installed by another company.
How long does a ducted gas heater last?
With proper installation and regular servicing, a ducted gas heater can typically last 12 to 15 years or more depending on usage and maintenance.
Why is my heating system making unusual noises?
Rattling, banging, or humming sounds may indicate loose components, fan issues, or airflow problems. It’s best to have the system inspected before the issue worsens.
Can regular servicing reduce my heating costs?
Yes. A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, which can help reduce energy consumption and lower gas or electricity bills.

Ready to Transform Your Home Comfort?

Call us today for a free consultation and VEU rebate eligibility check

Or email us: admin@blainair.com.au