Wondering how much ducted heating replacement costs? The answer depends on the type of system you choose, the size of your home and how much of the existing installation can be reused.
As a general Australian guide, replacing a ducted heating unit can range from around $3,000 to $8,000 or more, while switching to a ducted reverse-cycle system can cost considerably more.
For Melbourne homeowners, the final price can also depend on the condition of your existing ductwork, accessibility, zoning, the replacement system’s capacity and whether additional electrical or gas work is required.
Here’s what you need to know before budgeting for a replacement.
There isn’t one fixed price for replacing ducted heating because every home and installation is different.
A basic gas ducted heating unit may sit towards the lower end of that range, while more complex systems or a switch to reverse-cycle ducted air conditioning can cost considerably more.
For example, current cost guides put standard ducted heating unit replacement at roughly $1,990–$4,000 for the unit itself, while ducted reverse-cycle systems can be around $8,000–$12,000 for replacement. These figures are indicative rather than a quote for a particular Melbourne property.
The biggest factors affecting your actual price include:
The type of system you choose is one of the biggest influences on the overall price.
If you’re replacing an existing gas ducted heater with another gas system, some of the existing infrastructure may be suitable for reuse, depending on its condition and the new system’s requirements.
Alternatively, you may be considering a ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning system. These systems can provide both heating and cooling, but the installation is a different project and can involve additional equipment and electrical requirements.
Current Australian cost guides place ducted reverse-cycle replacement above many standard ducted gas heater replacements.
Your replacement heater needs to be appropriately sized for your home.
A larger house will generally require greater heating capacity than a smaller property. However, choosing the biggest unit available isn’t necessarily the best approach.
The installer should consider factors such as:
A system that’s too small may struggle to heat the home effectively, while an unnecessarily large system can increase upfront costs.
Your existing ductwork can have a significant impact on the cost.
If the ducts are in good condition and compatible with the new system, some or all of them may be able to remain in place.
However, older ductwork may have damaged insulation, leaks, crushed sections or other issues. Modifications may also be required if the new heater has different airflow requirements.
This is why a ducted heating replacement isn’t always as simple as removing the old heater and putting a new one in its place.
The more zones and outlets your system has, the more complex the installation can become.
If you’re replacing an existing system, you may also decide to change the way your home is zoned.
For example, you might want to heat living areas without running the system throughout unused bedrooms. While zoning can improve control and comfort, changes to the existing system can add to the project cost.
Where the existing heater and ductwork are located can also affect labour.
A system that’s easy to access may take less time to replace than one located in a difficult roof or underfloor space.
Tight access, complicated layouts and additional work around the ductwork can all increase installation time and labour costs.
Replacing an older ducted heater can be a good opportunity to upgrade the thermostat or controller.
Depending on the system, you may be able to add features such as:
The replacement may require additional work to the existing services.
A gas ducted heater needs to be installed and commissioned in accordance with the relevant requirements, while switching to an electric reverse-cycle system may involve different electrical requirements.
If additional electrical upgrades, gas modifications or other changes are required, these should be included in the quote rather than treated as unexpected costs later.
If your existing gas ducted heater is reaching the end of its life, you may be considering switching to reverse-cycle ducted air conditioning instead of replacing it with another gas heater.
This can be a larger investment upfront, but reverse-cycle systems provide both heating and cooling, which can be useful for Melbourne’s changing seasons.
Current Australian cost guides indicate that ducted reverse-cycle replacement can cost around $8,000–$12,000, depending on the system and installation.
Whether the switch makes financial sense depends on your home, existing ductwork, electricity usage, system efficiency and available incentives.
Victoria has incentives that may help eligible households upgrade from older heating systems to more efficient alternatives.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program currently offers discounts for eligible heating and cooling upgrades, including certain reverse-cycle air conditioning installations. The amount available depends on the product, property and eligibility requirements, so homeowners should check the current government information before making a decision.
This is particularly worth investigating if you’re considering replacing an older gas ducted heater with a reverse-cycle system.
Keep in mind that not every replacement automatically qualifies for a rebate or discount. Eligibility conditions apply, and the available incentives can change over time.
Replacement isn’t always the best option.
If your ducted heater has developed a relatively minor fault and is otherwise in good condition, repairing it may make more sense than replacing the entire system.
However, replacement may be worth considering when:
A professional assessment can help you compare the likely repair cost with the cost and benefits of a replacement.
The installation time depends on whether you’re replacing an existing unit or installing a substantially different system.
A straightforward replacement where the existing ductwork and services are suitable may be completed relatively quickly. More complicated installations involving duct modifications, zoning changes, difficult access or a change of system type can take longer.
Your professional gas plumber should be able to provide a more accurate timeframe after inspecting the property.
It depends on the fault, age and condition of the system. A minor repair may be more economical, while an older system with repeated faults may make replacement a better long-term option.
A well-maintained ducted heating system can provide many years of service, but its lifespan depends on the unit, installation, usage and maintenance. If your heater is becoming unreliable or expensive to repair, it may be worth having it assessed for replacement.
Yes. A gas ducted heating system can potentially be replaced with a ducted reverse-cycle system. The suitability and cost will depend on your existing ductwork, electrical supply, home layout and the system selected.
There are currently Victorian Energy Upgrades discounts available for eligible heating and cooling upgrades, including certain reverse-cycle systems. Eligibility and discount amounts depend on the specific upgrade and current program requirements.
Not necessarily. If the existing ductwork is in good condition and compatible with the new system, it may be possible to reuse it. An inspection can determine whether repairs, replacement or modifications are needed.
If your ducted heater is getting older, breaking down frequently or no longer heating your home as it should, replacement may be a better option than continuing to pay for repairs.
Melbourne Gas Plumber can assess your existing ducted heating system, discuss your replacement options and help determine what is required for your home.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your ducted heating replacement in Melbourne!
Every week, we share practical insights based on the combined knowledge and real-world experience of our team. Our articles cover gas fitting, gas safety, appliance installation, hot water systems, maintenance and everyday plumbing issues, so you can make well-informed decisions about your gas plumbing needs.
Fill the form below and we’ll get back ASAP!
MGP! Thank you for help, honest pricing and high quality work. Thank you to Joe for pricing and the boys involved for replacing my hot water tank and fixing my gas leak for a reasonable price. 5 star response, 5 star service and 5 star price.
Joe was great. Very professional and quick. Gas hot water heater needed replacing, he was honest and upfront about what our options were. System was sourced and replaced within a couple of hours.
Fantastic service very responsive Joe is highly recommended and works very clean and neat..... good job well done....very happy... will use again and again
At Melbourne Gas Plumber, we're here to handle all your gas plumbing needs throughout Melbourne. With over 40 years of experience, we bring extensive local knowledge and expertise to every job.
QUICK LINKS
OPENING HOURS
Open 24/7
