Whole-home Heating & Cooling
Martin Heating & Cooling install Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning systems across Geelong, Ballarat & Melbourne's West.
For personalised advice, call us on 1300 146 525 or fill out our online enquiry form. Or keep scrolling for FAQs, Features, Rebates, and how much it Costs to install an electric ducted heating and cooling system in your home.
Our fully inclusive quotes include:
- Air Conditioner – your chosen brand, correctly sized for your home
- Quality install – by our own qualified tradespeople
- All parts & labour – including Electrician
- Touch Screen Control
- Zones – including zone motors & programming
- Ducts – quality insulated R1.5
- Outlets
- WIFI / Phone app control
- After Sales Service
- Victorian Government Rebates – Save up to $6,000
Why Install Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning?
Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning is the ultimate all-in-one system. It provides energy efficient electric heating and refrigerated cooling for your entire home.
With a discreet design, the majority of the system is concealed, leaving only the vents visible in each room.
Available in a range of sizes, they are suitable for installation in new and existing homes of all sizes.
Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning FAQs
Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning is rapidly gaining popularity as the preferred system for both new construction projects, and homeowners looking to upgrade to a comprehensive, whole-home solution.
They are also a popular upgrade with people who are looking for an electric replacement for their Gas Ducted Heating (which currently attracts government rebates). And those looking to move away from Evaporative Cooling, as Refrigerated Cooling technology allows you to set and maintain your desired temperature, even on humid days.
Just to clarify, these systems are also known by a few names including: Central Heating and Cooling, Ducted Split System, Electric Ducted Heating and Refrigerated Cooling, Heat Pump Heating and Cooling and just Ducted Air Conditioning. Don’t be confused as they are all referring to the same thing!
Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning is the ultimate in home heating and cooling.
Using just one system, it can keep your entire house at your preferred temperature all year round.
It is comprised of 2 parts – a compressor which works in conjunction with the indoor unit, most commonly located in your roof.
The indoor unit distributes the air which has been heated or cooled to your desired temperature to rooms via a series of ducts and outlets.
A programmable controller allows you set different temperatures for various times of the day and night. Zoning gives you control over what rooms are airconditioned at any time, saving you on running costs, so you’re not heating or cooling rooms you are not using.
Due to advances in technology and an increase in popularity, ducted electric air conditioners are becoming more energy efficient and affordable.
Whether your ducts and outlets are in your ceiling or floor will depend on the design of your house.
It is preferable to install ducted air conditioning indoor units, along with the ducts and vents in your roof cavity.
However, if your house is built on a subfloor (or stumps), underfloor or fully external units are an option. This option is generally for people who currently have Gas Ducted Heating with floor vents and want to keep their current set up. However, it does limit the range of air conditioners, as not all are made to live underfloor or completely outside.
Yes, it is possible to install a Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner in a double story house in the majority of cases.
However, whether we can install one in yours will depend on your house design. As part of our assessment, our tech will let you know if it is possible and if not, what are you options – for example installing a ducted system upstairs and wall mounted split systems downstairs.
Yes you can!
If you currently have a Gas Ducted Heating and are looking for an electric replacement, you have a couple of options…
Option 1 – Replace your Gas Ducted with Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning
Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning is by far the most popular option of upgrading to electric.
Not only does it provide ducted electric heating and refrigerated cooling, but bonus! – it’s currently eligible for Government Rebates.
It’s an all-in-one system, utilizing the same energy-efficient technology to both heat and cool.
Government Rebates
As part of the Victorian Government Energy Upgrade Scheme (VEU), there are currently Government Rebates for removing your Gas Ducted Heater and replacing it with a Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner, which can save you thousands of dollars.
As a full service provider, we supply and install your unit of choice, remove and dispose of your old system, fulfill all rebate conditions and complete required paperwork.
Only certain air conditioners which have met energy efficiency criteria have been approved to participate in the rebate program. We have approved options for all house types and budgets, including models from Rinnai, Braemar, ActronAir, Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric.
Ducts
We are often asked if existing ducts can be re-used when upgrading from gas to electric. Our technician will be able to confirm this with you, as it depends on a few things:
- Whether your existing ducts are rated for use with Refrigerated Cooling (if you also currently have Add On Cooling, they may be suitable)
- The condition of your existing ducts
- If you are installing a Hybrid Reverse Cycle Heating system, you may not need to upgrade (see below)
Keep in mind, while installing new ducts will add to your overall cost, it can save you on running costs in the long run. We use R1.5 ducts, which are insulated to minimize heating/cooling loss.
What is a Hybrid Reverse Cycle Heating system?
A new product on the market is Braemar’s Dominator Hybrid Reverse Cycle Ducted Heating system. It is designed to be a direct replacement for your Gas Ducted Heater, re-using your existing ducts and outlets (where possible), which eliminates the cost of upgrading your ductwork.
It provides both electric heating and refrigerated cooling, so you may ask – how is it different from a normal Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner?
Where a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner provides both heating and cooling equally well, the Hybrid Reverse Cycle Heating system is first and foremost a Ducted Heater, with the capabilities of a refrigerated cooling system if required.
For this reason, it is recommended if you currently have an Evaporative Cooler, keep it an still use it on hot days, with the added option of using the refrigerated cooling on humid days.
Option 2 – Convert your Gas Ducted Heater / Add On Cooler combo
Do you currently have both a Brivis Gas Ducted Heater and Brivis Add On Refrigerated Cooler?
If yes, then there is a chance you will be able to convert your Add On Cooler into an electric ducted heater with a new product from Brivis called SmartSens.
And good news is, you can can keep your Gas Ducted Heater but switch between using gas heating (via your Gas Ducted Heater) and electric heating (via your Add On Cooler). Don’t worry, your Cooler still cools, it’s just now a reverse cycle air conditioner!
As Authorised Brivis repair agents, we are able to supply and install the conversion kits. Check out our Brivis SmartSens page for more information and eligible models.
Not sure what’s right for your house and budget? No worries, get in touch and our staff can let you know your options.
Each house is unique and needs to be assessed, but a rough guide is:
For a standard sized, single story house with…
- 2 bedrooms: 7-10kw
- 3-4 bedrooms, 1 living area: 12-15kw
- 3-4 bedrooms, 2 living areas: 15-18kw
- Larger house – 18-25kw
In order to determine which size Ducted Reverse Cycle unit is required for your home, a member from our design team will need to carry out a Heating/Cooling Load Calculation.
The calculation takes into consideration the size of the rooms required to be heated or cooled, as well as the ceiling height.
Factors such as whether you want to heat or cool the entire home at once, or utilize Zoning also come into consideration.
How many outlets (or vents) you will need depend on your house size and design. Some large rooms will require more than one outlet.
If you have a double story house, or an older-style house and wondering if you can install a ducted air conditioning system, it is possible as long as there is room in the ceiling to install the ducts.
Pro tip!
Most people would like the option to heat or cool their whole house at once. In which case you need a unit correctly sized to do this. However, some companies (not us!) quote on a smaller size unit to make a sale, but in the fine print it will say you have to use it with zoning as it can only heat and cool parts of your house at a time. This is fine if that’s what you want, but if it’s not, make sure you ask if it can do the whole house at once!
Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Features
Ducted Reverse Cycle systems are designed to meet all your heating and cooling needs. They are perfect for year-round use in Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne where the weather can be unpredictable. All you need to do is set it at your preferred temperature and the system will do the rest.
However, there are optional upgrades that can enhance their performance. One upgrade we highly recommend is zoning, which helps reduce running costs and increases energy efficiency.
WIFI control is very popular feature, and handy if you are out and about and the weather suddenly changes. You can remotely control your aircon to warm or cool the house by the time you get home.
Government rebates, the ability to use renewable energy to lower running costs, and energy efficiency are some of the benefits of electric ducted heating.
Regardless of the temperature outside, Refrigerated Cooling allows you to set the exact temperature you desire, which the system will maintain.
Inverter technology has increased the energy efficiency of electric heating and cooling systems. It means they don’t turn on and off repeatedly like traditional systems because they continuously adjust their output to maintain a steady temperature.
So instead of running at full speed then shutting off when the desired temperature is reached, an inverter system modulates its speed to provide just the right amount of heating or cooling.
This also makes them quieter and extends their lifespan.
We only recommend and install units which are built to handle temperature extremes we experience in Geelong & Melbourne, from hot summers to frosty winters.
Zoning is great for saving on running costs as you are only heating or cooling the rooms you currently need, plus its programmable, so it can automatically turn on and off at different periods.
For example, you might have your living areas as Zone A, which you heat or cool during the day and bedrooms as Zone B which you heat or cool during the night.
Want to know more about the ins and outs of Zoning?
Have a read of our What is Zoning page or ask one of our friendly staff members
You can program your Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner to:
- Turn on or off at certain times
- Run different programs depending on the day of the week
- Set different temperatures throughout your home
Standard Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner features include:
- Heating and Cooling modes
- Programmable controller
- Compatible with zoning
- Quiet operation
Optional features include:
- WIFI – control your unit remotely via WIFI though an app from anywhere in the world with an internet connection
- Zoning – Save on running costs and turn off zones you are not currently using
- Multiple controllers
- Touch screen controllers
- Room temperature sensors – sense the temperature in each room rather from the wall controller location/s
- Vertical discharge Outdoor Unit – perfect for tight spaces such as close fences
- Wall brackets – to mount the Outdoor Unit to the wall
Installation Costs, Running Costs & Rebates
Due to advances in technology and an increase in popularity, Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners are becoming more energy efficient and affordable to install.
See below for information on running costs, government rebates and costs to install a new system.
After a personalised quote to install an electric ducted heating and cooling system in your home? Give us a call or use our easy online quote request form. Our quotes are fully inclusive, including any government rebates you’re eligible for.
The cost to supply and install a Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning system varies depending on:
- The size (in kw) of the Air Conditioning unit your house requires
- How many ducts and vents you need
- Brand
- Optional features you want
We tailor quotes to suit your home and brand preferences, but to give you an idea on costs:
A 13kw Ducted Reverse Cycle system (which can suit a standard 3 bedroom home), fully installed, including:
- Air Conditioner – your chosen brand, correctly sized for your home
- Quality install – by our own staff (we don’t use subcontractors)
- All parts & labour – including licenced Electrician
- Wall Controller
- 2 Zones
- 8 Outlets
- Ducts – quality insulated R1.5
- from $9,600 with the VEU government rebate (includes removal of gas ducted heater), or $10,940 without.
Or an 18kw Ducted Ducted Reverse Cycle system (which can suit a standard 4 bedroom home with 2 living areas), fully installed, including:
- Air Conditioner – your chosen brand, correctly sized for your home
- Quality install – by our own staff (we don’t use subcontractors)
- All parts & labour – including licenced Electrician
- AirTouch5 Touchscreen Controller
- WIFI Control
- 2 Zones
- 10 Outlets
- Ducts – quality insulated R1.5
- from $11,815 with the VEU government rebate (includes removal of gas ducted heater)
Fill in our easy online enquiry form & receive a personalised quote. Or give us call on 1300 146 525 during office hours and speak to one of our qualified tradespeople about which system is right for your home.
With over 600 5-star reviews, you can rest-assured you will be getting excellent customer service, quality workmanship and the right ducted air conditioning system and the right price!
As the old saying goes, if something is too good to be true, it usually is!
As well as being installers, we are Authorised Warranty Repairers and Zone Contractors for multiple manufactures, so we have seen our share of dodgy installs. Unfortunately dodgy installs are not covered under warranty and the repairs to the home owner can be costly.
To help you determine if the quote you have recieved is right for you, we have put together a checklist –
- What brands are they offering?
- We only recommend brands we would install in our own homes, based on quality, performance history and value for money – see our section of brands we recommend
- Do they have their own staff or use subcontractors?
- Have they correctly sized your home?
- To do this, your house floor plans are required or a site inspection
- Be aware some companies undersize systems so their quotes seem cheaper, then the home owner is left with a system which doesn’t efficiently or effectively heat or cool their home.
- Are their sales staff qualified trades people?
- This is super important, but unfortunately not all companies hire experience trades people as sales staff
- Before installation, will they come around to do a site inspection?
- Does your quote include:
- A qualified Electrician to do the electrical work?
- Ductwork? – if you are upgrading from a Gas Ducted Heater, you need to replace your ductwork with ducts which can handle both heating and cooling. Also ensure its good quality, insulated duct or you will loose heating and cooling
- Outlets?
- Zones? – including zone motors. Zoning is a must-have features as it saves on running costs and wear-and-tear on your system – why aircondition your whole house when you only use some rooms at a time?
- Removal of old unit and ductwork?
- Will they take care of all Government Rebate requirements, including decommissioning the old unit, paperwork and lodgment? (this is a must-have as customers cannot apply for VEECs directly themselves)
- Do they offer options?
- Can you choose from different brands? If no, they might be recommending a brand they benefit from, rather the best deal for you
- Do they offer upgrades such as controllers or temperature sensors to enhance your system?
- Do they provide after sales service?
- As well as installing systems, we service and repair them. Some companies only install them, and if there are any issues, refer you to the manufacturer, which is frustrating and costly if the fault lies with the installer and not the manufacturer, but the installer is not accepting responsibility.
We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision. If you would like to speak to one on of our qualified tradespeople, give us a call during office hours or email us any time.
Currently, there are Government Rebates for installing Ducted Air Conditioning.
To qualify for the rebate, you need to replace your existing Gas Ducted Heater with a Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner.
Rebate amounts can vary depending on what area you live in. And only brands and models which have been assessed to meet certain criteria and approved by the scheme can be installed.
There are certain criteria which needs to be met during the removal/installation process, such as geo-stamped photos which need to be taken during the de-commissioning of the Gas Ducted Heater, so please don’t get yours removed beforehand, we will do it during the installation of your new system. We will also take care of all paperwork and lodge the rebate claim on your behalf.
Please let us know if you have a Gas Ducted Heater and we will include any rebates in your quote.
The running costs of your Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner will depend on various factors including:
- Your house size
- Your electricity tariff
- The star rating of your air conditioner
- How often you use it and for how long
- If you have zoning
Check out our Heating & Cooling System Selection guide for current estimated hourly running costs
We only recommend and install heating & cooling systems which have a proven track record for quality, value for money and longevity.
And of course, they have to pass the “would we install them in our own home?” test.
Ducted Air Conditioning brands we consider to be the best are ActronAir, Daikin, Rinnai, Braemar and Mitsubishi Electric.
All brands come with a 5 year warranty, except Rinnai which is a 7 year warranty.
What our customers are saying…
Hassle-free Ducted Air Conditioning Installs
From quote to install, our aim is to make your experience as easy as possible.
Our trusted and experienced team follows all installation regulations and manufacturer guidelines, guaranteeing your system is fully compliant and your warranty stays intact
Reach out today by filling in our easy online enquiry form or give us a call on 1300 146 525
Servicing Geelong, Ballarat & Melbourne's West
At Martin Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to service a wide area that spans the Geelong region, Ballarat and the western half of Melbourne.
Geelong region: Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Lara
Ballarat: Buninyong, Sebastapol, Wendouree
Melbourne’s West: Werribee, Point Cook, Tarneit, Williamstown, Essendon, Braybrook, Keilor, Craigieburn, Caroline Springs, Melton, Sunbury
