The Ultimate Guide to How Ducted Heating Works

When the winter weather begins to set in, properties across Australia’s southern states begin to feel the bitter chill. During this time, residential, commercial, and industrial settings are all susceptible to the cold. Without the proper heating solution, day-to-day comfort is hard to achieve and consistent sleep becomes equally as difficult.

As those who have already made the switch could tell you, no heating solution compares to a ducted network. Ducted heating (sometimes referred to as central heating) offers property-wide coverage that provides consistent warmth from room to room. Unlike localized split systems, ducted heating arrangements utilize a network that spreads warm air through vents and ducts across the property.

When and Where is it Required?

Ducted heating is suitable across a wide array of settings. However, the property must have the necessary space for installation. Small apartments, for example, may not be able to accommodate a regular ducted system. On the other hand, ducted heating is perfect for large homes, offices, and industrial warehouse spaces.

If a property has the required space, ducted heating systems are an excellent choice for cooler climates. Rather than focusing all efforts on heating a single room, this network allows for consistent warmth in the bathroom, bedroom, lounge, and kitchen all at once.

Core Components

While ducted systems may come with slight variations, all operate through the same technology. Let’s explore a few of the core components. 

Central Gas Heating

Our exploration of ducted heating begins with its key driver – gas. Central ducted heating systems run on either natural gas or LPG. Under this type of arrangement, the central heating unit is generally installed outside, or within a property’s ceiling space. Gas is the essential element here as it powers the central unit which is then connected to a series of networks and ducts.

The Network

Ducted systems work by transferring cold air to the central unit for heating. Once the air is warm, the network kicks into action. This network is comprised of a series of grilles, vents, and insulated ducts. The heat created is circulated through these ducts to provide an even distribution of warmth.

The Thermostat

Like any modern form of heating and cooling, ducted heating can be controlled at a precise temperature. This temperature control is made easy by the functionality of a thermostat. With the simple touch of a button, you can kick the ducted network into gear and warm up the entire house in minutes. Rather than searching for the optimum temperature with a series of space and fireplace gas heaters, the thermostat makes this process simple and easy – right down to the precise degree.

Installation & Maintenance

Many HVAC companies specialize in ducted heating installation and maintenance. As a result, the installation process is generally quick, easy, and efficient. In most cases, your network is running and ready to use within the same day. Opting for an HVAC with a direct ducted heating experienced company will ensure that installation is cost-effective and labor costs don’t blow out.

If you wish to avoid ongoing issues, your best course of action is to arrange regular preventative maintenance. This service will ensure that your system won’t suddenly break down in the middle of a harsh winter period. Not only will technical faults lead to immediate discomfort, but they also result in serious repair and labor costs down the line.

Generate a list of effective strategies for optimizing ductwork services efficiency, identifying potential issues, and ensuring proper maintenance.

Energy Use

One of the core benefits ducted heating provides is the ability to cover an entire property with a single system. This means that you would no longer have to use a selection of split systems or space heaters to warm each room. Mounted electric heaters are also known for increasing energy bills.

Depending on where you reside, the cost of gas may be cheaper than electricity. If this is so, ducted heating will be an ideal alternative. However, it is recommended that you avoid turning the temperature up too high, particularly after a prolonged period of idle use. Placing strain on the central heater can run up your energy bills by as much as 10%. Instead, start with lower heat and gradually adjust to your preferred level.

The Star Rating System

The introduction of the star rating system has made measuring the efficiency of ducted heating units easier than ever. Gas heating is rated on a scale that ranges from 1 to 6 stars where the higher the star rating, the higher the energy efficiency.

While a 6-star system comes with larger fees for installation and setup, their excellent efficiency allows you to accumulate savings on energy bills as time goes on. Your HVAC team should be able to provide further information and outline systems with varied star ratings.

Longevity

On average, well-maintained ducted heating will last between 10 to 20 years. The most important factor here is the vitality of the heat exchanger. If or when it fails, your ducted system is effectively out of order.

There are two ways to approach the heat exchanger predicament. The first centers on the warranty you receive at the time of installation which will safeguard you against any sudden breakdowns and faults. The other alternative at your disposal is to arrange regular preventative maintenance. An experienced ducted heating technician will be able to detect and address any issues related to the heat exchanger or other components.

Benefits

• Whole-house heating
• Precise thermostat control
• Efficiency
• Comfort in cooler climates

Check Suitability

As good as ducted heating may sound, it can all be in vain if the property can’t accommodate the installation. However, heating and cooling professionals will be able to verify this in no time and even provide non-traditional ducted systems for smaller spaces.

The other major suitability factor is access to a gas mainline. As gas is a fundamental component of ducted heating, access is essential for installation to take place. For both factors, your best bet is to reach out to a reputable provider and find out whether you can make the switch to ducted heating today.