Ducted Gas Heating vs. Split System – Which One is Right for You?
When winter sets in, having a heater becomes a necessity to stay warm during the chilly Australian months. However, in the debate of ducted gas heating vs split system, Australians often have to deal with the dilemma of deciding between these two most efficient and cost-effective options. Both of these systems have their strengths, but what you should choose is the real question. Let’s solve this dilemma for you.
A good heating system can keep your home warm and comfortable but before making any choice, there are many factors that can come into the decision to buy a heater. The most important factors to consider are efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In this article we will briefly explain the differences between ducted gas heating vs. split systems.
Ducted Gas Heating vs Split System
Ducted gas heating is a whole-home heating system that functions by using natural gas or LPG to warm your living space. This system distributes warm air through a chain of ducts. This system runs by a main component named central gas-powered unit or gas furnace that is responsible for generating heat, typically installed outside the home or in a concealed space inside the home like under the floor or in the roof. This system provides consistent warmth throughout the house. The ducts or vents are installed in the roof space or under the floor. Ducted gas heating system can be zoned, meaning it allows you to heat desired areas of your home to save energy and minimize costs. The ducted heating system provides consistent heating, especially ideal for larger homes or areas with colder climates.
A split system is a heating and cooling solution designed to manage the temperature in individual rooms or places. It comprises two main components, an indoor unit placed on the wall inside the room and an outdoor unit mounted outside the building known as compressor. Unlike the gas ducted heating system, a split system runs on electricity. For heating, the system functions as a reverse cycle air conditioner, drawing heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. Known for its energy efficiency and ease of installation, a split system is perfect for those looking to control the temperature of particular or small spaces without the need to heat the entire house. Its ability to provide both heating and air conditioning, making it a sustainable solution for the whole year.
How Do Ducted Gas Heating Systems Works
Main Components:
- Central Gas Furnace (Heater Unit): Burns gas to heat air.
- Fan (Blower): Pushes the heated air through the ducts.
- Ductwork: Carries warm air from the heater to rooms.
- Vents/Grilles: Deliver heated air into each room.
- Return Air Vent: Pulls cool air back into the system to be reheated.
- Thermostat: Controls temperature and system operation.
Ducted heating systems work by drawing in cool air, heating it through a central gas-powered unit (often called a furnace), usually powered by LPG or natural gas. The heat exchanger within this unit heats the cool air before delivering it through ducts to various rooms in the house.The fan then pushes the warm air through the network of insulated ducts or vents. This ductwork carries warm air from the heater to rooms.The duct outlets then pass the heated air through a return air grille for the process to repeat. It has a thermostat that controls the temperature and allows consistent warmth in multiple rooms at once. Modern ducted systems come with zoning capabilities that permit users to heat specific areas as desired, optimizing energy use. These systems are usually installed in the roof or under the floor, offering discreet and efficient whole-home heating.
Not Sure Which Heating System Suits Your Home Best?
How Do Split Systems Works
Main Components:
- Indoor Unit (Evaporator): Distributes heated or cooled air inside.
- Outdoor Unit (Compressor/Condenser): Absorbs or releases heat depending on mode.
- Refrigerant Lines: Transfer refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units.
- Fan: Circulates air within the indoor and outdoor units.
- Thermostat/Remote Control: Manages temperature, fan speed, and mode
Split systems operate on a refrigeration mechanism. These systems use a reverse cycle process for heating. In heating mode, the system reverses the refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air, even on cold days, and transfers it indoors. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, which becomes hot and flows into the indoor unit. A fan then blows this warm air through your room. This cycle continues until the set room temperature is reached, at which point the system switches off automatically.
Modern split systems come with inverter technology, which adjust electricity usage based on the room’s requirements, resulting in improved energy efficiency.
Pros And Cons of Ducted Heating vs Split System
Pros of Ducted Gas Heating System
| Whole-Home Comfort | Focused Heating | Quick Heating Performance | Cost-Effective Operation | Seamless Integration | Zoning Capabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gives consistent heating throughout the entire home, making it perfect for larger homes. | Designed solely for heating purposes, making them ideal choices for colder regions. | Warms up places quickly than reverse cycle ACs, ensures it is a great choice for colder weather. | Natural gas is often cheaper than electricity, leading to lower running costs. | Concealed ductwork maintains inventive appeal without huge indoor units. | Allows for temperature control in different areas, enhancing comfort and energy savings. |
Conc of Ducted Gas Heating System
| Higher Installation Cost | Complex Installation | Limited Cooling Options | High Maintenance Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation requires ductwork, especially in homes without existing ductwork, installation can be expensive. | Requires professional planning and installation, which can be time-consuming. | Only gives heating unless unsegregated with an add-on cooling system. | Complicated servicing for maintenance annually is necessary to ensure optimal efficiency and air quality. |
Pros of Split Systems
| Highly Energy-Efficient | Safe to Use | Dual Functionality | Lower Installation Cost | Environmental-friendly | Zoning Flexibility | Advanced Features | Easy to Maintain | Improved Air Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can achieve 300-600% efficiency, meaning one unit of electricity can generate up to six times as much heat. | No risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur with faulty gas systems. | Provides both heating and cooling comfort throughout all seasons. | Easier and more affordable to install than ducted systems. | Environmental-friendly option, producing around 2/3rds less greenhouse gas emissions than gas systems. | Allows you to heat or cool specific rooms as needed, reducing energy waste. | Extra modern features like air purification technology, dehumidifiers, and inverters. | lower maintenance requirements due to fewer safety risk. | Multi-stage filtration systems enhance indoor air quality. |
Cons of Split Systems
| Limited Heating Coverage | Aesthetic Concerns | Noisy Compressor | Potentially High Electricity Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only warms the room where it is installed, requiring multiple units for full-house heating. | Wall-mounted indoor units are visible and may not blend well with all interior decor. | The outdoor unit has noisy compressor which can disturb the peace. | Can lead to increased power bills, especially in colder months. |
Is Gas Ducted Heating Cheaper Than Electric Heating?
What is the cheapest way to heat your home in extreme winters? It’s complicated.
To get the right answer, you’ll need to examine your current gas and electricity tariffs, the size and overall efficiency of your heater as well as the size of your home, and also zoning features.
As reported by the comparison platform Finder, gas remains marginally cheaper overall for households. This is despite the fact that it typically takes 3.6 megajoules of gas consumption to generate the equivalent of 1 Kilowatt-hour of electricity output.
However, when it comes to heating, gas heaters tend to lose a significant portion up to 50% of their energy during use. In other words, only half the energy consumed goes into heating your home; the rest is lost through outlets like ductwork, flues, and exhaust.
On the flip side, reverse cycle systems are impressively efficient, delivering 300-600% efficiency. That means one unit of electrical energy could generate up to 6 times as much heat. 1-star reverse cycle system could provide cheaper central heating than a 6-star gas ducted system
So, it is very simple to say that reverse cycle split systems are the cheapest option as they cost cheaper as compared to ducted gas heating systems. Split systems save more long-term due to their high efficiency.
Gas Ducted Heating vs Split System Running Cost
Ducted Gas Heating
Gas heaters can experience around 50% energy loss during operation, meaning only half of the energy is effectively used for heating.
Running Costs
For a small house (100m²):
- 3-star energy rating: Approximately $1,704 annually.
- 4-star energy rating: Around $1,528 per year.
- 6-star energy rating: About $1,347 annually.
For a large house (220m²):
- 3-star energy rating: Approximately $3,368 annually.
- 4-star energy rating: Around $3,025 per year.
- 6-star energy rating: About $2,674 annually.
Installation Costs:
Generally ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on system size and complexity.
Split Heating Systems Split systems boast 300–600% efficiency, meaning one unit of electrical energy can generate up to six units of heat.
Running CostsFor a small house (100m²):
- 1-star system: Approximately $1,258 annually.
- 2-star system: Around $899 per year.
For a large house (220m²):
- 1-star system: Approximately $2,768 annually.
- 2-star system: Around $1,977 per year.
Installation Costs
Typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000, influenced by factors like system capacity and home layout.
Split Heating Systems
Split systems boast 300–600% efficiency, meaning one unit of electrical energy can generate up to six units of heat.
Running Costs
For a small house (100m²):
- 1-star system: Approximately $1,258 annually.
- 2-star system: Around $899 per year.
For a large house (220m²):
- 1-star system: Approximately $2,768 annually.
- 2-star system: Around $1,977 per year.
Installation Costs
Typically ranges from $6,000 to $12,000, influenced by factors like system capacity and home layout.
Making the Right Choice Gas Ducted Heating vs Reverse Cycle Split systems
1. Ideal for Large Homes & Colder Climates
If you need consistent heating across the entire home, especially in cold regions, ducted gas heating is the best option for superior efficiency and quick heat distribution
2. Best for Small Homes & Versatile Needs
For smaller spaces, apartments, or budget-conscious homeowners, a split system is a more practical choice, providing both heating and cooling at a lower upfront cost.
3. Considering Energy Efficiency & Costs
- Ducted gas heating can be cost-effective if gas prices are low.
- Split systems are highly energy-efficient and if paired with solar energy can more significantly reduce running costs and carbon footprint.
Future Of Ducted Gas Heating vs Split Systems
Australia is moving away from gas due to rising prices, export demands, and climate goals. Incentives for gas systems are being phased out, especially in Victoria. Meanwhile, split systems powered by clean electricity are gaining support through subsidies and falling energy costs. For long-term value and sustainability, split systems are the smarter investment.
Final Verdict
A gas ducted heating system offers whole-home comfort, focused heating, humidity control, filtration, and quick heating. On the other side, a split system has a lower running and installation cost, consistent warmth, and easy maintenance. Both heating systems have their pros and cons, but the answer to which one is the most ideal depends completely on your heating requirements.
In case you need expert guidance in selecting the right heating system? Feel free to contact us for professional advice and expert installation services!
FAQs
Ducted heating can be both gas or electric. Gas ducted systems use a furnace to heat air, great for cold climates. Electric ducted systems, like reverse cycle units, offer both heating and cooling for year-round comfort.
The key difference is energy source and efficiency. Gas ducted heating offers quick, strong warmth using natural gas, while electric systems, like reverse cycle units, are more energy-efficient, solar compatible, and cheaper to run long-term.
Split systems are only electric, using a heat pump to heat and cool efficiently year-round, without combustion, making them a cleaner option than gas heaters.
Gas heating offers quick warmth, ideal for cold regions, while reverse cycle systems are more energy-efficient and cost-effective long-term, especially with solar energy. For year-round performance and lower bills, reverse cycle is usually the better choice.
Choosing between a gas heater and reverse cycle depends on your needs. Gas heaters are for dedicated heating, while reverse cycle systems offer both heating and cooling with better energy savings and environmental benefits.