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 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.
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.
Whole-Home Comfort | Focused Heating | Quick Heating Performance | Cost-Effective Operation | Seamless Integration | Zoning Capabilities |
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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. |
Higher Installation Cost | Complex Installation | Limited Cooling Options | High Maintenance Needed |
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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. |
Highly Energy-Efficient | Safe to Use | Dual Functionality | Lower Installation Cost | Environmental-friendly | Zoning Flexibility | Advanced Features | Easy to Maintain | Improved Air Quality |
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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. |
Limited Heating Coverage | Aesthetic Concerns | Noisy Compressor | Potentially High Electricity Use |
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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. |
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.