Gas Ducted Heating Explained: A Beginner’s Guide

Imagine stepping out of bed on a frosty Mornington Peninsula winter morning – it’s 5 °C outside, and your toes are already freezing. If you’ve ever wished your entire house could feel as cozy as a warm hug, gas ducted heating might be just what you need. Gas ducted heating is a whole-home heating system that sends warm air through ducts to each room, giving instant comfort across the house.

In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll walk you through how it works, why it’s so popular (especially in cooler Aussie regions like Victoria), the pros and cons compared to other heaters, and tips to keep it running efficiently. You’ll even get practical advice on costs, maintenance, and energy-saving tricks – all explained in plain language with a bit of humor and common sense along the way.

What Is Gas Ducted Heating?

Gas ducted heating is essentially a central furnace that uses natural gas (or sometimes LPG) to warm your whole home. Instead of putting a bulky heater in each room, a gas ducted system has one main heater unit (often hidden in the roof space or under the floor) and a network of insulated ducts. The furnace heats the air, and a fan pushes this warm air through vents into every zone of your house.

The term “ducted” simply refers to this system of ducts or pipes carrying the warm air. In practice, it feels like magic: flip a switch, and moments later the whole house is toasty. It’s no wonder nearly half of homes in Victoria already have ducted gas heating (which means many families on the Mornington Peninsula rely on it during chilly months).

In other words, think of gas ducted heating as an invisible central hero hiding in your ceiling: it quietly burns gas to heat a metal exchanger, then blows that heated air out through vents. Compared to old wall heaters or portable heaters that only heat one room, a ducted system spreads warmth everywhere. It’s particularly handy if you want even temperature and comfort from room to room.

How Gas Ducted Heating Works

When you turn on your gas ducted heater (usually by setting a thermostat), here’s the simple process that happens: the gas valve opens and ignites a flame in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is just a series of metal tubes or plates. Gas burns around or through it, making it hot.

Next, a blower fan pulls in cool air from your home (often through a return-air vent and filter), runs it over the hot exchanger, and then pushes the now-warm air into the ducts. Those ducts deliver it to rooms via ceiling or wall vents. Once the home reaches the thermostat’s set temperature, the burner shuts off and only the fan might run intermittently to circulate air until it cools again.

In short: gas heats a metal coil, air blows over it, and warm air comes out the vents. Since the heat originates from burning natural gas (or sometimes bottled LPG), the warmth is instant and dry – there’s no cold refrigerant cycle like in reverse-cycle air conditioners. This means you don’t have to worry about any annoying defrost cycles that some electric heaters use. The system will simply run continuously until you’re cozy, without shivering lulls.

A couple of nifty points: modern ducted heaters often have multi-zone capability (more on that below), and they usually connect to a wall-mounted thermostat or even a smart controller. You can program schedules, adjust zones, and set precise temperatures. Many models even have a “heat modulation” feature – they ramp the flame up or down smoothly rather than just on/off. The bottom line is a quick, efficient flow of warm air.

Benefits of Gas Ducted Heating

If you want to heat your entire home efficiently in winter, gas ducted heating has a lot of perks. Here are the big ones, laid out in simple terms:

• Whole-Home Warmth: Unlike a single space heater, gas ducted systems provide instant warmth throughout your home. One switch can bring every room up to temperature quickly, so no more moving from room to room with a portable heater or wearing 10 layers indoors!
  
  
• No Defrost Cycle Needed: Because it uses gas combustion, there’s no frost buildup in the system. That means it can run continuously without interruption (unlike a heat pump that occasionally has to defrost), giving you uninterrupted warmth.
  
  
• High Fuel Efficiency: Modern ducted gas heaters are very efficient. About 90% of the energy in the gas you burn becomes useful heat. In other words, very little is wasted. (For perspective, some heat does escape out the flue or ducts, but even then you’re getting a lot of heat for the gas used.)
  
  
• Zoning Saves Energy: One big advantage is the ability to heat only the areas you need. Many systems let you shut off vents in unused rooms (for example, bedrooms during the day). This zoning control means you’re not wasting energy heating empty rooms. As Rinnai notes, “switching off unused zones… will also save you lots on your energy bill”.
  
  
• Quiet and Unobtrusive: The main heater is tucked away, and modern blowers are pretty quiet. You won’t have a loud unit in your living room – just gentle warm air out the vents. Plus the vents themselves are low-profile grilles on the ceiling or wall, not ugly radiators.
  
  
• Flexible Installation: These heaters come in various sizes (“star” ratings) to suit small apartments or big family homes. You can often pick a 6-star or 7-star rated model for extra efficiency. In fact, moving from a 3-star to a 7-star ducted heater can save hundreds on bills – one estimate says about $570 per year saved on gas bills.
  
  
• Low Maintenance: They’re simple machines with few moving parts. Usually you just need an annual service to keep everything running smoothly. No need to change filters weekly like some systems – just a quick yearly check-up from a licensed HVAC tech.
  
  

In addition, gas is often cheaper per unit of energy than electricity in many parts of Australia, so running a gas heater can cost less than an electric heater delivering the same warmth. However, remember a heat pump’s higher efficiency (3–6× heating output) can offset electricity costs – more on that below.

The key takeaway: gas ducted heating is fast, powerful, and great for big houses or anyone wanting even warmth. As one Gas Ducted Heating installer quips, it’s like turning your whole home into a giant heated blanket.

Gas Ducted Heating vs Other Systems

Feature	Gas Ducted Heating	Reverse-Cycle (Electric Heat Pump)
Energy Source	Natural gas (mains or LPG)	Electricity (can use solar)
Energy Efficiency	~90% fuel-to-heat (≈50–60% delivered to rooms due to duct loss)	300–600% (3–6× heat per energy input)
Running Cost (Approx)	Often lower ($/MJ of gas); gas usually cheaper per unit	Often higher ($/kWh); heat pump efficiency can cut bills
Installation Cost	Moderate (~$3,000–$7,000)	Higher (~$6,000–$12,000)
Coverage	Whole house (zoned control)	Whole house (also zoned)
Cooling Capability	No (heats only; separate AC needed)	Yes (single system for heat & cool)
Pros	Quick heat, low fuel bills, simple tech	Dual heating/cooling, very efficient
Cons	No cooling, uses fossil fuel, needs gas supply	Can be costly to install, reliant on electricity supply

This table sums up the basics. Gas ducted heating shines when you want one system to heat a large home reliably. Its fuel (gas) is typically cheaper than electricity, so your running costs can be lower. On the flip side, modern reverse-cycle (heat pump) systems de facto steal heat from outside air and can be 3–6 times more efficient (so if you have off-peak power or solar panels, they might run cheaper). In other words, electric heat pumps often outperform gas on pure efficiency, but gas is generally cheaper fuel than electricity.

One important note: zoning and insulation matter. Regardless of system, closing off rooms and sealing leaks saves energy. Studies show up to 25% of heat can be lost through drafts. So make sure windows and doors are well-sealed. Also, the thermostat setting makes a big difference: each extra °C adds roughly 5–10% more energy usage. A common tip is to aim for around 18–20 °C (turn it down at night) to balance comfort and cost.

Finally, consider your future needs. If you already have a gas line and love instant heat (and no one in your family suffers from respiratory issues), gas ducted is a solid choice. But with climate concerns, some Aussies prefer electric heat pumps, which can run on renewables and emit no on-site CO₂. Whichever route you go, make sure to size the system right: as a quick formula, you’d need about 130 watts per m² of living area. For example, a 200 m² house might need a ~26 kW heater. The installer will calculate the exact size you need.

Installation & Setup

Setting up gas ducted heating requires a few things:

• Gas Supply: Your home must have a natural gas connection. In Mornington Peninsula this is usually available if your suburb is connected (LPG tanks are an option for remote areas, but they’re less convenient). Basically, the heater attaches to the gas line under your house or in your roof.
  
  
• Space for the Unit: The furnace itself is often installed in a roof cavity, under the floor, or even outside (with sheltered housing). It needs enough space for the burners, heat exchanger, and fan, plus access for maintenance.
  
  
• Ductwork Space: You need room to run insulated ducts to each zone (often in ceiling cavities). The good news is ducted heating ducting is typically smaller and flatter than big AC ducts. Most Aussie homes can accommodate them, but you should confirm with an installer. Sometimes older homes need some ceiling cavity modifications or bump-outs for ducts.
  
  
• Electricity: Oddly, yes! Even though it’s a gas heater, it does use a little electricity to run the blowers and controls. But that power draw is small (on the order of a light bulb or two).
  
  
• Controls: You’ll install a wall thermostat (or multiple for zones). Many people now go for wireless or touch-screen controllers. Some systems allow smart-home integration. At least one temperature sensor and control pad will be in your hall or living area, so you can set the comfort level.
  
  

In short, the upfront work is more involved than a plug-in heater: you’re bringing gas line to a new appliance and running ducting. This means installation costs are significant (roughly $3,000–$7,000 for a typical home). However, gas heaters often qualify for government rebates if they meet high star ratings. For example, in some states you can get a few hundred dollars off for installing a 5-star or above unit. Always check any local incentives.

After installation, your contractor will show you how to use the zone controls. With a zoned system, you can even turn off heat to unoccupied floors or rooms – that’s how you’ll save on bills. As Rinnai’s brochure says, switching off unused zones “helps reach your set temperature faster” and saves you lots on your energy bill.

Running Costs & Efficiency

One of the biggest questions: How much will it cost to run? The answer depends on your gas rate, the size of your house, insulation, and how cold your winters are. But here’s a ballpark:

For a 6-star gas ducted system running 6 hours a day for a 12-week winter, the consumer group CHOICE estimated typical bills of about $212 for a small house, $300 for medium, and $413 for large (at ~3c/MJ gas). Current Victoria gas rates hover around 2–2.5c/MJ, so if you do the math (kWh to MJ conversion) you might pay roughly 50–90 cents per hour of heating on high, depending on heater power. These running costs are generally lower than running electric panel heaters (which are nearly $1/hour or more) or reverse-cycle units (since power is more expensive).

Energy-wise, gas heaters are quite efficient at fuel-to-heat – about 90% of gas energy becomes heat. However, not all of that heat stays indoors: some escapes up the exhaust flue and through duct joints. In practice, only roughly half to two-thirds of the heat reaches your rooms. In comparison, modern electric heat pumps (reverse-cycle) can deliver 3–6 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity. This “300–600% efficiency” sounds crazy, but it’s because they move heat rather than create it. So a big heat pump might actually be cheaper to run per degree warmed if your power is cheap (especially if you have solar panels).

That said, most Australians still pay less for gas than for a kWh of electricity. The style guide bluntly notes “generally speaking, gas is always more cost-effective than electricity in Australia, so reverse-cycle will be more expensive to run than gas heating”. If your gas connection is in place, you’ll see savings on a gas bill versus higher peaks on your electric bill. Just beware of heat losses: insulating your roof and sealing windows can slash gas use. The Australian Government energy site points out heating/cooling can be 20–50% of home energy use, so every draft-proof or extra blanket helps.

To maximize efficiency: get a high-star-rated heater (6 or 7 stars), correctly sized for your home. A tiny underpowered heater will run flat-out and waste fuel; an oversized one will short-cycle. Install thick curtains and use the thermostat wisely (each degree above ~20 °C can add roughly 5–10% to your gas usage). And of course, use zoning – why heat the guest bedroom when it’s empty? Turning off zones is a simple way to “turn down the heat” on your bills without freezing out the family.

Maintenance and Safety

Like any appliance, gas ducted heating needs a bit of care. The good news is: not much can go wrong, as long as you do basic upkeep. These systems have few moving parts, so with yearly servicing they can last 15–20 years or more. Annual check-ups are important – a technician will clean the burner and heat exchanger, change or vacuum the filters, and ensure the gas valves and safety switches work properly.

This 1-hour visit prevents dust buildup (which reduces efficiency) and catches small issues (like a cracked heat exchanger or loose duct joint) before they become big repair bills. Regular servicing also keeps your warranty valid and helps maintain efficiency.

As the old saying goes, a warm home shouldn’t give your family unwanted surprises. Gas heaters burn methane or LPG, which is colorless and odorless. A harmless-smelling additive (the classic “rotten egg” scent) lets you know if there’s a leak. If you ever detect that sickly gas smell, treat it as an emergency: turn off the heater, open windows, and call a pro immediately.

Other red flags include: burner flame going orange instead of blue, soot or condensation on the exchanger, or weird smells (burning dust on first start-up is normal, but a persistent burning smell is not). Unusual noises (clanks or rattles) coming from inside the roof cavity are also worth investigating. In short, trust your nose and ears: gas safety should always come first.

Routine maintenance tips for homeowners:

• Change filters/clean vents (or have a pro do it) once a year. Dirty filters starve airflow and make the blower work harder.
  
  
• Check vents and grilles for any blockages (kids’ toys, spiders, etc.) so air can flow freely.
  
  
• Test your thermostat and controllers – replace batteries if needed. Make sure remote sensors (if any) are clear of obstructions.
  
  
• Insulate and weatherstrip your home. One study found that up to 25% of heat loss happens through drafts. The simplest way to boost any heater’s performance is to keep the heat inside.
  
  

By staying on top of these basics, you’ll keep the gas ducted heating “invisible” – providing warmth without any fuss. In fact, once installed and tuned, most people forget it’s there until next winter (in the meantime it’s out of sight in the ceiling!).

Conclusion

Gas ducted heating is a powerful, whole-home solution for Australian winter chills. It delivers instant, comfortable warmth to every room, often at a lower running cost than electric options. With the ability to zone heat, use smart controls, and burn fuel at ~90% efficiency, it makes your home as snug as a bug in a rug. Of course, it is a fossil fuel system, so it comes with some CO₂ emissions and requires a gas connection. But for many Mornington Peninsula households, it remains a popular and cost-effective choice.

We’ve covered how it works, why it’s efficient, and how to keep it running smoothly (yearly servicing is key). By comparing it to electric systems and following energy-saving tips (seal leaks, set modest temps, etc.), you can make an informed decision. If you’re designing a new home or upgrading an old heater, consider a high-efficiency, zoned gas system. For current homeowners, remember that simple maintenance and smart use (like switching off zones) will keep your bills down.

In summary: gas ducted heating is like a hidden chef in the kitchen preparing the perfect home-warming dish. It works quietly behind the scenes, giving you cozy results. If you have more questions (e.g. about cost, installation, or “Is ducted gas heating worth it?”), keep reading the FAQs below, or chat with a certified installer. Here’s to a snug, toasty winter at home!

Sources: This guide drew on expert heating advice and official resources. The Australian government notes that heating/cooling can use up to 20–50% of home energy, so efficiency matters. Leading HVAC specialists and manufacturers confirm that ducted gas systems convert around 90% of fuel to heat, can operate zoned for savings, and require only yearly servicing. We’ve cited industry experts and government data to ensure the info is up-to-date and trustworthy. Enjoy a warm home this winter, and may your gas ducted heater run like clockwork!

Frequently Asked Questions