In the heart of 2023, as we navigate through changing climates and evolving technologies, the decision between gas ducted heating and split system technologies takes on renewed significance. Furthermore, the high amount of gas bills you spend to make your home cozy in any weather makes the switching decision more essential. If you don’t have a deep insight into the difference between gas ducted heating and reverse multi-split systems, this is the perfect place for you. Join us as we venture on a journey to unravel the intricacies of these heating options and discover an excellent solution tailored to your home’s unique needs. Also, you will discover why replacing gas ducted heating with electric split system is recommended. Want to delve more in-depth into the nuances and make an informed decision about your home’s comfort? Read our comprehensive guide for an insightful exploration!
How Does a Gas Ducted Heater Work?
1. Gas Combustion
The process initiates with the ignition of natural gas within the heater’s combustion chamber. As the gas burner ignites, it produces a controlled flame, generating heat energy.
2. Heat Exchanger
Following the ignition, the heat energy produced by the flame is transferred to a heat exchanger. This vital component serves to isolate the combustion gases from the circulating air within the ducts. As the heat exchanger gradually heats up, it warms the surrounding air without intermingling the combustion gases with the indoor air, ensuring safe and efficient heating.
3. Air Circulation
- Air Intake: Indoor air is pulled into the system through a return air grille, typically cooler than the heat exchanger.
- Air Heating: The heated heat exchanger heats the indoor air as it flows over its surface. This heated air is then directed into the ductwork for distribution.
4. Distribution
- Ductwork: The heated air is channeled through an intricate network of ducts that spans the entirety of the house, ensuring uniform distribution. These ducts transport the warmed air to various rooms and living areas, ensuring every corner receives adequate heating.
- Vents and Registers: Within each room, strategically placed vents or registers act as portals for the heated air to enter. These can be adjusted to fine-tune the flow of warm air into individual spaces, offering personalized comfort tailored to specific preferences.
5. Thermostat Control
Serving as the master controller, the thermostat oversees the entire heating process. It continuously monitors the indoor temperature and communicates with the heater, prompting it to activate or deactivate according to the preset temperature settings. The heater cycles off once the desired temperature is reached to ensure a steady and comfortable environment.
Electric Multi-Split Air Conditioner
1. Cooling Process
- Evaporator Unit (Indoor): Inside the indoor unit, you’ll find the evaporator coil and a fan. This unit pulls warm air from indoors through the return air grille, passing it over the cold evaporator coil. The refrigerant within the coil absorbs heat from the air, effectively cooling it down.
- Refrigerant: Refrigerant is a chemical compound that transitions between a gas and a liquid state, exchanging heat. It absorbs heat when it turns into a gas and releases heat when it turns into a liquid, facilitating the cooling or heating process in an air conditioning or refrigeration system.
2. Heat Transfer
- Condenser Coil (Outdoor): In the outdoor unit, you’ll find the condenser coil where the hot, pressurized refrigerant gas is released. Here, outdoor air blown over the coil by a fan absorbs the heat from the refrigerant, pushing it to condense back into a liquid form.
- Compressor: After being heated, the refrigerant gas travels to the outdoor condenser unit. This is where the compressor pressurizes the gas. Furthermore, this process elevates the temperature of the refrigerant gas, preparing it for the next stage in the cooling cycle.
3. Expansion Valve
Following the details above, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant streams through an expansion valve (or metering device), experiencing rapid expansion and transitioning back into a low-pressure gas state. This transformation triggers a significant drop in temperature, rendering the refrigerant extremely cold.
4. Cool Air Circulation
Once cooled, the refrigerant gas returns to the evaporator coil within the indoor unit to restart the cycle. Inside, the fan blows warm indoor air across the chilled evaporator coil. This air extracts heat from the coil, resulting in its cooling and subsequent circulation as cold air throughout the living space. That’s why the system is also known as reverse cycle air conditioner.
Gas Ducted Heater vs. Electric Multi-Split Systems
Now that you know how the two heating and cooling systems work, it is best to compare their benefits side by side. This will help you decide on the gas ducted heater replacement process. Moreover, we outlined a comparison chart below to help you better see their differences in terms of various factors. That includes installation and zoning, initial cost, energy efficiency, and more. Find them below to have more insights.
| Features | Gas Ducted Heater | Electric Multi-Split System |
| Heating and Cooling | Gas ducted heaters are primarily designed for heating and typically lack built-in cooling features. While some models offer the option to add cooling via additional components like ducted air conditioning systems, this increases complexity and cost. Consequently, gas ducted heaters prioritize efficient heating and may be less versatile for cooling than electric multi-split systems. | Electric multi-split systems provide both heating and cooling functionalities in a single system. They consist of an outdoor unit attached to multiple indoor air-handling units. By reversing the refrigeration cycle, they efficiently cool indoor spaces during hot weather, ensuring comfort. Additionally, during colder months, air conditioner can heat indoor spaces using electrical resistance, maintaining consistent warmth throughout the home. |
| Installation and Zoning | Gas ducted heaters often require extensive ductwork installation throughout the home, which can be labor-intensive and disruptive. Regarding zoning, gas ducted heaters typically utilize manual zoning dampers in the ductwork, which may require manual adjustments. | These systems offer simpler installation without ductwork, ensuring faster setup. They provide advanced zoning capabilities, with each indoor unit controlled independently for precise temperature regulation in various zones, typically through programmable thermostats or smartphone apps, enhancing convenience and flexibility. |
| Initial Cost and Energy Efficiency | Due to the required ductwork, installing a ducted gas heater is complex and costly. Although operational costs can be economical in regions with lower natural gas prices, this is changing, especially with the phase-out of gas in Victoria and nationally. That is one of the main reasons why you must replace gas ducted heating with reverse cycle system. | This system typically has lower upfront costs compared to ducted gas heaters. Although they’re designed to be energy-efficient, they can consume substantial electricity, possibly resulting in higher energy bills. To mitigate this, look for units with high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. |
| Environmental Impact | Gas ducted heaters emit combustion byproducts, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. | Due to the required ductwork, installing a ducted gas heater is complex and costly. Although operational costs can be economical in regions with lower natural gas prices, this is changing, especially with the phase-out of gas in Victoria and nationally. That is one of the main reasons why you must replace gas ducted heating with reverse cycle air conditioner. |
Detailed Price Factors to Consider
The main cost contrast between gas ducted heating and a split system usually arises from installation expenses. Due to ductwork needs, gas systems necessitate intricate installation, leading to higher initial outlays. On the other hand, split systems are easier to install and usually have lower upfront costs. Furthermore, below is a detailed comparison of the price factors of the two heating and cooling systems.
| Price Factors | Gas Ducted Heater | Electric Multi-Split System |
| Initial Equipment Expenses | Central heating unit, vents, and ducts. | Outdoor and indoor units. |
| Complexity of Installation | It is more complicated as it involves ductwork. | No complex ducts result in simpler installation. |
| Efficiency and Upkeep | Regular maintenance is needed for optimal efficiency. | Lower maintenance needs. |
| Effect on Cooling Capability | It doesn’t have a cooling features. The system is meant for heating. | Both heating and cooling are included, which is convenient for the overall cost. |
| Reliance on Energy Source | Gas prices depend on a region. | Electricity rates can vary significantly. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there an electric replacement for gas ducted heating?
Electric multi-split systems offer a viable alternative to gas ducted heating. These systems utilize electrical power to provide heating and cooling functionalities. Also, they offer efficient and versatile climate control solutions for residential and commercial spaces.
2. How much does it cost to replace a ducted gas heater?
The cost of replacing a ducted gas heater can vary depending on factors such as the size of the system, installation requirements, and any additional upgrades needed. It’s advisable to consult with HVAC professionals for accurate cost estimates tailored to your specific circumstances. Alternatively, you can contact Opt Energy, a VEU accredited provider, to help replace gas ducted heater to reverse cycle multi-split systems. They will help you confirm your eligibility for the VEU scheme and have a multi-split air conditioner rebate.
3. What are the considerations in ducted gas heater replacement?
Considerations in ducted gas heater replacement include the suitability of the existing infrastructure for accommodating the new system. In addition, energy efficiency improvements, potential cost savings over time, and any environmental impacts associated with the switch. Consulting with HVAC experts can help assess these factors and determine the best action before replacing gas ducted heating with electric.
Conclusion
In conclusion, replacing gas ducted heating with electric heating and cooling system presents a compelling opportunity for efficient and versatile climate control. This ducted heating replacement offers numerous benefits. That includes enhanced energy efficiency, year-round heating and cooling capabilities, and reduced environmental impact. By embracing this upgrade, homeowners can enjoy greater comfort, lower utility bills, and a more sustainable heating and cooling solution for their living spaces. Switching to a reverse-cycle air conditioner represents a proactive step towards modernizing and optimizing residential heating systems. It involves carefully considering installation costs, system performance, and long-term savings.