Reverse Cycle vs Gas Heating (Ducted)
Compare ducted reverse cycle heat pump systems with ducted gas heating — upfront cost, running costs, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and which heating method is better for Australian homes in 2026.
Winner
Daikin Australia
Best overall option once average cost, coverage, and support reputation are weighed together.
Average Gap
$7,800
Difference in average pricing across overlapping ducted AC products.
Market Range
$2,500 - $35,000
The full low-to-high range across both providers.
Melbourne, VIC · Est. 1958
From
$3,500
Average
$6,700
Coverage
8 areas
Best for: Homeowners in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Canberra wanting reliable ducted gas heating with evaporative or add-on refrigerated cooling from Australia's most established heating brand.
Review BrivisSydney, NSW · Est. 1969
From
$2,500
Average
$14,500
Coverage
10 areas
Best for: Homeowners wanting premium ducted reverse cycle air conditioning from the world's leading manufacturer, with industry-best energy efficiency and a comprehensive national dealer network.
Review Daikin AustraliaSide-by-Side Price Comparison
Compare overlapping product types directly so the right price anchor is clear before you purchase.
| Product | Brivis | Daikin Australia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brivis Ducted Gas Heater (supply + install) | $6,500 | N/A | - |
| Brivis Evaporative Cooler (supply + install) | $5,800 | N/A | - |
| Brivis Gas Heater + Evap Cooler Package | $9,500 | N/A | - |
| Brivis Add-on Refrigerated Cooling | $5,000 | N/A | - |
| Daikin Ducted RC (Small Home, supply + install) | N/A | $11,500 | - |
| Daikin Ducted RC (Medium Home, supply + install) | N/A | $17,000 | - |
| Daikin Ducted RC (Large Home, supply + install) | N/A | $26,000 | - |
| Daikin Zone Controller Add-on | N/A | $3,500 | - |
Pros & Cons
Brivis
Pros
- ✓Australia's most trusted brand for ducted gas heating — over 65 years of manufacturing experience and a deep understanding of Australian climate conditions
- ✓Comprehensive product range covering ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, add-on refrigerated cooling, and zone control from a single brand
- ✓National dealer and installer network ensures parts availability, warranty support, and qualified installation across all capital cities
Cons
- ✗Brivis does not manufacture ducted reverse cycle systems — for full reverse cycle, you need a different brand such as Daikin or Actron Air
- ✗Gas heating running costs are higher than reverse cycle heat pump heating — consider total cost of ownership over the system's 15–20 year life
Daikin Australia
WinnerPros
- ✓World's largest air conditioning manufacturer with industry-leading inverter technology and energy efficiency ratings across the entire ducted range
- ✓Broadest ducted reverse cycle product range in Australia — from compact 7kW systems for small homes to 20kW+ systems for large properties
- ✓National Daikin Specialist Dealer network ensures qualified installation, warranty support, and parts availability across all Australian capital cities and many regional areas
Cons
- ✗Premium pricing — Daikin systems typically cost 10–20% more than mid-range brands for equivalent capacity systems
- ✗Daikin's own zone control system is functional but less feature-rich than third-party options like Advantage Air or AirTouch — many installers pair Daikin systems with third-party zone controllers
Bottom Line
Verdict
Ducted gas heating ($4,500–$9,000 installed) heats quickly and is familiar to many Australian homeowners, particularly in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Canberra. However, gas heating running costs have increased significantly in recent years due to rising gas prices. Ducted reverse cycle systems ($8,000–$30,000 installed) cost more upfront but produce 3–5kW of heating for every 1kW of electricity consumed, making them 300–500% efficient. Over a 15-year system life, reverse cycle typically saves $5,000–$15,000 in running costs compared to gas. Reverse cycle also provides cooling, eliminating the need for a separate evaporative or refrigerated cooling system.
For most Australian homes in 2026, ducted reverse cycle is the better choice. It costs more upfront but provides both heating and cooling from one system with significantly lower running costs than gas. Gas heating remains a viable option in very cold climates (Canberra, Hobart) where the fast, high-output heat delivery of gas is valued, particularly when paired with affordable add-on refrigerated cooling. Brivis is Australia's leading gas heating brand. Daikin is the premium choice for ducted reverse cycle. Consider your local gas and electricity prices, climate, and whether you value lower upfront cost (gas) or lower lifetime cost (reverse cycle).
Comparison FAQ
Brivis is cheaper on average in this comparison, but the right answer depends on your specific requirements including home size, system capacity, energy efficiency priority, and whether full installation or supply-only is included in the price.
System capacity (kW) matched to your home size, energy star rating, zone control inclusion, warranty terms (compressor, parts, and labour), installer credentials (ARCTick licence, electrical licence), and whether the quote is fully inclusive of equipment, installation, ductwork, electrical connection, and commissioning. Always confirm exactly what is included.
For most Australian homes in 2026, ducted reverse cycle is the better choice. It costs more upfront but provides both heating and cooling from one system with significantly lower running costs than gas. Gas heating remains a viable option in very cold climates (Canberra, Hobart) where the fast, high-output heat delivery of gas is valued, particularly when paired with affordable add-on refrigerated cooling. Brivis is Australia's leading gas heating brand. Daikin is the premium choice for ducted reverse cycle. Consider your local gas and electricity prices, climate, and whether you value lower upfront cost (gas) or lower lifetime cost (reverse cycle).