Ducted Heating Prices
$150 – $12,000
Typical range · service to new install · Updated March 2026
Real pricing data for gas ducted installation, reverse cycle ducted systems, duct cleaning, zone controller upgrades, add-on cooling, and annual servicing. Know what you should pay before you get quotes.
How we get these prices: we review 200+ ducted heating price points across gas ducted installs, reverse cycle systems, duct cleaning, zone controller upgrades, add-on cooling, and annual servicing, then adjust for house size, number of zones, brand, and location so the totals stay comparable.
Choose Your Country
Select a country to see detailed ducted heating pricing by city
Australia
ducted heating
From $150
13 services · 8 cities with data
8 regions covered
View Australia prices →
United Kingdom
central heating
From £70
13 services · 5 cities with data
4 regions covered
View United Kingdom prices →
United States
HVAC
From $100
13 services · 5 cities with data
12 regions covered
View United States prices →
Canada
forced air heating
From C$120
13 services · 4 cities with data
6 regions covered
View Canada prices →
New Zealand
ducted heating
From NZ$160
13 services · 3 cities with data
5 regions covered
View New Zealand prices →
Ducted Heating Prices by Service Type — Australia
National average prices — including labour and GST
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Ducted Install — Small House (up to 15 sq) | /job | $3,500 | $4,400 | $5,500 |
| Gas Ducted Install — Medium House (15–25 sq) | /job | $5,000 | $6,300 | $8,000 |
| Gas Ducted Install — Large House (25 sq+) | /job | $7,500 | $10,000 | $13,000 |
| Reverse Cycle Ducted System (heating & cooling) | /job | $6,000 | $9,500 | $14,000 |
| Ducted Gas Heater Replacement | /job | $2,200 | $3,200 | $4,500 |
| Duct Cleaning (whole house) | /job | $300 | $480 | $700 |
| Duct Repair and Sealing | /job | $250 | $550 | $900 |
| Zone Controller Upgrade | /job | $600 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Thermostat Replacement | /job | $200 | $380 | $600 |
| Add-On Cooling to Existing Ducted Gas | /job | $3,500 | $5,000 | $7,000 |
| Evaporative to Refrigerated Conversion | /job | $5,000 | $7,000 | $10,000 |
| Annual Service and Maintenance | /job | $150 | $240 | $350 |
| Duct Insulation Upgrade | /job | $800 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
Based on verified quotes from ducted heating installers. All prices AUD including GST. Last updated March 2026.
Common Ducted Heating Jobs and What They Cost
Real project costs based on complete scope — including supply, installation, and commissioning.
| Job | Typical scope | Typical price | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Install gas ducted heating in a 3-bedroom brick veneer home | Supply and install 5-star gas ducted heater, lay flexible ductwork through ceiling cavity to 8 outlets, install wall thermostat and zone controller, gas connection and commissioning | $5,000–$8,000 | 1–2 days installation |
| Replace ageing Brivis or Braemar ducted heater unit | Remove old ducted heater, supply and fit new equivalent-capacity unit using existing ductwork, reconnect gas and electrical, test and commission system | $2,200–$4,500 | 4–8 hours |
| Install reverse cycle ducted system in a 4-bedroom home | Supply and install Daikin or ActronAir reverse cycle ducted system with outdoor unit, ceiling cassette, full ductwork to 10 zones, smart zone controller, and commissioning | $8,000–$14,000 | 2–3 days installation |
| Add refrigerated cooling to existing gas ducted system | Install add-on cooling kit with evaporator coil, outdoor condensing unit, integrate with existing ductwork and controls, test and commission cooling operation | $3,500–$7,000 | 1–2 days |
| Whole-house duct cleaning and inspection | Clean all supply and return ducts using negative pressure vacuum, clean grilles and fan housing, inspect ductwork for leaks or damage, provide condition report | $300–$700 | 2–4 hours |
| Upgrade to multi-zone smart controller | Replace single-zone manual control with 6-zone smart controller, install motorised zone dampers, configure app control and temperature scheduling for each zone | $600–$1,500 | 4–6 hours |
What Affects the Price of Ducted Heating?
House size and number of outlets
House size is the primary cost driver for ducted heating installations. A small home (up to 15 squares) typically needs 6–8 outlets and a lower-capacity unit. A large home (over 25 squares) may require 12–16 outlets and a high-capacity unit, significantly increasing both equipment and ductwork costs.
Number of heating zones
Basic systems heat the whole house as one zone. Adding zone controllers with motorised dampers allows different areas to be heated independently, increasing comfort and reducing running costs. Each additional zone adds $150–$400 to the installation cost.
Existing duct condition and infrastructure
Replacing a ducted heater using existing ductwork is significantly cheaper than a full installation. Old, damaged, or undersized ductwork may need to be partially or fully replaced, adding $800–$3,000 to the job depending on the extent of replacement required.
Brand and star rating
Leading Australian brands (Brivis, Braemar, Rinnai, Daikin, ActronAir) vary in price by $300–$1,500 for equivalent capacity. Higher star-rated units cost more upfront but deliver lower running costs over the unit's 15–20 year life. A 6-star unit can save $200–$600/year in gas costs compared to a 4-star unit.
Gas ducted vs reverse cycle
Gas ducted systems are cheaper to install ($3,500–$13,000) but gas-only. Reverse cycle ducted systems cost more ($6,000–$14,000) but provide year-round heating and cooling, making them better value in climates with both hot and cold seasons. Running costs depend heavily on local gas vs electricity tariffs.
Ceiling height and roof space access
Standard ceiling heights (2.4–2.7 m) with accessible roof space are the cheapest to install in. High ceilings, hip roofs with tight crawl space, concrete slabs with no ceiling cavity, or two-storey homes all require more complex installation solutions that increase labour cost.
Insulation quality of the home
A poorly insulated home needs a higher-capacity unit to maintain comfort, increasing both equipment and running costs. Upgrading ceiling insulation before installing ducted heating can allow a smaller, cheaper unit to be specified while achieving the same comfort outcome.
Access difficulty and ductwork routing
Homes with easy roof space access and open ceiling cavities are cheaper to duct. Hip roofs, split-level homes, vaulted ceilings, and homes with tight or restricted roof space all increase labour time. Difficult access can add $500–$2,000 to a standard installation.
Ducted Heating Price Trends — 2021 to 2026
How ducted heating costs have changed and what to expect in 2026–2027
| Service | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas Ducted Install (small house) | $3,200 | $3,600 | $3,900 | $4,100 | $4,250 | $4,400 | +38% |
| Gas Ducted Install (medium house) | $4,500 | $5,000 | $5,500 | $5,900 | $6,100 | $6,300 | +40% |
| Reverse Cycle Ducted System | $7,000 | $7,800 | $8,400 | $8,900 | $9,200 | $9,500 | +36% |
| Gas Heater Replacement | $2,200 | $2,500 | $2,800 | $2,950 | $3,100 | $3,200 | +45% |
| Add-On Cooling | $3,800 | $4,200 | $4,500 | $4,700 | $4,900 | $5,000 | +32% |
| Duct Cleaning (whole house) | $350 | $380 | $420 | $450 | $465 | $480 | +37% |
| Zone Controller Upgrade | $700 | $780 | $860 | $920 | $960 | $1,000 | +43% |
| Annual Service / Maintenance | $170 | $185 | $205 | $220 | $232 | $240 | +41% |
Component and refrigerant costs
Electronic control boards, heat exchangers, and refrigerant prices have risen steeply since 2021. Copper prices affect both ductwork fittings and refrigerant line sets. Supply chain disruptions from 2021\u20132023 created lasting upward pressure on equipment costs that has not fully reversed.
HVAC trade labour shortages
Licensed HVAC technicians and gasfitters are in short supply across Australia. The trade requires specific licensing, refrigerant handling certification, and gas fitting qualifications. This skilled-worker shortage supports higher labour rates and limits competitive pricing pressure.
2026–2027 outlook
Prices are expected to increase 3\u20135% per year through 2027 as equipment costs stabilise but labour rates continue rising. The transition away from gas in some states (particularly ACT and Victoria) is driving demand for reverse cycle systems, supporting higher prices for that category.
Gas Ducted vs Reverse Cycle Ducted — Side-by-Side
The two main ducted heating systems compared on cost, efficiency, and suitability
| Factor | Gas Ducted | Reverse Cycle Ducted |
|---|---|---|
| Install cost (medium home) | $5,000–$8,000 | $8,000–$14,000 |
| Heating capacity | Excellent — fast warm-up, even heat | Very good — slightly slower warm-up in sub-5°C conditions |
| Cooling | No (add-on cooling $3,500–$7,000 extra) | Yes — built in, year-round climate control |
| Running cost (heating only) | $600–$1,200/year (gas) | $400–$900/year (electricity) |
| Running cost (heating + cooling) | $600–$1,200 heating + separate AC | $700–$1,400/year (combined) |
| Energy star rating | 3–6 star (gas energy rating) | 2–5 star (zoned energy rating label) |
| Carbon emissions | Higher — burns natural gas | Lower — uses electricity (even lower with solar) |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years | 15–20 years (compressor warranty typically 5 years) |
| Maintenance cost | $150–$350/year (annual gas service mandatory) | $100–$250/year (filter clean, refrigerant check) |
| Best suited for | Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra — cold winters, mild summers | Sydney, Brisbane, Perth — need both heating and cooling |
| Future-proofing | At risk — gas phase-out policies in VIC and ACT | Strong — aligns with electrification trend and solar integration |
Bottom line: If you only need heating and have access to natural gas, a gas ducted system is cheaper to install and delivers excellent warmth. If you need both heating and cooling, or your state is moving toward gas phase-out, reverse cycle ducted is the better long-term investment. In the ACT, new gas connections are being phased out — reverse cycle is the only future-proof option for new builds and major renovations.
Ducted Heating Running Costs by Energy Source
Annual estimated running costs based on a 3-bedroom home in Melbourne (150 heating days)
| System type | Energy rate | Annual cost (heating) | With solar offset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas ducted (5-star) | $0.035–$0.045/MJ | $800–$1,100 | N/A (gas) |
| Gas ducted (3-star) | $0.035–$0.045/MJ | $1,000–$1,400 | N/A (gas) |
| Reverse cycle ducted (COP 4.0) | $0.28–$0.35/kWh | $450–$700 | $200–$400 |
| Reverse cycle ducted (COP 3.0) | $0.28–$0.35/kWh | $600–$900 | $300–$550 |
| Evaporative + gas ducted | Mixed | $700–$1,000 (heating only) | Partial |
Estimates based on 2026 Victorian energy tariffs. COP = Coefficient of Performance (higher = more efficient). Solar offset assumes 6.6kW rooftop system with daytime heating use.
What's Included vs What Costs Extra
Usually Included in the Quote
- ✓ Supply and install of the ducted heater unit
- ✓ Flexible ductwork to all outlets
- ✓ Supply and return air grilles
- ✓ Wall-mounted thermostat or controller
- ✓ Gas connection to existing gas point
- ✓ Electrical connection
- ✓ Testing, commissioning, and handover
- ✓ Manufacturer warranty registration
Often Costs Extra
- ✗ New gas line run from meter ($300–$800)
- ✗ Switchboard upgrade for electrical load ($500–$1,500)
- ✗ Removal and disposal of old unit ($150–$400)
- ✗ Duct insulation upgrade ($800–$2,500)
- ✗ Zone controller with motorised dampers ($600–$1,500)
- ✗ Asbestos duct removal in older homes ($500–$3,000)
- ✗ Ceiling or wall patching after ductwork changes
- ✗ Smart controller or app integration upgrade ($200–$500)
How to Get the Best Deal on Ducted Heating
Install in Summer
Ducted heating installers are quietest from December to February. Off-season discounts of 5–15% are common, lead times are shorter, and installers can take more care without time pressure.
Get 3 Written Quotes
Quotes should itemise the unit brand and model, ductwork scope, number of outlets, controller type, gas connection, and any extras. Compare like-for-like — a cheap quote may use smaller ductwork or fewer zones.
Reuse Existing Ductwork
If your existing ductwork is in good condition, a unit-only replacement saves $2,000–$5,000 compared to a full installation. Ask the installer to inspect ducts before quoting a full replacement.
Insulate First
Adding ceiling insulation before installation allows a smaller, cheaper unit to be specified. R5.0 ceiling batts cost $1,500–$3,000 but can save $500–$1,000 on the heater unit and reduce running costs by 20–40%.
Consider Zoning
A zone controller ($600–$1,500) pays for itself within 2–3 years by only heating occupied rooms. For homes with 3+ bedrooms, zoning reduces running costs by 20–35% compared to heating the whole house.
Check Government Rebates
Some states offer rebates for switching from gas to reverse cycle systems. Victoria's Victorian Energy Upgrades program and the ACT's Home Energy Support Program can reduce upfront costs by $500–$2,000. Check your state energy authority for current offers.
What to Expect When Getting Ducted Heating Installed
Site Assessment
A qualified installer inspects your roof space, measures the home, checks gas supply and electrical capacity, and assesses insulation. This determines the unit size, ductwork layout, and number of outlets needed. Most installers offer free assessments.
Written Quote and System Design
You receive a detailed quote specifying the unit brand, model, and capacity, number and location of outlets, zone controller details, and all additional works. Good installers provide a ductwork layout diagram showing where each outlet will be positioned.
Installation Day(s)
Installers work primarily in the roof space, laying flexible ductwork and mounting the heater unit. Outlet holes are cut in ceilings or floors, grilles fitted, and the thermostat mounted. Gas and electrical connections are made last. A standard install takes 1–2 days with 2–3 installers on site.
Commissioning and Handover
The system is tested on all zones, airflow is balanced across outlets, and the controller is programmed. You should receive a compliance certificate for the gas work, warranty documentation, and operating instructions. Check every outlet produces warm air before the installers leave.
Best Time to Install Ducted Heating
When prices are lowest and installer availability is highest
| Season | Availability | Pricing | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | High availability | Lowest rates | Best time to install ducted heating — low demand means installers have full availability, often offer off-season discounts, and can take more care with installation quality. |
| Autumn (Mar–Apr) | Moderate | Standard rates | Good window before the pre-winter rush. Installers have good availability and are motivated to fill their schedules before the busy winter season. |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Very high demand | Peak rates | Most expensive and hardest time to book. Emergency replacements may face premium rates and delays. Avoid if possible — or book well ahead in April or May. |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Improving | Standard–moderate | A reasonable time for non-urgent installations as winter demand eases. Summer installs are still the best value but spring offers good availability and competitive pricing. |
Ducted Heating by City — Australia
Key pricing and installer insights across Australia's major cities
Melbourne
Highest ducted gas heating penetration in Australia. Competitive installer market — prices typically 5–10% below national average. Brivis and Braemar have strong dealer networks.
View Melbourne prices →Sydney
Prices 10–15% above national average due to high demand and complex roof configurations. Book 4–6 weeks ahead before winter. Reverse cycle systems growing in popularity.
View Sydney prices →Adelaide
Most competitive pricing in Australia. Braemar is manufactured locally and has excellent dealer support. Strong gas ducted culture with good installer availability.
View Adelaide prices →Perth
Strong ducted gas market with competitive pricing. Many homes have existing evaporative systems that can be replaced or supplemented with refrigerated ducted cooling.
View Perth prices →Canberra
Coldest Australian capital — ducted heating is essential. High-star-rated units strongly recommended. ACT government plans to phase out new gas connections — consider reverse cycle as future-proof option.
View Canberra prices →Brisbane
Lower ducted heating demand — mild winters mean gas ducted is rarely installed. Reverse cycle ducted dominates as it provides essential summer cooling with adequate winter heating. Prices 5–10% above national average due to fewer specialist installers.
View Brisbane prices →Hobart
Tasmania's cold winters drive strong ducted heating demand. Gas ducted and reverse cycle both popular. Installer availability is more limited than mainland capitals — book 6–8 weeks ahead in autumn. Prices comparable to Melbourne.
View Hobart prices →Ducted heating installation in Australia costs $3,500–$5,500 for a small house, $5,000–$8,000 for a medium house, and $7,500–$13,000 for a large house. Reverse cycle ducted systems (heating and cooling) cost $6,000–$14,000. All prices include GST and labour.
Gas ducted heating uses a natural gas furnace to heat air and distribute it through ductwork. Reverse cycle ducted uses an electric heat pump that can both heat and cool the home. Gas ducted systems cost less to install but only provide heating. Reverse cycle systems cost more upfront but provide year-round climate control and may have lower running costs depending on local energy tariffs.
The leading Australian ducted gas heating brands are Brivis (Melbourne, est. 1966), Braemar (Adelaide, est. 1939), and Rinnai. For reverse cycle ducted systems, Daikin and ActronAir dominate the market. All five brands are well-supported with extensive dealer and service networks across Australia.
A standard gas ducted heating installation in an accessible single-storey home takes 1–2 days. Replacing an existing unit using existing ductwork typically takes 4–8 hours. Complex installations in two-storey homes, homes with restricted roof access, or full reverse cycle systems can take 2–3 days.
If a ducted heater is under 10 years old, repair is usually more cost-effective for faults under $800. For units over 15 years old, replacement is almost always better value — newer units are significantly more efficient and parts for old units can be expensive or unavailable. A new installation using existing ductwork typically costs $2,200–$4,500.
Annual servicing is recommended for gas ducted heating systems. A service ($150–$350) includes filter replacement, heat exchanger inspection, flue check, gas pressure test, and efficiency assessment. Regular servicing extends unit life, maintains efficiency, and is important for safety — gas leaks in heat exchangers are a serious carbon monoxide risk.
Yes — add-on refrigerated cooling can be retrofitted to most gas ducted heating systems. An add-on cooling system ($3,500–$7,000) installs an evaporator coil in the heating unit and a separate outdoor condensing unit, using the existing ductwork for distribution. This is usually cheaper than a full reverse cycle replacement if the gas heater is in good condition.
Professional duct cleaning uses negative pressure vacuum equipment and rotary brushes to remove dust, allergens, and debris from all supply and return ducts, grilles, and fan housing. A whole-house duct clean costs $300–$700 and takes 2–4 hours. Recommended every 3–5 years for most homes, or every 2 years for homes with pets or allergy sufferers.
Upgrading to a multi-zone smart controller costs $600–$1,500 depending on the number of zones and whether motorised dampers need to be installed. Smart zone controllers allow different areas of the home to be heated independently via an app, reducing running costs by only heating occupied areas.
For most Australian climates, a 5–6 star rated gas ducted heater is recommended. While higher star units cost $300–$800 more upfront, they can save $200–$600 per year in gas costs compared to a 3–4 star unit. The payback period is typically 2–4 years, making the efficiency premium well worthwhile for most homeowners.
Yes — ducted heating prices have risen 35–45% since 2021, driven by supply chain disruptions for components, higher copper and refrigerant costs, and labour shortages in the HVAC trade. Gas heater replacement prices are among the highest increases. Prices are expected to stabilise in 2026–2027 as supply chains normalise.
The right choice depends on your climate, energy tariffs, and existing infrastructure. In Melbourne, Adelaide, and Canberra where winters are cold, gas ducted heating remains popular and cost-effective. In Sydney, Brisbane, and Queensland where cooling is equally important, reverse cycle ducted systems are increasingly preferred. In Canberra, the ACT government plans to phase out new gas connections — reverse cycle is the future-proof option.
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