Gas Ducted Heating Replacement Melbourne
Replace an old gas ducted heater with a safer, more efficient heating and cooling system.
ExtrordinAir helps Melbourne homeowners replace ageing gas ducted heating, upgrade to reverse-cycle electric systems, and safely decommission old gas heaters where required.
Should you replace your gas ducted heater?
A replacement may be worth considering if your system is:
- more than 15 years old
- becoming inefficient and expensive to run
- heating unevenly
- breaking down regularly
- making unusual noises
- showing signs of gas leaks, poor combustion, or heat exchanger issues
- no longer worth repairing
Old gas heaters can also create safety risks if they are poorly maintained or affected by ventilation changes in the home. If you suspect a gas or carbon monoxide issue, stop using the heater and have it checked by a qualified gasfitter.
Your Choices for Gas Ducted Heating Replacement in Melbourne
A new gas heating system can suit homeowners who want to retain an established ducted setup, particularly where the ductwork is in sound condition. For others, reverse-cycle heating systems provide whole-home heating and cooling from one system and can reduce reliance on gas. The right heating replacement depends on the condition of the existing heater and ducts, electrical capacity, home layout, comfort priorities and budget. Correct sizing should be based on an onsite assessment, while ducting and switchboard suitability may need review when changing from gas to reverse cycle. Zoning can also help you heat or cool areas independently rather than the whole home at once.
Our professional Melbourne gas team checks the practical details before recommending a path forward. Whether you need a straightforward heating service and replacement, duct modifications to support a new system, or safe decommissioning of an old unit, we explain your options clearly. Eligible households may also access Victorian Energy Upgrades discounts for approved high-efficiency reverse-cycle replacements.
There is no Victorian requirement for existing homes to remove or replace a working gas ducted heater yet. The January 2027 all-electric rule applies to new residential builds only, not to existing homes upgrading or replacing an older system. Whether gas or electric is the better option depends on your home, and we assess both before making a recommendation.
When Repairs and Energy Bills Signal It Is Time to Replace
We recommend reviewing a replacement when a ducted heater is more than 15 years old, needs frequent repairs, delivers uneven heating, or is becoming costly to run. Rising energy bills can point to declining efficiency, although the cause should be assessed properly.
Warning Signs That Need Prompt Professional Attention
Do not ignore reduced warmth, unusual noises, repeated breakdowns or concerns about gas ducted heating performance. If your heating system shows signs of a gas leak, poor combustion or a possible heat-exchanger issue, stop using the heater and arrange professional service from the team here at ExtrordinAir. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk where gas appliances are unsafe. We assess the system, explain whether repairs are sensible and recommend a safe path forward, whether that is repair, replacement or decommissioning.
We install reverse-cycle systems from Panasonic, Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu, as well as Hisense and Haier for budget-conscious upgrades. For gas ducted replacements, we work with Brivis, Braemar, and Bonaire.
Can Existing Ductwork Be Reused in Your Melbourne Home?
In many Melbourne homes, existing ductwork can be reused when replacing a ducted heater, provided it is correctly sized, well sealed and in sound condition. A like-for-like gas ducted heating replacement may require fewer changes than a move to a reverse-cycle ducted system.
Controls, Warranty and Ongoing Support From ExtrordinAir
As Melbourne HVAC professionals, we know a new heating system should be straightforward to use long after installation day. Our team will explain the controls for your chosen gas heating or reverse-cycle system, including zoning and everyday settings, so you can manage comfort without conditioning more of the home than needed. Zoning can allow areas to be heated or cooled individually rather than running the whole home at once.
We also discuss warranty coverage before you proceed, including the requirements that apply to eligible Victorian Energy Upgrades systems. Eligible home systems installed under the program must include a minimum five-year warranty. If you choose a gas heating replacement, we can continue to provide heating services, including servicing and maintenance after installation.
For reverse-cycle upgrades, our professional team can assist with ongoing service, practical system advice and maintenance planning. If your needs change, we can review how your heating is performing and help you make informed decisions about repairs, servicing or future upgrades.
Safe gas heater decommissioning
If your old gas ducted heater is being removed or made permanently inactive, decommissioning should be handled by licensed trades, such as the team here at ExtrordinAir.
Our process can include:
- Inspecting the existing gas heater, ductwork, flue, and access
- Confirming whether the old system must be removed, isolated, or made safe
- Arranging licensed gasfitting work to disconnect, cap, and make the gas appliance safe
- Removing the old heater where practical
- Sealing or modifying unused ducts, vents, or penetrations where required
- Installing the new reverse-cycle or replacement heating system
- Providing required compliance documentation for the completed work
We do not recommend simply switching off an old gas heater and leaving unsafe or redundant components in place without an assessment from a qualified gasfitter.
VEU discounts may reduce the upfront cost of replacing a ducted gas heater with an efficient electric option
Eligible Victorian households may receive a discount when replacing an older heating system with an approved high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner.
Current VEU discounts include:
- Up to $5,530 for replacing a ducted gas heater with an eligible ducted reverse-cycle system, depending on system size and eligibility
- Up to $2,940 for a multi-split system (10kW outdoor unit with multiple indoor heads)
- Up to $2,520 for eligible split system installations
We can help check your eligibility and apply the discount directly to your quote, so the upfront cost is reduced before you pay.
Private rental properties may also be eligible. Landlords and tenants should agree on the upgrade before arranging quotes.
Take a Look at Some of Our Gas Heater Upgrades & Replacements
Changeover to Braemar 21kW Gas Heater
This homeowner in Keilor Downs replaced their existing Vulcan ducted heater with a Braemar TQR421 21kW 4.7-star gas ducted heater, reusing the existing ductwork and adding a wired MagIQtouch controller with new thermostat cabling. The old unit was removed and disposed of, ductwork and gas lines were altered to suit the new system, and gas pressure and connection tests were completed. The replacement took around 3 hours and cost the homeowner around $3,900.
Changeover to Brivis Wombat 3.8 Star Gas Heater
This homeowner in Sunbury replaced their old ducted heater with a Brivis Wombat 20, 21kW 3.8-star gas ducted heater, reusing the existing ductwork. We added a new manual thermostat, flue, flashing, and return air grille. The old unit was removed and disposed of, ductwork and gas lines were altered to suit, and gas pressure and connection tests were completed. The system was fully operational in around 3 hours, costing around $3,600.
Changeover to Brivis Wombat 3.8 Star Gas Heater
A homeowner in Footscray replaced their old Vulcan ducted heater with a Brivis SP421 21kW 4-star external gas ducted heater, reusing the existing ductwork and adding a Networker controller. The old unit was removed and disposed of, the installation was subject to gas leak testing, and the changeover was completed in approximately 3 hours at a cost of about $3,750, with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What Homeowners Say About Our Heating Replacements
Why Choose ExtrordinAir?
- Licensed for air conditioning (ARCTick Licence AU29403) and registered plumbers and gasfitters (VBPC Licence 43459)
- Gas and electric replacement options assessed and explained clearly
- On-site inspections or over the phone quotes for like for like replacements
- Servicing Melbourne’s inner north and west for 25 years
- Compliance certificates issued within 5 business days
- Clean installation and removal process
- Manufacturer-backed systems with minimum 5-year warranty
- Ongoing servicing and support
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a replacement ducted heating unit?
Expect to pay between $3000 to $4000 or more for a new ducted heating unit, depending on the size, model, upgrades needed, and whether your heating ducts need replacement.
What happens to the old gas heater?
If the system is being removed or permanently disconnected, licensed trades make the gas connection safe and remove or isolate redundant components where required. We coordinate gasfitting, electrical, and removal as part of the project.
Is it cheaper to run a split system or gas ducted heating?
For most Melbourne homes, a reverse-cycle split system is cheaper to run than gas ducted heating, especially when heating only the rooms you use. Gas is cheaper to buy per raw unit of energy, but a split system is much more efficient. It can turn 1 kWh of electricity into roughly 3 to 5 kWh of heat, while gas ducted heating loses energy through combustion and often through ductwork. Read our post on ducted heating running costs for more information.
What does it cost to replace gas ducted heating with electric?
Replacing gas ducted heating with electric ducted heating in Melbourne costs from around $9,000 to $18,000 depending on size, brand, and complexity. More complex upgrades add to costs, such as zoning, switchboard upgrades, difficult roof access, or longer pipe and cable runs.
Are VEU discounts guaranteed?
No. Eligibility depends on the old system and whether you are replacing it with gas heating or electric heating and cooling. There are no VEU rebates available for gas heater installations, or evaporative cooling installations as Victoria moves to all electric appliances.
Is reverse-cycle heating effective in Melbourne winters?
Yes, when correctly sized and installed. Reverse-cycle systems provide efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer from the same unit. Our blog post compares gas vs electric central heating.
Get a quote
Planning to replace your gas ducted heater? Book a site inspection and we’ll recommend the safest, most practical replacement options for your home, budget, and comfort needs.
Call: 1800 384 988
We aim to reply within 24 business hours.
