Ducted gas heating vs. Ducted reverse cycle heating
No matter where you live in Australia, heating your home can get expensive—especially during those chilly winter months.
If you’re looking to stay warm efficiently, it’s worth exploring a ducted heating comparison to find the best solution.
The most common options for heating include electric, gas, or reverse cycle systems.
Gas and reverse cycle are the most popular, as electric heaters are often costly and inefficient for long-term use.
So if you are tossing up between ducted gas heating and reverse cycle heating, what are the pros and cons and what should you know about each option to ensure you are making the best decision for your property?In this article, we explore both ducted gas heating and reverse cycle heating to provide you with the benefits and features of both and which one offers the most energy efficiency for your needs.
Ducted Gas Heating Overview
Efficient to heat your home, gas heaters are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home and provides a broad range of benefits for property owners looking for a cheap and efficient gas heating option for their home or office.
Gas heating is well known to be kinder to the environment than electricity and generates one-third of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, added to this gas can heat large spaces quick which can reduce heating bills and provide a cheaper alternative for heating spaces.
Using natural gas is often practises as a cleaner alternative as it emits lower levels of emission and is a more natural alternative to other heating options. It also leaves fewer impurities and causes less pollution.
Ducted gas heaters use natural gas to heat the air, which is then circulated via a blower or fan through the ducted network throughout your home or office. A return air vent recirculates air to the furnace of your system, and the cycle begins again. In the furnace is a heat exchanger, which is installed in the roof of your property.
Ducted Heating Comparison: Benefits of Ducted Gas Heating
When comparing heating options for your home or office, it’s important to understand what each system offers.
In this ducted heating comparison, gas heating continues to stand out for efficiency, control, and reliability.
1. Reliable Natural Gas Supply
Ducted gas heating runs on natural gas, which is widely available across Australia.
Unlike electric systems, it won’t be affected by power outages or electrical faults in your area.
2. Instant, Consistent Heat
Natural gas provides near-instant warmth.
Once activated, the heat flows quickly through your ducted vents, warming your selected zones without delay.
3. Clean-Burning and Low Maintenance
Unlike wood fire systems that leave ash and smoke, gas heating is clean-burning.
No messy cleanup or lingering odours—just efficient, comfortable heating.
4. Zoned Heating Control
With a ducted gas system, you can heat specific zones within your home or office.
Want to warm bedrooms only? Just isolate those areas and avoid wasting energy heating unused rooms.
5. Lower Carbon Emissions
Gas systems produce fewer carbon emissions than other fossil-fuel options, making them an eco-friendlier heating choice.
There’s also no solid waste, unlike wood or coal-based systems.
6. Consistent and Long-Term Supply
Natural gas remains in strong supply across Australia.
This ensures your heating system will remain fuelled and reliable for years without concern for shortages.
Why More Australians Are Choosing Gas Heating
As shown in this ducted heating comparison, natural gas offers many advantages for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
It’s colourless, odourless, and incredibly versatile—not just for heating, but also for cooking and hot water systems.
It’s particularly popular in southern Australian states, where winters are colder and more consistent heating is required.
Gas ducted heating works independently of outdoor temperature, making it a dependable solution for year-round comfort.
Reverse Cycle Heating Overview
Reverse cycle heating works to heat your home or property using reverse cycle air conditioning.
In the case of a reverse cycle heating system, a heat pump in the air conditioner is reversed in the refrigeration cycle which produces heating instead of cooling in the inside of the property.
Using reverse cycle heating for heating your property is far more affordable than heating with an electrical heater as well. The reverse cycle heat pump takes heat from the air; the fan forced the air into an evaporator and then the heat is changed to gas which is then recirculated by a compressor into the space requiring heat.
Benefits of reverse cycle heating:
– Even distribution of heating – the air is circulated throughout the property not just in pockets making for a more enjoyable environment.
– Thermostat controlled temperature – the air conditioning temperature is controlled by a thermostat allowing for no overheating or wastage to occur.
– The system can be automated – some reverse cycle systems can be activated via smartphones or set to an alarm to start or turn off when you require. This allows for no wastage of power and also for the heating to be climate controlled for when you need it. On top of this, you can always automate the system so that if you are heading home from work, you won’t need to wait for the temperature to stabilise in your property.
– The system is used year round – reverse cycle air conditioners operate the best when they are used year round and having using reverse cycle heating means your system doesn’t sit dormant for six months of the year which could lead to issues when the time comes to cool your home or property again. Leaving the system dormant for long periods is not ideal, and you should be running the system on a regular basis to ensure that is performing and running at peak condition.
– Safe system – a reverse cycle heater is safe and offers plenty of benefits if you have children or require a safe solution for your heating needs.
If you’re looking for a warm space in winter and a cool space in summer, reverse cycle could be the way to go. Reverse cycle units can be used for both cooling and heating and offer a range of options for property owners that need both options to climate control their property.
Making the Choice Between Ducted Gas Heating and Reverse Cycle Systems
When comparing your options in a ducted heating comparison, the key question is: do you need heating only, or heating and cooling?
Both ducted gas heating and reverse cycle air conditioning systems offer comfort—but each has strengths based on climate and usage.
Heating vs. Heating & Cooling
If your home is in a region with very cold winters, ducted gas heating provides fast, powerful warmth during extreme conditions.
However, if your location experiences both hot summers and chilly winters, a reverse cycle air conditioning system may be more versatile.
It allows you to heat and cool your home from one unit, making it a convenient all-in-one climate solution.
Running Costs & Energy Efficiency
Another major factor in your decision is energy usage.
No matter which option you choose, check the energy star rating for an indication of running cost efficiency.
Look for systems with a 5-star energy rating wherever possible.
Higher-rated systems may cost more upfront but save you significantly in long-term operating costs.
Upfront and Ongoing Costs
To make a smart decision, request quotes for both installation and estimated running costs.
This will help you compare the total cost of ownership for both ducted gas and reverse cycle systems.
Getting this information upfront gives you a clearer idea of what fits your climate, lifestyle, and budget.
Your Location Matters
In this ducted heating comparison, keep in mind that where you live plays a big role in your final choice.
If you live in a cooler southern state, gas heating might make more sense for consistent and cost-effective warmth.
In contrast, if you live in a climate that swings between hot and cold, reverse cycle systems offer greater flexibility.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re after a fast, powerful heating solution for cold winters, gas heating is affordable and effective.
If you want an all-season system to handle both heat and cold, a reverse cycle air conditioner is a smart investment.
Get expert advice from Rite Price for a ducted heating comparison tailored to your home, climate, and budget.
Still unsure? Speak with the team at Rite Price Heating & Cooling for expert help choosing the right system.
We offer free quotes, in-home consultations, and expert advice tailored to your home, budget, and comfort needs.
Whether you’re leaning towards ducted gas or reverse cycle, we’ll help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.
Our licensed specialists can also arrange professional installation and ongoing support for total peace of mind.
For more information on ducted heating or reverse cycle systems, contact Rite Price Heating & Cooling today.
