Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
As the autumn nights become cooler and cooler, Melbournians are already getting a taste of what’s to come. Winter is coming, which means there’s no better time than now to invest in a brand-new heating system.
Without a doubt, hydronic and ducted heating are two of the most effective ways to warm your home and get relief from the bitter cold. Although both options have their benefits, it’s equally important to make sure they are appropriate for your circumstances.
Today, we’re going to shed light on the key differences between hydronic and ducted heating and outline how to decide which style is best for you!
Quiet, noninvasive and effective, hydronic heating is a great option for both indoor and outdoor environments. Unlike other systems that draw in air, this setup heats up water and then radiates warmth through a series of insulated pipes. In most cases, these components will be installed under the floor.
Because hydronic heating generally operates underground or behind a towel rail, there is no reliance on air circulation, meaning that the heat is more likely to remain consistent throughout the entire day. This represents a stark contrast to split systems and ducted units that pump out heat through vents or grilles.
Another key form of hydronic heating is the in-floor trench box system, which can operate under everything from concrete slabs to swimming pools.
The basic principles of hydronic heating aren’t new. In fact, the technology used dates all the way back to the days of Ancient Rome when underfloor heating was used to radiate warmth into private and public properties.
Radiant heating is the core principle underpinning hydronic technology. Much like the natural warmth that we receive from the sun, this heat won’t blow into your face directly as it would with a split system. Essentially, the warmth will trickle through your floor or wall to make the home nice and cosy.
The boiler and heat pump are the backbones of every hydronic heating system. This is where the water is heated. A series of pipes then distribute the hot water throughout the building and connect with radiators or underfloor heating loops where the heat is transferred to the rooms.
Overall, this setup allows for a gentle and even distribution of heat.
Hydronic heating installation is a little bit more complicated than setting up a split system. However, with the help of seasoned professionals, the entire process can be well worth the time required.
Here’s how most hydronic installations work:
Step 1: Assessment of Heating Needs: The HVAC company will start by conducting heat loss calculations for each room to accurately determine the necessary heating output.
Step 2: Water Quality Analysis: Water quality will be tested to detect hardness or chemical imbalances that could lead to corrosion or scaling. Water treatment methods may also be applied (if required).
Step 3: Selecting a Boiler or Heat Pump: After considering your heating requirements and available fuels, the HVAC company will recommend the most suitable and efficient boiler or heat pump.
Step 4: Pipe Layout and Installation: Engineers will design and install the piping strategically to minimise heat loss, using insulated pipes where needed to carry out the most efficient installation.
Step 5: Installation of Control Systems: Advanced temperature control systems will be installed, enabling easy adjustments and zone control. Options include programmable thermostats or smart home integration.
While hydronic heating is an effective way to heat both indoor and outdoor spaces, we should also note that costs are often substantial. Both upfront fees and ongoing running costs can be higher than running a ducted system. So, if cost is a concern, it’s always worth weighing up the various options on the market.
According to national averages, the cost of running hydronic heating in Australia is between $3, 470 and $4,200 per annum. Here, we recommend budgeting for this average figure, and make sure that you can cover the costs moving forward. If not, ducted heating or multiple split systems could be the best way to go.
Effective, versatile, and compatible with smart home technology, ducted heating continues to be one of the most popular options for Australian home and business owners. Unlike split systems, which are designed to heat or cool a specific room, ducted heating is all-encompassing and able to warm large properties within minutes.
Ducted heating is powered by two major energy sources, gas or electric (reverse cycle). While different, both operate on the same overriding principles and functions.
In each ducted heating system, the heating unit warms the air, which is then distributed throughout the building via a network of ducts leading to vents or registers in different rooms. The system is controlled by a thermostat that adjusts the temperature according to user settings. Depending on the system, there may also be additional smart thermostats and connected smartphone apps.
Although not quite as specialised as hydronic heating installation, there are still many components that need to be set up to get your ducted system up and running. Here is a step-by-step process of how the installation will usually take place:
Step 1: Heating Needs Assessment and Ductwork Planning: The HVAC company conducts a thorough assessment of heating requirements while planning the layout of ductwork to ensure efficient heat distribution.
Step 2: Space Evaluation for Ductwork Placement: Adequate space for ductwork placement is evaluated to guarantee seamless installation and optimal airflow throughout the property.
Step 3: Selection of Heating Unit and Ductwork Design: After assessing heating needs and available fuel options, the HVAC company selects a suitable heating unit (e.g., furnace) and designs the ductwork layout to effectively distribute warm air.
Step 4: Professional Ductwork Installation: Skilled engineers install the ductwork, strategically positioning it to maximise airflow efficiency and ensure consistent heating in every room. Insulation is applied to minimise heat loss and enhance energy efficiency.
Step 5: Integration of Control Systems: Advanced control systems, such as programmable thermostats or smart home integration, are integrated into the ducted heating system to enable easy temperature adjustments and zone control.
For new systems, ducted heating costs will depend on a wide variety of factors. This includes the size of your home, the unit’s star rating and the amount charged by the HVAC company for installation.
Another key consideration is the ongoing costs, which can be significant for larger homes and offices. However, staying within the recommended temperature settings is one way to dramatically reduce utility bills.
Whether you’ve settled on hydronic heating or ducted heating, installation must be handled by technicians who are licensed, well-trained, and fully insured. Remember, unprofessional or shoddy installation is never a good idea in the long run. For hydronic heating, this can lead to water leaks, gas leaks, airlocks, and various other issues.
In a recent article, we explored ‘How To Find A Good Air Conditioning Company’, where we highlighted the importance of integrity, customer service, accreditation, and hiring a company with a proven track record. These are all critical prerequisites for every single HVAC installation.
As we come to the end of our article and take a look into the major considerations of hydronic and ducted heating systems, several key factors come to light:
Pros: Even heat distribution, energy efficiency, quiet operation, allergen-free environment.
Cons: Higher upfront and ongoing costs may deter some homeowners.
Pros: Effective heating for larger properties, compatibility with smart home systems, and year-round comfort with add-on cooling.
Cons: Complex installation requirements, high utility bills, and potential maintenance costs.
Deciding between the two isn’t easy, and it may ultimately boil down to your individual preferences, budget constraints, and specific heating needs. Consulting with heating experts is a great way to receive the guidance needed to make an informed decision.
Family-owned and operated for more than 25 years, we’re proud to deliver the best service, assistance, and products to all of our Melbourne customers. From split systems to hydronic and ducted heating, Maroondah Air is the go-to team for heating and cooling installation in Melbourne.
If you’re looking to get ducted heating or hydronic heating installed, we offer free in-home quotations, 6-year certificates of compliance, and interest-free payment options. Reach out to us now and get the comfort you need this winter!
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