Melbourne is well known for the saying that it can offer four seasons in one day. How true it is! A nice hot 32-degree afternoon can change to icy cold winds by evening. So having an HVAC that works properly is more like a matter of survival than luxury. This 600-word cheat sheet best explains anything and everything homeowners should know about air conditioning in Melbourne and a professional ducted heating installation: cost, sizes, energy ratings, and smart extras that save a bundle on bills.
1. Climate Snapshot Melbourne
Summer highs: 26-32°C, with the odd 40-degree blast.
Winter lows: 6-8°C (with the chill factor coming in from the Antarctic winds).
Humidity: Moderate; evaporative coolers lose ability in muggy patches.
Takeaway: A dual-purpose system—cool in summer, warm in winter—affords maximum comfort level throughout the year.
2. An Overview of the Cooling Options
| System | Best For | Install Cost* | Running Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Split System | Single room | $2–3.2k | Low | Fast install, energy‑smart | One room only |
| Multi‑Split | Apartments, townhouses | $5.5–7k | Low‑medium | Multiple indoor heads, no ducts | Limited zones |
| Ducted Reverse‑Cycle | Whole home | $9–16k | Medium | Invisible vents, heat & cool | Higher upfront |
| Evaporative | Dry suburbs | $3.5–5k | Very low | Cheapest to run | Weak on humid days |
3. Inside a Ducted Heating Installation
Load Calculation – Measure floor area, insulation and window orientation by a technician.
System Selection – Gas furnace versus reverse cycle heat pump.
Duct Layout Design – Supply vents, return air grille, zoning dampers.
Install Day (1-2 Days) – Cut ceiling/underfloor registers, fit ducts, wire thermostat.
Compliance & Commissioning – Victorian Building Authority (VBA) certificate issued.
Pro Tip – Using R1.0 or greater insulation on ducts to stop heat loss from above in winter saves up to 12% on gas bills.
4. Sizing: Why “Bigger” is not “Better”
Oversized –> Short cycle, more energy bills, uneven temperatures.
Undersized –> Jams system, rooms still cold.
Apply Manual J or ACCA load calc say for an average 3 bedroom (160 m²) home Melbourne requires:
7-kW cooling capacity
18-20-kW gas heating (or 8-kW reverse cycle heat pump).
5. Energy Ratings & Running Costs
Star rated: Every extra star = about 15% running cost savings.
Reverse cycle efficiency: EER ≥ 4.5 (cooling) & COP ≥ 4 (heating).
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU): $1,000 rebates off high efficiency heat pumps. Solar Synergy: Linking a ducted heating installation reverse cycle with rooftop PV will give you net zero heating costs.
6. 2025 Installation Costs by Model
| Home Size | Gas Ducted Heat | Ducted Reverse‑Cycle | Electrical Upgrades | Zoning Add‑On |
| 2‑bed (120 m²) | $4.5–5.5k | $9–11k | $600 | $900 |
| 3‑bed (160 m²) | $5.5–6.5k | $11–13k | $800 | $1.1k |
| 4‑bed (220 m²) | $6.5–9k | $13–16k | $1,000 | $1.4k |
7. Brands and Warranties You Can Trust
Cooling Royalty: Daikin and Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu.
Heating Heroes: Brivis and Rinnai and Air conditioning melbourne.
Warranty Rule: 5 years minimum parts & labour; buy from suppliers that have spare parts warehouses locally.
8. Smart Controls & Zoning
Wi Fi Thermostats: Airtouch 5, MyAir—control temps via app or voice.
Room by Room Sensors: Slash energy use up to 30 % by heating/cooling occupied zones only.
Energy Reports: Monthly usage data helps pinpoint savings.
9. Maintenance Must Dos
Clean split-system filters every three months.
Bimonthly service visits—once before summer and once before winter—with a professional.
Ducts should be inspected once a year for leaks, mould or stowaway possums.
Gas heaters should have safety checked for carbon monoxide every two years.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s weather is volatile, and an HVAC system must move from chilly blast cooling to cosy ducted heating all at the tap of an app. Right size, select high star units and install smart zoning for stable temperatures and low-energy bills.
