Gas-ducted heating is one of the most popular ways to warm Australian homes in winter. By circulating warm air through a network of ducts hidden in walls or under the floor, these systems deliver whole-house comfort with minimal hassle. But like any big appliance, gas-ducted heating comes with trade-offs.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons, so you can decide if this solution is right for you, your budget and your environmental concerns.
Gas-Ducted Heating Pros
1. Consistent Home Heating
One of the biggest benefits of gas-ducted heating is the even warmth it delivers to every room. Unlike portable heaters that blast heat in one spot, ducted systems push conditioned air from a central unit into multiple outlets. So you can have a toasty temperature in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways – no more cold spots or constant shuffling of heaters between rooms.
2. Zoning Flexibility
Modern ducted systems often allow you to set different temperatures in separate “zones”. For example, you can keep bedrooms cooler at night while maintaining a warm living area downstairs.
Zoning not only means more comfort but also reduces running costs, since you’re not heating empty or unused parts of the house. All it takes is a programmable thermostat and adjustable duct dampers to tailor the warmth to your family’s daily routine.
3. Quick Warm-Up Times
Gas furnaces heat up fast – often faster than electric reverse-cycle air conditioners on very cold days. Once you turn the system on, warm air starts flowing through the ducts almost immediately and you get a blast of heat. No more waiting for the room to reach your desired temperature.
4. Lower Energy Costs (in many areas)
When gas prices are competitive, gas-ducted systems can be cheaper than electric heating. Gas furnaces have higher efficiency ratings than portable electric heaters and because they heat the air directly, they avoid the energy losses associated with electric resistance heating. Over a long winter, the savings can add up – especially in areas where electricity tariffs spike during peak demand.
5. Discreet Installation
With the mechanical components hidden in a roof cavity, garage or utility cupboard—and ductwork behind walls and ceilings—gas-ducted heating leaves your home’s aesthetics intact.
You won’t have radiators, bulky heaters or unsightly fan systems cluttering your living spaces. All you see are sleek ceiling grilles or floor vents that blend in with your decor.
Gas-Ducted Heating Cons
1. High Upfront Costs
Installing a ducted gas system is a big investment. You’ll pay for the furnace, ductwork, thermostat controls and professional installation—often several thousand dollars. Compared to plug-in heaters or reverse-cycle air conditioners, the initial outlay can be too steep for smaller budgets. But if you plan to stay in your home for many years, the long-term comfort and running cost benefits may justify the expense.
2. Ductwork Heat Loss
Any time air travels through ducts, some heat is lost, especially if the ducting runs through uninsulated roof spaces or external walls. Poorly sealed or insulated ducts can reduce system efficiency by up to 20%. Regular maintenance, proper insulation and professional installation help minimise these losses, but they’re still a factor to consider when calculating running costs.
3. Dependence on Natural Gas Supply
A ducted gas system relies on a constant gas supply. If there’s a service interruption—due to maintenance work, pipeline damage or extreme weather—you’ll lose heating altogether. Electric reverse-cycle systems can run on your household electricity or, in some cases, a backup generator. If you live in an area with occasional gas outages, you may need a secondary heating solution.
4. Environmental Impact
Natural gas is a fossil fuel and burning it emits carbon dioxide. While modern high-efficiency furnaces reduce greenhouse gas output compared to older appliances, they still contribute to your home’s carbon footprint. If sustainability is a top priority, you may prefer electric heat pumps powered by renewable energy or zero-emission alternatives such as solar-thermal systems.
5. Regular Maintenance Required
To keep your ducted system running safely and efficiently, you’ll need annual servicing by a licensed gasfitter. This involves cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting burner components, checking gas pressures and testing safety controls. Skipping maintenance risks reduced efficiency, higher bills and in the worst case, carbon monoxide leaks—so factor servicing costs into your budget.
6. Less Temperature Control
Compared to individual split-system air conditioners in each room, ducted heating can feel less precise. Even with zoning, you’re still controlling air through a central system. Temperature swings can be more noticeable and you may experience slight lags as the system balances heat across zones. If you want pinpoint control in every room, you may find ducted heating a bit coarse.
Is Gas-Ducted Heating Right for You?
Gas-ducted heating has its advantages: whole-home warmth, quick heat-up times and potentially lower running costs when gas prices are good. Its discreet installation and zoning flexibility make it a good option for large families or heritage homes where aesthetics matter. But it has its downsides—high upfront costs, reliance on gas supply, environmental impact and regular maintenance.
Before you decide, weigh up these pros and cons against your budget, lifestyle and environmental values. If you’re prepared to invest in installation and servicing, ducted gas heating can provide reliable, efficient comfort all winter.
But if you need lower upfront costs, zero-emission operation or room-by-room temperature control, you may want to look at electric heat pumps or split systems. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that keeps you warm, safe and happy even when it’s freezing.
