Ducted Heating Cost in Australia — Gas vs Electric Running Costs (2026)
Is ducted heating gas or electric — and is it expensive to run? Ducted gas costs roughly $1.20–$2.00 an hour to run versus about $0.40–$0.70 for ducted reverse cycle, with installs from $9,000–$18,000. Here's how the two compare on running cost, sizing, zoning and state rebates in 2026.
Annual running cost (200 m² Melbourne home)
| System | Install | Run / yr | 10-yr total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducted reverse cycle (zoned) | $11,000–$18,000 | $700–$1,100 | $18k–$29k |
| Ducted gas (new) | $7,000–$12,000 | $1,800–$3,000 | $25k–$42k |
| 3× split systems | $6,000–$9,000 | $500–$900 | $11k–$18k |
| Hydronic (gas boiler) | $14,000–$25,000 | $1,500–$2,800 | $29k–$53k |
Includes $300/yr gas daily supply charge. Reverse cycle assumes 4.5 COP heating average and zoned operation.
Choose ducted reverse cycle if…
- • 3+ bedrooms, want whole-home heating & cooling
- • You want hidden vents (no wall units)
- • You have or want rooftop solar PV
- • Replacing dying gas ducted
Choose multi-splits if…
- • Small to mid home (under 150 m²)
- • Different zones used at different times
- • Tighter budget
- • Don't need cooling everywhere
Get ducted heating quotes
Compare licensed HVAC installers near you. Rebate-eligible reverse-cycle and split-system quotes.
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