If you are thinking about installing a ducted gas heating system, cost is likely the first question on your mind. How much does installation cost? What will it run you each winter? And how does it stack up against electric heating?
This guide covers everything you need to know, from installation price ranges and ductwork types to running costs, energy star ratings, and practical tips to keep your bills low. We have also included real installation examples from our team at Tempco FRH Energy Solutions across the Southern Highlands and Goulburn regions.
| Quick Answer: Ducted gas heating installation costs between $3,000 and $10,000 in Australia, depending on home size, brand, and duct complexity.Running costs range from approximately 11c to 20c per kWh on natural gas or LPG, making it one of the most affordable whole-home heating options available. |
What Is Ducted Gas Heating and Why Is It So Popular in Australia?
Ducted gas heating is a central home heating system that uses natural gas or LPG as its fuel source. Cool air is drawn into a central heating unit, passed over a heat exchanger, and then distributed through a network of ducts and outlets throughout the home. A return air vent completes the cycle, pulling air back into the system for reheating.
It is one of the most popular home heating systems in Australia, and for good reason. A single unit can heat an entire home evenly, and the ability to zone your heating to different rooms means you only heat the spaces in use. For properties in cooler elevated regions like Bowral, Mittagong, and Goulburn, where winters are genuine and cold snaps arrive early, ducted gas heating delivers the consistent warmth that portable heaters and split systems cannot match.
The two primary fuel options:
- Natural gas: piped directly to your home, generally the most cost-effective option per unit of energy
- LPG: cylinder-supplied, more accessible in areas without mains gas but slightly higher in running cost
For homeowners who want heating and cooling from the same duct system, Tempco offers ducted gas heating, known as Dual Comfort. This uses the same ductwork for year-round climate control without the need for a second standalone unit.
Brands supplied and installed by Tempco FRH Energy Solutions include Daikin, Brivis (our primary residential brand), Rinnai (premium option), and Braemar and Bonaire for larger or project-based applications.
How Much Does Gas Ducted Heating Cost to Install in 2026?
Ducted gas heating installation costs in Australia range from approximately $3,000 to $10,000 for a complete supply and install, covering the heating unit, all ductwork, and commissioning. The price varies based on home size, duct complexity, brand, and whether a gas connection already exists at the property.
Installation Cost by Home Size and System Capacity
| Home Size | System Capacity | Estimated Installed Cost |
| Up to 130m² | 14kW / ~50 MJ/hr | $3,000 to $4,500 |
| 130 to 200m² | 18 to 23kW / ~65 to 83 MJ/hr | $4,500 to $6,000 |
| 200 to 280m² | 23 to 28kW / ~83 to 100 MJ/hr | $6,000 to $7,500 |
| 280m²+ or multi-zone | 28 to 35kW / ~100 to 125 MJ/hr | $7,500 to $10,000+ |
Note: Indicative ranges for the 2026 Australian market. An in-home assessment is the only accurate way to confirm your project cost.
What Your Installation Quote Should Include
A complete quote from a licensed installer should cover all of the following:
- In-home assessment and system design
- The heating unit, whether Brivis, Rinnai, Braemar, or Bonaire
- Supply and delivery of all ductwork components
- Installation of the unit and full duct layout
- Gas line connection
- Zone controller setup and programming
- Full commissioning, pressure testing, and handover
Getting supply and installation from one specialist, rather than splitting them between providers, typically results in a better overall price and a cleaner end result.
At Tempco FRH Energy Solutions, every ducted gas heating installation starts with a free in-home assessment and a detailed, itemised quote. Our team is fully licensed, our work carries a 12-month workmanship guarantee, and we are authorised agents for Brivis and Rinnai.
Types of Ductwork and What They Cost
The type of ductwork used affects both the installation cost and long-term system performance. The three main types used in Australian residential projects are:
| Ductwork Type | Cost per Metre | Best For |
| Flexible ducting | $2 to $4 | Tight or irregular spaces, cost-sensitive projects |
| Fibreboard ducting | $9 to $12 | Noise reduction, well-insulated installations |
| Sheet metal ducting | $3 to $12 | Long-term durability, larger or commercial projects |
What Factors Affect the Ducted Gas Heating Installation Cost?
Several variables determine where your project lands within the cost range:
- Home size: larger homes need more powerful units and more extensive ductwork
- Single vs double storey: a two-storey home requires vertical duct runs, which increases complexity and labour cost
- Ceiling height: higher ceilings mean more air volume to heat and may affect duct routing
- Duct layout complexity: older homes with hard-to-access subfloor spaces add time and cost
- Type of ductwork: flexible ducting costs less per metre; fibreboard and sheet metal are higher
- Number of zones: a zoned system gives you more control but adds to the upfront cost
- Existing gas connection: properties without mains gas add $500 to $2,000 or more for connection
- Brand and star rating: higher-efficiency units cost more upfront but reduce running costs significantly
| 💡 Quick Tip: LPG and New Connections If you are on LPG rather than natural gas, factor in ongoing cylinder supply costs when budgeting. For new gas connections, check with your local network provider for current connection fees in your area. |
Brivis Ducted Gas Heating: What Does It Cost?
Brivis is the most widely installed ducted gas heating brand in Australian homes and the system Tempco FRH Energy Solutions installs across the majority of our residential projects. The range covers a broad capacity spectrum, from entry-level units suited to smaller homes through to high-efficiency models for large properties.
Indicative Brivis supply and install pricing:
- Star Pro entry-level systems (small to medium homes): $3,500 to $5,500 installed
- Climate Pro mid-to-large systems: $5,500 to $8,500 installed
- Multi-zone or large-home configurations: $8,500 and above
For homeowners looking for a premium alternative, Rinnai offers outstanding build quality and efficiency. Braemar and Bonaire are our preferred brands for larger or project-based applications.
Not sure which system suits your home? Our Ducted Gas Heating Guide walks through the key brand and capacity decisions in detail.
How Much Does Ducted Gas Heating Cost to Run?
Running costs are where ducted gas heating really earns its place. Natural gas is substantially cheaper than electricity per unit of energy produced, and that difference shows up clearly in annual energy bills.
Current per-kWh running cost estimates in Australia:
- Natural gas: approximately 11c to 15c per kWh
- LPG: approximately 17c to 20c per kWh
- Electric ducted heating: approximately 30c per kWh
Note: ducted gas heating systems use a small amount of electricity to power ignition and controls. Modern units use an electronic starter rather than a pilot flame. This cost is minimal but worth including in a complete picture of annual running costs.
Annual Running Costs by Home Size and Star Rating
| Home Size | 3-Star System | 4-Star System | 6-Star System |
| ~100m² | ~$835/yr | ~$735/yr | ~$635/yr |
| ~160m² | ~$1,250/yr | ~$1,095/yr | ~$950/yr |
| ~220m² | ~$1,645/yr | ~$1,445/yr | ~$1,250/yr |
Note: Estimates based on natural gas tariffs and typical Southern Highlands winter usage patterns. Actual costs vary by property and energy retailer.
Why the Star Rating Matters
The energy star rating of your heating unit has a direct and measurable impact on what you pay each winter. Brivis research shows that compared to a 3-star system:
- A 4-star system uses approximately 13% less energy, saving around $236 per year
- A 5-star system uses approximately 22% less energy, saving around $420 per year
- A 6-star system uses approximately 30% less energy, saving around $567 per year
A 6-star unit that costs $800 more upfront than its 3-star equivalent can pay back that difference within two heating seasons. Over a 10-year system life, the savings are significant.
How to Calculate Your Ducted Gas Heating Running Cost
Follow these four steps using your system’s datasheet and latest energy bill:
- Find the energy consumption rating in MJ/hr on the unit label or product datasheet
- Locate your gas tariff per MJ on your most recent energy bill
- Multiply MJ/hr by your tariff to get the hourly operating cost at full output
- Multiply by daily hours of use, then by heating days per year for your annual estimate
Keep in mind that most systems modulate based on thermostat settings rather than running at full output continuously. Your real-world cost will typically be lower than the maximum calculation.
Ducted Gas Heating vs Electric Heating: Running Cost Comparison
When comparing ducted gas heating against electric heating options, the difference in annual running costs is substantial. The table below compares zoned and unzoned ducted gas heating against a ducted reverse cycle system in a 165m² home.
| System Type | Configuration | Est. Annual Cost (165m²) |
| Ducted gas heating | Zoned, 3.5-star | ~$790 |
| Ducted gas heating | Unzoned, 3.5-star | ~$1,055 |
| Ducted gas heating | Zoned, 6-star | ~$670 |
| Ducted reverse cycle | Standard efficiency | ~$1,220 |
| Ducted reverse cycle | High efficiency | ~$1,025 |
| Ducted reverse cycle | Zoned, high efficiency | ~$770 |
Note: Estimates based on 900 hours of winter use at 27.7c/kWh electricity and 1.50c/MJ natural gas.
| 💡 Quick Tip: Gas vs Electric Running Costs Unlike electricity tariffs which are fixed per unit, the unit cost of gas typically decreases at higher usage. This makes ducted gas heating even more cost-effective in larger homes with higher seasonal consumption. |
Running multiple reverse cycle split systems simultaneously to achieve whole-home coverage adds significantly to the cost of electric heating. When you account for this, the annual cost gap widens further in gas heating’s favour.
For homeowners comparing systems, Is Ducted Heating Gas or Electric, explains the key differences in running costs, efficiency, and which option is more cost-effective for Australian homes.
How to Reduce Ducted Gas Heating Running Costs
Once your system is installed, a few adjustments make a real difference to what you pay each winter. Here are eight practical ways to keep running costs down:
- Set the thermostat to 18°C to 20°C. Most homes are comfortable in this range, and every degree above 20°C adds noticeably to your energy bill.
- Use zoning properly. Heat living areas during the day and bedrooms overnight. Unoccupied rooms should be excluded from the active heating zone.
- Turn the system off when nobody is home. Ducted gas heating warms a home quickly, so leaving it running all day for an evening return is unnecessary and expensive.
- Use a timer or schedule. Pre-heat before the household wakes up rather than leaving the system on overnight.
- Open curtains during the day to capture natural solar heat. Close them at dusk to retain warmth inside.
- Insulate properly. Ceiling insulation, draught sealing, and underfloor insulation all reduce the load on your heating system.
- Service the system every 12 to 24 months. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and catches developing issues before they become costly repairs.
- Consider upgrading if your system is 10 or more years old. A 6-star unit replacing a 3-star system reduces running costs by up to 30%.
| 💡 Keep Your System Running at Peak Efficiency Tempco FRH Energy Solutions provides gas ducted heating service and repairs across the Southern Highlands and Goulburn regions, keeping systems safe and efficient season after season. Contact Tempco Energy to know your gas ducted heating service cost. |
How Much Does a Ducted Heating Unit Replacement Cost?
If your existing ductwork is in good condition, replacing only the central heating unit is a more affordable option than a full system replacement. Unit-only replacement typically costs between $1,250 and $2,500, depending on the model and capacity required.
However, if the ductwork is worn, undersized, or showing signs of deterioration, replacing it at the same time as the unit is the more cost-effective approach. Inefficient or leaking ductwork will undermine even the best new unit, and returning later to replace it separately adds significant cost.
As a general guide, if your system is more than 10 to 12 years old, ask your installer to assess the ductwork condition at the same time as quoting the unit replacement. Tempco can provide this as part of our free in-home assessment.
Real Installation Projects from Tempco FRH Energy Solutions
These three examples show how ducted gas heating costs and installation decisions play out in practice across our Southern Highlands and Goulburn service area.
| Example 1: Mittagong Residential Home Scenario: 4-bedroom home, approximately 220m², no existing ducted system in place. Tempco supplied and installed a Brivis Star Pro with a 3-zone controller. Outcome: Consistent whole-home heating through the first winter, with running costs significantly lower than the previous setup of portable and panel heaters. |
| Example 2: Bowral Heritage Property Scenario: Older property with limited subfloor access, requiring custom duct routing to work around the existing structure while respecting the heritage fabric of the building. A 2-zone Brivis system was installed. Challenge: Working within the heritage constraints of the building while achieving full home coverage. Outcome: System performing to specification from the first season, with homeowners reporting a major improvement in winter comfort compared to the unflued gas heaters previously in use. |
| Example 3: Goulburn New Build Scenario: New construction with ducted gas heating integrated during the build phase, coordinated directly with the project builder. A full 4-zone Brivis system was sized for the Southern Tablelands climate, where winter temperatures regularly fall below zero. Outcome: System commissioned on schedule and performing to specification across all four zones from the first winter season. |
All three projects followed the same structured process: in-home assessment, correct system sizing, licensed installation, and full commissioning handover. That approach is what prevents the running cost and reliability issues that come from undersized systems or rushed installations.
Is Ducted Gas Heating Worth the Upfront Cost?
For most Australian homes in cooler climates, the answer is yes. The upfront installation cost is offset by lower running costs compared to electric ducted heating, whole-home coverage from a single system, and the comfort consistency that comes from even heat distribution across every room.
It is also worth considering the impact on property value. A well-installed, well-maintained ducted gas heating system is a genuine selling point in regions where cold winters are part of daily life.
That said, gas heating is not always the right fit. Very small homes, properties without gas access, and households planning full electrification in the near term may be better served by a different heating solution. A conversation with a qualified installer will clarify what makes sense for your specific property.
How to Get an Accurate Ducted Gas Heating Quote
Price guides like this one give you a useful starting range, but the only accurate figure for your home is the one that comes from a proper in-home assessment. Every property is different, and cost is determined by the specific combination of floor plan, ceiling height, insulation, gas infrastructure, storey count, and zone requirements.
When comparing quotes, make sure each one covers:
- The heating unit
- All ductwork, supply and delivery
- Installation labour
- Gas connection work
- Zone controller setup
- Commissioning and testing
A lower quote that excludes some of these items is not a lower price. It is an incomplete quote.
| Ready to Get an Accurate Quote for Your Home? Book a free in-home assessment with Tempco FRH Energy Solutions across the Southern Highlands, Goulburn, and surrounding areas. Call 02 4862 5595 or visit Tempco to request a free quote online. |
Disclaimer: All cost figures in this article are indicative estimates for the 2026 Australian market. Actual costs vary depending on property specifics, energy retailer, system selected, and usage habits. Contact Tempco FRH Energy Solutions for an accurate, itemised quote specific to your home.