Ducted heating installation in Melbourne costs between $5,000 and $15,000 in 2026, including the unit and installation. Most standard 2 to 3 bedroom homes sit at the lower end of that range, while larger or fully zoned homes push toward the top. At Heating Experts, we install ducted systems across Melbourne every week, and the majority of the quotes we prepare land inside that $5,000 to $15,000 band once the equipment, ductwork, and labour are added up.
The exact figure depends on your home size, whether you choose gas or reverse cycle, and how much ductwork the job needs. This guide breaks down real 2026 pricing, what moves the number up or down, and how to read a quote so you know what you are actually paying for.
How much does ducted heating cost to install in Melbourne in 2026?
The typical installed cost for a ducted heating system in Melbourne is $5,000 to $15,000. That range covers most homes, from modest units through to large family homes with multiple zones. An average ducted gas system on its own tends to fall between $3,000 and $9,000 depending on the size and efficiency of the unit, with the rest of the cost coming from ductwork and installation labour.
Here is how the numbers usually break down by home size and system type in 2026.
These figures line up with national cost guides, including the ducted heating cost guide published by Yellow Pages, which puts a complete ducted heating and cooling install at $5,000 to $15,000. Your final price will move within that range based on the specifics of your home, which we cover below. Our upfront service and consultation fees, including our installation consultation and quotation, are listed on our pricing page.
Gas ducted heating or reverse cycle: which costs more to install?
Gas ducted heating is usually the cheaper system to install upfront. An average gas ducted heating system runs $3,000 to $9,000 for the unit, and Melbourne's temperate to cool climate makes gas ducted heating one of the most common choices in the city.
Reverse cycle heating costs more to install. A ducted reverse cycle system for a typical Melbourne house usually costs $10,000 to $12,000 installed. The trade-off is that it heats in winter and cools in summer from the same system, so you are paying for two functions in one install rather than heating alone.
- Gas ducted: lower upfront cost, heating only, $3,000 to $9,000 for the unit
- Reverse cycle: higher upfront cost, heating and cooling, around $10,000 to $12,000 installed for a typical home
What affects the cost of ducted heating installation?
The single biggest driver is home size. Larger homes need a bigger heater and more ductwork, which raises both equipment and labour costs. Beyond size, several factors decide where your quote lands.
- Heat loss factors. Ceiling height, insulation levels, and the number and size of windows all dictate how much heating capacity your home needs. A poorly insulated home with high ceilings needs a bigger system than a compact, well-sealed one.
- Zoning. Splitting the home into separately controlled areas adds $1,000 to $3,000 for the extra dampers and controls. Zoning costs more upfront but lets you heat only the rooms you use.
- Added ductwork. If your home needs new or extended ductwork, whether for a retrofit or an added zone, expect $1,000 to $5,000 or more on top of the base price.
- Installation complexity. Tricky roof access or structural work inflates labour fees. Melbourne HVAC labour runs around $26 per hour, slightly above the national median, which adds a few hundred dollars to a typical job.
- System type. As covered above, gas and reverse cycle sit at different price points, so the fuel and technology you choose shifts the total.
In our experience quoting Melbourne homes, location, home size and layout, system type, and installation complexity are the four factors that explain almost every difference between one quote and the next.
Why can't some new Melbourne homes install gas ducted heating?
From January 2024, new Victorian homes that need a planning permit must be all-electric, which rules out new natural gas connections. This is part of the state's gas substitution roadmap, which is moving new residential builds away from gas.
For homeowners building or substantially renovating, this usually means installing a reverse cycle system instead of gas ducted heating. Reverse cycle costs more upfront, as the table above shows, but it adds summer cooling that a gas system does not provide. Existing homes with a gas connection are not affected and can still repair or replace gas ducted heating.
How does Melbourne compare to Brisbane on ducted heating cost?
Upfront installation costs in Melbourne and Brisbane are broadly similar. Both cities sit in the same $5,000 to $15,000 installed range, and labour rates are close, so installer charges per hour are nearly the same. The main difference is the running cost rather than the install cost. Brisbane's milder subtropical winters mean less heating usage, so gas ducted systems tend to run slightly cheaper to operate there, while Melbourne's cooler climate drives more winter usage.
The takeaway for Melbourne homeowners is that the initial install price is driven by the same factors in both cities, so you should budget within that range regardless of which city guide you read.
How can you keep ducted heating installation costs down?
The best way to control cost is to right-size the system for your home rather than over-specifying capacity. Getting an itemised quote that separates the unit, ductwork, and labour also makes it easy to see where your money is going and compare offers fairly.
- Right-size the system. A heater matched to your home's heat loss avoids paying for capacity you will never use.
- Address insulation first. Better insulation lowers the capacity you need, which can shrink both the equipment cost and your running bills.
- Weigh zoning against usage. Zoning adds $1,000 to $3,000, but if you only heat part of the home, it can pay for itself in running savings.
- Plan ductwork early. Retrofitting ductwork later costs $1,000 to $5,000 or more, so it is cheaper to scope it correctly at install time.
When we handle a ducted heating installation in Melbourne, we start with a heat loss assessment so the system is sized to the home, which is the step that most affects both the install price and long-term running cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a gas ducted heating system?
An average ducted gas system costs $3,000 to $9,000 for the unit, depending on home size and system efficiency. Ductwork and labour are added on top, which brings a full installation into the $5,000 to $15,000 range.
How much does it cost to add zoning to ducted heating?
Zoning adds $1,000 to $3,000 to a ducted heating installation. That covers the extra dampers and controls needed to heat separate areas of the home independently.
Does adding ductwork increase the installation cost?
Yes. Adding or extending ductwork, whether for a retrofit or a new zone, costs $1,000 to $5,000 or more on top of the base price. Homes without existing ductwork sit at the higher end because the full duct run has to be installed.
Is ducted heating cheaper to run in Melbourne or Brisbane?
Ducted gas heating is generally cheaper to run in Brisbane than Melbourne. Brisbane's milder winters mean less heating usage, while Melbourne's cooler climate drives higher winter demand. Upfront install costs, however, are similar in both cities.
Get an accurate ducted heating quote for your Melbourne home
Every home is different, so the only way to know your exact cost is a proper assessment of your home's size, layout, and heat loss. If you would like a no-obligation quote for ducted heating in Melbourne, contact our team and we will size the right system for your home and give you an itemised price.