New heating systems, backed with advanced technology, continue to pop up on the market each year, which leaves many people wondering if it’s time to move from their gas-ducted system to an electric system.
In this Proven Air blog, we will answer all of your questions about the benefits of these systems, along with the out-of-pocket expenses you can expect when making the switch from gas to electricity to keep your home warm throughout the year.
Can You Convert Gas Ducted Heating to Electric?
Yes, you can convert gas ducted heating to electric, but it is not a straightforward switch. It will involve a pretty extensive replacement of the existing system. Your existing ducted heating unit will be replaced with a Ducted Split System. Old, damaged or undersized ducts may need to be replaced as well to ensure proper airflow and energy efficiency. While the process to move to electric may be slightly more expensive at first, in the long run, it is an environmentally friendly and potentially cost-effective solution.
Can Electric Heating Use The Same Ducts As My Gas Heating?
In a lot of cases, yes, an electric heating system can use the same ducts as your gas heating; however, it will all come down to the condition and size of your ductwork. A professional will assess your current system and conclude through an inspection whether your system will need to be replaced or modified. Leaks, insulation issues, or age-related wear are all taken into consideration, as they can reduce both efficiency and increase costs for a system.
Average Cost to Convert Gas Ducted Heating to Electric
(Enquire with Proven Air for Official Pricing)
The up-front cost to convert your residence from gas heating to an electric system will, on average, be between $5,800 and $9,800 in Australia. The reason for such a big average margin is that the price will fluctuate depending on how much work is required, along with the chosen system. The need for ductwork restoration, the size of the property, the number of outlets, and the chosen brand will all influence the final cost of the installation.
Breakdown of Costs for Electric Heating Conversion
(Enquire with Proven Air for accuracy) – Will be different for every specific situation
| Component | Estimated Cost | Breakdown |
| Ducted Reverse Cycle System | $4,000 to $12,000 | Heat pump unit and main installation cost |
| Installation/Labour Fee | $600 to $1,500 | The cost of professional installation, setup, and testing |
| Ductwork Modification or Replacement | $500 to $3,000 | Only required if existing ducts are old, damaged, or undersized |
| Electrical Upgrades | $400 to $2,500 | Any upgrades to your switchboard or new circuits to support the electrical system that are required |
| Old System Removal | $500 to $800 | Includes the dismantling and safe disposal of your old gas heater |
| Permit and Compliance Costs | $100 to $600 | This varies from state to state; these are just the costs for NSW residents |
| Subtotal | $8,300 to $18,000 | After potential rebates have been applied |
For a more accurate picture of the cost of an electrical conversion, it’s important to speak to a local professional before going ahead with any final decision.
Factors That Affect Total Cost?
There are a multitude of factors that will influence the total cost of converting your gas ducted heating to electric. Some of the main ones include the following:
- Type of System: The Ducted Reverse Cycle is the most efficient and common option chosen by the general public, but comes with a more premium upfront cost. An Electric Furnace is also another option and cheaper upfront, however incurs higher running costs overall.
- Size of Property: Larger properties require bigger or multiple units to operate effectively, which will increase both equipment and installation costs. Other work as well may be required in regards to ductwork and other vents to ensure an even airflow.
- Condition of Ductwork: For those whose ducts are in stellar condition, only minor adjustments may have to be made. However, older or undersized ducts may need full replacement or resizing to allow correct airflow.
- Electrical System Upgrades: Many homes, especially older residences, may need a switchboard upgrade or a new circuit to adequately handle the electrical load. This can add a sizeable amount to your total cost.
- Gas System Removal: The process of decommissioning the old gas heater, sealing gas lines and disposal of the unit all come with a fee.
- Compliance Requirements: Electrical compliance certificates are a mandatory cost one must pay for. Council permits for structural changes or duct modifications may be required, but this varies from state to state.
A reputable air conditioning & electrical service should be able to provide you with an accurate assessment of what your total costs may look like before proceeding with any official removal.
Benefits of Switching to an Electrical Heating System
There are a variety of reasons why people have begun to move towards the electric heating system conversion. Some of the main benefits of these systems include:
- Indoor Air Quality: Electric systems eliminate risks associated with gas, such as carbon monoxide leaks, indoor air pollution, and combustion hazards. With no open flames or gases present, electric systems ensure no signs of poor quality indoor airflow
- Lower Running Costs: While it may initially be expensive to install, electric systems are highly energy-efficient and can lead to a high level of savings on heating costs. They are even more effective when paired with solar panels.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Electrical systems, on average, have a much smaller environmental footprint compared to gas. Take another step towards supporting sustainable practices.
- Leading Technology: With gas being slowly phased out in several states in Australia, you can ensure your home is future-proof, all while possibly gaining exceptional long-term savings, and not compromising on comfort.
- Reduced Maintenance Requirements: With electric heating systems being relatively new technology, they are forward-thinking and overall more reliable than traditional gas systems and require minimal maintenance. With fewer moving components, when they do need to be serviced, the total costs are cheaper as well.
Considerations of Switching to an Electric Heating System
While there are numerous benefits as to why you should switch to an electric system, there are several factors that you should also take into consideration before coming to a decision. These include:
- Higher Upfront Costs: The installation of an electric heating system, especially if it’s a conversion of a pre-existing gas system, will often incur a higher cost than just replacing an existing gas system. However, you can make serious savings on your bills down the line.
- Electrical System Upgrades: Many residences require switchboard upgrades or new circuits to handle the additional loads of an electric heating system. This can add additional amounts to your total costs.
- Dependence on Electricity Prices: While an electric heating system will be cheaper than gas in the long term. If electricity prices rise significantly and no solar is installed at your residence, your overall potential savings could shrink.
- Complexity of Installation: If your current system is not suitable for an electric system, it can be an expensive process to convert. Duct resizing, sealing, or replacement may be required, which increases costs and the length of the project.
- Codes and Permits: Converting to an electric heating system will require adherence to building codes and existing permits, which can increase the complexity of the project overall.
The experts at Proven Air Sydney are here to take the guesswork out of your heating system. Future-proof your home today with our electric heating solutions, combining energy efficiency, smart technology, and solar compatibility to deliver comfort and significant savings into the future.
If you have any questions or are interested in an inspection, contact our team today.
