One of the most prevalent queries from Melbourne homeowners revolves around the transition from evaporative cooling. This longstanding method has been a staple for many years, yet it proves ineffective in humid conditions, necessitates open windows for operation, and fails to provide warmth during the colder months of winter.
Transitioning to a refrigerated reverse cycle ducted air conditioning system effectively addresses these limitations. You will enjoy optimal cooling even on Melbourne's humid summer days, efficient heating throughout winter, and the ability to seal your home and manage the indoor temperature effortlessly—all through a single, integrated system.
This guide outlines the specifics of the transition process, estimated costs, and essential considerations to ponder before making a commitment. Reach out today to discuss your evaporative changeover cost and check your eligibility for the VEU rebate.
What Is Involved in Transitioning From Evaporative Cooling to Refrigerated Air Conditioning?
The process of switching systems often entails more complexity than homeowners anticipate, and it is crucial to grasp the details before receiving a quote. Understanding what the transition entails will help you make an informed decision.
Evaporative coolers typically mount on the roof and rely on a different duct system compared to refrigerated air conditioning. The existing ducts are larger and uninsulated, making them unsuitable for a new refrigerated setup. Consequently, the changeover process includes several key steps:
- Removing the existing evaporative unit from the roof and sealing the area where it was located.
- Taking out the current evaporative ductwork.
- Installing new insulated ductwork specifically designed for refrigerated air conditioning systems.
- Installing both the outdoor and indoor units for the new reverse cycle system.
- Completing electrical work to support the new setup.
This entire operation typically requires a full day to complete, and larger homes may need up to two days. The outcome is a brand-new system rather than a mere patch on the old infrastructure.
Why Many Melbourne Homes With Evaporative Cooling Also Feature Gas Heating
Most homes in Melbourne were designed with separate systems: gas ducted heating for the winter months and evaporative cooling for the summer. This dual-system approach has served to meet the distinct demands of each season.
If your home fits this description, the good news is you can replace both systems with a singular, efficient reverse cycle ducted system during one installation. Furthermore, since you are removing a gas heating appliance, you become eligible for the Victorian government's VEU rebate. This rebate is applied directly to your installation costs, eliminating the need for additional paperwork.
The pricing listed below reflects this scenario—replacing both your gas ducted heating and evaporative cooling systems with a new reverse cycle system, with the VEU rebate already factored in.
| System Size | Up to | All-in price (incl. VEU rebate & ducting) |
|---|---|---|
| 12.5KW | 6 outlets | From $6,300 |
| 16–17KW | 10 outlets | From $7,300 |
The prices mentioned are comprehensive and include all costs—GST, VEU rebate, removal of old systems, roof patching, and complete installation of new ductwork and grilles. Additionally, premium systems from leading brands are available at higher price points. We will guide you through the available options during our assessment of your home.
What If My Home Only Has Evaporative Cooling and No Gas Heating?
If your residence solely relies on evaporative cooling and you prefer to stick with that system, we can replace your current unit with a new evaporative system starting from $4,400. Please note that no VEU rebate applies in this case since evaporative cooling already operates on electricity, meaning no gas appliance is being removed.
However, if you are considering this opportunity to upgrade to a refrigerated reverse cycle system, which provides heating and cooling year-round and functions well on humid days, we can assist with that as well. Contact us today, and we’ll discuss both possibilities tailored to your home.
Understanding the VEU Rebate: How It Benefits Your Transition
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program offers a rebate when you replace a gas heating appliance with a qualifying premium reverse cycle electric system, be it ducted or split systems. This rebate is applied upfront, meaning the prices in the table above already reflect its deduction. You will not need to submit separate claims or wait for a payment; we take care of all the necessary paperwork for you.
To qualify for this rebate, the new system must be rated highly for energy efficiency. Rest assured, every system installed by Beyond meets this essential criterion.
For more detailed information, please refer to the VEU rebate information page.
Why Evaporative Cooling is Becoming Obsolete for Most Homes in Melbourne
Originally, evaporative cooling systems were designed to thrive in dry heat conditions. However, Melbourne summers have become increasingly humid, making evaporative systems less effective when cooling is needed the most. Additionally, these systems necessitate keeping windows and doors open, which allows dust, pollen, and outdoor air to infiltrate your home.
Conversely, refrigerated reverse cycle air conditioning operates efficiently regardless of humidity levels. It allows you to keep your home sealed while maintaining a controlled indoor temperature, and it also provides heating during winter. Many homeowners who make the switch find themselves wishing they had done so much earlier after experiencing the comfort of their new system.
If you have solar panels installed, you can power your cooling system using solar energy during the summer months. In winter, this setup helps keep your home warm during the day when your solar panels generate the most electricity.
Common Inquiries About the Transition Process
Why can't the existing evaporative ducts be used in the new system?
The existing evaporative ducts are larger and lack insulation; they are engineered to facilitate high volumes of air at low pressure. In contrast, refrigerated systems operate differently and necessitate smaller, insulated ductwork to maintain optimal temperatures throughout the air distribution process. Reusing the old evaporative ducts would lead to inefficiencies and considerable energy loss. Therefore, installing new ductwork is an integral part of the changeover.
What happens to the roof opening once the evaporative unit is removed?
As part of the installation, we will patch the roof opening. The old evaporative unit is taken out, the roof opening is sealed and made weatherproof, and the new refrigerated system’s outdoor unit will be positioned either at ground level or mounted on a wall bracket, rather than on the roof.
Does the new system provide both heating and cooling?
Absolutely. This is one of the primary reasons many homeowners in Melbourne choose to make this switch. A reverse cycle ducted system is capable of both heating and cooling from the same vents, effectively replacing both gas heating in winter and evaporative cooling in summer with one comprehensive system.
Do I qualify for the VEU rebate if my home only has evaporative cooling without gas heating?
No, the VEU rebate is specifically available for the removal of gas heating appliances. If your home is exclusively equipped with evaporative cooling and lacks gas ducted heating, you will not be eligible for this rebate. However, we can still provide you with a competitive quote for the changeover—just get in touch with us for more information.
How long does the installation typically take?
In most cases, the changeover process can be completed in a single day. However, larger homes or those with more intricate roof configurations might require an additional day for completion. We will confirm the estimated timeline when we conduct our assessment of your home.
Will the new system function efficiently on humid days when evaporative systems struggle?
Yes, indeed. Refrigerated air conditioning operates by extracting heat from the air inside your home, and its efficiency is unaffected by humidity levels. In fact, it often performs better on humid days compared to dry ones, which is a stark contrast to the limitations faced by evaporative cooling systems.
If I have solar panels, will that reduce my running costs?
Absolutely, significantly so. Summer is the peak production period for solar panels, coinciding with the times when you will be running your cooling system the hardest. Utilising solar energy to power your air conditioning during the day greatly lowers your energy costs. Be sure to mention your solar setup when requesting a quote, and we can discuss zoning options that maximally utilise your solar benefits.
