Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
Visit our showroom : 6 Royan Place, Bayswater North, Victoria 3153
Maroondah Heating & Cooling are the locally based and fully certified specialists. We have been heating and cooling Melbourne homes for over 25+ years.
Need a quote? Give us your information below and we will get back to you.
Melbourne’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. One day you’re turning the heating on first thing in the morning, and the next you’re reaching for the air conditioner by lunchtime.
If your home already has ducted gas heating, you may not need to install an entirely separate system to stay comfortable throughout summer.
Add-on refrigerated cooling can be a practical way to turn an existing ducted heating system into a year-round heating and cooling solution.
At Maroondah Air, we help homeowners understand their options when it comes to heating and cooling systems, including whether their existing ducted heating setup is suitable for add-on refrigerated cooling.
Add-on cooling is a refrigerated air conditioning system designed to work alongside a compatible ducted heating system.
The basic concept is straightforward. Your existing ducted heater already has a network of ducts running throughout your home. These ducts deliver heated air through ceiling or floor outlets. An add-on refrigerated cooling unit can use this same ductwork to distribute cool air.
The cooling system generally consists of an indoor cooling coil and an outdoor condenser unit. Refrigerant travels between these components, removing heat from the air before the system’s fan distributes the cooled air through the existing ducts.
This means you can have:
For many homeowners, this system can be a better alternative to installing multiple split systems.
This is one of the most important questions to ask before investing in an add-on cooling system. Unfortunately, not every existing ducted heating system is automatically compatible.
Your existing heater, ductwork, return air system, electrical supply and outlets all need to be assessed. Some older systems may require modifications before refrigerated cooling can be installed, while others may not be suitable at all.
During a professional assessment your technician will consider:
The make and model of your heater will need to be checked to determine whether it can work with an add-on refrigerated cooling system.
Cooling generally requires adequate airflow. Ductwork that was originally designed solely for heating may not be appropriately sized or insulated for refrigerated cooling.
The return air system needs to be correctly sized to allow the system to circulate sufficient air efficiently.
Your existing outlets may need to be assessed to ensure they can provide appropriate airflow for cooling.
A refrigerated cooling system has different electrical requirements from a gas ducted heater. Your property may need additional electrical capacity, an appropriate circuit and suitable outdoor-unit provisions.
This is why professional assessment is essential before assuming your current ducted heating system can simply have a cooling unit attached.
When your system is operating in heating mode, the ducted heater produces warm air and distributes it through the existing duct network.
When you switch to cooling mode, the heating function is not used. Instead, air is circulated through the refrigerated cooling coil, where heat is removed from the air.
The cooled air is then distributed through the same ducts and outlets throughout your home.
The result is a centralised heating and cooling system without the need for separate indoor air conditioning units in every room.
This can be particularly useful in larger homes where maintaining comfortable temperatures across multiple rooms is important.
There are several reasons homeowners choose add-on refrigerated cooling.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is convenience.
Instead of relying on one system for winter and several portable or split air conditioners during summer, an add-on solution can provide both heating and cooling through the existing duct network.
This gives you a centralised approach to heating and cooling your home throughout the year.
If your home already has suitable ductwork, you may be able to avoid installing an entirely new network.
Your existing ceiling or floor outlets can potentially be used for both heating and cooling, provided they are appropriately designed for the system.
Refrigerated air conditioning actively removes heat from indoor air. Unlike evaporative cooling, it doesn’t rely on adding moisture to the air.
This makes refrigerated cooling particularly useful when Melbourne experiences hot and humid summer conditions.
Many ducted systems can be divided into zones, allowing you to cool particular parts of your home rather than operating the entire system unnecessarily.
During summer, you might cool the living areas during the day and switch the system to bedroom zones at night.
Correct zoning can improve comfort while helping manage energy consumption.
A central ducted system can provide a cleaner appearance than having multiple indoor wall-mounted units throughout the home.
Most of the equipment is hidden away, while the visible components are generally the ceiling or floor outlets and controller.
While add-on refrigerated cooling can be an excellent solution, it isn’t suitable for every property.
Your existing ducted heater may be too old or incompatible. The ductwork may not be large enough, or the return air system may require significant modification.
There may also be physical limitations in the roof space, underfloor area or outdoor location.
In some homes, installing a completely new ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning system may provide a better long-term solution.
A professional heating and cooling specialist like Maroondah Air can assess the existing installation and explain your options rather than recommending a system that isn’t appropriate for your home.
The installation process depends on your existing system and the condition of your ductwork.
A professional heating and cooling installation may involve:
Getting the sizing right is particularly important.
An undersized system may struggle to cool your home on hot days while an oversized system can create unnecessary costs and may not operate as efficiently as expected.
The right system should be selected based on factors such as the home’s size, layout, insulation, window exposure, number of occupants and areas requiring cooling.
If your existing ducted heating system is relatively modern and compatible, add-on cooling can be an effective option.
However, if your heater is approaching the end of its useful life, it may make more sense to consider replacing the entire system. A new integrated system could provide improved efficiency, modern controls, better zoning and greater reliability.
When comparing options, don’t only consider the initial installation price. Think about the age and condition of your current heater, anticipated running costs, future repair requirements and how long you expect to remain in the property.
This is where the experienced team at Maroondah Air can provide valuable advice.
Before adding refrigerated cooling, it’s important to make sure your existing heating system is operating properly.
If your heater is struggling to produce enough warmth, making unusual noises or failing to start, adding refrigerated cooling won’t solve those underlying problems.
Professional ducted heating repairs in Melbourne that homeowners require should be completed before integrating another component into the system.
Regular maintenance is also important. A professional ducted heating service can help identify issues with burners, airflow, controls and other components before they develop into major failures.
If your complete system eventually develops a fault, professional heating and cooling repair services can make maintaining year-round comfort much easier.
Add-on refrigerated cooling is designed mainly for residential properties, but centralised climate control is also important in many commercial environments.
For businesses, retail premises, offices and other properties, appropriately designed commercial heating and cooling systems can provide reliable temperature control while taking into account occupancy, building layout and operating requirements.
Commercial applications generally require more detailed system design and load calculations, so a qualified professional should assess the property before any installation work begins.
Adding refrigerated cooling to an existing ducted heating system is not simply a matter of purchasing a cooling unit and connecting it to your existing ducts.
The quality of the design and installation can have a major impact on comfort, efficiency and reliability.
When comparing air conditioning installers in Melbourne, look for a company that can assess your entire existing system rather than focusing solely on the new cooling equipment.
It’s also worth considering:
Choosing the right installer like Maroondah Air can help prevent airflow problems, inefficient operation and costly modifications later.
If your current ducted heating system isn’t suitable for add-on cooling, there are still plenty of options available.
A new ducted air conditioning system may provide heating and cooling from a single modern system. Alternatively, split systems or multi-split systems may be more appropriate depending on your home’s layout and budget.
If you’re looking for reliable air conditioner installation in Melbourne, the best system isn’t necessarily the biggest or most expensive one. It needs to be correctly sized and designed around your property.
Getting professional advice early can help determine whether add-on cooling, ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning or another option is the right fit.
Once your heating and cooling system has been installed, regular servicing can help maintain performance.
Over time, filters become dirty, components wear and airflow can become restricted. Refrigerated cooling systems also rely on correctly operating refrigeration and electrical components.
A professional air conditioner service in Melbourne can help homeowners identify issues before they turn into inconvenient breakdowns. Regular maintenance of your system and heating and cooling repair services will ensure reliable operation throughout winter.
Adding refrigerated cooling to an existing ducted heating system can be an excellent way to make your home comfortable throughout Melbourne’s changing seasons.
At Maroondah Air, our aim is to help homeowners find the right heating and cooling services suited to their property.
Whether you’re considering a heating system installation, upgrading an existing ducted heater, adding refrigerated cooling or looking for ongoing maintenance and repairs, professional assessment can help you make an informed decision.
Contact Maroondah Air today on (03) 9738 2000 and our experienced team can assess your existing setup and explain whether add-on cooling is suitable or whether another heating and cooling system would provide a better result.
Looking to go gas free in Victoria? You’re not alone. Both on a local and national level, a major push is being made to help property owners transition away from gas based appliances and embrace more efficient carbon-friendly options. Effective Jan 1, 2024, Victoria’s Gas Substitution Roadmap will officially begin. This initiative not only aims […]
As one of Melbourne’s leading heating and cooling companies, we have some expert tips and advice to keep you comfortable and cool. From rebates to cutting edge air conditioning systems, there are various steps you can take.
Whether you’re upgrading, fitting out a new property, or simply want to stay ready for the warm weather, we’re here to break down the best and brightest split systems available this summer.
A new air conditioning system is a big investment for any home and business. While the unit and brand is an important consideration, so is the company you choose. From the initial installation to ongoing servicing and repairs, you need someone that you can trust, respect, and depend on in a crunch. These days, heating […]
On a global level, our weather is becoming more unpredictable and extreme than ever. Australia is certainly no exception to the rule. In response, we’re all searching for ways to cope and be as comfortable as possible. Luckily, this is where split systems really fit the bill. Unless you’ve recently undertaken a renovation or bought […]
While split systems tend to get a lot of attention, there are many other great forms of air conditioning available. Today, we are going to shine a light on a highly regarded alternative–evaporative cooling systems. Often dubbed the most natural and eco-friendly form of air conditioning, evaporation coolers are available as both stand alone units […]
Your air conditioner won’t always last forever, but regular servicing sure helps to extend its lifespan. If you’re using the unit on a regular basis, this places a strain on all of its components, which can quickly lead to costly repairs.
Whether you want to retrofit a gas log fire into your existing fireplace or fit one into a newly built home, there’s never been a better time to invest in a brand new Rinnai log fire. Let’s explore why right now.
Types of Rinnai Gas Log Fires
Inflation and cost-of-living pressures are undoubtedly two of the biggest challenges that Melbournians currently face. While we are unable to control the cost of petrol and supermarket items, there are some ways to cut down and save money. Today, we’re going to focus on heating and cooling and highlight some ways that you can save […]
Air conditioning plays an incredibly important role in all of our lives. From home to work, shopping centres and public transport, we rely on these systems almost every day. As our need for reliable AC continues to grow, so does the capacity and functionality of modern air conditioning units. Without a doubt, split systems are […]
03 9738 2000 
