Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating: Upgrade Your Heating Seamlessly With Existing Ducts
Authored by:
David Johnson
Thinking about upgrading your home’s heating but dreading the idea of a complete overhaul? We get it.
No one wants to deal with ripping out ductwork or facing a long, disruptive installation process. But what if you didn’t have to?
Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating is a new option designed to give you all the benefits of energy-efficient, all-electric heating without the need for extensive modifications. It works with the ductwork and vents you already have, so you can enjoy better heating (and cooling) without the hassle of a major renovation.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what this system is all about, how it works, and why it’s a smart, hassle-free solution for upgrading your home’s comfort.
What is Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating?
Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating is a modern system that combines both heating and cooling in one convenient unit. It uses all-electric reverse cycle technology to provide efficient year-round climate control, meaning it heats your home during the colder months and cools it in the summer.
Replacing Gas without Hassle
One of the biggest advantages of Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating is how easily it integrates with your existing home setup.
You can switch from gas to an all-electric system without needing to replace your ductwork or ceiling vents. This means no major renovations or long, disruptive installation processes. It’s designed to fit directly into the space your gas heater occupies, making the switch quick and straightforward.
How It Works:
All-Electric Reverse Cycle Technology: The system uses electricity to both heat and cool your home by transferring heat between the inside and outside of your home, depending on the season. This is done using an efficient heat pump that works in both directions.
Indoor and Outdoor Units: The system includes an indoor unit that replaces your gas heater and an outdoor unit that works as part of the reverse cycle technology. These units are designed to fit seamlessly into your home with minimal modifications.
Compatibility with Multiple Gas Heater Brands: Whether your current system is Braemar, Bonaire, Brivis, or another popular brand, Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating is designed to be compatible with many existing gas heating systems. This versatility makes it an easy and practical choice for most homeowners looking to upgrade without hassle.
Key Benefits of Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating
Cost-Effective Installation
One of the main concerns homeowners have when upgrading their heating systems is the cost and complexity of installation. With Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating, the process is simplified because you don’t need to remove your existing ductwork or vents. There’s no need for major repairs or repainting, which saves you money and time. Most installations can even be completed in a day, meaning you’ll experience minimal disruption to your home life.
Low Running Costs
Running a Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating system is more cost-effective than gas heating, especially when paired with a Braemar evaporative cooling system. The all-electric setup allows for lower energy consumption compared to traditional gas systems, which leads to reduced energy bills throughout the year. Plus, you benefit from the dual functionality of both heating and cooling, making it a year-round energy saver.
Environmentally Friendly
In addition to saving on running costs, this system is better for the environment. By eliminating the need for gas, Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating helps reduce your carbon footprint. It uses R32 refrigerant, which has a much lower global warming potential compared to older refrigerants. This makes the system not only efficient but also aligned with modern environmental standards, making it an eco-conscious choice for homeowners looking to reduce their impact on the environment.
Performance and Technology Features
Heating and Cooling Power
Performance varies, but the Dominator Series™ is known for its effectiveness delivering up to 17kW of heating capacity with the ability to reach a maximum output of 21kW.
This ensures the system can comfortably heat large spaces, even in colder climates. In addition to heating, the system also provides efficient cooling during warmer months, making it a versatile, year-round solution for home comfort.
Quiet and Efficient Operation:
Thanks to its advanced micro-channel heat exchanger, the Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating system operates quietly while maintaining optimal energy usage. The efficiency of this system also translates into lower energy consumption, which helps reduce overall running costs.
Advanced Control Options:
Homeowners have the flexibility to customise their heating and cooling needs with advanced zone control. This feature allows you to manage the temperature in different rooms or zones independently, ensuring that you’re not wasting energy heating or cooling areas that aren’t in use. Additionally, the system can be paired with Wi-Fi-enabled devices, giving you the ability to control the system remotely through a smartphone app, which adds an extra layer of convenience and personalization.
Flexible Installation Options
Easy Integration with Existing Systems:
One of the biggest advantages of the Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating system is its ability to seamlessly integrate with your existing ductwork and ceiling vents. There’s no need for extensive modifications or to replace these components, meaning you can upgrade your heating system with minimal disruption to your home. This simplicity is a huge benefit for homeowners who want to avoid the hassle and cost of a full system replacement.
One-Day Installation:
In many cases, installation of the Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating system can be completed within a single day. This reduces the need for multiple trades or lengthy construction work, which can be disruptive to your daily routine. By utilizing your existing infrastructure, this system makes upgrading to a more efficient heating solution quick and straightforward.
Versatile Installation:
The system’s design allows for flexible installation options to suit various home configurations. Whether your setup requires an internal, external, or underfloor installation, the Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating system can be adapted to fit your home’s specific needs. This versatility ensures that no matter your current system or layout, the upgrade process is as seamless as possible.
Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency
Hyper-Efficiency Paired with Evaporative Cooling:
When paired with an evaporative cooler, Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating provides maximum energy efficiency, even during humid conditions where evaporative cooling alone may be less effective. This combination reduces energy usage and ensures year-round comfort with lower running costs.
All-Electric Solution for Sustainable Homes:
Switching to an all-electric system like the Dominator Series™ not only reduces reliance on gas but also significantly cuts energy consumption. This results in a lower carbon footprint and a more sustainable heating and cooling solution for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Who is Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating Best For?
Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating offers a practical, energy-efficient upgrade that suits a wide range of homeowners. Whether you’re looking to reduce your reliance on gas or simply want to lower your energy bills, this system provides a versatile solution. Here’s a look at who can benefit the most from this technology:
Homeowners Looking to Replace Gas Systems:
Perfect for those who want to move away from gas heating but don’t want the hassle of replacing their existing ductwork. The system seamlessly integrates with your current setup.Environmentally Conscious Consumers:
Ideal for people seeking an all-electric, eco-friendly solution that significantly reduces their carbon footprint and eliminates reliance on fossil fuels.Homes with Evaporative Cooling Systems:
If your home already has an evaporative cooler, Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating maximises energy savings by pairing these systems for year-round comfort.Budget-Conscious Homeowners:
Great for those looking to reduce long-term energy costs without investing in a completely new ducted system. It offers a cost-effective upgrade with minimal disruption.People in Cooler Climates:
Particularly suited for regions like southern Australia, where winters are cooler and reliable heating is essential. The hybrid system ensures efficient heating and cooling all year long.
Conclusion
Many homeowners hesitate to upgrade their heating systems due to concerns about long installations, high costs, and the need for significant modifications.
Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating directly addresses these pain points by offering a seamless upgrade that works with your existing ductwork, meaning no major renovations or drawn-out installations.
What’s more, it’s designed to reduce energy bills, minimise environmental impact, and provide a quick and efficient installation process.
Whether you’re looking to move away from gas, lower your carbon footprint, or simply upgrade your home’s comfort, Reverse Cycle Hybrid Heating is a smart solution.
By:
David Johnson
An HVAC expert with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to helping homeowners find the best cooling solutions for their comfort needs.