Can I Use Existing Ducting When Switching to a Braemar Dominator?

If you’re considering replacing your old gas ducted heating with a Braemar Dominator reverse cycle system, one of the first questions that comes up is:

“Can I reuse my existing ducting?”

The short answer: sometimes – but not always.
And whether you should reuse it is often a more important question than whether you can.

Let’s break it down.

When Existing Ducting Can Be Reused

In some Melbourne homes, reusing ductwork is possible, especially if:

• Your ducting is relatively new (under 10–15 years old)
• It’s in good condition with no tears, sagging, or insulation breakdown
• The duct size and layout suit reverse cycle airflow requirements
• It was originally installed for a similar-sized system

If all of the above checks out, you may be able to reuse parts of your existing ducting, which can reduce installation costs.

Why Reusing Ducting Isn’t Always Recommended

Here’s where most homeowners get caught out. Reverse cycle systems like the Braemar Dominator are far more energy efficient than traditional gas heating, often producing multiple units of heat for every unit of electricity used.

Gas ducted heating systems and reverse cycle systems like the Braemar Dominator operate very differently:

1. Airflow Requirements Are Different

Gas systems push out very hot air in short bursts, while reverse cycle systems deliver consistent, lower-temperature airflow.

This means duct sizing and design are often not compatible.

2. Older Ducting = Energy Loss

In many Melbourne homes, especially in suburbs with older housing stock like Preston, Reservoir, or Coburg, ducting is often:

• Poorly insulated
• Leaking air into the roof cavity
• Crushed or kinked

Reusing this can reduce efficiency and increase running costs.

3. Zoning Limitations

Modern systems like the Braemar Dominator are designed for zoning (heating/cooling specific areas).

Older duct layouts often:

• Don’t support zoning properly
• Lead to uneven airflow
• Waste energy heating unused rooms

4. Hygiene & Air Quality Issues

Over time, ducting can accumulate:

• Dust
• Mould
• Allergens

If you’re upgrading your system, it often makes sense to start fresh for better indoor air quality.

Example Savings: Gas vs Braemar Dominator (Melbourne)

Scenario 1: Average Family Home (3–4 bedrooms)

Old gas ducted heating:

• Winter gas bills: ~$400–$600/month
• Annual heating cost: ~$1,200–$1,800

Braemar Dominator (reverse cycle):

• Winter electricity cost: ~$200–$350/month
• Annual heating cost: ~$600–$1,000

Estimated annual savings: $400–$800 per year

Scenario 2: Larger Home with High Usage

Gas system (older, inefficient):

Annual cost: $2,000–$2,800

Braemar Dominator:

Annual cost: $1,200–$1,800

Estimated annual savings: $800–$1,200+ per year

Scenario 3: Home with Solar

This is where it gets interesting.

Running a Braemar system during the day with solar:

Heating cost drops significantly

Estimated annual savings: $1,000–$1,500+ compared to gas

Why the Savings Happen

You can reinforce this briefly in the article:

• Reverse cycle systems are 3 – 4x more energy efficient than gas
• Gas prices in Victoria have risen significantly
• Electric systems can be partially powered by solar

Actual running costs will vary depending on home size, insulation, usage patterns, and energy tariffs.

We can estimate your exact running costs based on your home and current bills

When Replacing Ducting Is the Better Option

In most cases, we recommend upgrading or replacing ducting if:

• Your system is 15+ years old
• Rooms aren’t heating evenly
• You’re planning to install zoning
• You want to maximise energy efficiency
• You’re investing in a premium system like a Braemar Dominator

Think of it this way: installing a new high-performance system with old ducting is like putting a new engine in a car with worn tyres.

Does Reusing Ducting Save Money?

Yes – short term.

But in many cases:

• You’ll get higher energy bills
• Reduced comfort
• More strain on your system

Over time, that “saving” often disappears.

A properly designed duct system ensures your Braemar unit runs:

• More efficiently
• More quietly
• With better temperature control

Tools like Energy Made Easy allow Victorian homeowners to compare real-world running costs between gas and electric systems.

What We See in Melbourne Homes

At Harley Plumbing, most gas-to-electric conversions we complete across Melbourne involve:

• Partial duct replacement, or
• Full redesign of the duct system

This ensures the new system performs exactly as it should, especially in homes with:

• Older roof spaces
• Extensions or renovations
• Poor original duct layouts

With Victoria pushing toward electrification, many homeowners are now considering switching from gas to more efficient electric systems.

Our Recommendation

Before making a decision, the best step is a proper inspection.

We assess:

• Duct condition
• Layout and sizing
• Airflow performance
• Compatibility with a Braemar Dominator system

From there, we’ll give you a clear recommendation, whether that’s reuse, upgrade, or replace.

Thinking About Upgrading to a Braemar Dominator?

If you’re in Melbourne and considering replacing your gas ducted heating, we can help you:

• Assess your current system
• Provide upfront pricing
• Design a system that actually performs

Contact Harley Plumbing today to book an inspection or get a quote.