Ducted reverse cycle is the most comprehensive home climate system — whole-home heating and cooling from one unit — and its cost reflects that scope. The price spans a wide range depending on your home size, the number of zones, the system capacity and whether existing ductwork can be reused. With Victorian rebates now available for replacing gas ducted heating, the net cost of switching can be far lower than the sticker price suggests. This guide breaks down 2026 Melbourne pricing, what drives it, and how to bring it down.
Installation Cost Overview
A ducted reverse cycle installation in Melbourne typically falls between $9,000 and $18,000, with smaller homes at the lower end and large multi-zone homes at the top. The figure bundles the outdoor unit, the indoor fan coil, the ductwork and outlets, the zoning hardware and controller, and the substantial labour of installing it all — mostly in the roof space. The chart below shows indicative ranges by home size.
Because every home is different, these are starting points. A site assessment confirms the capacity needed, the number of zones, the duct layout and access, and produces a fixed quote.
Cost by Home Size
The single biggest driver of cost is the size of the home and the system capacity (kW) needed to condition it, along with how many zones it is split into. A small home or apartment with one or two zones needs a smaller unit and less ductwork. A large family home with five or more zones needs a high-capacity system, more ducting, more outlets and more zoning hardware — all of which add to both materials and labour. More zones also mean more motorised dampers and a more capable controller. See our sizing guide for how capacity is matched to your home.
Reusing Existing Ducts
If your home already has ducted gas heating, the existing ductwork is often the most expensive part you may not have to pay for again. Where the ducts, return air and outlets are in good condition and suitably sized, a reverse cycle system can reuse them — you pay for the new outdoor and indoor units and the connection work, but not a whole new duct network. This is one of the most effective ways Melbourne homeowners reduce the cost of switching from gas to electric. A technician inspects the existing ductwork to confirm it is suitable. See our adding cooling to existing ducts guide.
What Affects the Price
- System capacity (kW): larger homes need larger, more expensive equipment.
- Number of zones: more zones add dampers, controls and labour.
- New vs reused ductwork: reusing sound ducts is a major saving.
- Roof access and complexity: tight or low roof spaces add labour.
- Brand and inverter technology: premium brands cost more but can run more efficiently.
- Outdoor unit location and electrical work: long cable/pipe runs or switchboard upgrades add cost.
Rebates That Cut the Cost
For homes replacing gas ducted heating, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program offers a substantial incentive toward a ducted reverse cycle system — applied as an upfront discount through an accredited installer. It can reduce the net cost by thousands, and electrifying also removes the daily gas supply charge from your bills entirely. Eligibility, equipment and installer accreditation requirements apply. See our gas-to-reverse-cycle rebate guide for current details.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Because the cost depends on so many home-specific factors, the only way to a real figure is a site assessment: the installer measures the home, calculates the capacity, plans the zones and duct layout, checks roof access and the existing ductwork, and confirms electrical requirements and rebate eligibility. You then receive a fixed quote — not a rate that shifts once work begins. FreshDuct provides measured quotes for ducted reverse cycle across Melbourne. Call 0431 918 137.