There’s no single best ducted heating brand — Brivis, Braemar, Bonaire and Rinnai are all widely used in Melbourne. What matters most is efficiency (star rating), correct sizing and a quality install. Here’s how to choose.
7 min read FreshDuct Melbourne Melbourne, Victoria
There’s no single best ducted heating brand — Brivis, Braemar, Bonaire and Rinnai are all widely used in Melbourne. What matters most is efficiency (star rating), correct sizing and a quality install. Here’s how to choose.
No One BestBest for your home & budget
EfficiencyStar rating drives running cost
Size & InstallMatter as much as brand
There’s no single “best” ducted heating brand — the major brands (Brivis, Braemar, Bonaire, Rinnai) are all well represented in Melbourne. Efficiency (star rating), correct sizing and a quality install matter as much as the badge.
Is There a “Best” Brand?
There’s no single best ducted heating brand for everyone. The major brands used across Melbourne — Brivis, Braemar, Bonaire and Rinnai — are all well established and each offers a range of models at different efficiencies and price points. What matters most isn’t the badge but choosing a reliable unit of the right efficiency and size, and having it installed well. A sensible mid-range unit, sized and installed properly, suits most homes (see the comparison above).
How the Brands Compare
Brivis is one of the most widely used and well-supported brands, with a broad range. Braemar is Australian-made and a common, reliable choice in Melbourne homes. Bonaire is an established local brand known for value and availability. Rinnai has a strong reputation for efficiency and build quality. Each makes higher- and lower-efficiency models, so the specific unit’s rating matters more than the brand alone. The table above is a general positioning guide, not a ranking.
Efficiency Matters Most
The single biggest factor in long-term cost is the unit’s energy efficiency, shown by its star rating — a higher rating means less gas burned for the same warmth, and lower bills. This varies by model within every brand, so compare the star rating of the specific unit, not just the brand name. Given gas prices, a more efficient unit can pay back its cost difference over time. See our gas bill guide.
Sizing and Installation
A great brand in the wrong size or poorly installed disappoints. Correct sizing — matched to your home’s size, layout and insulation — ensures the heater warms the home efficiently without short-cycling or struggling. A quality install (proper ducting, controls and commissioning) lets the unit deliver its rated performance and last. So weigh sizing and the installer as heavily as the brand. See our sizing guide.
Getting the Right One
We assess your home, heating needs and budget and recommend the right brand, model and size — then install it properly — rather than pushing one brand. We’ll also help you weigh a high-efficiency gas unit against electrifying to ducted reverse cycle, if that suits your situation better. The aim is efficient, reliable warmth for years. Call 0431 918 137 or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ducted heating brand in Melbourne?
There’s no single best brand — Brivis, Braemar, Bonaire and Rinnai are all well established and widely used in Melbourne, each with a range of models. The ‘best’ choice for you depends on your home, budget and efficiency goals, and just as importantly on choosing the right size and a quality installation. A reliable mid-range unit, correctly sized and well installed, serves most homes well.
Which ducted heating brand is most efficient?
Efficiency varies by model and star rating more than by brand alone — each major brand offers higher- and lower-efficiency models. Look at the energy star rating of the specific unit rather than the brand name, since a higher rating means lower gas use and running costs. We can recommend an efficient model suited to your home from a reputable brand. See our gas bill guide.
Does the brand matter more than the installation?
No — they matter together. Even a top brand will underperform or cost more to run if it’s the wrong size or poorly installed, while a sound mid-range unit, correctly sized and properly installed, performs well and lasts. Correct sizing and a quality install (ducting, controls, commissioning) are as important as the brand. Weigh the installer alongside the brand.
Should I replace my old ducted heater with the same brand?
Not necessarily — replacement is a good time to reconsider. You might choose a more efficient model (of any reputable brand) to cut running costs, or even consider electrification to a ducted reverse-cycle system given rising gas prices and incentives. We help you compare options for your home rather than defaulting to like-for-like. See our electrification library.
Can you recommend the right ducted heater for my home?
Yes — we assess your home, heating needs and budget and recommend the right brand, model and size, then install it properly. The goal is efficient, reliable warmth for years, not pushing a single brand. We’ll also help you weigh a high-efficiency gas unit against electrification if that suits you better. Call 0431 918 137 or request a quote.
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