Heating and Cooling (Which do I choose?)

Hey trusted advisors

I have a conundrum. I am about to finalise my build contract and need to choose what heating/cooling I want. Currently the contract has splittlies but I am moving away from these for a number of reasons (My wife thinks their ugly o.k ).

The builder has given me two options.
Option 1 - Ducted Gas heating with Add on Cooling
Type - Braemer 5 star 27.8kw with lennox coil 17kw, common +2 zones with MagicIQ touch controller.
Additional Cost = $4807

Option 2 - Ducted Reverse Cycle System
Type - Daiken Inverter 16kw single phase with 3 zones (common + 2)
Additional Cost = $4948

I asked the builder which one would be more economical and he had a long response from the heating/cooling which had the Daiken Inverter considerably cheaper to run. I was always under the impression gas would be far cheaper but I am being advised otherwise.

The difference in install cost is minor so the cost to run is what I care most about.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Ben

 

Reverse cycle is more marketable and searchable on ads if you are going to be using it as an investment property

 

Where is the property?

In some areas, eg in Canberra if you don't have ducted gas heating you're looked at strangely. Whereas in Perth no one would have that.

Look up properties for sale and properties for rent in your area that are comparable and see what they have. You want to be better than those if you want to achieve a better result.

Also need to consider cost effectiveness in purchase (ie how much of the house will it heat / cool and how long will the system last) vs the amount of additional cashflow (if any) it provides.

 

I know Melbournes climate is much different to Perth but for what it's worth I just had reverse cycle ducted installed in the granny flat and it was the best money I ever spent, didn't think I would use the heating but I am giving it a belting and it is wonderful.

 

Hey All,
Thanks for the great and speedy responses.

I live in Melbourne's North West close to the CBD.
The property I am building is not for investment purposes, it is my PPOR.
The plan is for this to be our 7+ year home and maybe considerably longer based upon how my kiddies we have.

 

I generally use ducted air conditioning (reverse cycle) for most of my builds however we do occasionally use split systems. As the others have suggested, it depends on your target market.

Being a PPOR i'd still choose ducted. Better selling proposition.

 

i would go (in trend) and daiken has some pretty good after sales service

Option 2 - Ducted Reverse Cycle System
Type - Daiken Inverter 16kw single phase with 3 zones (common + 2)
Additional Cost = $4948

 

Thanks All.
Based upon your feedback and the plumber saying it will be more efficient in the long run i will go the Daiken. Cheers!

 

Another vote for ducted but you need to know how you're going to live ine the house. How many zones ie bedrooms/upstairs living, downstairs/meals/kitchen and a splitty for the office/study?

 

what are you using on floors? tiles?

2 things not given enough consideration are the actual design/spec of the home, including orientation, insulation etc, and using underfloor heating even if just in key areas.

cost has come down a fair bit plus with good design etc many people find they don't need yo use additional heating much or at all. it's also a more comfortable heat vs ducted heating which can dry you out after a while

 

Both systems they say are ducted though? I am guessing you mean the ducted reverse cycle?

The house is double story around 26sq. Upstairs is a retreat, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. Given we do not have kids yet i imagine this area will not get used very often.

The house has been designed with a 6 star energy rating so imagine the insulation will be pretty good.

 

6 star is basic and legal minimum. also.the star rating is a decent guide but has flaws.

fwiw I'm currently living in a 9 star rated apartment I built and it's so comfortable that I used the aircon an entire 5 times or so during the typically hot perth summer.

I'd definitely look into what has been specced just to make sure it is done right.

 

Are they giving away stars nowadays?

 

Hi All,


We are planning to build a 56 SQM double-story house in S/E Melbourne. So Builder is recommending $25K Actron Refrigerated cooling?

is it a recommended brand or option?


MI

 

56m² that must be on a tiny block.

 

Actron is a good brand.
You might to check the measurements for that price though, maybe you mean 56 squares???
56 squares is huge, so I hope the air con is specced and zoned for that, because it will cost you a fortune to heat or cool that size property. Maybe check with a specialist, not just the builder. I 'm wondering why only cooling.

 

ESP Platinum Ducted Air Conditioning System - ActronAir

Hard to find the price?