Switching From Gas to Ducted Air Conditioning in Canberra
Better comfort, lower running costs, and year-round efficiency
Why Canberra Homes Are Moving Away From Gas Heating
For decades, gas ducted heating was the default for Canberra homes. But with gas prices rising and electrification becoming the national direction, many households are reconsidering whether gas still makes sense.
Gas heating limitations include:
- High and unpredictable running costs
- Only provides heating (not cooling)
- Poor energy efficiency compared to modern systems
- Carbon emissions that don’t align with ACT electrification goals
Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning, on the other hand, provides a more versatile, cost-effective and future-proof solution — especially when integrated with solar and batteries.
Benefits of Replacing Gas Heating With Ducted Air Conditioning
What to Expect When Switching From Gas to Air Conditioning
Expert advice from the SolarHub team
Switching from gas to ducted air conditioning is a big upgrade — but it also means the experience of heating your home will feel different. Here’s what Canberra homeowners should know:
The air won’t feel as “hot” as gas — but the home still gets warm
Gas heaters blow very hot air (50–70ºC) from the vents. Reverse-cycle systems deliver warmer air at a lower temperature, but over a higher volume. You get the same comfort — it just feels different.
More air volume means slightly more indoor airflow noise
Because the system moves more air to heat the home, you’ll notice a gentle but consistent airflow from vents. This is normal and expected.
The outdoor unit also makes noise
Modern units are quiet, but they are not silent. SolarHub installs outdoor units in optimal locations and complies with ACT noise guidelines to minimise impact.
Reverse-cycle takes longer to reach temperature
Gas tends to heat quickly. Air conditioning warms the home more gradually — but more efficiently over time.
Cleaner, healthier indoor air
Unlike gas heaters, air conditioners filter and clean the air by removing dust, reducing allergens, and eliminating combustion by-products. This creates a healthier indoor environment, especially for households with asthma or allergies.
Improved safety
With no open flames, pilot lights, or gas lines, reverse-cycle systems remove risks associated with gas leaks or combustion issues.
Benefits of Replacing Gas Heating With Ducted Air Conditioning
Our Preferred Ducted Air Conditioning Options
At SolarHub, we recommend two trusted ducted systems that suit a wide range of Canberra homes. Each option offers unique strengths, so you can choose the system that best matches your lifestyle, budget, and comfort needs.
ActronAir Advance Ducted Air Conditioning
Proudly 100% Australian-made, the ActronAir Advance is built for homes that face Canberra’s extremes – from frosty winter mornings to scorching summer days. With over 40 years of local innovation, it’s engineered for reliability, efficiency, and year-round comfort.
Why choose Advance:
- Made for Australia: 100% Australian-made and tested for local conditions.
- Extreme performance: Operates from -15ºC to 54ºC, ideal for both very hot and very cold climates.
- Vertical discharge design: Optimised for tighter spaces and improved airflow.
- Smarter zoning: Individual room temperature control for precision comfort.
- Energy efficiency: Tru-Inverter technology keeps costs lower.
- Quiet operation: Sound reduction technology with Quiet Mode.
- Flexible capacities: Single phase (13–17kW) and three phase (13–25kW) options.
The Advance system is the premium choice for homeowners wanting precise comfort in every room, reliable performance in any weather, and zoning flexibility that adapts to the way you live.
ActronAir Aires Ducted Air Conditioning
Australian-designed for real Aussie conditions. The Aires inverter ducted range is built to handle changeable weather—from frosty mornings to hot afternoons—while keeping running costs sensible. With flexible zoning and smart Unity IQ logic, your family can set different zones to turn on and off, and avoid overusing the system.
Why choose Aires:
- Flexible zoning: Control living areas and bedrooms separately to suit daily routines.
- Smart operation: Unity IQ logic helps balance comfort and efficiency.
- Quiet Mode: Lower noise for night use.
- Compact design: Easier placement in tight roof spaces.
- Reliable performance: Designed for Australian homes and climates.
Exclusive Discounts for ActewAGL Customers
Replacing your gas heater with an electric ducted air conditioner may qualify you for generous ActewAGL incentives:
Replacing gas ducted heating with electric ducted AC:
- $2,500 discount on installation
- $500 bill credit over three years
- Concession card holders: up to $5,000 off plus $1,000 bill credit
Replacing a flued gas heater with a split system:
- $1,250 discount on installation
- $500 bill credit over three years
- Concession card holders: up to $2,500 off plus $500 bill credit
These incentives significantly reduce the upfront cost of switching from gas.
In addition to the ActewAGL rebates, Canberra homeowners may also be eligible for other electrification incentives, including the ACT Government’s Home Energy Support Rebates, the Sustainable Household Scheme, and discounted green loans through Brighte. These programs can further reduce the upfront cost of switching from gas to electric air conditioning.
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Why Choose SolarHub for Your Ducted Air Conditioning?
At SolarHub, we bring our solar expertise to every ducted air conditioning project. That means your system is designed not just for comfort, but to fit your home’s broader energy needs.
The SolarHub difference:
- Compliance first: Safe installs with proper documentation.
- Energy-smart design: Right-sized systems that cut running costs.
- One team, all solutions: Solar, batteries, and AC working together.
- Future-ready comfort: Integration with solar and batteries for long-term savings.
With SolarHub, your ducted air conditioning is part of a smarter, energy-efficient home.