The Heat Shop — Air Conditioning & Heating in Barwon Heads

Ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning typically costs $6,000–$15,000 installed for a standard 3–4 bedroom home, depending on the number of zones, brand, and access difficulty. Split systems cost $800–$3,500 installed per unit.

A rough guide: 1kW per 10m² for standard rooms. A 20m² bedroom needs ~2–2.5kW, a 40m² open plan needs ~4–5kW. A qualified HVAC technician will perform a proper load calculation accounting for insulation, ceiling height, and sun exposure.

Residential split systems should be serviced annually — clean filters, check refrigerant, inspect coils and drainage. Ducted systems and commercial units need servicing every 6–12 months depending on usage. Regular servicing extends lifespan and maintains energy efficiency.

A reverse-cycle air conditioner provides both cooling in summer and heating in winter using a heat pump. It's the most energy-efficient heating option for most Australian climates, and is 3–5x more efficient than electric resistance heaters.

A quality split system air conditioner lasts 10–15 years with annual servicing. Inverter models tend to outlast fixed-speed units. Brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Fujitsu generally have strong reliability records in Australian conditions.