Home Renovation? Don’t Overlook the HVAC System

Planning a home renovation is exciting—new floors, fresh paint, a modern kitchen—but amid the mood boards and tradie quotes, one crucial system is often forgotten: your HVAC.

Whether you're adding a new room, reconfiguring floor plans, or simply upgrading outdated features, your heating and cooling system should be part of the conversation from day one. Here’s why.

1. Renovations Affect Airflow and Efficiency

Changing the layout of your home—removing walls, raising ceilings, or expanding rooms—can disrupt how air flows through your home. If your current air conditioner is sized for your old floor plan, it may struggle to maintain comfort after the changes. This can lead to uneven temperatures, reduced energy efficiency, and increased electricity bills.

If you're adding square meterage, make sure to have your HVAC installer recalculate load requirements based on the new layout. Also, consider upgrading to a zoning system to avoid wasting energy on rooms you don't use all the time.

2. Pre-Reno Planning Avoids Expensive Rework

It’s far more cost-effective to run new ducting, electrical cabling, or refrigerant lines before plaster goes up and finishes are applied. Retrofitting after the fact often involves cutting through fresh walls or ceilings—a nightmare for any homeowner.

Involving a licensed HVAC installer early ensures their plan aligns with the work of your electrician, carpenter, or builder. It also means you can install wall-mounted split systems without exposed conduit and plan for outdoor unit placement without compromising the aesthetics of your newly landscaped yard.

3. A New Space May Need a New System

Adding a second storey, granny flat, or large extension? You may need to upgrade from a single split system to a multi-split or even a ducted reverse cycle system.

Split System: Ideal for single rooms or smaller renovations. Cost-effective and quick to install.

Multi-Split System: One outdoor unit connected to several indoor units. Great for controlling multiple zones while saving on exterior space.

Ducted System: Best for whole-home comfort and aesthetics. Hidden ducts deliver airflow through ceiling or floor vents and support zoning.

Discuss your lifestyle needs and floor plan with your installer to ensure the right fit.

4. Boost Property Value with Modern Air Conditioning

Buyers today expect comfort—and energy efficiency. A professionally installed, modern HVAC system adds real value to your home. Choosing a unit with smart controls, zoning capabilities, and reverse cycle operation (for both heating and cooling) will appeal to future buyers and reduce your own utility bills.

According to realestate.com.au, homes listed with heating and cooling attract higher buyer interest and often sell faster, especially in Melbourne’s competitive market.

5. Stay Comfortable Through Construction

Renovations can take weeks or months—sometimes during Melbourne’s hottest or coldest months. Planning temporary air conditioning or maintaining access to a climate-controlled room is essential, especially for families, pets, or those working from home.

Temporary solutions include:

• Portable air conditioners or heaters
  
  
• Maintaining service to existing units during staged renovations
  
  
• Setting up a temporary zone with a split system
  
  

Ask your HVAC installer if a temporary setup can be arranged.

6. Gas vs Electric Heating: What Renovators Should Know

Victoria is phasing out gas heating in favour of electric alternatives under its Gas Substitution Roadmap. If your renovation involves replacing a gas ducted system, now is the perfect time to switch to an electric ducted reverse cycle system.

Electric ducted heating systems use inverter technology to provide both heating and cooling in one. They’re more efficient, emit fewer carbon emissions, and qualify for generous government rebates—sometimes up to $5,000 depending on your postcode and energy provider.

Talk to your installer about reverse cycle systems that can be zoned for day and night use, helping you cut down on unnecessary heating costs.

7. Age of Your Property & Hidden HVAC Challenges

Older homes often present unique challenges during HVAC upgrades:

• Asbestos risk: Homes built before 1990 may contain asbestos in ceilings or wall sheeting. A professional check is required before any cutting or ducting work is done.
  
  
• No ceiling space: Some heritage or solid brick homes lack roof cavities for ducted installation.
  
  
• Old switchboards: Electric systems may require switchboard upgrades to handle increased power loads.

Your HVAC technician can assess and advise on these issues during the planning phase.

8. Planning Ductwork & Ceiling Access

If you opt for a ducted system, your installer needs access to a ceiling cavity. Factors to consider:

• Is the ceiling cavity large enough?
  
  
• Is there existing ductwork that can be reused or should it be replaced?
  
  
• Are you installing a double-storey system? These are more complex and may require vertical duct runs or multiple indoor units.

Alternative solutions include bulkhead systems, which hide ducting in custom-built ceiling spaces.

Final Tip: Involve Your HVAC Installer Early

Don’t leave heating and cooling decisions until the last minute. Involving an HVAC professional during the planning stage can prevent major headaches later.