Professional Gas Heater Installation You Can Trust
Installing a new gas heater is not a job for an unlicensed person. In Victoria, all gas appliance installation work must be carried out by a VBA licensed gas fitter. Full stop. An incorrectly installed gas heater is a serious safety hazard, it can cause gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure and in the worst cases, fire or explosion.
Gas Experts Melbourne takes care of everything. We'll help you choose the right heater for your home and budget, supply the unit and install it to Australian standards, then carry out a full safety check and commissioning before we leave. You receive a written completion certificate and report on every installation.
Whether you're replacing an old heater that's reached the end of its life, upgrading to a more efficient model, or installing gas heating in a home that has never had it before, we make it simple, safe and straightforward.
Why You Should Never DIY a Gas Heater Installation
Gas heater installation involves working with live gas lines, flue systems, electrical connections and combustion air pathways. Getting any of these wrong can have serious consequences.
With Gas Experts Melbourne, every installation is carried out by a VBA licensed gas fitter, completed to Australian Standards, and signed off with a certificate of compliance. You are covered.
What can go wrong with an unlicensed installation
- Gas leaks: incorrectly connected or sealed fittings allow gas to escape. Gas is flammable and can cause an explosion or fire.
- Carbon monoxide exposure: an incorrectly installed flue or combustion air pathway can allow CO to build up inside the home. CO is odourless and can be fatal.
- Voided home insurance: if a fire or gas incident is linked to unlicensed work, your insurer may refuse to pay the claim.
- Voided product warranty: most gas heater manufacturers require a licensed installation for the warranty to be valid.
- Non-compliance fines: Energy Safe Victoria can issue fines for unlicensed gas work.
Which Type of Gas Heater is Right for Your Home?
There are several types of gas heaters available in Melbourne homes. Each has its strengths depending on your home's layout, your heating needs and your budget. Here's a practical overview to help you make an informed decision.
Type 1: Wall Furnaces (Unflued and Flued)
Wall furnaces are the most common type of gas heater found in Melbourne homes, particularly in older properties. They are mounted to the wall and heat a single room or open-plan area.
- Unflued wall furnaces Do not have an external flue. Combustion gases are released into the room. These are being phased out in new installations due to health concerns. Replacement with a flued unit is strongly recommended.
- Flued wall furnaces Have an external flue that vents combustion gases outside. These are the standard for new installations and are significantly safer than unflued alternatives.
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, smaller homes or as a supplementary heating source.
Brands available: Rinnai, Pyrox, Cannon, Everdure
Type 2: Gas Space Heaters (Freestanding)
Freestanding gas space heaters are portable units connected to the gas supply via a flexible hose. They can be moved between rooms and do not require a permanent wall installation.
Best for: Renters, temporary heating solutions, supplementary heating in specific rooms.
Brands available: Rinnai, Cannon, Pyrox
Note: Freestanding unflued gas heaters are not recommended for use in bedrooms or small enclosed spaces due to CO and moisture risks.
Type 3: Ducted Gas Heating Systems
Ducted gas heating systems use a central heating unit (usually installed in the roof space) connected to a network of ducts and vents throughout the home. A single system heats the entire house evenly and efficiently.
Best for: Whole-home heating, larger homes, new builds, homeowners upgrading from multiple individual heaters to a single centralised system.
Brands available: Braemar, Brivis, Rinnai, Bonaire
Note: For full information on ducted heating installation, visit our Ducted Gas Heating Installation page.
Type 4: Gas Log Fires and Fireplaces
Gas log fires and fireplaces combine the aesthetic appeal of a traditional fireplace with the convenience and efficiency of gas. They are available as inbuilt models (installed into a fireplace opening) and freestanding models.
Best for: Living rooms, feature heating, homeowners who want the look of a real fire without the maintenance of a wood-burning fireplace.
Brands available: Rinnai, Escea, Regency, Jetmaster, Real Flame
Type 5: Gas Panel Heaters
Gas panel heaters are slim-profile, wall-mounted units that heat through convection and radiant heat. They are available in a range of sizes and outputs.
Best for: Compact spaces, supplementary heating, bathrooms (where appropriate models are used), additions or extensions.
Brands available: Rinnai, Vulcan, Everdure
How to Choose the Right Gas Heater for Your Melbourne Home
Choosing the right heater is not just about picking a brand, it's about matching the heater to your home's size, layout and how you live. Here's what to consider.
A heater that is too small for the space will run constantly and still fail to heat the room comfortably. A heater that is too large will cycle on and off frequently and waste energy.
As a general guide
- Small room (up to 25m2) 3-4 star rated heater, 10-15 MJ output
- Medium room (25-40m2) 4-5 star rated heater, 15-20 MJ output
- Large room or open plan (40-60m2) 5-6 star rated heater, 20-25 MJ output
- Whole home (ducted system) Calculated based on total floor area, insulation rating and ceiling height
All gas heaters sold in Australia are rated on an energy efficiency star scale. A higher star rating means the heater converts more of the gas it burns into usable heat, reducing your energy bills. For Melbourne's winters, a minimum 5-star rating is recommended for any new installation.
For any permanent installation in a living space, a flued heater is strongly recommended. Unflued heaters release combustion gases, including water vapour, CO2 and small amounts of CO, directly into the room. They should not be used in bedrooms or small enclosed spaces.
Gas heaters are generally very cost-effective to run compared to electric alternatives, particularly in Victoria where gas prices remain competitive. A ducted gas heating system is typically the most cost-effective whole-home heating solution for a Melbourne home.
We'll give you honest advice on the options that suit your budget without pushing you toward a more expensive model than you need. We can also discuss flexible payment options if the cost of a new installation is a concern.
Major Brands We Supply and Install
We are experienced installers of all major gas heater brands sold in Australia. Here are the brands we most commonly supply and install.
Australia's most popular gas heater brand. Rinnai offers a comprehensive range including wall furnaces, space heaters, ducted heating systems and gas log fires. Known for reliability, efficiency and a broad range of models to suit any home size.
Popular models: Rinnai Energysaver, Rinnai Avenger, Rinnai Natural Touch, Rinnai ducted heating range
Victoria's leading ducted gas heating brand. Braemar systems are built specifically for the Australian climate and are known for their durability and energy efficiency. The Braemar Dominator series is one of the most popular ducted systems installed in Melbourne homes.
Popular models: Braemar Dominator, Braemar Supernova, Braemar Durango
A well-established Australian brand offering ducted gas heating and evaporative cooling systems. Brivis systems are widely installed in Melbourne homes and new builds.
Popular models: Brivis Buffalo, Brivis Durango, Brivis Star Pro
A long-standing Australian brand with a large installed base across Melbourne's older homes. Vulcan offers reliable wall furnaces and space heaters.
Popular models: Vulcan Tempest, Vulcan Ducted series
A respected Australian brand offering a range of wall furnaces and space heaters. Everdure units are found in a large number of Melbourne homes, particularly in the south-east suburbs.
Popular models: Everdure Commander, Everdure Lancer, Everdure Brigadier
An older Australian brand with a large installed base in Melbourne. Pyrox heaters are particularly common in homes built between the 1970s and 1990s.
Popular models: Pyrox Ducted series, Pyrox wall furnaces
Ready to Install a New Gas Heater?
Gas Experts Melbourne makes the process simple from quote to completion. Fixed pricing, licensed installation, free safety check and a written completion report on every job. Call us today for a free quote.
What's Included When You Book a Gas Heater Installation
A Gas Experts Melbourne installation is a complete, end-to-end service. Here is exactly what we include on every job.
Installation
- Removal and responsible disposal of old heater (if replacing)
- Full installation of new heater to Australian Standards (AS/NZS 5601)
- Gas line connection, sealing and pressure testing
- Flue installation or connection (flued models)
- Electrical connection (where required)
- Commissioning and operational test confirm heater starts, runs correctly and reaches set temperature
Post-installation
- Carbon monoxide (CO) combustion test
- Full gas safety inspection
- Explanation of how to operate the heater and set the thermostat
- Written completion report and certificate of compliance
- Warranty registration assistance (where applicable)
Pre-installation
- Free in-home assessment and recommendation (for new installations or where you are unsure which model to choose)
- Supply of the heater unit (if supplying through us)
- Confirmation of gas connection suitability and compliance with current regulations
How Our Installation Process Works
- 1
Call us on 0468 279 956 or fill in our online form. Tell us what you're looking for: are you replacing an existing heater or installing new? We'll provide an upfront, fixed price quote including supply (if required) and installation.
- 2
If you're not sure which heater to choose, we'll help you narrow it down based on your room size, budget and efficiency requirements. We're honest: we won't recommend a more expensive model than you actually need.
- 3
Our licensed gas fitter arrives at the agreed time and carries out the full installation. Most standard heater replacements are completed in 2 to 4 hours. New installations or ducted system installs may take longer.
- 4
Once the heater is installed, we commission it, meaning we start it up, run it through its operating cycle and confirm it is working correctly. We then carry out a carbon monoxide test and full gas safety inspection.
- 5
We walk you through how to operate the heater, explain the controls and thermostat, and provide you with a written completion report and certificate of compliance. Your installation is fully documented.
Honest, Upfront Installation Pricing
We provide fixed-price quotes before we start: no hourly rates, no surprise charges at the end of the job.
What affects the cost of a gas heater installation
- The type and model of heater being installed
- Whether you are supplying the heater yourself or purchasing through us
- Whether the installation is a like-for-like replacement (straightforward) or a new installation requiring new gas line work or flue installation (more complex)
- The location and accessibility of the installation point
Indicative pricing
| Installation Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like wall furnace replacement | From $350 to $550 (labour only, customer-supplied unit) |
| Supply and install: wall furnace | From $800 to $1,500 depending on model |
| Like-for-like ducted system replacement | From $600 to $900 (labour only, customer-supplied unit) |
| Supply and install: ducted gas heating | From $3,500 to $6,000+ depending on system and home size |
| Gas log fire / fireplace installation | From $1,200 to $3,000+ depending on model and complexity |
Note: Prices are indicative guides. A fixed quote will be provided before any work begins.
Special Offers
- Free Safety Check Included on every installation at no extra cost.
- Free Home Assessment For new ducted heating installations, we offer a free in-home assessment.
- Pensioner Discount 10% off all installations for pension and concession card holders.
- Victorian Government Rebates Eligible customers may qualify for VIC energy efficiency rebates on new ducted heating systems. We help you understand and access these.
Should You Repair Your Old Heater or Replace It?
This is one of the most common questions we get. Here is an honest guide to help you make the right decision.
Consider repairing if
- Your heater is under 10 years old
- The fault is a common, straightforward repair (thermocouple, ignition module, pilot assembly)
- The heater has a good service history and no major previous repairs
- The repair cost is reasonable relative to the replacement cost
When in doubt, call us. We'll give you an honest assessment based on the specific fault, the age of the heater and the replacement cost. We don't push unnecessary installations: if a repair makes more sense, we'll tell you.
Consider replacing if
- Your heater is over 15 years old: most gas heaters have a service life of 15 to 20 years
- The cost of the repair is more than 50% of the cost of a comparable new model
- Your heater has had multiple repairs in the last 2 to 3 years
- The heat exchanger has cracked: this is a safety issue and replacement is strongly recommended
- Parts are no longer available for your model
- Your heater has a low star rating and your gas bills are significantly higher than they should be
- Your heater is an unflued model and you want to upgrade to a safer, more efficient flued unit
Why Melbourne Homeowners Choose Gas Experts Melbourne for Installations
