Reverse Cycle vs Other Heating Options Brisbane (2026)
Installer’s comparison of reverse cycle air conditioning against the other heating options Brisbane homeowners consider — gas ducted, electric panel, hydronic, wood heaters. Real running costs and the right pick for each scenario.
Quick answer: Reverse cycle wins for most Brisbane homes — cheapest to run, no gas connection needed, doubles as summer cooling. Gas ducted wins if you already have gas connected and care about consistent output on cold mornings. Other options (electric, hydronic, wood) are niche.
Leaning towards reverse cycle?
It is the cheapest heating to run in Brisbane and cools in summer too. Get a fixed-price install quote — ARC-licensed, all major brands, same-week.
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Side-by-side heating comparison (Brisbane)
| Option | Install from | Running cost (kWh equivalent) | Brisbane fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse cycle split (per room) | From $1,600 | ~$0.10/hr (2.5kW @ 24°C) | Excellent — mild winter, doubles as cooling |
| Reverse cycle ducted | From $11,000 | ~$1–$2/hr (whole-home) | Excellent — whole-home cooling + heating |
| Gas ducted heating | From $8,500 (heating only) | ~$0.80–$1.50/hr | Good if gas already connected — no cooling |
| Gas combo (reverse cycle + gas) | From $12,500 | Best of both seasons | Great if gas connected and you want consistent winter output |
| Electric panel heaters | From $200/unit | ~$0.50/hr (one 2400W unit) — expensive | Cheap to buy, expensive to run, no cooling |
| Hydronic (boiler + radiators) | From $25,000 | ~$1–$2/hr (gas-fired) | Niche — overkill for mild Brisbane winter |
| Wood heater (slow combustion) | From $4,500 | ~$0.40/hr (wood cost) | Aesthetic appeal; impractical for most Brisbane |
| Electric blanket / fan heater | From $80 | ~$0.20–$0.50/hr | Personal comfort only, no room heating |
Why reverse cycle wins for most Brisbane homes
Cheapest running cost. Reverse cycle AC is the cheapest form of heating per kWh delivered. The coefficient of performance (COP) means 1kW of electricity produces 3–4kW of heat. Gas heating is roughly 90% efficient; electric panel heaters are 100% efficient (1:1) — both far behind reverse cycle.
No gas connection needed. Many newer Brisbane suburbs (and the inner-city apartment market) have moved away from natural gas. Reverse cycle works on electricity only.
Doubles as cooling. Brisbane has 6–9 months where cooling matters and only 2–3 months where heating matters. A reverse cycle system covers both with one install. Gas heating doesn’t cool.
Mild Brisbane winter doesn’t expose reverse cycle’s weakness. Reverse cycle output drops in very cold weather (below 5°C ambient). Brisbane rarely sees these temperatures — only a handful of cold-snap mornings per year. The weakness is more relevant in Canberra or Melbourne, not Brisbane.
Single install. One technology, one install, one maintenance schedule, one service contractor.
When gas heating still makes sense
You already have gas connected AND the supply tariff is favourable. Gas connection alone is $700–$1,500 if you don’t have one — doesn’t pay back for heating-only.
You’re sensitive to defrost dropouts. Reverse cycle outdoor units defrost the outdoor coil periodically in winter (because moisture in the air freezes on the heat-exchanging coil). During the defrost cycle (5–10 minutes) heating output drops. Gas heating doesn’t have this characteristic.
You want consistent output regardless of outdoor temperature. Gas heaters produce the same output whether it’s 8°C outside or 18°C. Reverse cycle output decreases as outdoor temp drops — rarely meaningful in Brisbane but matters in cold-snap conditions.
You’re already replacing a gas furnace. If your existing gas ducted unit dies after 15–20 years and you’ve been happy with gas heating, a Braemar combo system (gas heating + refrigerated cooling) is the natural upgrade. See Braemar vs Daikin ducted.
Why electric panel heaters don’t make sense for Brisbane
Electric panel heaters look cheap ($150–$400 each at retail) but their running cost is brutal:
- 1:1 efficiency (1kW input = 1kW heat output)
- Single 2400W unit at full power = $0.55/hr (Energex peak tariff)
- Running one panel heater for 4 hours/night across a Brisbane winter (~75 nights) = $165 over winter
- A reverse cycle 2.5kW for the same comfort = $30–$45 over winter
The $1,400–$1,500 saved on the install never makes up for the running cost difference. Panel heaters make sense only for very occasional use (a holiday cabin, an unheated workshop).
Wood heaters — the Brisbane reality
Wood heaters look great and create a focal point. Three reasons they rarely make sense in Brisbane:
- Mild winter. 2–3 months of cold weather doesn’t justify a $4,500–$8,000 install + flue.
- Air quality. Brisbane City Council is actively restricting solid-fuel heaters in inner suburbs. New installs need careful neighbour consideration.
- Effort. Sourcing, storing, splitting wood + ash management is a substantial ongoing commitment for a 2–3 month return.
If aesthetic is the driver, a wood heater is fine. If practical heating is the driver, reverse cycle wins.
Real-world Brisbane winter heating costs (per room, 8 hrs/night, 75 nights/yr)
| Heating option | Winter cost (per room) |
|---|---|
| Reverse cycle 2.5kW (24°C setpoint) | $30–$45 |
| Gas ducted (per room share, mild use) | $50–$80 |
| Electric oil-column heater (24°C) | $130–$180 |
| Electric panel heater (full power 2400W) | $160–$250 |
| Wood heater (per kg wood + labour) | $80–$120 (depending on wood cost) |
Common questions
Is reverse cycle the cheapest heating in Brisbane?
Yes — cheapest per kWh of heat delivered. Coefficient of performance (COP) of 3–4 means 1kW of electricity produces 3–4kW of heat. Gas heating, electric panels, and oil columns all run higher per delivered kWh.
Will my reverse cycle work in Brisbane winter?
Easily. Brisbane winter minimums rarely drop below 8°C, well above the operating range where reverse cycle output declines meaningfully. The handful of cold-snap mornings (sub-5°C) might see brief output drops during defrost cycles.
Should I install gas heating instead?
Only if you already have gas connected AND you’re sensitive to defrost dropouts on the coldest mornings. For most Brisbane homes, reverse cycle is the better choice.
Are electric panel heaters cheap to run?
No — they’re the most expensive form of room heating per delivered kWh. 1:1 efficiency means you pay for every watt of heat. A reverse cycle 2.5kW does the same heating for one-quarter to one-third the running cost.
What’s the best heating for a Brisbane home?
Reverse cycle — either per-room splits for partial heating, or ducted reverse cycle for whole-home. Combines the cheapest running cost with summer cooling in one install.
Does reverse cycle dry out the air?
In heating mode — less than gas or electric heaters. The air is heated without combustion (which releases water vapour) but also without dehumidification. Brisbane winter humidity (50–65% indoor) is comfortable.
Will reverse cycle replace my old ducted gas system?
Yes — ducted reverse cycle is the standard like-for-like replacement. See ducted install or ducted heating install.
AH Air Conditioning · 63 Britannia Ave, Morningside QLD 4170 · ARCtick licensed · 20+ years across Brisbane.
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