Practical heating and cooling advice for Melbourne homes
Heating and cooling questions, answered plainly
Straight answers on how each system works, what it suits and how the process runs, from 1st Choice Heating and Cooling in Oakleigh. If your question isn't here, call us on 1300 139 177.
Heating
How long does hydronic heating take to warm a room?
About 20 to 40 minutes with radiators, or 1 to 2 hours with underfloor. Once up to temperature it holds heat far longer than ducted or split systems.
Does underfloor hydronic heating raise the floor height?
It depends on the system. In-slab adds nothing to the floor height, while in-screed systems add up to about 60mm. 1st Choice Heating and Cooling installs underfloor systems to suit building, renovating or retrofitting.
Is hydronic heating noisy or dusty?
No. It runs on hot water, not forced air, so there is no fan noise, no draughts and no dust being blown around the room.
Air conditioning
What is the difference between a split system and ducted air conditioning?
A split system heats and cools one room with a wall-mounted indoor unit and an outdoor unit. It is the most affordable and quickest option for a single room. Ducted uses one hidden indoor unit in the ceiling to deliver air to every room through flush vents.
What is a bulkhead air conditioning system?
The indoor unit is hidden inside a plasterboard bulkhead, usually above a hallway or wardrobe, and air comes through a slim diffuser flush with the ceiling. It suits homes where there is no ceiling space for ducted and you do not want a unit on the wall.
Rebates and hot water
Can you help me claim the Solar Victoria hot water rebate?
Yes. The Solar Victoria rebate can only be claimed through an authorised retailer, and 1st Choice Heating and Cooling is on the Solar Victoria authorised hot water retailer register. We check your eligibility and handle the application.
Quotes and service areas
Which suburbs do you service?
We are based in Oakleigh and work across South East Melbourne, including Bentleigh, Carnegie, Murrumbeena, Glen Iris, Mount Waverley, Caulfield, Malvern, Clayton, Hughesdale, Ashburton, Chadstone, Brighton, Hampton and Elsternwick.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes. We offer a free on-site quote. Call 1300 139 177 or request one online.
How long does a quote take?
It depends on the job. A simple upgrade can be quoted in as little as a day. A new system for a build or renovation takes longer because we work through the design with you, your architect or builder.
Not sure which system suits your home?
Talk to our team, or take the free system selection quiz first.
Request a free quote Take the system quiz