Braemar Gas Heating vs. Brivis Ducted Heating: What’s the Best Option for Your Home?
October 21st, 2024
Modern Heating System Control

As the seasons shift across Australia, weather can be unpredictable. During those colder months, having a reliable heating system that keeps you warm day and night becomes essential.

Whether you’ve just bought a property and want to implement a heating system in preparation for winter or you want the best system put in before renting to tenants, there are many reasons to consider an installation.

That said, it’s not easy to pick a brand at times, so this blog will break down the differences between Braemar, Brivis, and help you make an informed decision.

Gas Ducted Heating: An Overview

Never used gas heating before in your home? Let’s look at what it is and how it works! 

Powered by natural gas, a gas heater warms up your space through a series of ducts–sometimes called silver pipes.

Outdoor units pass through cold air into a heat exchanger, entering your room through vents or outlets attached to these ducts. This can be extremely energy-efficient as it heats the home with a single unit. However, there’s still an option for multi-head split systems

What is the best part of ducted heating? Heat output can be managed with a nifty hand controller and cleverly positioned outside or in your roofing space and connected to outlets throughout your property. When spaces reach a happy temperature, the heater switches off once all the hot air inside the unit has been used.

What are some of the advantages of gas heating?

  • > Compared to an unfluted gas heater, gas ducted systems warm the home quickly and don’t let air escape. You won’t feel any cold spots if you move to another room.

  • > Ducted gas heating has zoning options, so you can turn off heating in rooms you don’t use.

  • > A refrigerated cooling system (called add-on cooling) can be attached to heaters with a higher star rating.

  • > There are many models to choose from, and efficiency ratings supporting your needs for heating.

Brivis vs Braemar: A Comprehensive Look

Man Turning On Heating System

Brivis and Braemar both have excellent heating capabilities for your large property or small unit, but what makes them different? Dive into their energy efficiency, heating features, installation and maintenance requirements.

Star Energy Ratings

Which systems may be better suited to your home? You won’t want to be using more gas than you need to!

Brivis

The StarPro 4 Series

The StarPro 4 Series has up to 4.8 Star energy efficiency rating, making it one of the highest rated 4 Start Ducted Gas Heaters available. With flexible installation options, Brivis includes a lay down kit (internal – SP415/SP421), is Zone Plus Compatible, Brivis ICE compatible, economical to run, includes a universal internal/external application, and is always affordable.

The StarPro 5 Series

As a 5 Star non-condensing range of Ducted Gas Heating Systems, this delivers less gas to heat your spaces without the need for condensate drains. The system is easier and faster to install, and a great way to replacer your old heater without crazy costs.

The StarPro 6 Series

As the most efficient Ducted Gas Heating Unit in the StarPro range, this model is carefully engineered to use less gas than traditional ducted heaters. With an efficient 4 Pass Heat Exchanger with a Modulating Gas Valve, you can get superior temperature control. When in heat mode, the BrivisZonePlus lets you independently zone different temperatures, which saves you money on running costs.

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Braemar

The Ecostar (7 Star Equivalent Range)

This has been engineered for ultimate efficiency and is suitable for internal property installations, zoned heating capability, superior temperature control, and max-heat transfer in minimal spaces.

The Ecostar (6 Star Equivalent Range)

6.3 star equivalent, this range includes zoned-heating capabilities, Braemar Add-On Cooling system is available for selected models, and ultimately reduces your running costs.

Ecostar Non-Condensing (5 Star Range)

5.2 star, this is a smaller cabinet for accommodating installation, no drain is required, it includes zone-heating options and add-on Cooling, and selected models are available on propane.

ReBuff (5 Star Range)

This model is pre-fitted with brackets to suit existing supply/return air plenum boxes and supplied with a gas inlet pipe to match the existing supply location. The ReBuff offers zone heating capacity and down-discharge air.

Unique Heating Features

Brivis Features and Benefits

  • > Add-on ICE refrigeration, which keeps you cool and cosy all year. This add-on is available with selected ducted heating models and uses the same ducts for both heating and cooling.

  • > Selected models can be installed sideways for versatile installation in restricted areas.

  • > You can enjoy ultimate control of your ducted heater or add-on cooling from anywhere with an internet connection using the Rinnai Touch app.

  • > A diverse range of system controls such as a 7-day programmable pre-set temperature settings and thermostat control.

  • > For example, the Compact Classic CC Series is perfect for new homes as a price-conscious, no-fuss option with a three-speed fan, up to 3.5-star rating, low profile, compact, splittable, and suitable for Brivis ICE add-on.

Braemar Features and Benefits

  • > Whisper quiet operation with variable speed combustion fan, which expels all combustion gases outside.

  • > You use less energy with heater output modulation, a Modulating Gas Control that works in conjunction with its micro-processor controlled burner. This burns the right amount of gas for any situation, from 100% gas rate all the way down 6% on our 7 star equivalent heater range when zoned.

  • > Flexible installation for all types of homes. A unit can safely be installed inside the roof, under your floor, or outside your home. Ducts can be installed in the ceiling or under the floor, and the two-piece configuration means easier installation!

  • > No pilot light ensures the heater works every time. This electronic ignition guarantees a reliable ignition, and a no-standing pilot saves wasted gas when the heater isn’t used.

  • > Maximum efficiency with our InShot Burner: thorough air/gas mixing for clean, efficient combustion.

  • > All Braemar ducted gas heaters have been independently tested in an AGA NATA-accredited testing laboratory.

Heating and Cooling Capabilities

Happy Woman Turning On Heating System

Once you’ve finished the installation process, what are some interesting heating and cooling options for both Braemar and Brivis?

Brivis Heating and Cooling Options

The Touch App: You can control your ducted heater, evaporative cooling, or add-on cooling from anywhere. It is available on Google Play and the App Store, has multiple user capabilities, and retrofits to existing gas ducted heaters, evaporative cooling and add-on cooling with compatible network controllers.

Touch Controller: Control your Brivis heater using a high-resolution touch screen with a convenient 7-day programmability function. Includes security control that prevents unauthorised usage, a simple on/off and temperature up/down functionality, an inbuilt status monitor that monitors usage and alerts you of maintenance, and facilitates optional onboarding zoning functionality and customisation.

NC6 Networker: Designed with an easy-to-use rotary dial and backlit with Electro-Luminescence (EL) technology, the NC6 can operate both a Brivis ducted heater and a Brivis cooling system.

Programmable Controller: Operating in auto or manual modes, you can preset temperatures and times for it to turn on or off. Suitable for Brivis IC system and the Classic Heater Range.

Manual Controller: This controller is as simple to use heating only thermostat with a large, easy to read digital display.

Remote Temperature Sensor for ZonePlus: If you want complete flexibility, this remote temperature sensor – when used with a Touch or Networker control–helps you manage temperature throughout your property how you like.

Braemar Heating and Cooling Options

Touch Screen Technology: The MagIQtouch controller is an upgrade from the Braemar manual controller, making operating your ducted gas heating system so simple. Control temperature, fan speed, and more features such as zoning rooms and a 7-day, 4-time period programming switch.

Controller Upgrade Options: Option 1 includes a Wi-Fi-enabled touchscreen that can work with your hard-wired MagIQtouch Controller, so you can control heat directly through the Smart App. You can also integrate voice-activated smart home controls like Google Assistant. If you’re unable to have a hard-wired controller, Option 2 is a MagIQtouch with a wireless touch screen. This is ideal for renovations where cable access is limited, is easy to install with two primary controllers, and can control the entire system from 1 location instead of 1.

Manual Controller: Control heating only with a large, easy-to-read digital display.

Need more information? Have a read of the importance of routine maintenance for Brivis heaters or ducted gas heating and ducted electric heating and cooling, a detailed comparison

Contact Us Today
Get Your Heating Solution!
Choose between Braemar and Brivis heating systems for ultimate home comfort. Secure yours today!

System Maintenance – A Comparison

Braemar

Braemar Heating System Maintinanace Guide

Let’s look at some useful homeowner/user maintenance for the Braemar ducted gas heater!

  • > Braemar Ducted Gas Heating range have a 7-year Comprehensive Warranty plus a 1- year heat exchanger and burner warranty.

  • > For warranty conditions, each product needs general maintenance service provided by Seeley International–or nominated appointees–within the fourth year from its date of purchase.

  • > The return air filter–where fitted–needs to be checked and cleaned at least once every two weeks during winter. It will most likely be in the return air grille, which is part of the ductwork. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the return air filter.

  • > Is the heater installed outside of your home? You must do a yearly check so plants, branches, or weeds haven’t grown in or around the unit. The external cabinet needs to be clean and free from debris that can build up, such as leaves.

  • > Maintaining your gas heater and servicing it regularly is non-negotiable. It’s a condition of warranty cover that you comply with maintenance and servicing requirements, which prolongs the life of your Braemar heater in the long run.

Note: The Braemar 7-year comprehensive warranty only includes products purchased from Seeley International by Seeley International dealers–not distributors/wholesalers or trade installers. If not, the warranty period for personal or residential use is 5 years.

Brivis

Brivis Heating System Maintinance Guide
  • > Brivis include a standard parts and labour parts warranty that is 5 years, with the option of extending this warranty up to a further 4 years. This totals a 9-year parts and labour warranty on Brivis Ducted Gas Heaters. Brivis also offers a 10 year warranty on the gas burner, heat exchanger and structural components.

  • > Brivis offers a Brivis Service Advantage Program, allowing you to extend your standard 5-year parts and labour warranty on your Gas Ducted Heater by another 4 years. All you need to do is register your product and complete scheduled servicing using their National Service Network.

  • > Their National Customer Care Centre providers a first-class service and maintenance of our systems, so it’s always running at its best. Call them at 13 43 73 Monday to Friday if you have manufacturer-specific questions.

Failure to properly fill out the maintenance schedule or carry out required maintenance and services will void your warranty.

Installation Requirements

What are some of the things you need to think about when installing and maintaining a Braemar or a Brivis gas heating system?

Braemar Ducted Heater – General Information

Braemar Ducted Heater
  • > The Braemar heater should not be installed downstream from an evaporative cooler, air washer, or indoor unit of a refrigerated system. It is also not suitable for installation in a marine environment.

  • > With external installations, the heater needs to be located as specified in AS/NZS 5601 to maintain minimal flue clearances.

  • > When it comes to heater configuration, the side panels can be moved to suit a range of installations, such as a Standard External Configuration, Reversed External Configuration, or a Preferred Internal Configuration.

  • > When splitting and re-connecting the heater, you can remove the fan box to assist in lifting heaters into ceilings and moving the heater into position.

  • > Braemar add-on cooling is designed to be used with Extra Air Heaters.

  • > As for ducting guidelines, the correct ductwork installation is non-negotiable for safe operation and preventing the fan or heat exchanger from failing.

Bonaire Installation – General Information

Bonaire Installation Guide
  • > All gas piping must comply with AS/NZS 5601, be correctly sized to suit product supply requirements and ensure a minimal supply pressure of 1.12kpa (natural gas). An AGA-approved manual shut-off valve must be installed in this unit’s gas supply line.

  • > For the 3-star thermostat connection, where a 2-wire manual thermostat is used to connect wiring, it must have a minimum cross-sectional area of 0.75mm or greater.

  • > With a 4-star zone connection and dual-cycle cooling, the control module in every 4-star heater has integrated zone outputs. The installer is responsible for all-electric cabling and sizing in compliance with AS/NZS 3000 (latest edition).

  • > Before attempting to use the setup instructions for the navigator controls systems, ensure the transceiver–remote control units only–or the wired low voltage cable is connected, batteries are installed properly, and the 240-volt power has been turned on to the product.

In any case, when it comes to installation, all products must be installed only by an authorised person and per the current editions of AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3000.

So, is Brivis or Braemar the way to go? It ultimately depends on the size of your home, how you want to customise your heating–such as zoning off rooms–and what is most comfortable for you. 


If you’re not too sure yet, reach out to a fully qualified and trained technician at Aust Climate for sales and installation support!

Australian Climate Systems: Experts in Heating Solutions

You might resonate with Brivis features more than Braemar, although it can be a hard choice to make without a professional recommendation. From gas ducted heating to ducted reverse cycle heating and cooling or split systems, Australian Climate Systems have specials, reliable brands, and over 25 years of experience giving customers a 6-year workmanship guarantee.

Whether you’re building a new home, have purchased an existing home or reside in a rental property, it’s always a good idea to weigh up heating options before the winter months set in!
Whatever your concerns are, contact us today for a free quote on heating solutions or visit our showroom in Chirnside Park.

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