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.
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?
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.
Which systems may be better suited to your home? You won’t want to be using more gas than you need to!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once you’ve finished the installation process, what are some interesting heating and cooling options for both Braemar and Brivis?
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.
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!
Let’s look at some useful homeowner/user maintenance for the Braemar ducted gas heater!
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.
Failure to properly fill out the maintenance schedule or carry out required maintenance and services will void your warranty.
What are some of the things you need to think about when installing and maintaining a Braemar or a Brivis gas heating system?
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!
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.