Braemar Gas Ducted Heating Melbourne

In many cases, yes. A like-for-like Braemar gas ducted heater replacement is often the easiest and most cost-effective option because the existing ductwork, return air, gas connection, flue location, and heater position may already suit a Braemar system.

Braemar offers different models and energy rating options, so the best replacement depends on the existing heater size, location, clearance, return air grille size, and ductwork condition. If the current installation meets manufacturer and compliance requirements, there may be no need to change to another brand.

Yes. Braemar has a ReBuff™ series designed for replacing older Brivis Buffalo heaters and other similar external ducted gas heaters. Seeley International states that the Braemar ReBuff™ series is designed for renovating or upgrading and can replace Brivis Buffalo and other heater models.

For example, if your existing Brivis Buffalo 85 is connected to a 300 mm return air base box and the base box is still in good condition, a Braemar ReBuff model may be suitable. Common replacement options may include models such as the Braemar TQRD321N 21 kW ReBuff unit, or TQRD521N 5 star higher energy rating heater.

A site inspection may be required before confirming the final model.

Yes, in most cases the return air grille will need to be enlarged to suit a new modern ducted heating system.

Modern heaters are designed to be more energy efficient and have lower running costs than older units. Even if the new heater has a similar output rating, for example 30 kW, it may operate differently and require better airflow to achieve that efficiency.

A larger return air grille and return air duct allow the system to draw air back more easily. This reduces restriction, helps the heater operate correctly, and supports the efficiency the unit was designed to deliver.

If the return air grille is too small, the system may struggle to pull enough air through. This can cause increased noise, reduced performance, higher running pressure, and in some cases the heater may detect an airflow fault and shut down or display an error.

For this reason, the return air grille and ductwork need to be sized correctly as part of the system design, not just matched to the old installation. Upsizing the return air is often an important part of getting the best performance, efficiency, and reliability from a new Braemar heating system.

For larger Braemar gas ducted heaters, the return air grille normally needs to be larger to provide enough airflow. Braemar service manual information lists minimum return air grille dimensions by heater size and shows larger grille requirements for higher-capacity heaters.

As a general guide, a 400 mm x 750 mm return air grille without a filter is commonly recommended for larger systems around 28 kW or above.

Filter grilles need extra consideration. A gas ducted heater does not always require a return air filter, but having one can help keep the ductwork cleaner over time. The trade-off is that a filter can create extra airflow restriction, especially as it becomes dusty or blocked.

If the grille size is already borderline, adding a filter may reduce airflow too much. This can lead to noise, reduced performance, airflow faults, or the need for more frequent cleaning and servicing.

For this reason, upsizing the return air grille when using a filter is considered best practice. The correct grille size should always be confirmed against the specific heater model, duct design, filter type, and manufacturer requirements.

A cracked heat exchanger is a serious safety issue and should not be treated as a simple repair.

Technically, the “repair” would involve replacing the heat exchanger itself. However, this is a high-risk repair and is generally not recommended. When a heat exchanger is replaced, it must be disconnected from the internal firewall and then resealed correctly. If that connection does not seal properly, there is a risk of combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, leaking into the air stream.

For this reason, we do not consider heat exchanger replacement to be a repair that can be safely guaranteed in a standard residential installation. The heat exchanger and firewall connection is a critical safety point, and we believe this level of assembly is best handled by the manufacturer during production, not repaired on site.

If the heat exchanger is cracked, the safest recommended option is to replace the heater with a new system.

If your heater is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, particularly if it is less than 10 years old, you should contact the manufacturer or your installer so they can assess it and advise whether any warranty support applies.

To claim a Braemar gas heater warranty, contact Seeley International and provide the required information, including:

• Product serial number
• Description of the fault
• Copy of the original purchase invoice
• Confirmation that the claim is within the warranty period

The official Seeley International warranty page provides current warranty information for Braemar products and should be checked before lodging a claim.

A well-serviced Braemar gas ducted heater can often last 10 to 20 years or longer, depending on installation quality, usage, servicing history, airflow, duct condition, and environmental exposure.

Annual servicing is strongly recommended, especially before winter. A professional service can check carbon monoxide levels, burner operation, airflow, fan performance, electrical components, and overall heater safety. Regular maintenance can help improve performance, energy efficiency, and system lifespan.

Braemar and Brivis are both well-known gas ducted heating brands in Australia. The better option depends on your existing heater location, ductwork condition, clearance requirements, controller wiring, zoning needs, budget, and preferred system features.

For some replacement jobs, Braemar may be the better option because it can suit the existing installation more easily. In other cases, Brivis may also be suitable. If running new controller wiring is difficult, a Braemar system with compatible controller options may be worth considering, depending on the model and site conditions.

The right choice should be based on the home and installation requirements, not only the brand name. Contact Ideal Air Melbourne today for advice on your replacement options.  

Yes, zoning may be possible on some Braemar gas ducted heating systems, especially 4-star models or higher, but it depends on the existing ductwork, heater model, controller compatibility, roof or underfloor access, and available clearance.

To add zoning, zone motors need to be installed into the ductwork and connected to a compatible controller. This allows different areas of the home to be controlled separately.

Adding zoning is usually easier when installing new ductwork. Adding zoning to existing ductwork can be more limited, so an onsite inspection is required to confirm whether it is practical and cost-effective.

A Braemar gas ducted heater should be serviced by a technician who understands Braemar systems, installation requirements, airflow design, and common fault issues. Regular servicing helps the heater run safely, efficiently, and reliably, while also reducing the risk of costly breakdowns in the future.

A properly maintained Braemar ducted heating system can also improve heating performance, reduce noise, and help identify safety concerns such as carbon monoxide risks before they become serious.