As the seasons shift across Australia, weather can be unpredictable. During those colder months, having a reliable heating system that keeps users warm day and night becomes essential.
Whether users just bought a property and want to implement a heating system in preparation for winter or the user wants 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, and Brivis, and help users make an informed decision.
Gas Ducted Heating: An Overview
Never used gas heating before in the home? Let’s look at what it is and how it works! Powered by natural gas, a gas heater warms up the space through a series of ducts–sometimes called silver pipes.
Outdoor units pass through cold air into a heat exchanger, entering the 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?
When spaces reach a happy temperature, the heater switches off once all the hot air inside the unit
Heat output can be managed with a nifty hand controller and cleverly positioned outside or in the roofing space and connected to outlets throughout the 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. A user won’t feel any cold spots if the user moves to another room.
- Ducted gas heating has zoning options, so users can turn off heating in rooms user 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 support the need for heating.
Brivis vs Braemar: A Comprehensive Look
Brivis and Braemar both have excellent heating capabilities for large property or small units, 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 the home? Users won’t want to be using more gas than user need to!
Brivis
The StarPro 4 Series
StarPro 4 Series has up to 4.8 Star energy efficiency rating, making it one of the highest-rated
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 the spaces without the need for condensate drains.
The system is easier and faster to install, and a great way to replace the 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, the user can get superior temperature control. When in heat mode, the BrivisZonePlus lets users independently zone different temperatures, which saves users money on running costs.
Braemar
The Ecostar (7 Star Equivalent Range)
This has been engineered for ultimate efficiency and is suitable for internal property installations
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 the 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 users cool and cozy 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.
- Users can enjoy ultimate control of the 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.
- Users 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 down to 6% on the 7-star equivalent heater range when zoned.
- Flexible installation for all types of homes. A unit can safely be installed inside the roof, under the floor, or outside the 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 the 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
Once users finish the installation process, what are some interesting heating and cooling options for both Braemar and Brivis?
Brivis Heating and Cooling Options
- The Touch App: The user can control the 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 the Brivis heater using a high-resolution touch screen with a convenient 7-day programmability function. Includes security control that prevents unauthorized usage, a simple on/off and temperature up/down functionality, an inbuilt status monitor that monitors usage and alerts users of maintenance, and facilitates optional onboarding zoning functionality and customization.
- 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, the user 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 a simple-to-use heating-only thermostat with a large, easy-to-read digital display.
- Remote Temperature Sensor for ZonePlus: If the user wants complete flexibility, this remote temperature sensor – when used with a Touch or Networker control–helps the user manage temperature throughout the property how the user likes.
Braemar Heating and Cooling Options
- Touch Screen Technology: The MagIQtouch controller is an upgrade from the Braemar manual controller, making operating the 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 the hard-wired MagIQtouch Controller, so the user can control heat directly through the Smart App. Users can also integrate voice-activated smart home controls like Google Assistant. If users are 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.
System Maintenance – A Comparison
Braemar
Let’s look at some useful homeowner/user maintenance for the Braemar ducted gas heater!
- Braemar Ducted Gas Heating range has 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 the home? The user 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 the gas heater and servicing it regularly is non-negotiable. It’s a condition of warranty cover that the user complies with maintenance and servicing requirements, which prolongs the life of the Braemar heater in the long run.
Brivis
- Brivis includes a standard parts and labor 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 labor 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 users to extend the standard 5-year parts and labor warranty on the Gas Ducted Heater by another 4 years. All user need to do is register the product and complete scheduled servicing using their National Service Network.
- Their National Customer Care Centre provides first-class service and maintenance of the systems, so it’s always running at its best.
Failure to properly fill out the maintenance schedule or carry out required maintenance and services will void the warranty.
Installation Requirements
What are some of the things users need to think about when installing and maintaining a Braemar or a Brivis gas heating system?
Braemar Ducted Heater – General Information
- 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, the user 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 Installatiob – General Information
- 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 authorized 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 the home, how the user wants to customize the heating
It ultimately depends on the size of the home, how the user wants to customize the heating–such as zoning off rooms–and what is most comfortable for the user.
If users are 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
user might resonate with Brivis' features more than Braemar's, 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 users 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!
