Bonaire Ducted Heater | Melbourne – Expert on all models

When to get Professional Help

Understanding Bonaire Ducted Heating Systems:

Bonaire ducted heating uses natural gas to generate heat, which is distributed evenly throughout your home via an electric-powered fan and interconnected ductwork. Although classified as gas appliances, Bonaire heating systems predominantly rely on advanced electronic circuits and sensors for their operation, making them efficient, safe, and reliable. Unlike refrigerated reverse cycle air conditioners (ducted or split types), which also use electronic circuits and control modules to generate heat via compressors and refrigerant, ducted gas heating continues to perform effectively in a wider range of outdoor conditions. Reverse cycle systems are only efficient under ideal operating conditions and may struggle on very cold or damp days.

This makes Bonaire ducted heating an ideal solution—and arguably the most reliable and cost-effective ducted heating system manufactured in Australia, when installed correctly. Unfortunately, the brand is often misjudged by installers who fail to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or overlook key design considerations during installation.

At Fix2QIK, we understand these systems inside and out. That’s why we proudly offer a 7-year warranty on Bonaire ducted heater replacements (limited-time offer—terms and conditions apply; please enquire for more details).

Key Components of Bonaire Ducted Heating:

• Gas Valve Control Board: Regulates gas flow and manages burner operations.
• Flame Sensor: Ensures safe and continuous combustion.
• CO Exhaust System: Utilizes combustion fan motors and vacuum switches to safely expel carbon monoxide.
• Air Distribution System: Managed by room fan motors, zoning dampers, and duct thermistors, ensuring uniform warmth.
• Complex Electronic Control Module: Contain a CPU and interface circuits to control the entire operation of the Bonaire heater. The Control Module is often enclosed in a plastic box with all the electrical wire and sensors connecting to it.

Every stage of the heating process is electronically monitored and controlled, highlighting the importance of qualified HVAC mechanical electricians and electronic specialists like Fix2QIK. Our industry-recognised expertise covers both older and newer heaters. Additionally, we have licensed gas plumbers to aid our new heater replacements, providing compliance certificates for required jobs. Fix2QIK also maintains active communication with suppliers and the Bonaire technical support team, regularly receiving updated training and insights into the latest developments in Bonaire heating technology.

Common Bonaire Ducted Heating Questions:

Why is My Bonaire Ducted Heating Not Working?

Most components within a Bonaire ducted heater are electrical and electronic, often known in Australia as control modules or electronic control circuits. Fix2QIK maintains a ready stock of these modules for onsite replacement on most call-outs. Consequently, most faults arise from abnormal operation of these electronic modules. Unlike typical HVAC plumbers who lack the necessary training, experience, and licensing for electrical and electronic work—making such tasks out-of-scope and potentially uninsured—Fix2QIK is fully qualified, licensed, and insured specifically for electronic and electrical repairs. Approximately 90% of heater faults involve electronic components, including circuit boards (PCBs), sensors, motors, and other electrical parts, all of which Fix2QIK can expertly diagnose and service.

What Temperature Should I Set My Bonaire Ducted Heating?

Typically, setting your Bonaire ducted heater between 18°C and 21°C is optimal for comfort and energy efficiency. However, Melbourne heating settings also depend on the outside weather; on damp, wet, or windy days, setting the temperature at 21°C can feel more like 18°C, especially in homes without fabric curtains. 

How Do I Turn On or Off My Bonaire Ducted Heating?

If your Bonaire ducted heating system isn’t responding to the wall thermostat controller—or if the controller itself appears to be faulty—it’s often due to issues in the electronic communication between the thermostat and the control module. In such cases, it’s advisable to power cycle the system by turning off the 240V main power switch, which is typically located near the heater (often a light-switch-style toggle if installed in the roof space). This can sometimes reset the system temporarily. One common symptom includes the heater turning on intermittently by itself, even when the thermostat is off. If this occurs, professional diagnosis is recommended to check for defective thermostat units or control modules.

Average Cost for Replacement/Installation

In Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs (including Dandenong, Springvale, Keysborough, Narre Warren, Oakleigh, Pakenham, Braeside, Frankston), the average new Bonaire ducted heater replacement or installation cost ranges from $2,500 to $6,500, including the design costs and depending on heater capacity, efficiency rating, and installation complexity.