Installing or upgrading the heating and cooling systems in your Victorian home can lead to greater comfort and lower energy bills. But these systems can represent a major investment. Thankfully, Victorian households are eligible for generous discounts that reduce the upfront costs of purchases and installation. This guide covers available rebates and incentives when replacing or installing new energy efficient heating and cooling units.
Upgrading Existing Systems
If your home currently has an older, inefficient heating or cooling system, you may be able to receive a substantial discount on the cost of replacement with a newer, more advanced model. Discounts are provided through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
To receive a discount you must:
- Work with an accredited provider certified under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program
- Replace an existing heating or cooling system with an approved, high efficiency model
- Decommission the older heating or cooling system
The size of the discount will depend on:
- The type of existing system being replaced
- The efficiency rating and capacity of the new system
- Fluctuating certificate prices
- Who you choose to have it installed
Below are common upgrades for existing systems and the approximate discount range you can expect to receive:
- Hardwired electric room heater replaced with reverse cycle air conditioner: $1,000 to $1,200
- Ducted gas heater replaced with high efficiency reverse cycle air conditioner: $1,800 to $1,900
- Non-ducted gas room heater replaced with reverse cycle air conditioner: $400 to $1,100
- Central electric ducted heating replaced with reverse cycle air conditioner: $7,800 to $8,400
- Ducted gas heating replaced with reverse cycle air conditioner: $3,000 to $7,000
- Ducted reverse cycle air conditioner replacing ducted gas heating: $900 to $1,680
The final installed price, including the discount, will be set by the accredited provider you choose to install the new system. Get quotes from several providers to find the best deal.
New System Installations
For households that don’t currently have an existing heating or cooling system, discounts are also available on installing a new energy efficient model. While not as substantial as replacement discounts, they still provide meaningful savings.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program provides the following indicative discounts:
- Installation of new 3kW to 9kW reverse cycle air conditioner: $60 to $300
- Installation of new 16kW to 32kW reverse cycle air conditioner: $500 to $1,500
As with replacements, the final installed price will depend on the installer you choose and the efficiency of the system purchased.
Choosing Products
When taking advantage of available discounts, you must replace existing systems or install new systems with approved products that meet certain energy efficiency guidelines. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program only allows:
- Ducted reverse cycle air conditioners that provide whole-home heating and cooling through centralized ductwork
- Non-ducted reverse cycle air conditioners that heat and cool individual rooms without ductwork
Not all products or models meet the efficiency and capacity guidelines to qualify for discounts. Your accredited installer will provide eligible options to choose from. Focus on quality and performance rather than just the lowest price.
Working With Accredited Providers
The key to accessing discounts on new heating and cooling systems is working through providers accredited under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. Make sure any installer you consider has current accreditation.
You can verify a provider’s status by checking the Essential Services Commission’s Registry of Accredited Persons. Only businesses listed here can offer the discounts and process the necessary paperwork.
When getting quotes, look for providers that:
- Offer detailed information on available discounts
- Have years of experience specifically with the VEU program
- Provide a range of product options appropriate for your home
- Use qualified in-house installers or partner with reputable tradespeople
- Have a track record of satisfied customer reviews
- Will manage the certification process and any required decommissioning
- Can provide an estimate of the final price including all discounts
Getting quotes from several accredited providers helps you find the best combination of product, installation, and discount value. Make sure you understand all costs and which are covered by discounts.
The Installation Process
Once you’ve selected an accredited provider and approved heating or cooling system, it’s time to schedule installation. Reputable providers will:
- Send qualified technicians to perform the installation
- Obtain any required permits and arrange inspections
- Remove your old heating or cooling system properly if decommissioning it
- Install the new system with minimal disruption
- Ensure all components are functioning as intended
- Explain how to operate and maintain the new system
- Provide all warranties and other documentation
High quality installation is vital to ensure your new system operates efficiently for its full lifespan. Carefully vet the technician qualifications and experience of any provider you are considering.
Start Saving Today
The process of researching providers, comparing products, and finding the best discounts may take some time upfront. But once your new energy efficient heating or cooling system is installed and operating, you can immediately begin benefiting from:
- Greater temperature comfort all year round
- Potentially much lower energy bills and savings on expensive repairs
- Improved air quality and circulation
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Potentially increased home resale value
With generous Victorian Energy Upgrade discounts reducing the upfront cost, there has never been a better time to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling. Start gathering quotes from accredited providers today.
