PRESS RELEASE: Victoria Offers Up to $7,700 in Rebates for Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning
The Victorian government has launched a new rebate program. It offers as much as $7,700 for energy efficient upgrades that lower bills and reduce carbon emissions.
The program incentivizes homeowners and businesses to install energy-efficient air-conditioning systems.
The rebate isn’t the only reason to upgrade your aircon system. Households and businesses that take advantage of the rebate will reduce their energy costs and support the state’s broader climate action plans.
Interested in the air conditioner rebate, but you want to learn more? The most important things you need to know include:
Rebate amounts range from $70 to $7,700, depending on system type and size.
Only VEU-approved reverse cycle air conditioners are eligible.
Installations must be carried out by accredited providers to qualify.
The rebate is applied at the point of sale.
Available to homeowners, renters, and businesses across Victoria.
Part of the [Victoria Energy Upgrades program][https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/products/heating-and-cooling-discounts], the air conditioning discount helps reduce energy consumption by encouraging energy-efficient upgrades.
The state-wide initiative encourages people to purchase split system air conditioners. However, it also applies to other types of energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies. These range from clothes dryers to freezers. The rebate specifically applies to the replacement of reverse cycle air conditioners.
The initiative aligns with Victoria’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2045. To further support that goal, private rentals and commercial properties are also eligible, in addition to homeowners.
How much can you save on the purchase and installation of a high-efficiency air conditioner?
It’s important to recognize that the VEU’s air conditioning system discount isn’t a true rebate at all, nor is it a full subsidy. Owners and operators will still have some out-of-pocket costs.
Even so, the air conditioner discount reduces the cost of purchasing and installing eligible AC units.
Air conditioner rebate amounts range from as low as $70 to as high as $7,700. The amount depends on the type and size of systems being both decommissioned and installed. The amount also varies based on whether the system is ducted or non-ducted, as well as the efficiency rating of the chosen product.
The most significant rebates are available to those decommissioning non-ducted (room) gas heaters, ducted (whole-of-home) gas heaters, and hard-wired slab heaters.
What are these types of air conditioning systems, and what sort of rebates do they qualify for?
A ducted (whole-of-home) gas heater is a central furnace that supplies heat to various parts of a house via ductwork. Residents can install these units under the floor, in the ceiling or near an external wall. Then, heat is distributed through ducts in either the floor of the ceiling.
A non-ducted gas heater – also known as a room gas heater – heats a single room or an open plan area by burning natural gas.
Hard-wired slab heaters provide heat to a whole house. They generate heat through electric cables embedded in the slab. Slab heaters warm the concrete to a low temperature. That in turn serves as a low temperature radiator. It also heats the air in a room.
A few of these rebates available to households include:
Ducted (whole-of-home) Gas Heaters: Get 4 split systems installed and receive a rebate as much as $2,520.
Ducted (whole-of-house) Gas Heaters: Get a multi-split system and receive a rebate as high as $2,820.
Central Electric Resistance Ducted Heater: Replacing this system with a high-efficiency air conditioner can qualify for a rebate up to $7,700.
Non-ducted (room) Gas Heaters: Replace a non-ducted gas heater and receive a rebate between $560 and $1,400.
Non-ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner – Decommission this type of air conditioner and receive a rebate of $210 to $490.
No Decommissioned Product – If you have no equipment to decommission, you still can qualify for a rebate of $70 to $280.
Business can also benefit from rebates, including (but not limited to) the following:
Ducted Gas Heater: If four split systems are installed, the rebate can be as much as $1,610. Decommissioning a multi-split system can receive as much as $1,750.
Non-ducted Gas Heater: Upgrading from this system can qualify for a rebate as much as $840.
Non-ducted reverse cycle air conditioner: When you upgrade to a new high-efficiency AC system from this type, you can qualify for a rebate as high as $560.
Central Electric Resistance Ducted Heater: Upgrade from this system and receive a rebate as much as $4,500.
Ducted Gas Heater: Depending on the old system’s wattage, you can receive a rebate as high as $8,400.
To qualify for the rebate, the old air conditioning system must be replaced with a VEU-approved product. That way, the new system is assured to meet energy efficiency standards.
Victorian residents and businesses can choose among approved products on the VEU program registry. Products on the list meet the required performance standards.
The [air conditioning rebate][https://www.efficientenergygroup.com.au/air-conditioning-discount-victoria/] is available to all Victorian residents, including homeowners, renters, and business owners – provided they install an approved system and replace an inefficient system, of course.
Are you a renter? You also can qualify for the rebate. Landlords and their tenants should work together to apply the rebate toward rental property upgrades.
So they can qualify for the rebate, residents and businesses must use accredited installers. That way, they make sure they remain in compliance with the program’s requirements.
Other eligibility requirements include:
The property must be at least 2 years old.
The home or business must be located in Victoria.
No VEU air conditioning upgrade must have been completed in the past 2 years.
Applicants must replace an existing inefficient system.
When Victorian residents and businesses upgrade to energy-efficient air conditioning, they benefit in more ways than a rebate. Once the upgrade is completed, they enjoy significant energy savings. For example, upgrading to a reverse-cycle air conditioner can potentially cut cooling costs by up to 50%.
In fact, the average household that upgrades to energy-efficient air conditioners saves between $120 and $1,100 on energy costs annually. The exact amount depends on the specific upgrade.
The benefits aren’t limited to money in your pocket, however. Energy-efficient air conditioning systems reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so they contribute to Victoria’s climate goals.
What happens when it’s time to install the air conditioner? How do you make sure you qualify for the rebate?
Installation of new air conditioners must be conducted by an [accredited VEU provider.][https://www.efficientenergygroup.com.au/] The rebate is applied directly at the point of sale, so consumers needn’t worry about applying for approval.
Approved providers will help residents choose eligible products. They also will help complete the rebate process. Remember, systems must be installed by licensed professionals to meet government standards.
Now is the time to take advantage of the Victoria air conditioning discount program – while the rebates are still available. Contact a local accredited provider to learn more and apply for the rebate.
Efficient Energy Group is ready and able to make sure you qualify for the air conditioner rebate. We simplify the rebate process, helping you save on energy-efficient upgrades.
From application assistance to ensuring you receive maximum rebates, we’re here to make energy savings easy. Contact us today to see how we can help you take advantage of available rebates and reduce costs!
