What is the VEU program?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program is a State Government scheme that gives households rebates for replacing old, inefficient appliances with efficient ones, including swapping tired gas ducted heating for an efficient electric reverse cycle system.
How much is the rebate?
It depends on what you are replacing. Removing or replacing a ducted, whole-of-home gas heater with an efficient reverse cycle system attracts up to $5,530 off, and can cut your energy bills by up to $1,140 a year. Replacing a non-ducted gas space heater, like a single room or wall heater, attracts up to $1,610 off and up to $460 a year in bill savings. The discount comes off your quote up front, so you never pay full price and claim it back later. We confirm your exact figure in writing before you commit.
Am I eligible?
Most Victorian homeowners with an older heating system can access some level of rebate. The quickest way to find out is to send us your details and we will check for you, at no cost.
What size air conditioner do I need?
As a guide, small rooms up to 20m2 need around 2.5 to 3kW, medium rooms 3 to 5kW, large living areas 5 to 8kW, and big open-plan spaces 8kW or more. Ducted systems are sized at roughly 1.1 to 1.4kW for every 10m2 they cover. We confirm the right size on site rather than guessing, so you are never left under or over done.
What is the difference between split, multi-split and ducted?
A single-split heats and cools one room or open area, a multi-split runs several indoor heads from one outdoor unit to cover multiple rooms, and a ducted system conditions the whole home through ducts and vents with zoning.
Is reverse cycle cheaper to run than gas?
In most homes, yes. An efficient reverse cycle system generally uses less energy to heat than old gas ducted heating, and the savings grow if you have solar, since these systems run entirely on electricity.
Do I need solar to benefit?
No. Every VEU reverse cycle system is electric, so it works with or without solar. If you do have rooftop solar, it will lower your running costs even further.
How long does an upgrade take?
Most reverse cycle installs are wrapped up in a day, depending on the system and your home. We will give you a clear timeframe when we quote.
Do you handle the rebate paperwork?
Yes. We manage the VEU process as part of the job so you are not left chasing forms or approvals.
Can I pay the rest off over time?
Yes. We offer flexible payment plans through Brighte, so you can spread the remaining cost into manageable fortnightly instalments.
How much is the rebate to replace gas ducted heating?
Up to $5,530 off the cost of the upgrade when a ducted, whole-of-home gas heater is removed or replaced with an efficient reverse cycle air conditioner. It is the largest heating and cooling discount in the program, because taking out a ducted gas heater saves more energy over its life than almost any other upgrade. Your actual figure depends on the system size, the model and the certificate price at the time.
Do I have to pay upfront and claim the rebate back?
No. The discount is applied directly to your quote by an accredited provider, so you only pay the reduced amount. There is no government form for you to fill in and no waiting for a refund. We handle the certificates and the paperwork as part of the job.
What are VEECs?
Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates. When an efficient system replaces an inefficient one, certificates are created representing the energy saved, and those certificates fund your discount. Because certificate prices move with the market, the discount can shift slightly over time, which is why we quote a real number rather than a headline figure.
Can renters get the VEU rebate?
Private rental properties are eligible. The upgrade needs the landlord on board, so we recommend tenants and rental providers plan it together. Every Victorian household and business can access a heating and cooling discount under the program.
Is there a minimum system size to qualify?
No. There is no minimum system size requirement to receive a discount on a reverse cycle air conditioner upgrade. That said, we always size the system to the home rather than to the rebate, because an undersized system will not heat or cool the way you want it to.
Is the rebate income tested?
No. The heating and cooling discount is available to Victorian households and businesses regardless of income.
Can I really get a free air conditioner?
Be very careful with anyone advertising a completely free system. The program rules prohibit misleading or deceptive conduct and pressure selling, and you are entitled to time to read a contract and ask questions. We would rather give you an honest number and stand behind the install. If you have an issue with any provider, the Essential Services Commission can be reached on (03) 9032 1310.
What are my rights under the VEU program?
You are well protected. Providers cannot mislead or pressure you, products must be quality and fit for purpose, and you are entitled to a repair, replacement or refund if something is faulty. If an issue is not resolved, you can contact the provider or the Essential Services Commission.
