Do You Need to Decommission Your Old Gas Ducted Heating System to Get VEU Rebates? Here’s the Truth for Victorian Homeowners

If you’re a Victorian homeowner planning to upgrade your heating and cooling system, you may be wondering:
“Do I have to decommission my old gas ducted system to qualify for the VEU (Victorian Energy Upgrades) rebates?”

The answer isn’t as black and white as you might think. Let’s break it down clearly and explain why many installers still recommend removing the old gas system—even when it’s not always mandatory.

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✅ Is Decommissioning a Gas Ducted System Required for VEU Rebates?

In most cases:

• You are not strictly required to decommission your gas ducted system to qualify for VEU rebates.

• However, some types of upgrades—like switching from gas ducted heating to ducted reverse cycle air conditioning—may unlock higher rebate values if the gas system is completely removed.

The key is the type of system being installed and the evidence provided during the rebate application.

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🔧 Why Do Installers Recommend Decommissioning the Gas System Anyway?

Even if not legally required, many professional installers—including us at Victorian Air Conditioning Solutions—recommend decommissioning your gas system for several reasons:

1. Maximise Your Rebate Value

• Removing the gas system can help you access higher-tier rebates under the VEU program, especially when installing high-efficiency electric reverse cycle systems.

2. Avoid Risk of Ineligibility

• If both the old gas and new electric systems are left running simultaneously, your rebate claim may be rejected.

• Decommissioning ensures full compliance with rebate requirements.

3. Reduce Long-Term Costs

• You’ll avoid paying gas service connection fees, annual inspections, and maintenance on an unused system.

• Switching fully to electricity simplifies your utility bills and boosts your energy efficiency.

4. Improve System Design & Performance

• Leaving old ductwork or appliances in place can interfere with airflow, zoning, or thermostat performance.

• Decommissioning allows for a cleaner installation and better comfort control.

5. Future-Proof Your Home

• Victoria is moving toward a clean energy future. By retiring gas appliances now, you’re making your home more sustainable and ready for future changes in energy policy.

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🔄 What Are Your Options?

Here are the practical choices for homeowners:

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👷‍♂️ How We Can Help

At Victorian Air Conditioning Solutions, we:

• Assess your eligibility for VEU rebates

• Recommend the most cost-effective upgrade

• Handle safe removal and decommissioning if needed

• Ensure your rebate claim is fully compliant and maximised

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Why Decommissioning Gas Matters for VEU Rebate Eligibility

1. VEU Requirements & Decommissioning
   The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program recognises decommissioning as part of the upgrade pathway, especially for ducted gas heating systems. When replacing an old ducted gas heater with an approved reverse-cycle air conditioner, decommissioning is considered a valid activity under the program.

   • The VEU program requires proper photographic evidence, including before-and-after images and proof that the old system has been permanently disabled.

   • For ducted systems, decommissioning generally provides higher rebate value compared to installations where the old system remains active.

2. “No Decommissioning” vs “With Decommissioning”

   • In certain cases, homeowners may still proceed without fully decommissioning the old system, but this typically results in lower rebate eligibility.

   • For ducted gas heating, the VEU program strongly favours full decommissioning because it ensures a genuine efficiency upgrade in the household.

3. Qualified Tradespeople Required

   • Decommissioning must be performed by licensed professionals.

   • The system must be rendered permanently unusable — usually through capping the gas line, isolating controls, and disabling the unit safely.

   • Proper documentation is mandatory for the rebate claim to be accepted.

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⚙️ Benefits of Decommissioning Your Gas System

• Higher Rebate Value
  Fully decommissioning your gas heating system usually qualifies you for significantly higher VEEC (Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate) value.

• Lower Long-Term Energy Bills
  Reverse-cycle air conditioning is far more energy-efficient than gas heating. Many households see noticeable reductions in annual energy costs after switching.

• Safety & Compliance
  A decommissioned system eliminates the risks associated with ageing gas appliances, including leaks and maintenance failures.

• Supports Electrification & Sustainability
  Victoria is moving toward cleaner, electric-based household systems. Removing old gas infrastructure future-proofs your home for upcoming standards.

• Eliminates Gas-Related Ongoing Costs
  Once the gas system is removed, you avoid future repair, servicing, and potential reconnection fees.

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🛠️ Real-World Scenarios: What Happens in Actual VEU Upgrades

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💡 Practical Cost & Savings Insights

• Fully decommissioning a gas ducted heater may add some upfront cost, but the ongoing energy savings from a reverse-cycle system often recover this within months, not years.

• Homes that switch from gas to high-efficiency electric systems commonly save hundreds to thousands of dollars annually on combined heating and cooling costs.

• Removing or disabling outdated gas equipment simplifies your home’s heating network and reduces maintenance obligations.

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🏡 How Victorian Air Conditioning Solutions Makes the Process Easy

• VEU-Accredited Installer
  We ensure your upgrade meets all VEU standards and requirements.

• Professional Decommissioning
  Our licensed team handles gas capping, safe system shutdown, and all compliance steps.

• Maximum Rebate Handling
  We manage your entire documentation process — photos, forms, VEEC submissions, and compliance proof.

• Tailored Heating & Cooling Options
  We help you choose the best VEU-approved reverse-cycle split or ducted system for your home.

• Seamless Upgrade Experience
  From inspection to installation and decommissioning, we ensure the entire process is smooth and fully compliant.

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📞 Ready to Upgrade?

Our specialists can assess your gas heater, explain your rebate eligibility, and design the best electric alternative for your home.

Let us take the guesswork out of your heating and cooling upgrade.
Call us today to get a free quote and VEU rebate consultation.
Your comfort and savings start with the right advice.

👉 Visit www.victorianairconditioningsolutions.com.au
📞 Phone: 0485 952 870
📍 Servicing: Melbourne & Regional Victoria