🌿 Upgrading to Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning in Melbourne: VEU Rebates, Heritage Homes, Top Brands & Gas Decommissioning Explained
A Complete Guide for Victorian Homeowners
Heating and cooling in Melbourne is changing fast — driven by energy prices, government incentives, and a growing push toward electrification. More homeowners are upgrading to efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners and heat pumps, especially as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program continues to offer significant rebates.
But the journey isn’t simple for everyone. Heritage overlays, old ducted gas heaters, and brand confusion often leave homeowners unsure where to start.
This guide brings together three of the most important topics Victorian homeowners search for today:
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Air conditioning installation for heritage + historical buildings
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Choosing top VEU-approved air conditioning brands
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Understanding whether you must decommission your gas ducted heater to receive VEU rebates
It’s all here — in one practical, homeowner-friendly guide.
🏛️ 1. Installing Air Conditioning in Melbourne’s Heritage & Historical Buildings
What You Must Know Before You Install
Heritage homes are iconic across Melbourne — from Victorian terraces in Carlton to Edwardian and Federation homes in Brighton, Williamstown, and Kew. But they require extremely careful AC installation to avoid damaging original architecture or breaching council rules.
✔ Key Challenges
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Heritage Overlays restrict visible modifications
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Original structures (lath plaster, solid brick, fragile timbers) cannot be drilled into carelessly
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External units must be positioned out of public view
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Any penetrations must be minimal and reversible
Victorian Air Conditioning Solutions (VACS) has completed many installations in heritage homes and handles all considerations:
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Discreet unit placement
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Narrow duct/mini-duct solutions
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Routing through existing cavities
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Noise management
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Compliance with local council expectations
📌 See original full blog:
https://victorianairconditioningsolutions.com.au/air-conditioning-installation-for-melbournes-historical-buildings/
🔥 2. Why VEU-Approved Brands Matter — And Which Ones Are Best
The Victorian Energy Upgrades scheme offers rebates only for air conditioning models that meet strict efficiency criteria.
This means homeowners must choose brands that consistently pass VEU performance requirements.
✔ Leading VEU-Approved Brands Include:
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Midea
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Mitsubishi Electric
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Daikin
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Panasonic
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Carrier
These brands provide:
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High energy efficiency
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Reliable performance for Victorian weather
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Quiet operation
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VEU-eligible models across splits, ducted, and multi-head systems
Why Choosing the Right Brand Matters
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Higher efficiency = bigger rebates
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Lower running costs
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Better long-term reliability
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Wider service support across Melbourne
📌 See original full blog:
https://victorianairconditioningsolutions.com.au/top-brands-for-air-conditioner-installation-approved-under-veu-rebates-and-energy-upgrades/
🔧 3. Do You Need to Decommission Your Old Gas Ducted Heater?
Short answer: Usually yes — if you want the maximum rebate.
The VEU program recognises two pathways:
✔ 1. With Decommissioning
Your old gas ducted heater is permanently disabled (gas capped, unit unusable).
➡ This gives you the highest rebate.
✔ 2. Without Decommissioning
You install a new reverse-cycle unit but leave the gas system untouched.
➡ Smaller rebate or no rebate, depending on your setup.
What Decommissioning Involves
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Licensed gas fitter safely caps the gas line
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Old unit is disabled or removed
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Photos and documentation submitted to VEU
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Installer lodges VEEC certificates
Why Decommissioning is Worth It
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Bigger rebate
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Lower long-term running costs
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Eliminates gas safety risk
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Supports electrification goals
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Reduces future gas servicing or reconnection fees
📌 See original full blog:
https://victorianairconditioningsolutions.com.au/do-you-need-to-decommission-your-old-gas-ducted-heating-system-to-get-veu-rebates/
⚡ 4. The Big Picture: Why Victorians Are Switching to Reverse-Cycle Systems
Across Melbourne and Victoria, households are replacing gas ducted heating with:
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Reverse-cycle split systems
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Multi-head systems
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Ducted reverse-cycle systems
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Heat pumps for hot water
Reasons include:
✔ 1. Huge improvements in efficiency
Modern reverse-cycle units can be up to 400% more efficient than gas heating.
✔ 2. Combined heating + cooling
One system for all seasons.
✔ 3. VEU Rebates reduce upfront cost
Saving $1,800 to $5,500 depending on system size.
✔ 4. Lower annual running costs
Households save hundreds to thousands each year.
✔ 5. Future-proofing homes
Victoria is moving toward full electrification.
🏡 5. The Best Upgrade Path for Homeowners
Here is the recommended pathway for Victorian homes today:
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Choose a VEU-approved brand
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Decommission your gas ducted heater for maximum rebate
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Select the right system style:
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Split system
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Multi-split
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Ducted reverse cycle
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Ensure compliance for heritage or council overlays (if applicable)
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Use a VEU-accredited installer
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Complete photo documentation
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Claim your VEEC rebate
Victorian Air Conditioning Solutions handles all of the above, making the process seamless.
🛠️ 6. Why Work With Victorian Air Conditioning Solutions?
✔ VEU-Accredited
Your rebate is processed correctly and compliantly.
✔ Heritage Home Specialists
We handle sensitive installations with minimal impact.
✔ Full Gas Decommissioning Service
Licensed, documented, and rebate-ready.
✔ Supply & Installation of Top Brands
Midea, Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Carrier, Panasonic, and more.
✔ Melbourne & Victoria Coverage
From inner suburbs to regional towns.
✔ End-to-End Support
Assessment → Brand selection → Decommissioning → Installation → Rebate claim
📞 Ready to Upgrade?
For homeowners and landlords wanting a cost-effective, energy-efficient heating and cooling upgrade, VEU rebates make now the best time to switch.
👉 Contact Victorian Air Conditioning Solutions today for a free assessment and personalised recommendation.
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