Victorian Aircon Rebate Eligibility: Who Qualifies (2026)

Most Victorian households and businesses can claim the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) air conditioning discount. You replace an existing heating or cooling system, install an approved reverse cycle air conditioner and book an accredited installer. This guide covers Victorian air conditioning rebate eligibility in full, so you know where you stand before you ask for a quote.

People search for this discount under many names, including the Victoria aircon rebate, the Vic aircon rebate and the Victorian government free air conditioning rebate. They all point to the same VEU discount. For the full overview, read our guide to the air conditioner rebate in Victoria.

Quick Summary

1. Most Victorian households and businesses can claim the rebate. You do not need a concession card or a low income.
2. You replace an existing heating or cooling system in a property that is more than 2 years old.
3. The new system must heat and cool, appear on the VEU approved product list and carry a 5-year warranty.
4. An accredited installer handles the claim and takes the discount off your quote.
5. Replacing a ducted gas heater earns the biggest discount, up to $5,000+. Replacing a non-ducted gas heater earns up to $1,600+.

Table of Contents

1. Victorian Government Air Conditioning Rebate Eligibility Criteria
2. Which Existing Heaters and Systems Qualify
3. Who Does Not Qualify
4. Renters and Landlords
5. How Much You Pay After the Rebate
6. How to Claim the Rebate
7. Why Choose EcoOrigin
8. FAQs

To meet Victorian government air conditioning rebate eligibility, you need to tick every item below. These criteria come from the SEC Victoria heating and cooling discounts page and the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

1. Victorian household or business: Homes and businesses across Victoria can claim.
2. Property age: If you replace an existing heating or cooling system, the property must be more than 2 years old.
3. Reverse cycle system: The new ducted or non-ducted air conditioner must heat and cool.
4. Approved product: The model must appear on the VEU approved product list and carry a minimum 5-year warranty.
5. Accredited installer: A VEU-accredited provider, or a qualified tradesperson who works with one, must manage the discount.
6. No income test: You do not need a concession card, and your income does not matter.

The system you remove decides whether you qualify and how big your discount is. The Essential Services Commission lists the eligible decommissioning scenarios.

The gas pipe on any gas heater needs sealing or capping when your installer removes it.

You will likely miss out in these situations:

1. Your property is 2 years old or younger and you plan to replace an existing system.
2. Your new air conditioner does not appear on the VEU-approved product list.
3. Your new air conditioner only cools, or its warranty runs for under 5 years.
4. Your installer is not VEU-accredited and does not partner with an accredited provider.
5. Your property sits outside Victoria.

If you fall into one of these groups, ask your installer to check your options before you sign anything.

Private renters can receive the discount. SEC Victoria recommends that landlords and tenants work together on any upgrade. Because the system is fixed to the property, get your landlord's written approval before you book the install.

Landlords have an extra reason to claim. From 1 March 2027, Victorian rental providers must replace a heater that cannot be repaired with an efficient electric option such as a reverse cycle air conditioner in the main living area.

The government rebate for air conditioning comes off your quote, but it does not always cover the full price. The amount depends on the system you remove and the system you install. The Victorian Government lists up to $1,600+ for a non-ducted gas heater replacement and up to $5,000+ for a ducted gas heater replacement.

From 30 September 2026, the minimum co-payment rises to $3,000 including GST for ducted systems and for multi-split systems with 10kW or more cooling capacity. Multi-split systems under 10kW stay at $1,000 including GST. 

Your accredited installer confirms your exact price in writing before you commit.

1. Check your eligibility: Confirm your existing system, your property age and that your chosen model appears on the approved list.
2. Get a quote from an accredited provider: Get a quote and ask the provider to show the discount as a separate line.
3. Approve the quote: Your provider confirms the discount and books your install.
4. Installation: Your provider supplies the system, installs it, removes and decommissions the old heater and handles the VEU paperwork.

EcoOrigin has completed 17,500+ installations across Victoria. Our licensed installers match the right system to your home, apply the rebate to your quote and manage the claim from start to finish. Get a quote and we will confirm your eligibility and your final price.

1) Can renters claim the air conditioning rebate, and does the landlord need to approve?

Yes, private renters can claim. SEC Victoria recommends that landlords and tenants work together on any upgrade. Get your landlord's written approval first because the system fixes to the property.

2) Which existing heaters qualify for replacement?

Ducted gas heaters and non-ducted gas space heaters qualify. Hard-wired electric resistance room heaters and slab heaters also qualify when they act as the main heating. Older ducted reverse cycle air conditioners can qualify too. Check the table above for the full list.

3) Can I claim for more than one system?

Sometimes. The Essential Services Commission confirms that replacing multiple ducted gas heaters at one premises can qualify. Your installer checks how many systems your home supports.

4) Is the Victorian air conditioning rebate really free?

Not always. The discount reduces your price, and the amount you pay depends on the system. Ducted and larger multi-split systems now carry a higher minimum co-payment, so ask your installer for a written quote that shows the final price.

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