What indicative amounts does the government publish?
The official household table currently gives these examples. They were checked on 10 October 2026 and are not Melba Energy offers or guaranteed entitlements. Verify current figures on the Victorian Government heating and cooling page.
| Existing heater | Proposed replacement | Indicative discount |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted gas | 10 kW ducted reverse cycle | Up to $2,520 |
| Ducted gas | 16 kW ducted reverse cycle | Up to $4,200 |
| Ducted gas | 22.4 kW ducted reverse cycle | Up to $5,530 |
These examples are not a sizing recommendation. Do not choose a larger unit to chase the highest figure.
Why do rebate amounts differ between homes?
VEU is built around eligible activities and the certificates they create. Certificate trading helps fund the discount. The program overview explains this mechanism; it is not a fixed cash allowance attached to every Victorian address.
That makes the starting point important. Replacing a whole-home gas heater is a different job from replacing an existing reverse cycle unit. The proposed equipment and its approved configuration also matter.
When asking for a quote, do not describe the job simply as “a new air conditioner”. Say what currently provides heat, which rooms need coverage and whether you want one room or the whole home served. Those details give the assessor a more useful starting brief.
An estimate is a starting point; a quote defines the job
An online calculator can help you begin a conversation. It usually has less information than an assessor needs for a final proposal. It may not know the exact old model, electrical work, site access or approved replacement combination.
If you see an estimate of $8,000 on a calculator, do not treat it as a confirmed discount for your house. Ask what inputs and current scheme rules support that number. Keep the estimate separate from your budget until the provider confirms the actual proposal.
Likewise, the examples in this article are not quotes. Their purpose is to show why one rebate amount cannot sensibly describe every installation.
Look at the final price, not just the discount
The following figures are invented solely to demonstrate comparison; they are not current offers or program calculations. Suppose Quote A has an installed price of $9,000 and a $3,000 discount, leaving $6,000 to pay. Quote B has an installed price of $8,200 and a $2,600 discount, leaving $5,600.
Quote A advertises the bigger discount, yet Quote B has the lower balance. Even then, price alone does not decide which is better: the products, included work and warranty support must be comparable.
Ask whether the quoted total includes GST and all mandatory installation work. If something remains provisional, request the basis on which it will be priced.
What installation details should be compared?
- Equipment: complete indoor and outdoor model numbers, with heating and cooling capacities.
- Coverage: the rooms or zones included, not simply the number of units.
- Electrical work: circuits, isolators and any identified switchboard work.
- Installation: pipe runs, drainage, brackets, ducting and controls as applicable.
- Old equipment: disconnection, removal and disposal responsibilities.
- Finish: whether patching, painting or access equipment is included.
A quote that spells these out is easier to compare and easier to refer back to if the design changes. Ask both suppliers to price the same brief rather than trying to compare two different systems after the fact.
Why the highest rebate can be the wrong target
System choice starts with the home. Room size, building features and the way the spaces are used all need consideration. The Solar Victoria heating and cooling buyer’s guide provides useful background for that conversation.
For example, a household using the living area during the day and bedrooms at night should discuss those patterns with the designer. Ask how the controls handle those uses and what happens when only one area needs conditioning.
For efficiency comparisons, look at the Zoned Energy Rating Label for the relevant climate. Compare like-sized systems rather than reading the star rating in isolation.
What if the rebate changes before installation?
Ask how long the proposal is valid and what happens if equipment, timing or program settings change. The contract should make clear whether the amount payable is fixed and how variations are approved.
Save a dated copy of the quote and any changes. If the supplier replaces a specified model, ask for a revised document showing the product and financial effect. A phone explanation is useful, but written confirmation is easier for everyone to follow.
Melba Energy is not a VEU accredited provider. Before proceeding, confirm which accredited provider is responsible for any discount. You can then discuss air conditioning options with a clear understanding of the installation and rebate arrangements.
Request an assessment with photos of your current heater and the rooms you want to cover. If eligibility is still unclear, start with our VEU eligibility guide.
Sources and review notes
Checked on 10 October 2026. Program rules and certificate values can change. Use the current official guidance and your written quote before committing to an upgrade.
