Upgrading your old, inefficient air conditioner doesn’t just keep your home more comfortable – it can also save you thousands of dollars thanks to the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. If you’ve been wondering how to apply for the air conditioner rebate in Victoria, you’re in the right place.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and rebate amounts – and show you why going through an accredited provider like iPromise Australia is the smoothest – and safest – path to claiming your discounts and rebates.
TL;DR
- Yes, there is a rebate/discount for replacing an old and inefficient air conditioner with a new one in Victoria under the VEU government rebate program.
- All Victorian households and businesses are eligible to access program discounts when they choose eligible products and use an accredited provider.
- You don’t apply to the government directly – you work with an accredited provider (AP), who applies the discount and handles the compliance paperwork.
- Renters can participate (with landlord consent). Strata and body corporate dwellings can participate too.
- Your rights are protected by the VEU Code of Conduct; for example, businesses can’t cold-call or door-knock you without consent, and contracts must meet strict standards.
What is the Victorian Air Conditioner Rebate?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is a state initiative that encourages energy-efficient upgrades by providing discounts or rebates via accredited providers (APs).
When you replace an older, inefficient system with an eligible reverse-cycle air conditioner (split, multi-split or ducted) installed by a VEU-accredited provider, a discount is applied to your purchase and installation. The provider then creates Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) and manages the evidence and lodgement so you don’t have to.
Why it matters: reverse-cycle systems deliver efficient heating and cooling from a single appliance, and moving from an aged unit to a modern high-efficiency model can noticeably reduce your running costs – particularly over winter.
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Who’s Eligible for Air Conditioner Rebate Victoria?
In simple terms, all Victorian households and businesses can access discounts on approved products through the program, as long as program rules are followed and an accredited provider completes the upgrade.
Eligibility quick checks:
- Location: The property must be in Victoria.
- Upgrade type: You’re installing an eligible high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner (not every model qualifies).
- Installer: The work is completed by a VEU-accredited provider.
- For renters: A landlord consent form is required before installation.
- For businesses: You may need your ABN and evidence the premises is used for business activities.
Tip: If your current system has failed, you don’t have to replace it like-for-like. The program encourages switching to energy-efficient products instead.
How the Air Conditioner Rebate Actually Works
A common misconception is that you fill in a government form and receive money in your bank account. In reality, VEU benefits are applied as discounts by accredited providers at the time of upgrade.
After installation, the provider gathers evidence, creates VEECs, and completes the compliance steps. Consumers assign their right to create VEECs to the accredited provider via an assignment form—this is standard and required.
This is why choosing a trusted, accredited provider is critical—they make sure the product, paperwork and installation all meet the rules, so your discount isn’t at risk. If you want to check a provider’s status, you can search the official accredited provider records maintained by the Essential Services Commission (ESC).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Air Conditioner Rebate in Victoria
You don’t apply to the government – you follow these steps with your chosen accredited provider (iPromise can handle the lot).
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility (2 minutes)
- Confirm you’re in Victoria and upgrading to an eligible reverse-cycle air conditioner.
- If you rent, get written landlord consent.
- If it’s a business premises, have your ABN handy.
Step 2: Choose an Accredited Provider (AP)
Only accredited providers can deliver upgrades that qualify for VEU discounts. This isn’t a regular retail installation; it’s a regulated activity with evidence, photos, serial numbers, compliance declarations, and consumer rights obligations baked in. Choosing a non-accredited installer risks losing the discount entirely.
iPromise Australia is an accredited provider with over 15 years of experience in delivering energy saving solutions to homeowners and businesses across Australia
Book a call with iPromise to check your eligibility and next steps.
Step 3: Select an Eligible System & Get a Quote
Your provider will recommend eligible models and sizes based on your home, insulation, occupancy, room volumes and whether you’re after a single split, multi-split or ducted system. Energy Victoria publishes guidance (including a factsheet) to size correctly so you’re not paying to run an over- or under-powered unit.
What affects your discount level?
- Capacity (kW) and efficiency rating of the unit
- The type of system (split vs ducted)
- Current VEEC certificate prices (market-based)
Step 4: Approve the Works & Sign the Paperwork
Before installation, you’ll receive a clear contract/quote showing the price, expected discount, and any customer obligations (e.g., access on the day, decommissioning the old unit). You’ll also review the VEEC assignment – this is where you assign your right to create VEECs to the provider so they can claim certificates.
Forms have mandatory declarations and contact details that must be captured for compliance.
Know your rights: The VEU Code of Conduct protects you. Businesses cannot change a contract without telling you, avoid liability, or charge unrelated fees, and they can’t cold-call/door-knock without your prior consent. If anything feels off, you can report it to ESC.
Step 5: Installation by Licensed, Qualified Installers
On the day, installers will remove your old unit (as required), install the new system, capture evidence (photos, serial numbers), and test operation. They’ll leave you with a tax invoice, product documentation and details of what was installed—these are part of the post-install evidence bundle for the provider.
Safety & compliance: Work is completed by licensed trades in line with Australian standards and VEU activity rules.
Step 6: Post-Install Compliance & Discount Finalisation
Your provider finalises the evidence pack, processes VEECs, and completes all lodgements. Consumers don’t need to apply separately – that’s the provider’s job. If any additional verification is needed (e.g., a quick follow-up photo), the provider will arrange it.
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What Documents Will I Need?
- Photo ID (driver’s licence or passport)
- Proof of Victorian address (recent utility bill, rates notice, or lease)
- Landlord consent (if renting)
- ABN (for business premises)
- Details of the existing system (brand/model/age, if known)
- Signed VEEC assignment (your provider will supply standard forms)
Homeowners, Renters, Landlords & Body Corporate: What to Know
- Homeowners: You can upgrade at any time – especially if your system has failed or costs too much to run.
- Renters: You can participate with written landlord consent. Talk to your property manager early and include iPromise’s summary of benefits (lower bills, fewer maintenance issues).
- Landlords/Body Corporate: Efficient reverse-cycle AC can increase property appeal, reduce maintenance, and help meet building community expectations around electrification. Strata installs may require owner’s corporation approvals – your provider can supply product specs and drawings to speed this up.
How Much Can I Save?
Discounts vary based on system size, efficiency, and the prevailing VEEC price. The simplest way to know your out-of-pocket is to request a VEU-aware quote – this bakes in the expected discount at today’s certificate price. (Certificate prices move with the market, so the exact discount can change over time.) Your provider should be transparent about this in your quote and contract.
The rebate amount depends on your system type, size, and energy rating. On average, Victorians save between $800 – $3,200.
Example:
- Old split system replacement: $2,500 installation cost → After rebate: $900 – $1,200.
- Ducted system upgrade: $5,500 installation cost → After rebate: $2,000–$2,500.
- System cost without rebate: $3,200
- After Rebate: $1,000
- Cost to customer: $2,200
- Annual savings on power bills: $450
In just 5 years, they expect to save over $3,200 (rebate + running costs), while reducing household greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 60%.
Your Rights as a Consumer (Read This Before You Sign)
The VEU program includes a Code of Conduct that sets minimum standards for marketing, contracts, and installations. Key protections:
- No unsolicited sales without prior consent (no unexpected door-knocking or cold calls).
- Providers must give clear and accurate information on product suitability, terms, and your rights.
- Contracts cannot include unfair terms (e.g., changing the contract without telling you).
- If things go wrong, you can contact the accredited provider first, then escalate to the ESC.
Tip: Keep all paperwork (quotes, contracts, assignment form, invoices) together – it streamlines any follow-ups.
How iPromise Australia Makes It Easy
Why choose iPromise Australia for your air conditioner upgrade under the VEU rebate program?
- Accredited provider workflow: We scope, size and recommend eligible products that suit your home or business -no guesswork.
- Paperwork handled: We prepare the VEEC assignment, capture evidence correctly, and submit lodgements so you don’t chase forms.
- Quality installation: Licensed and insured installers, neat finishes, and post-install checks.
- Clear pricing: We show your VEU discount transparently in your quote and explain any dependencies (e.g., certificate prices).
- Support for strata and rentals: Templates for landlord consent and body corporate approvals to keep things moving.
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Some Of Our Recently Installed Air Conditioners
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Common FAQs About Air Conditioner Rebate Victoria
Q: Do I apply to the government?
No. You work with an accredited provider who applies the discount and handles compliance.
Q: How long does rebate approval take?
Approval is instant once your installation is complete – iPromise processes it for you.
Q: Can renters claim the discount?
Yes, with landlord consent. Your provider can supply the correct consent form.
Q: Is every air conditioner eligible?
No. The unit must meet VEU efficiency requirements. Your provider will help you choose an eligible model.
Q: Does the rebate cover ducted systems?
Yes – provided they meet VEU efficiency standards.
Q:) What if my old unit just died?
You can still participate. The rebate program encourages switching to efficient products rather than like-for-like replacements.
Q: How big is the discount?
It depends on system size/efficiency and current VEEC prices. Your quote will show the estimated discount at today’s rate.
Q: Can I combine this rebate with other government incentives?
In some cases, yes. iPromise can check if you’re eligible for additional rebates (like solar or hot water upgrades).
Q: Who ensures I’m treated fairly?
The VEU Code of Conduct protects you. If something seems off, raise it with your provider or the Essential Services Commission.