Are You Eligible for the 2024 Victorian Air Conditioning Discount?

With summer just around the corner and temperatures beginning to heat up, it’s the perfect time to think about your air conditioner. You may already want to turn it on but are worried about seeing a sudden increase to your energy bill. This is a common concern in properties with outdated air conditioners. The good news is you can receive a discount from the Victorian government when you switch to an energy-efficient air conditioner.

If you’re eligible — and if you live or operate a business in Victoria, you almost certainly are — you’ll receive a discount of between $210 and $8,400 when you replace your current air conditioning unit with a more energy-efficient model. If you don’t yet have an air conditioner, you can still receive a discount. Homes are entitled to a discount of up to $700 and businesses of a discount of up to $2,500.

Why Is the Victorian Government Offering This Discount?

The Victorian government is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while helping homeowners, renters, and businesses reduce their energy bills. The government created the air conditioning discount with these goals in mind. The aim of the initiative is a sustainable future where people can be comfortable and productive at home and at work.

How Does the Air Conditioning Discount Work?

The air conditioning discount is part of the larger Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. It allows residents to receive a reduced price when they purchase and install an energy-efficient air conditioning unit.

Who Is Eligible for an Air Con Discount?

Anyone who lives or operates a business in Victoria is eligible for the air con discount in 2024. This includes renters, although the government does recommend that tenants work with their landlords to make decisions about home upgrades like this.

It’s important to be aware that there are limits as to how you may use the discount. The air conditioner you choose must be VEU approved (which will mean it is high efficiency) and capable of heating as well as cooling. Many ducted and non-ducted reverse-cycle air conditioners (RCACs) meet these criteria. You’ll also need to receive the installation from an accredited professional and apply for the discount beforehand.

What Kind of Discount Should You Expect?

The exact discount you’ll receive will depend on your current system as well as the type and size of air conditioner you install. The largest discounts available are for installed ducted RCACs, but efficient room RCACs also come with significant discounts — up to $2,250 for homes and up to $1,750 for businesses. Check the Victorian Energy Upgrades website for a better idea of what kind of discount you should expect.

Benefits of the VEU Air Con Program

Spending less on the purchase price of an air con system is a major draw of the program — but the benefits don’t end there. Another key advantage is the cost savings over time. You’ll notice that your energy bills are immediately lower, which should mean the upgrade soon pays for itself. You’ll also be reducing your environmental impact by the same amount. These two factors should mean you feel less hesitant to turn on your air conditioner on hot days, which will mean your home is more comfortable for family members or your business more welcoming to employees and customers.

Receiving the Air Con Discount

The Victorian government has made receiving the air con discount as easy as possible. It involves no paperwork on your part — as long as you choose an accredited provider and an approved air conditioner, you’ll receive the discount. To ensure this is the case, there are just a couple things you need to do.

Step 1: Research What Air Conditioner You’d Like

Have an idea of what kind of model you’d like to install. Bear in mind, you don’t need to come to a final decision yet — the installer will be able to give you advice.

Step 2: Find Out If You’re Eligible

Submit your details to an accredited provider to find out if you’re eligible for the discount. Contact one who serves your area — Efficient Energy Group operates throughout Victoria.

Step 3: Schedule the Installation

Once the provider receives confirmation of your eligibility, it will be time to finalise your decision about what model you want and schedule the installation. You don’t need to do anything else — the experts will take care of everything.

How to Choose the Right Air Conditioner

To make the most of the program, it’s crucial to choose the right air conditioner. This involves considering a few factors.

Type of Air Conditioner

There are three main types of RCACs:

• Single-split air conditioners consist of an outdoor unit connected to an indoor unit. These are ideal for cooling a single room in your property.
• Multi-split air conditioners use an outdoor unit connected to several indoor units. This setup makes them suitable for cooling multiple rooms or even the entire building.
• Ducted air conditioners have just an outdoor unit, which connects to different rooms and areas in the home through ducts and vents. This is another option for cooling an entire building.

Size

It’s important to choose an air conditioner that will be large enough to meet your cooling needs but isn’t too large that you waste money on the purchase and operating costs.

To pick the right size, consider what rooms you want to cool. This may come down to what rooms you use most often. Alternatively, you may like to think about which areas are prone to heating up in the summer. In a home, you’ll likely want to cover your living room, lounges, and any open-plan spaces. It may also help to consider what areas of the building are currently climate controlled and whether you’re happy with the arrangement or you would prefer to make changes.

The Victorian government has these size recommendations for single- and multi-split models:

• 2.5 kW to 3 kW for up to 20 m2 — equivalent to a bedroom or study.
• 3 kW to 5 kW for 21 m2 to 40 m2 — equivalent to a bedroom with en suite or small lounge.
• 5 kW to 8 kW for 41 m2 to 60 m2 — equivalent to a lounge or large kitchen.
• More than 8 kW for greater than 60 m2, such as in open-plan areas and large lounges.

For a ducted system, the government recommendations are between 1.1 kW and 1.4 kW for every 10 m2.

For more information, check out this factsheet the Victorian government has prepared to help consumers find the right RCAC for their needs.

There is a lot to consider to ensure you choose the right air conditioner for your home or business. In addition to the type, brand, and model of unit, you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate size to maximise efficiency and make the most of your discount. Since you’ll need to work with an accredited provider to receive the installation anyway, it makes sense to involve the installer form the start. The experts at Efficient Energy Group will support you every step of the way: advising you on the best air conditioner for your needs, handling the paperwork for your VEU discount, and completing a high-quality installation. Get started now.