🎉 Limited Time: Save Up to $6,000 on Heating & Cooling Upgrades VEU REBATE AVAILABLE
🎉 Limited Time: Save Up to $6,000 on Heating & Cooling Upgrades VEU REBATE AVAILABLE
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program helps eligible households reduce the cost of upgrading to more energy-efficient heating, cooling, and hot water systems. As a VEU accredited installer, Blain-Air handles the entire rebate process — including the paperwork — so you don't have to.
About the Program
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program is a Victorian Government initiative designed to reduce household energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. It works by requiring energy retailers to fund rebates for customers who upgrade to more efficient systems.
When an eligible upgrade is carried out by a VEU accredited installer, the retailer's obligation is satisfied and the customer receives the financial benefit — typically as a discount applied directly to the cost of the job. You don't receive a cheque in the mail; the rebate comes off your invoice.
The program covers a range of heating, cooling, and hot water upgrades. The rebate amount depends on the specific upgrade, your current system, the property type, and in some cases the climate zone. Blain-Air can check your eligibility and calculate an indicative rebate during the quoting process.
For the most current program details, you can also refer to the Victorian Government's VEU page.
The VEU program is administered under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act and overseen by the Essential Services Commission of Victoria.
You don't claim anything separately. The rebate is deducted from your invoice when the accredited installer submits the VEU activity. No waiting period.
Beyond the upfront rebate, upgrading to a high efficiency system typically reduces your ongoing energy bills — often significantly, depending on what you're replacing.
Only VEU accredited installers can process rebates under the program. Blain-Air holds current VEU accreditation and can apply rebates to qualifying jobs.
Eligibility
Eligibility depends on several factors including your current system, property type, and what you're upgrading to. Here's a general guide — call us to confirm your specific situation.
You currently have a ducted gas heater and want to switch to reverse cycle
You're replacing an older, inefficient split system with a high-efficiency model
You want to install a heat pump hot water system replacing electric or gas
You own or rent a residential property in Victoria
The new system meets the required energy efficiency ratings
Installation is carried out by a VEU accredited installer (like Blain-Air)
You're installing a brand-new system where no existing system is being replaced
The replacement system doesn't meet VEU minimum efficiency requirements
The property is a new build that hasn't had an equivalent system before
The upgrade has already been completed by a non-accredited installer
The system type isn't covered under current VEU activity categories
You're not sure what system you currently have
You're upgrading only part of a ducted system
You rent the property and need landlord approval
You manage a strata or multi-unit property
You've already had a VEU rebate on this property before
Not sure where you stand? The quickest way to find out is to call us on (03) 9852 1550 during business hours. We'll ask a few quick questions and let you know whether your upgrade is likely to qualify — no commitment required.
The Process
We've streamlined the process so the rebate is as simple as possible for you. Here's what happens from first contact to installation.
When you contact us for a quote, we ask about your current system and what you're looking to replace it with. Based on that, we check whether a VEU rebate applies and calculate an indicative rebate amount. We'll include this in your quote so you can see the net cost before committing.
Once you approve the quote, we manage the entire VEU application process. This includes selecting the correct activity code, completing the required documentation, and lodging the claim with our VEU accreditation. You sign nothing extra — the paperwork is built into the installation process.
The rebate is deducted directly from what you pay us. There's no waiting for a government cheque or navigating an online portal. Your invoice reflects the final cost after the rebate has been applied. You just pay the balance and enjoy your new system.
Qualifying Upgrades
These are the most common upgrade types we install that are eligible under the VEU program. Rebate amounts are indicative and depend on individual circumstances.
Replacing a ducted gas heater with a reverse cycle (heat pump) system is one of the most common VEU activities. These systems provide both heating and cooling and are significantly more energy-efficient than gas for heating.
Replacing an older, low-efficiency split system with a current high-star-rated model can qualify under VEU. The new system must meet minimum efficiency requirements set by the program. We only install systems that meet or exceed these thresholds.
Hot water heat pumps use around one-third of the electricity of a conventional electric storage system. They're one of the most cost-effective upgrades available under VEU, and rebates can be substantial — particularly when replacing an older electric system.
Upgrading a whole-home ducted system from gas to reverse cycle can attract larger rebates given the scale of the activity. These installs are more involved, but the combination of upfront rebate and long-term energy savings often makes the
economics compelling.
Certain cooling-only upgrades may also qualify depending on the specific activity type and the system being replaced. We'll confirm eligibility during the quoting process for your specific situation.
The VEU program is updated periodically and eligibility depends on several factors. The most reliable way to find out is to describe your current setup and what you'd like to install — we'll confirm what's available.
Why Blain-Air
There are a number of VEU accredited installers operating in Melbourne. Here's what makes working with Blain-Air a practical choice for homeowners in the Eastern Suburbs.
We've been operating in the Eastern Suburbs since 1985 — we're not a large national company managing VEU volume. Each job is
handled directly by our team.
We're authorised dealers for Daikin, Brivis, Lennox, and Bonaire — the systems we install meet or exceed VEU efficiency requirements
and come with full manufacturer warranty support.
We check your eligibility upfront and include the rebate in your quote, so there are no surprises. The rebate comes off your invoice — we don't ask you to chase it separately.
Our technicians carry the full licensing required — refrigerant handling, gas, and electrical — so all aspects of a complex upgrade can be managed by our team.
We're members of the Master Plumbers Association of Victoria and hold all required accreditations. ABN: 66 069 958 676.
Ducted Gas → Reverse Cycle
Replacing ducted gas heating with a reverse cycle system — whole home
Up to $6,000
Electric → Heat Pump Hot Water
Replacing an electric storage system with a heat pump hot water unit
Up to ~$1,000+
Old Split System → High-Efficiency Model
Replacing a low-rated split system with a current high-efficiency unit
Varies by system
Rebate amounts are indicative only and subject to change. Actual rebate depends on system type, property, and current VEU activity rates. Call us for an accurate
figure for your situation.
FAQ’s
If your question isn't answered here, call us on (03) 9852 1550 — eligibility
questions are usually quicker to answer by phone.
Understanding the VEU Rebate
Installation & Application Process
Professional heating and cooling specialists serving Melbourne's Eastern suburbs since 1985. We provide reliable installation, servicing and repairs for air conditioning, heating and hot water systems.
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