Heating and cooling technology in Victoria is changing faster than ever. With growing demand for energy-efficient homes and the government’s push towards Net Zero by 2050, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program will continue to play a key role in helping households and businesses save money while reducing carbon emissions.
At Greentastic Pty Ltd, based in West Footscray and serving Melbourne and suburbs across Victoria, we’re already seeing the signs of where rebates and incentives are heading in 2026. If you’re planning a new installation or upgrade—whether it’s an air conditioner, hot water heat pump, solar panels, or solar battery system—understanding these changes can help you get ahead.
1. Stronger Support for Heat Pump Technology
By 2026, rebates will increasingly favor reverse cycle air conditioners and hot water heat pumps, replacing older gas systems. The government sees heat pumps as a future-proof technology since they:
- Cut electricity costs by up to 65% compared to gas heating.
- Use renewable-ready electricity (especially when paired with solar panels & batteries).
- Provide both heating and cooling in one unit.
Expect rebates to expand further into high-capacity multi-split systems suitable for larger homes.
2. Rebates for All-Electric Homes
Victoria is moving away from gas, with many new homes now designed as all-electric. Rebates in 2026 will likely encourage homeowners to bundle upgrades—such as an air conditioner + hot water heat pump + solar battery—to maximize savings.
Early signals suggest that package rebates may replace single-system upgrades, rewarding households for a complete transition.
3. Solar & Battery Rebates Tied to Heating & Cooling
With energy demand at its peak during hot summers and cold winters, expect solar and battery rebates to become closely linked to efficient heating and cooling. For example, installing a battery system alongside an air conditioner may attract higher incentives since it reduces grid strain.
This shift means that Greentastic customers could save more by planning a combined installation rather than upgrading systems separately.
4. Priority for Low-Income & Rental Properties
Rebates in 2026 will also likely expand for low-income households and rental properties. Since renters often miss out on energy efficiency upgrades, the Victorian government may fund landlord incentives to install modern systems, ensuring more equitable access.
For tenants, this could mean enjoying a cool summer and warm winter—without skyrocketing power bills.
5. Smarter, Connected Systems
Another trend is the push toward smart heating and cooling systems. By 2026, rebates could favor systems that can:
- Connect to smart meters.
- Be controlled remotely through apps.
- Automatically shift energy use to cheaper solar-powered hours.
This means installing a smart reverse cycle unit or heat pump today can future-proof your home for tomorrow’s rebates.
The next few years will bring bigger, smarter, and greener rebates for Victorians. Instead of focusing only on single upgrades, the future is about integrated solutions—air conditioning, hot water, solar, and storage all working together.
At Greentastic Pty Ltd (Unit 3/380 Somerville Rd, West Footscray VIC 3012), we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re upgrading to a heat pump, installing solar panels, or adding a battery system, we’ll guide you through the rebates so you can unlock the maximum savings.
👉 Ready to future-proof your home?
Contact Greentastic today and let’s plan your upgrade before rebate structures change in 2026.
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