General information only. Government programs change often — check the official source before you sign.
No federal STCs for air con
Unlike solar and heat-pump hot water, air conditioners don’t create STCs under the federal small-scale scheme. Support for ducted systems comes mainly from state and territory programs, and from finance options.
State and territory programs
- Victoria — Victorian Energy Upgrades has offered discounts on reverse-cycle systems, including ducted, often when replacing older heating such as gas ducted heaters.
- New South Wales — the Energy Savings Scheme supports installing or replacing efficient air conditioners through accredited providers.
- ACT — the Sustainable Household Scheme has offered zero-interest loans for reverse-cycle heating and cooling.
- South Australia — some upgrades may be supported by retailers under REPS.
Green loans
Some banks and lenders offer discounted “green” loans for energy upgrades, including those backed by the federal Household Energy Upgrades Fund through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. Compare the rate, fees and terms with your normal finance options.
Choosing an efficient ducted system
- Zoning lets you heat or cool only the rooms in use.
- Inverter compressors run more efficiently than on/off units.
- Duct insulation and design make a big difference to running costs.
- Zoned Energy Rating Label — compare efficiency for your climate zone.
What to check on your quote
- Heating and cooling capacity (kW) and how it was calculated.
- Number of zones and controller type.
- Any incentive shown separately, with the scheme and conditions.
- Removal of the old system and any gas disconnection.
- Warranty on the unit and on installation.
Compare ducted with multi-head options in our post on multi-head vs ducted systems, or get air conditioning quotes.
Sources
- Victorian Government — Victorian Energy Upgrades
- NSW Energy Sustainability Schemes (ESS and PDRS)
- ACT Government — Sustainable Household Scheme
- Energy Rating — appliance energy labels
- energy.gov.au — Rebates and assistance finder
Frequently asked questions
Is there a federal rebate for ducted air conditioning?
Not through STCs. Support comes mainly from state programs such as VEU (VIC) and the ESS (NSW), plus loans such as the ACT scheme.
Is ducted reverse-cycle cheaper to run than gas heating?
Often, especially with solar and an efficient inverter system, but it depends on your energy prices and home.