Gas-To-Electric Roadmap for Melbourne Homeowners

Transitioning from gas ducted heating to an electric system involves replacing your outdated gas heater with a reverse-cycle refrigerated ducted system that can both heat and cool your entire home. This process starts with a complimentary in-home assessment and culminates in the installation day, during which the VEU rebate is applied to your comprehensive price before payment.

Related: transitioning from gas ducted heating to electric.

Essential Insights for Homeowners

• From 1 January 2024, Victoria prohibits gas connections for new homes, encouraging more residents to opt for all-electric solutions.
• A single reverse-cycle ducted system replaces your gas heater, providing both heating and cooling throughout the year.
• The VEU rebate is applicable only when you deactivate an existing gas ducted heater, and it is deducted from your total cost upfront.
• Beyond’s all-inclusive systems begin at approximately $6,300 and can reach around $10,380 for a larger premium unit, with GST, the VEU rebate, and ductwork already factored in.
• Schedule your installation before autumn to ensure it operates prior to peak winter demand.

Why Are Homeowners in Melbourne Moving Away from Gas?

Homeowners in Melbourne are making the switch due to rising gas prices, the inability of new homes to connect to gas, and the efficiency of a single electric system that performs the duties of two. Gas prices for residential use in Victoria have surged significantly in recent years. Starting 1 January 2024, new homes seeking planning permits will not be allowed to connect to gas.

This ban on gas connections has shifted the dialogue, especially in the northern suburbs. Many homeowners are now asking: if new constructions are going all-electric, why continue to pay for two daily supply charges on an outdated gas system?

A reverse-cycle ducted system operates solely on electricity. It provides heating during winter and cooling in summer through the same ductwork. By making this switch, you eliminate the gas supply charge entirely and replace a seasonal heater with a versatile year-round system.

Related: understanding how the VEU rebate functions.

What Is Involved in the Gas-to-Electric Transformation?

The transition involves replacing your gas ducted heater with a reverse-cycle refrigerated ducted system that heats and cools efficiently, utilising your existing duct runs where they are still in good condition. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program incentivises this kind of conversion, and the rebate is deducted from your price at the time of payment.

Here’s what to expect. Beyond exclusively handles new installations, replacements, and upgrades. We do not provide servicing, repairs, cleaning, or maintenance, so if your system merely requires a tune-up, we cannot assist you.

Step 1: Complimentary In-Home Assessment

Our team visits your home to measure the space and evaluate your existing ductwork. This assessment is crucial because relying on a floor plan can overlook the real condition of your ducts, ceiling space, and electrical setup. You will receive an accurate, all-inclusive quote rather than an estimate.

Step 2: Removal of the Old Gas Ducted Heater

We will safely remove and decommission your current gas ducted heater. As licensed mechanical plumbers, we are qualified in gas and refrigerant work, ensuring proper and safe disconnection. This removal is a prerequisite for accessing the VEU rebate.

Step 3: Installation of the Reverse-Cycle Ducted System

We install an efficient reverse-cycle refrigerated ducted system that operates through your ductwork, providing heating in winter and cooling in summer, all controlled from a single zoned thermostat. This means you have one system that performs both functions without the need for gas.

Step 4: Rebate Already Deducted

Your quoted price is all-inclusive. GST, ductwork, grilles, and the VEU rebate are already incorporated, so the figure we provide is the final amount you will pay. There will be no unexpected additional costs on installation day.

What Are the Costs Associated with Switching in Melbourne?

Beyond’s all-inclusive systems start from about $6,300 and can go up to approximately $10,380 for larger premium units after the VEU rebate is applied. This single figure encompasses GST, the unit itself, ductwork, and grilles, as we provide a comprehensive price for the entire job rather than separate line items.

Why is there a price range? Factors such as home size, duct condition, number of zones, and your switchboard configuration impact the total. A compact double-storey home in the Yarra Valley with extensive duct runs will differ significantly from a single-storey home in the outer northern suburbs.

We confirm your exact price and rebate after the complimentary in-home assessment, as it will depend on your specific upgrade and the current VEU settings. For detailed information regarding the rebate, visit energy.vic.gov.au. Our experience shows that the all-inclusive model prevents homeowners from the hassle of comparing quotes, where one may include ductwork while another does not.

What Are My Options if My Gas Heater Is Functional Versus Non-Functional?

Your next steps depend on whether your gas heater is still operational or has completely failed. Both scenarios ultimately lead to the same reverse-cycle system, but the urgency and timing differ. About half of the inquiries we receive about switching come from homeowners with functioning systems who are proactively planning for the future, rather than responding to a failure.

If Your Gas Ducted Heater Is Still Operational

You can plan the switch at your convenience. There is no rush, so schedule your complimentary assessment now and arrange for the installation during a quieter period before winter. This approach gives you flexibility: you choose the date, avoid the autumn rush, and eliminate gas supply charges sooner rather than later.

Having a working heater also allows you time to address any necessary adjustments to your electrical setup if your switchboard requires attention. You won’t have to endure cold nights while organising it.

If Your Gas Ducted Heater Has Failed

Act promptly, especially as winter approaches in Melbourne. A non-functional gas heater often serves as a natural trigger to switch rather than attempt repairs, and keep in mind that we do not offer repair services. Replacing it with a reverse-cycle system provides both heating and cooling in a single installation rather than patching up old gas equipment.

The rebate still applies since you are removing an existing gas ducted heater. A failure is not just an expense; it represents the precise situation that the VEU upgrade is designed to address.

When Is the Best Time to Book to Avoid Peak Winter Demand?

It is advisable to book your installation by early autumn if you want your new system operational before Melbourne experiences its coldest months. The demand for heating installations increases significantly starting in May as temperatures drop, making it challenging to secure timely appointments as winter approaches.

We have witnessed the autumn rush first-hand. Homeowners who book in March and April can often secure their preferred installation dates. Those who delay until the first frost may find themselves in a queue. If your gas heater has already failed, do not wait; arrange for your assessment immediately.

Common Questions Answered

Is the VEU Rebate Applicable for Every Gas-to-Electric Transition?

No. The VEU rebate is only available when you remove an existing gas ducted heater and replace it with an efficient electric system. If there is no gas ducted heater to decommission, the rebate does not apply. We will confirm your eligibility during the complimentary in-home assessment, and you can review the official program guidelines at energy.vic.gov.au.

Can One Reverse-Cycle System Efficiently Heat and Cool My Entire House?

Yes. A reverse-cycle refrigerated ducted system effectively heats during winter and cools in summer through the same ductwork, all controlled from a single zoned thermostat. This versatility is a key advantage over gas ducted heating, which only provides heating. You are replacing a seasonal appliance with a year-round solution and utilising a single set of ducts instead of separate systems for heating and cooling.

Am I Able to Retain My Existing Ductwork?

No. Gas heating creates considerable dust, and you do not want that air circulating throughout your home. your new system requires a different size and type of ducting.

Will Beyond Service or Repair My System After Installation?

No. Beyond focuses solely on new installations, replacements, and upgrades. We do not provide servicing, repairs, cleaning, or maintenance. As licensed mechanical plumbers qualified in gas and refrigerant work, we are dedicated to ensuring your gas-to-electric switch is completed correctly. For ongoing servicing in the future, you will need to arrange that separately with a provider that focuses on service.

How Long Will Installation Day Take?

Most standard installations in Melbourne homes are completed within a day. We will remove and decommission the old gas ducted heater, install the reverse-cycle ducted system, connect it through your ductwork, and perform testing before we depart. Larger or double-storey homes, or projects requiring significant duct or electrical modifications, may take longer. We will provide you with a realistic timeframe during the complimentary assessment, avoiding vague promises.

What Is the Exact Amount of the Rebate I Will Receive?

We do not provide a specific dollar amount for the rebate here, as it is contingent on your unique upgrade and the current VEU settings. we can confirm that the rebate is already included in your all-inclusive price, meaning that the figure we quote is the amount you will pay. For official rebate details and current values, please visit energy.vic.gov.au.

Are You Ready to Move Away from Gas?

Transitioning from gas ducted heating to an electric reverse-cycle system offers year-round comfort, eliminates gas supply charges, and applies the VEU rebate directly to your total cost. The process is straightforward: start with a complimentary in-home assessment, remove the old gas heater, install the new system, and pay one all-inclusive price. Whether your gas heater is still operational or has already failed, both paths lead to the same efficient reverse-cycle system.

Schedule your free in-home assessment today, particularly with peak winter on the horizon in Melbourne’s northern and outer northern suburbs. For more details, read about the gas ducted to electric replacement process or how the VEU rebate operates.