Do I Have to Remove My Old System to Get the Rebate?

If you’re planning to upgrade your heating, cooling, or hot water system in Victoria, one question comes up again and again:

“Do I need to remove my existing gas or electric unit to qualify for rebates?”

The short answer is: Yes – in most cases, you do.

Here’s why system removal (also called decommissioning) is essential under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program—and how Soms Energy Victoria, your trusted installation expert across Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and nearby suburbs, makes the process simple.

Why System Removal is Required Under VEU

The VEU program is designed to help Victorians cut energy costs and move toward cleaner, more efficient technology. A key goal is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, especially gas.

To ensure your upgrade delivers real energy savings, your old, inefficient system must be permanently removed or disabled. This typically applies to:

• • Ducted gas heating

• • Gas or electric resistance hot water systems

• • Outdated reverse cycle air conditioners

• • Wall furnaces or electric storage heaters

What If You Don’t Remove the Old System?

Keeping your old system in place can create problems:

• • ❌ You may lose eligibility for the VEU rebate

• • ❌ Your upgrade may fail compliance checks

• • ❌ Providers cannot legally process your rebate

That’s why proper removal, photo proof, and paperwork are part of every installation.

How Soms Energy Victoria Helps

As experts in air conditioning, solar panels, solar batteries, and heat pump installations, Soms Energy Victoria makes sure your upgrade is 100% compliant and rebate-ready.

When you book with us, we’ll:

• • Safely decommission your old unit (gas or electric)

• • Take and submit all required photo/documentation

• • Professionally install your new energy-efficient system

• • Handle rebate processing from start to finish

What If I Have Two Systems?

Some homes have more than one system—for example, ducted gas plus a wall-mounted split system. In these cases:

• • The system being replaced must be removed

• • Keeping a backup system may reduce or cancel your rebate eligibility

• • A site inspection may be required to confirm compliance

💡 Tip: The more old gas appliances you replace, the more rebates you can claim!

What Upgrades Qualify After Removal?

By decommissioning your old system, you could unlock rebates for:

• • ✅ Split system or multi-head air conditioning

Soms Energy Victoria offers all of these solutions—installed by licensed professionals and tailored to your home’s needs.

Areas We Service

We proudly provide expert installations across:

• • North: Craigieburn, Epping, Roxburgh Park, Campbellfield

• • East: Dandenong, Box Hill, Ringwood, Glen Waverley

• • West: Sunshine, Deer Park, Caroline Springs, Melton

• • South: Pakenham, Berwick, Cranbourne, Frankston

• • Inner Melbourne: Coburg, Brunswick, Footscray, St Kilda

…and many more suburbs across Victoria.

Ready to Upgrade? Let Soms Energy Help You Save

Don’t risk missing out on thousands in rebates. Whether you’re upgrading your heater, hot water unit, or energy system, Soms Energy Victoria will guide you every step of the way—from safe removal to expert installation and rebate claims.

📞 Call: 1300 134 410
📧 Email: info@somsenergy.com.au
🌐 Visit: www.somsenergy.com.au

✨ Power your home smarter, cleaner, and greener—with Soms Energy Victoria.

FAQs

Q1: Do I have to remove my old gas heater to get the rebate?
Yes. Under the VEU program, your existing gas or electric system must be permanently decommissioned and removed.

Q2: What types of systems need to be removed?
Common examples include ducted gas heating, gas storage hot water, wall furnaces, and old electric resistance heaters.

Q3: Can I keep my old system as a backup?
In most cases, no. If the old system remains connected or operational, your rebate may be invalid.

Q4: Who handles removal and paperwork?
Soms Energy Victoria takes care of everything—safe removal, compliance documentation, and rebate processing.

Q5: Can I get a rebate if I’m replacing an old electric system with a new one?
Yes, if the new unit is significantly more efficient and the old system is properly decommissioned. A site check may be required.