If you’re one of Victoria’s 1.8 million households still running gas ducted heating, it’s time for some uncomfortable truths.
What was once considered reliable and affordable is rapidly becoming a liability for your health, your wallet, and your home’s future value.
The evidence is mounting from multiple directions: government policy, medical research, and energy market analysis all point to the same conclusion. Gas ducted heating is on its way out, and smart homeowners are already making the switch.
Here are seven compelling reasons why your gas heating needs to go, plus how you can get up to $7,000 in Victorian government rebates to make the change happen.
Reason 1: Gas Heating is Damaging Your Family’s Health
Look, this isn’t about being alarmist. But if you’ve got kids, you need to know this.
Every time you fire up that gas heater, you’re running a combustion engine inside your house. The Victorian Department of Health knows this, which is why they now require gas heaters be professionally serviced every two years for safety reasons.
Think about it – you wouldn’t leave your car running in the garage with the door closed. Gas heating produces similar combustion byproducts that get circulated through your home all winter long.
The research is clear: kids in homes with gas heating show significantly higher rates of asthma and respiratory issues. Modern reverse-cycle systems don’t burn anything, they just move heat around and actually filter your air.
Ready to protect your family’s health? Check if you qualify for government rebates here.
Reason 2: Gas Prices Have Tripled (And Will Keep Rising)
Remember when gas was the cheap option? Well, that ship has sailed.
If your gas bills seem higher lately, you’re not imagining things.
Gas prices have more than tripled on the east coast, and Aurora Energy just announced another 20% increase from June this year.
Victorian families are already spending up to $800 a year just on heating.
Tthat’s one-third of your entire energy bill. With these structural market changes, it’s only going up.
But here’s the good news: Victorian Energy Upgrades data shows you can save up to $1,010 annually when you replace ducted gas heating with a reverse-cycle system.
The maths is simple…Gas prices are rising so we have to be smarter to reduce our electric bills.
Reason 3: The Government is Phasing Out Gas (Whether You Like It or Not)
Here’s the thing about this gas government policy…
It looks like it’s here to stay…
From May 2027, if your gas heating system dies or needs major repairs, you’ll be legally required to replace it with an electric system. No choice in the matter.
Right now, while the transition is voluntary, the government is offering up to $7,000 in rebates to help you make the switch. In 2027, when it becomes mandatory? You’ll be paying full price.
The choice is simple: take the government’s money now to do something you’ll have to do anyway, or wait and pay full price when your hand is forced.
Don’t wait until 2027. Find out your rebate amount now.
Reason 4: Gas Systems Are Unreliable and Expensive to Maintain
Let’s talk about what it’s actually like living with gas ducted heating.
Those mandatory services every two years aren’t optional – the Victorian government requires them because of safety concerns. That’s an ongoing cost you’re stuck with.
But here’s where it gets frustrating: gas systems love to break down in the middle of winter when you need them most.
Emergency repairs can cost anywhere from $150 to $2,000, and good luck finding an available technician immediately.
Modern reverse-cycle systems? Annual filter clean and that’s about it.
No combustion components to wear out, fewer moving parts, designed to last much longer without the maintenance headaches.
Reason 5: Gas Heating Undermines Australia’s Climate Goals
Look, if climate change isn’t your thing, feel free to skip this one. But if it is, this might surprise you.
Stanford University research shows gas heating systems leak methane even when they’re turned off – a greenhouse gas way more potent than carbon dioxide, escaping 24/7.
The Victorian government has said electrifying homes is “crucial for meeting the state’s 2030 emissions reduction targets.” Their Energy Upgrades program alone will save 37 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2027.
Electric heating can run on renewable energy from solar or the grid. Gas heating will always burn fossil fuels, no matter how clean electricity becomes.
Reason 6: Modern Electric Heating Simply Works Better
Forget everything you think you know about electric heating from the 1990s. Modern reverse-cycle systems are completely different.
For starters, you get both heating and cooling in one system. No more living room sauna while the bedrooms freeze – every room gets to exactly the temperature you want.
These systems actually clean your air as they work, filtering out dust and allergens instead of pumping combustion fumes through your house.
Plus they’re designed to last longer with way less maintenance than gas systems.
Reason 7: Gas Heating is Becoming a Property Value Liability
This one’s about protecting your investment, not just your comfort.
Think about it from a buyer’s perspective – they’re looking at two similar houses.
One has gas heating that’ll need replacing by 2027, the other already has modern electric heating sorted.
Which looks like less hassle?
Smart buyers are starting to understand that properties with gas heating come with a built-in renovation cost.
Just like solar panels add value to homes, fully electrified properties might start commanding a premium.
For investment properties, it’s even simpler: electric systems are safer, more reliable, and preferred by environmentally conscious tenants.
Less emergency calls, lower liability, better tenant satisfaction.
Take Action: Get Up to $7,000 in Government Rebates Now
The evidence is clear from every angle. Gas heating is being phased out whether you’re ready or not.
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers substantial rebates right now:
- Up to $2,520 for replacing ducted gas with 4 split systems • Up to $2,940 for multi-split systems
- Up to $7,000 for larger ducted replacements
You get upfront discounts, not rebates you claim later. Annual savings of up to $1,010 when replacing ducted gas with efficient reverse-cycle systems.
Professional installation by qualified, accredited providers.
Professional installation by qualified, accredited providers.
The process is simple:
Step 1: Choose a VEU accredited provider who handles rebate paperwork and installation
Step 2: Get immediate discount on your new system
Step 3: Professional installation of efficient electric heating
Step 4: Start saving on energy bills immediately
Why now is perfect timing:
- Rebate funding is available but programs can change
- Summer is approaching so get efficient heating and cooling systems before the bills hit
- You’ve just paid through the nose for winter heating, don’t get stung by summer cooling costs too
- The phase-out is real, switching now is voluntary and subsidised
Others we’ve helped…
Kiera Griffiths, Ballarat, Victoria
“I couldn’t believe how much I was able to save. My new split system was practically installed in days and my bills are already dropping.”
Sam Williams, Mildura, Victoria
“The whole process was handled for me. No confusing paperwork, no chasing rebates. Just one call to John at Smart Energy Scheme and everything was easy”
Marvin Thomas, Melbourne, Victoria
“I ended up with an incredible new reverse‑cycle split system worth thousands, and only paid a fraction thanks to the government rebate. Absolute no‑brainer.”
Over 2.4 million Victorian households have already benefited from VEU programs since 2009.
The question isn’t whether gas heating will be phased out, the government has decided that.
It’s whether you’ll take advantage of rebates available now for a switch that’s inevitable anyway.
Ready to make the switch? Check your rebate eligibility in 30 seconds. Free, no obligation assessment of your rebate options.
The future of home heating is electric. T
The rebates are available now. Will you be smart enough to take advantage of both?
