Switching From Gas to Electric: A Step-by-Step Guide for Victorian Homes

Switching from gas to electric is a big decision, but it doesn't need to happen all at once. Most Victorian households do it one appliance at a time, starting with whichever gas unit is oldest or costs the most to run.

Electric options now cover heating, cooling, hot water, and cooking, so there's certainly no shortage of choice. The harder part is knowing where to begin and how to avoid paying more than you need to.

In short: list your gas appliances, replace the oldest one first, check your switchboard, confirm rebate eligibility before you buy, and compare the full installed cost. This guide covers each step in order, including where the air conditioner rebate fits in.

1. Start With a List of Your Gas Appliances

Walk around your home and note everything that runs on gas. Common ones include:

• Ducted gas heating
• Gas hot water systems
• Gas cooktops
• Gas room heaters
• Gas fireplaces

You don't need to replace the lot at once. Solar Victoria's all-electric guide suggests planning which appliances to replace over time and within a budget, and that's sensible advice.

Start with the unit that's oldest, dearest to run, or closest to failing. A tired ducted gas heater is a good example. Swapping it for an efficient reverse cycle air conditioner gives you heating in winter and cooling in summer from one system. Hot water and cooking can follow later, which spreads the cost and gives you time to see how each new appliance performs.

2. Look at the Electric Options

For heating and cooling, reverse cycle air conditioners are the most common choice. For hot water, a heat pump system is the usual replacement, and induction cooktops are the electric alternative to gas cooking.

Each option has different installation needs and running costs, so compare a few before you commit. The right pick also depends on your home. A small apartment has very different needs from a large detached house.

3. Get Your Home and Switchboard Checked

A qualified professional can look at the size of your home, the number of rooms, insulation, existing ductwork, windows and airflow, and your current heating and cooling needs.

Sizing matters. A unit that's too small works harder to heat or cool the home, while one that's much bigger than necessary adds to the upfront cost. The Victorian Government's buyer's guide to choosing a reverse cycle air conditioner is a handy place to start.

Electrical capacity is the part people often miss. Moving from gas to electric raises the load on your home, and older properties may need extra work. An electrician can check your switchboard before you buy anything, which is far easier than finding a limit halfway through installation. It matters even more if you plan several upgrades together, such as an air conditioner, a heat pump hot water system, and an induction cooktop.

4. Check the Rebates Before You Buy

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program, often searched as the Victorian Energy Rebate, is the main government incentive for these upgrades. Households can claim up to $1,610 when replacing a non-ducted gas heater, and up to $5,530 when removing and replacing a ducted gas heater with an efficient reverse cycle air conditioner.

Those figures are the maximum. The final air conditioner rebate depends on the size of the new system and what it replaces.

A few rules decide whether an upgrade qualifies. The new system must be an approved high-efficiency model, with a minimum 5-year warranty for a home. If you're replacing an existing system, it must be more than two years old. Only an accredited provider can apply the discount, so if you've chosen your own installer, they need to partner with one before any work starts.

Settings do shift, so it's worth checking which rebates are currently active, inactive, or upcoming before you sign anything. Don't assume every product or installation qualifies. Treat the Victorian Energy Rebate as a saving only once eligibility is confirmed.

5. Compare the Total Cost, Not Just the Price Tag

The real cost looks like this:

Purchase price + installation + electrical work − eligible rebates = upfront cost

Don't forget the minimum co-payment either. Since 30 September 2026, it has been $3,000 including GST for ducted systems and for multi-split systems of 10 kW or more, so it can change the maths on a larger system.

Then think about running costs and maintenance. A cheaper unit isn't always the better buy if it uses a lot more electricity over its life. Compare energy efficiency, warranty, expected lifespan, and installation costs side by side.

6. Choose the Right Installer

Installation matters as much as the appliance. Look for qualified installers who know the system you're buying, and ask to see valid licences and accreditation. A detailed quote should cover:

• Equipment
• Installation
• Required electrical work
• Removal of the old appliance
• Any extra materials
• Warranty details
• Rebate requirements

The VEU registry of accredited providers is a simple way to find someone who can apply the discount. Your accredited provider generally handles the rebate paperwork, so ask upfront how that works. Getting two or three quotes also helps you judge whether the pricing is reasonable.

7. Think About Your Gas Connection Last

Once your final gas appliance is gone, you may not need the connection at all. Don't cancel it after the first swap, though. Make sure every gas appliance you still use has been replaced, then ask a qualified professional what's involved in changing or removing the connection. If cooking is your last gas appliance, disconnecting can save around $400 a year in supply charges.

8. Keep Your Records

Keep your quotes, invoices, appliance details, warranties, and rebate paperwork together in one place. You'll need them for any warranty claim, and they make future maintenance and upgrades much simpler.

Making the Switch Easier

Moving from gas to electric doesn't have to happen overnight. Understand what you have, replace the oldest or most expensive appliance first, and check the rebates before you buy. Otherwise, it's easy to pay for an upgrade that doesn't suit your home.

For Victorian homeowners, the Victorian Energy Rebate is a valid opportunity to cut the upfront cost of an eligible upgrade, and confirming your air conditioner rebate early helps you plan with confidence. Focus on what works for your home. With sufficient planning and the right advice, it's a simple process you can take one step at a time.